What Are The Causes Of Hypertension – Is There A Cure?

I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. Since then I have read everything I could find about the topic. Why is there no concrete answer as to the cause and cure? I read that there are over 100 different medications for this disease! Why? I feel that we are being experimented on. Help me understand this because it is causing grave anxiety for me.

High blood pressure is a major health problem in the industrialized world. You are correct that, in most cases, the cause is not known; but what we do know is that the pressure can be controlled by treatment, and that treatment reduces the complications of the disease. These complications include heart failure and arteriosclerosis, leading to heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure.

Improved control of hypertension is thought to be a major factor in the decline in the rate of heart attack deaths over the past thirty years, and is a factor in the reduced rate of strokes as well. Despite this, only about half of the people with hypertension are being treated and only about a quarter have their pressure under control. Much death and disability could be prevented if we could get those figures higher.

The definition of hypertension has also changed over the years. When I was in medical school, a blood pressure of 160/85 in a 65-year-old person was not really considered hypertension, even though the cutoff for a younger person was 140/90, as it is today. We now realize that this systolic hypertension, that is having the first number higher than 140, is associated with increased mortality even in older people, and therefore deserves treatment.

Most hypertension is now thought to result from a complex interaction of genetic, environmental and demographic factors. I believe it’s unlikely that a single cause of the disease will ever be discovered. In a small percentage of cases, a cause can be found, usually in the kidneys or the adrenal glands, and these should certainly be sought and corrected if present. Most people with hypertension have a family history of the disease, many are overweight, and our national habit of eating too much salt also contributes.

I believe that most hypertensives, and certainly the doctors who treat them, are happy that there are so many effective treatments now available. The fact that there are over 100 drugs that can be used doesn’t mean to me that people are being experimented upon. It means that we have available different effective treatments to treat people with mild to severe hypertension, and to change their medications if one doesn’t work or they have a bad reaction to one. Everyone responds differently to treatments — what works for one person might not be effective for another. Therefore, your doctor will try a different medicine or combination before finding the right treatment with the least side effects. This is not experimentation — it is thoughtful medicine. Most hypertension, except the mildest cases, requires more than one drug for effective treatment: a diuretic to reduce the salt load in the body and a beta blocker to lower pressure are first-line treatments shown to work and to reduce mortality.

There are a number of things that people with hypertension can do to reduce their blood pressure without drugs. If overweight, even a modest weight loss of ten to fifteen pounds, will often bring the pressure down. Reducing alcohol intake if it is excessive will help. Exercise: at least thirty minutes of moderate intensity exercise three or more times per week will often reduce the pressure, and has many other benefits as well. Reducing salt and increasing potassium and calcium in the diet will benefit a hypertensive. Potassium can be safely increased by eating more fresh fruits and vegetables; and calcium can be raised by increasing low-fat dairy intake or by supplements, if dairy is not well-tolerated. People under 65 should shoot for an intake of at least 1000mg. of calcium per day, and those over 65 should be taking in 1500mg. per day. Increasing water intake is a natural way to increase the excretion of salt.

Stress management, caffeine restriction, magnesium supplements or eating garlic have not been shown to produce sustained reductions in blood pressure.

If these lifestyle changes do not bring the pressure under control, meaning below 140/90 and even lower for diabetics, then taking one of those hundred or so medications must be considered.

Because the positive benefits of controlling hypertension are so great, I hope that you will work closely with your doctor to bring your pressure under control, even if we don’t know what is causing it to be high — and even if a number of different medicines must be used.

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Can Caffeine Affect Blood Pressure?

I am 35 and believe I am developing high blood pressure. I am 5’5″, 125 pounds, in the gym five days a week, and eat a low-fat diet. Can caffeine affect blood pressure? Will caffeine cause it to be higher? I’m trying to get it down without medication. It usually runs 140/90.

Hypertension is a common problem seen in general medical practice, and many articles in the past few years have chastised doctors for not being aggressive enough in identifying and treating people with the condition. Therefore, I thought that today’s question would provide a good starting point for a discussion on hypertension.

Hypertension means high blood pressure; and the level of 140/90 is usually accepted as the dividing line between normal pressure, in which both the systolic pressure (the first number) and the diastolic pressure (the second number) are lower, and hypertension, in which one or both of the numbers are higher than that figure.

You write that your pressure runs 140/90, at best. To me this means that you frequently have readings above that. In that case, you definitely have hypertension, and should be seeing your doctor to get it worked up, and probably to start getting treatment.

The workup of someone with hypertension attempts to identify any other conditions that might be causing it — such as certain kidney diseases, or some tumors of the adrenal glands. No such cause is found in more than 90 percent of people with hypertension, who are then said to have essential hypertension. Essential hypertension is strongly inherited. You didn’t mention your family history, but I would not be surprised to hear that one or both parents, or some siblings also have hypertension.

The workup should also include checking for other conditions which might lead to more serious complications when present with hypertension. These include all the risk factors for coronary artery disease such as smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes and perhaps high homocysteine levels in the blood.(See my q/a on this recently recognized risk factor for heart disease.) An electrocardiogram (EKG) to see if the hypertension has caused any enlargement of the heart muscle, and tests to check on other organs may also be done.

Even if your workup is negative, meaning no cause is found for your hypertension and no other risk factors for heart disease are identified, you should still be treated with the goal of reducing your usual blood pressure to around 130/80, or lower. You are getting regular exercise, which is good, and you are not obese. People who are obese and hypertensive should make a determined effort to lose weight, since even a 10-pound weight loss will often result in much lower pressure. Caffeine is not considered a problem in someone who is hypertensive. You can stop drinking coffee and see, but I doubt that that will reduce your pressure. Lowering your salt intake may bring your pressure down somewhat, and will make it possible to treat you with lower doses of drugs should that be necessary. If you drink alcohol, you should try abstaining and see if that will lower your pressure.

Other non-medical ways of treating hypertension that have been investigated over the years include hypnosis and biofeedback. Neither has been shown to be consistently effective. I am also not aware of any consistently effective herbal remedies. There has been some evidence showing that a calcium supplement can lower blood pressure so you might try increasing your intake by taking two 600mg tablets of calcium carbonate daily with food. You are also getting to the age where this supplement is desirable, to reduce the development of osteoporosis.

However, if none of these non-medication steps produce results, then I would suggest that you begin treatment with drugs. There are now many choices among anti-hypertensives, and since your pressure is not very high, you may require only small doses, which have less likelihood of producing side effects. The treatment of hypertension is long-term, and it may be necessary to try several medications or combinations until the best treatment for your case is found. Increasing dosage may be necessary over time, since the blood pressure of people with hypertension does tend to rise with age.

Although this sounds like it will be a real pain, with frequent doctor visits and possible drug side effects, it is important for you to simply make up your mind that you are going to persevere in keeping your blood pressure under control. The benefits in terms of reduced mortality from heart disease, kidney disease and stroke are enormous; and we are seeing this in our national health statistics as deaths from heart attacks and strokes go down. Much of this decline can be attributed to our better control of hypertension, high cholesterol and cigarette smoking, but there are still too many people out there with hypertension or who have high-fat diets, smoke, and get little exercise. We need to be identifying them and getting them into treatment, and into a healthier lifestyle. This happens only one person at a time; but you can make the decision that you’ll be the next person to bring your blood pressure under control, whatever it takes.

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The Best Facial Products For Men

Aging is among the natural actions that the body has to experience. Nevertheless, as you get older your skin starts to sag down and you start to find the lines under your eyes. These & other such observable signs of ageing are quite disappointing. Though, for women, there are ample numbers of ways by which they can reverse the clock and make sure that their skin holds that youthful appearance.

When searching the best facial product for men, one has to keep in mind the variations in the skin type between the two genders. None of the women product will work on the skin of men for the reason that the product meant for women only. When it has to do with mens skin, one specific product surpasses in treating skin issues. Gradually, Xtend life's active facial fluid is becoming one of the best facial products for men used by many men.

So precisely what makes this specific mens facial product better than the rest? Skin of men has a propensity to be inclined to redness and swelling. Therefore, it can be a bit problem to handle. Nevertheless, one of the dynamic ingredients particularly made from the Xtendlife product, Xtend-TK curbs the production of Prostaglandin E2, which is normally the cause of the redness.

Nevertheless, this is just the beginning of the innumerable benefits that you will experience from using this Best Facial Products for Men. All the dynamic ingredients in the facial product work collectively to aid in curbing maturating of the skin. As the main reason behind the aging of skin includes loss of elastin & collagen as well as abridged the hyaluronic acid levels, this facial product for men energizes the production of hyaluronic acid and also the revive the growth of elastin and collagen, therefore, boosting a healthy and younger appearing skin.

Additional advantages that you can look forward to receive from applying this unique and best facial products for men includes decreasing of age marks along with the skin damage, lessen the intensity of roughness that may have been induced by the reason of exposure to the atmosphere as well as shaving, and encouraging the repairing process of damage skin cells which might be caused due to neglecting your skin sensitivity. Apart from these benefits it is also worth to note down that this facial product made for men is suitable for all types of skin texture.

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Benefits Of Castor Oil For Hair

Castor oil is rich in vitamin E and unsaturated fatty acids. Plus, this carrier oil works as a great humectant for your skin and hair. Thus, it moisturizes your hair and prevents dry scalp.

In addition, castor oil helps avoid hair damage and split ends. As the oil is packed with omega-9 fatty acids, it nourishes your hair, promotes hair growth, and reduces hair loss.

Furthermore, it prevents hair frizz, cures scalp infections, and stops premature graying of hair. Regular application of castor oil can also help thicken thin hair. It makes your hair appear soft and shiny as well.

Castor oil has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is derived from the tropical castor bean plant (Ricinus communis).

Pure, unrefined castor oil is available in the form of a thick liquid which is clear or pale yellow. You can buy it from a grocery store or health food store.

How to use Castor Oil to Encourage Hair Growth

Castor oil can be used individually or in combination with other oils like coconut oil, olive oil, sweet almond oil, avocado oil, amla oil, etc. to maintain healthy hair and boost hair growth.

For instance, you can take equal parts of castor oil (preferably, Jamaican Black Castor Oil) and organic coconut oil, heat the mixture, and massage it on your scalp and hair.

Wrap a warm towel around your head or wear a shower cap. Finally, wash your hair after at least 30 minutes or leave the oil in your hair overnight and shampoo the next day.

As castor oil is heavy and difficult to remove, you may use a clarifying shampoo. You can follow this deep conditioning treatment once or twice in a week.

In case you have dandruff, you may add a few drops of tea tree oil in the castor oil mix. Those of you who have normal to oily hair may use a combination of castor oil and grape seed oil or jojoba oil.

Watch these videos showing how to make black castor oil at home to help your hair grow longer.

Individuals usually dilute castor oil by adding some other light-weight oil or use only a small quantity of the oil because it tends to be thick and sticky.

Furthermore, you can add essential oils like that of lavender, thyme, rosemary, cedar wood, etc. to promote hair growth.

In addition, you can prepare some castor oil home remedies for hair treatment by adding herbal infusions prepared from fresh or dried herbs. To stimulate hair growth, consider adding crushed biotin and folic acid pills in the oil and then apply.

Castor oil can also be used to treat skin infections, heal boils, dissolve cysts, and so on. It helps fade wrinkles and age spots, too. Moreover, application of castor oil relieves osteoarthritis pain and inflammation.

Besides, you can take this oil internally to benefit your health. For example, having a teaspoon of castor oil in the morning cures constipation.

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The Hidden Secret Benefits of Castor Oil

One of the most effective health recommendations made by naturopaths is the daily use of castor oil packs. It’s also one of the most mysterious and least well known.

As with many beneficial remedies in naturopathic medicine, there’s not a ton of scientific research surrounding this practice. Its effectiveness is mostly anecdotal and passed down due to repeated clinical success. I would venture to say that the reason for this is that not much money would be made on using castor oil…and that using it takes a little half hour out of your day, which most people insist they don’t have. But all joking aside, castor oil has been used for thousands of years for a variety of different conditions. It can be taken internally (as a laxative) but here, I will be discussing a much less disagreeable and much more gentle use of the oil.

First, a little tidbit on castor oil…(it’s important to know what you put on and in your body!)

Castor oil comes from the castor seed, Ricinus communis, (a plant native to India) and is composed mostly of the fatty acid, ricinoleic acid. Archaeological findings show that this oil was regularly used medically in India, Egypt, China, Persia, Africa and Greece for over 4000 years.

Ricinoleic acid is what is thought to be responsible for castor oil’s unique healing properties. It diffuses through the skin and into the organs and vessels where it acts as a mild irritant. Mild irritation can be good for the body—it can stimulate movement of fluids, recruit immune cells, and encourage peristalsis (the intestinal contractions that aid in removing waste), among other physiological processes.

A study published in the Journal of Naturopathic Medicine in 1997 found that daily use of castor oil packs can increase the production of T-lymphocytes, an important player in your immune system.

As with anything so miraculously amazing, there is another side to the seed, which is in the form of a potent toxin called ricin. If inhaled or ingested, ricin can immediately kill—in fact, it was used as a compound in chemical warfare. However, according to the International Journal of Toxicology, you won’t have to worry about finding any trace of ricin in the castor oil that is sold to the general public and the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee on Food Additives deem it safe.

Naturopathically, castor oil is used to decrease inflammation and to help the liver to function optimally. It increases circulation of blood and lymph, enhances the immune system, improves elimination of toxic substances, and promotes the healing of tissues. Due to these effects, it can be used to decrease pain, improve digestion, and help in the treatment of many conditions including uterine fibroids, non-malignant ovarian cysts, headaches, migraines, constipation, intestinal disorders, and gallbladder and liver conditions.

If you’re ready to start feeling some of its benefits, pick up some castor oil packs in any drug or grocery store and follow these simple steps:

1. Take a clean flannel cloth folded into 2-3 layers and large enough to cover your entire abdomen.
2. Drizzle 2-3 TBSP of castor oil onto one face of the cloth.
3. Place the oily side down on your stomach, add a little heat (via a heating pad, a hot water bottle, your own arms, a warm blanket) and lie still for 30-45 minutes. You can incorporate this into your evening routine. If you regularly check email every night, do your castor oil pack while you sit at your computer. Or do it while you read or talk to your spouse or watch a movie.
4. After the allotted time, place your pack into a plastic bag and set it aside until tomorrow.

The following days:

1. Add a TBSP or so of additional castor oil to the same side of the same cloth you used the previous day. Do this for the next 4-5 days. Until the cloth is “saturated” enough that it leaves a SLIGHT film of oil on your belly when you remove it.
2. Once this level of saturation is reached, you only need to add oil once every 5-7 days.

And visit my site to read up on the most common Castor Oil pack mistakes as well as more suggestions for using them!

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The 6 Main Uses for Castor Oil

Castor oil is one of the best kept secrets in the world of natural health. Taken from the bean of the castor plant, this oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which exerts powerful therapeutic effects.

Historically, castor oil was taken as an oral laxative. Today, however, taking castor oil this way it is not recommended because its powerful laxative effect can disrupt normal digestion and healthy intestinal flora. When it comes to treating chronic conditions, sometimes it is more effective to treat our bodies gently. Castor oil best exerts its powerful effects when applied topically, directly to the skin. It proves to be a simple, cheap and effective remedy for a variety of common health complaints.

1. Skin health. Castor oil has a low molecular weight, which means it is absorbed readily into skin and hair, providing nourishment and moisturizing effects. When applied to the ends of dry hair, it moisturizes and prevents split ends. It has been used for years as a face cream to reduce the risk of dark under-eye circles and to aid in the prevention and treatment of wrinkles. Castor oil is commonly added to natural lip balms and glosses to add shine and moisture to dry lips and it’s also frequently added to natural mascaras to encourage lash growth.

2. Antimicrobial. Ricinoleic acid contains antimicrobial properties, which, when applied to open wounds, can act as a disinfectant. It is effective for treating fungal skin infections, such as ringworm, as well as minor cuts and scratches. An added bonus to using castor oil as a first aid treatment are its anti-itch and pain-relieving properties, which help ease symptoms as minor skin infections heal.

3. Decreasing stagnation. Because of its low molecular weight, when applied to the skin, castor oil has the ability to not only penetrate the skin, but to reach the deeper organs of the body. According to Ayurveda, the ancient Indian healing art, castor oil has the ability to warm the body, which can decrease the stagnation of excess bodily fluids and lymph. This stagnation can cause blockages in the body's tissues, leading to water retention and weight gain. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is common to apply a mixture of castor oil and powdered turmeric to masses and lumps found under the skin in order to dissolve them. It is an excellent oil to use in full-body self-massage for people of Kapha constitution, whose bodies typically accumulate fluids and need stimulating warmth and invigoration. Its warming and moisturizing benefits are suitable for individuals who have drier skin, such as those of Vata constitution, as well.

4. Pain relief and joint health. Ricinoleic acid, in addition to being an antimicrobial, has powerful pain-relieving properties. Not only does it aid in relieving the pain of cuts and scrapes, it also makes castor oil ideal for lubricating the painful, cracking joints of arthritis or other musculoskeletal conditions. When applied to joints that feel sore, or even just stiff and creaky from repetitive use, castor oil penetrates to help lubricate the joint, reduce pain and increase circulation. To further increase circulation, cayenne or turmeric powder can be added to castor oil to create a warming, stimulating ointment. This can be massaged into stiff or painful areas and left overnight.

5. Alleviating constipation and encouraging detoxification. In naturopathic medicine, castor oil is a popular remedy for common constipation and a necessary accompaniment to any detoxification program. Patients are instructed to massage the oil into the skin of their entire abdominal region (from rib cage to below the belly-button), making sure to cover the area over the liver. For best results, patients are then instructed to cover the oiled area with a towel and a hot water bottle. The heat from the hot water bottle aids the penetration of the abdominal organs, allowing the oil to promote the elimination of waste and to decrease stagnation of the entire digestive system, including the liver. Its ability to stimulate the liver aids the body’s natural detoxification processes.

6. Promoting self-care. Rather than popping a pill to treat pain or constipation, performing a self-massage with castor oil helps establish a self-care routine. Self-care is important, not just for promoting health, but for developing a relationship with the body and getting in touch with the body's natural healing abilities. Setting aside time to perform a healing ritual like applying castor oil packs to inflamed joints or sites of stagnation, establishes the mind-body connection and decreases stress, helping to improve physical, mental and emotional health.

This article is not meant to serve as medical advice. For a more individualized assessment, please see a licensed naturopathic doctor.

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The Health Benefits of Castor Oil

What is Castor Oil?

Castor Oil is a very pale yellow liquid that is extracted from castor seeds (Ricinus Communis). It is an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant oil which has been used for centuries for its therapeutic and medicinal benefits. It is believed that most of castor oil's benefits are derived from its high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids. Although it has a strong and rather unpleasant taste, castor oil is used in cosmetics, soaps, textiles, medicines, massage oils and many other everyday products.

What are the Benefits of Castor Oil?

Castor Oil has been used both internally and externally for thousands of years due to its many wonderful health benefits. Since it can strengthen the immune system, castor oil is considered a great remedy to treat the following major illnesses and ailments:

• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson's Disease
• Cerebral Palsy
• Hair loss
• Pain from Arthritis and Rheumatism

It has also been found to help with many everyday problems such as:

• Yeast Infections
• Constipation
• Gastrointestinal Problems
• Menstrual Disorders
• Migraines
• Acne
• Sunburn
• Athlete's Foot
• Ringworm
• Skin Abrasions
• Inflammation

Castor Oil is also commonly used to induce labour, so pregnant women should always consult a doctor before using it.

Uses of Castor Oil

Arthritis Natural Remedy

The anti-inflammatory properties of Castor Oil make it an excellent massage oil for relieving arthritic joints, nerve inflammations, and sore muscles.

• Make a small pad by folding a small piece of unbleached cotton flannelette into 3 or 4 layers.
• Dip the cotton pad into Castor Oil and place it on to the affected joint or muscle.
• Cover the pad with a plastic wrap.
• Place a hot water bottle or heating pad over the plastic wrapped cotton pad. The plastic wrap will prevent the water bottle or heating pad from getting oily.
• Leave the cotton pad on for 45 minutes to an hour, once per day.

This Castor Oil pack can be reused. Simply place it into a plastic ziplock bag and refrigerate it until it is ready to be used again. It can be refrigerated in a ziplock bag.

Constipation Remedy

Studies have shown that Castor Oil is a very strong laxative, which makes it very effective against constipation. Therefore, simply take a teaspoon of castor oil in the morning. You can mix the oil with orange juice, cranberry juice, prune juice, or ginger juice to take away from the bitter taste without affecting the laxative effects. However, do not take it continuously for more than 3 days. If symptoms persist for longer than 3 days, consult your physician immediately.

Ringworm Treatment

Ringworm is known to be a stubborn condition to treat, but one of the active compounds of Castor Oil (Undecylenic Acid) has been found to be very effective at treating this fungal infection.

• Spray Castor leaves with some hot water and coarsely crush the leaves.
• Soak the leaves in pure coconut oil.
• Warm the leaves to a temperature that will not burn the skin, and apply the leaves over the affected area as a poultice.
• Leave on the skin for at least one hour, or optionally overnight.
• You may wrap the leaves with unbleached cotton fabric to prevent the oil from staining your bed sheets.

Repeat the procedure every night before going to bed until cured. However, if you notice any redness or discomfort around the area, discontinue this remedy.

Skin Problems

Successful studies have approved the use of Castor Oil for skin infections and other skin problems such as sunburn, abrasions, acne, dry skin, boils, warts, stretch marks, liver/age spots, athletes foot and chronic itching and inflamed skin.

• Dip a cotton ball into Castor oil and apply it onto the affected skin in the morning and at night.
• Alternatively, for larger skin areas, soak an appropriately large piece of unbleached cotton cloth in Castor Oil and wrap the affected area overnight.
•  If the area is very small, soak a Band-Aid in Castor Oil and cover the infected skin overnight.

For stubborn fungal infections that affect the skin or nails, it is recommended to soak the affected skin in Epsom Salt for 10-15 minutes to soften and disinfect the skin before applying Castor Oil. This can help speed up the healing process.

Stye Treatment

The anti-bacterial components of castor oil have been found to be effective against styes (oil gland infections on the eyelid). Simply apply a very small drop of the oil directly onto the stye 2 or 3 times per day.

Wrinkle Treatment

Castor oil is a natural emollient that penetrates the skin and helps stimulate the production of collagen and elastin which can soften and hydrate the skin. Therefore, it is a wonderful natural treatment for wrinkles since it restores and rejuvenates skin's natural youthful appearance by making skin smoother, softer and pliant. Dip a small cotton ball into the oil and apply it on wrinkled skin before going to bed. Use only a small amount of oil when applying it to the skin near the eyes.

What are the Side Effects of Castor Oil?

Castor oil is normally safe if used in moderation. However, pregnant and lactating women and people with intestinal blockage, acute inflammatory intestinal disease, appendicitis, or abdominal pain should not take Castor Oil without their doctor's approval.

Note that precautions must be taken when taking the oil internally, so you should always follow the directions on the package and consult your doctor or naturopathic professional before consuming it. A typical recommended dosage for the oil is no more than one-half to one full teaspoon per day. Overdosage of Castor Oil may result in diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or cramping.

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The 7 Important of Alkaline Foods

Your health depends on the balance of an alkaline environment, created by eating foods such as tomatoes, avocados and green vegetables…striking the optimum 80/20 balance and regulating your body’s acid/alkaline chemistry through simple changes in diet can result in weight loss, increased stamina and strength, a stronger immune system and a greater sense of well-being.

1. SPINACH -All leafy greens should be eaten in abundance but spinach is my absolute favourite because it’s easy to buy, easy to use in recipes and salads and is delicious. Baby spinach or fully grown spinach are Nutritional powerhouses and are incredibly alkaline. As with all green foods, spinach is rich in chlorophyll (see more about the health benefits of chlorophyll here), a potent alkaliser and blood builder. It is also super high in vitamin K, vitamin A, manganese, folate, magnesium, iron, vitamin c, vitamin b2, calcium, potassium, vitamin e, dietary fiber…I doubt there is a more all round healthy food on earth and I highly encourage you to eat spinach throughout the day, every day.

2. KALE -Kale is another leafy green beauty that is widely known for its Cancer-Fighting, Cholesterol-Lowering, Antioxidant-rich, and Detoxifying goodness. Less popular than spinach, but only because it has a history of being cooked poorly (like cabbage) – when done right it is absolutely delicious (see recipes below, you’ll thank me). If you eat kale 2-3 times per week you’ll know it. Like spinach it is massively high in vitamin K, vitamin A and vitamin C and being Leafy Green it also has a huge Chlorophyll content. The reason it is so powerful against the Cancer Fight is that kale contains at least four Glucosinolates. I don’t want to lose you here by using words like glucosinolates – all you need to know is that as soon as you eat and digest kale, these glucosinolates are really easily converted by the body into cancer fighting compounds. Also quite amazing for Lowering Cholesterol, it should be noted that steamed kale is more effective for cholesterol lowering than raw.

3. CUCUMBER The beauty of cucumber is it’s water content – 95%. That is phenomenal and you won’t find that anywhere else. It’s the daddy of water-content. This of course makes it an incredibly hydrating food to consume, that ALSO contains superb amounts of antioxidants, including the super-important lignans. These highly beneficial polyphenols have more commonly been associated with the cruciferous vegetables, but their content in other veggies such as cucumbers is gaining more and more attention. Cucumbers contain a right load of lariciresinol, pinoresinol, and secoisolariciresinol , three lignans that have a huge and very strong history of research in connection with Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular disease as well as several cancer types, including Breast, Uterine, Ovarian, and Prostate Cancers. The best thing about cucumber is that they provide the base for practically every alkaline soup, smoothie and juice – giving you a very alkaline, very nutritious base that also tastes great. In terms of the actual nutrient RDA per serve, cucumbers contain fair amounts of vitamins K and C, and slightly less of vitamin A and the B vitamins. Cucumbers also contain the following alkaline minerals: calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, selenium, copper, manganese, iron and zinc.

4. BROCCOLI – Broccoli is just a must. If you are serious about living with health, energy and vitality you simply have to eat broccoli, if not on a daily basis, then at least 4 times per week. Broccoli has been proven over and over and over again to be incredibly powerful in inhibiting Cancers, supporting the Digestive System, the Cardiovascular System, the Detoxification processes in the body and also supporting the Skin, metabolism, İmmune system, being an Anti-Inflammatory and providing ample Antioxidants. Eaten steamed or raw its a Hugely Alkaline, Hugely Nutritious food. Please, please, please eat lots and lots of it. Put it in salads, juices, smoothies, soups…steam it with other veggies – you can even roast

5. AVOCADO -I eat a LOT of avocado. Not a salad, smoothie or soup goes by without me adding at least 1/2 an avocado per person. I probably eat at least five-seven per week, myself. Now, I know a lot of people give avocado a bad rep because it is a high-fat food (85% of it’s calories come from fats) – but this is totally insane. These are good fats that will not make you gain weight. If anything, due to the high content of oleic acid (making it an Omega 9 fat and very similar to olive oil), it can lower total cholesterol level and raise levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) while lowering low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), also known as the “bad” cholesterol. Oleic Acid also slows the development of heart disease, and promotes the production of Antioxidants. These beneficial omega oils also help speed the metabolism, actually leading to weight loss rather than gain. So now we’re over the fat issue, avocado also contains a wide range of other nutrients that have serious Anti-İnflammatory, Heart Health, Cardiovascular Health, Anti-Cancer, and Blood Sugar Benefits. Containing key Antioxidants such as alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, selenium and more – it is a powerful, alkaline, nutrient-dense superfood.

6. CELERY – Celery, like cucumber is a favourite because it’s alkaline AND really high water content, so is used very frequently as a base in juices and soups (not so much smoothies as you have to juice it first…and then you have double the washing up). One of celery’s big benefits is it’s vitamin C level, which has the well known benefits – but two of it’s lesser known nutrients are phthalides which have been shown to Lower Cholesterol and coumarins which have been shown to inhibit Several Cancers. The beauty of vitamin C rich foods are that they help with the most common and most challenging health concerns – they support the İmmune system, inflammation (so helps with Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Asthma etc), and vitamin C also helps significantly with Cardiovascular Health. If you are on a weight loss journey, you’ll also be happy to hear that this alkaline staple contains plenty of potassium and sodium and so is a diuretic – meaning it helps rid the body of excess fluids.

7. CAPSICUM / BELL PEPPER / PEPPER – The antioxidant superpower, bell pepper is one of my all-time-favourites because it is sweet, crunchy and refreshingly delicious. You can use it in almost any meal raw, grilled, fried, and roasted and it is always a winner. Impressively beneficial to our health cartenoids are highly researched and get a lot of attention in the health field and bell peppers contain over 30 different members of the carotenoid nutrient family. The only other food that is close to this is Tomato and all other foods are also-rans. Bell peppers have shown up in research relating to decreasing the risk of Cardiovascular Disease, type II Diabetes, Macular Degeneration, Cancer, inflammation and more. Alongside these lesser known or more complex-named antioxidants, bell pepper is one of, if not the best food source of the more common antioxidants: vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin E. In fact, bell peppers contain twice as much vitamin C as oranges. Here are just SOME of the antioxidants bell pepper contains: – Flavonoids – luteolin – quercetin – hesperidin – Carotenoids – alpha-carotene – beta-carotene – cryptoxanthin – lutein – zeaxanthin – Hydroxycinnamic Acids – ferulic acid – cinnamic acid.

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Ketones in Urine During Pregnancy

Ketones in the urine during pregnancy is a health concern which some women experience during those crucial nine months. Although, it is not a high-risk pregnancy complication, studies reveal that it can be a cause of worry.

Ketones are substances derived from fat breakdown. They are used by the body as a source of energy under emergency circumstances, like starvation or glucose deficiency, in order to survive. In other words, ketones in the urine are formed when the body's fat reserves are used to generate energy.

Ketones in the blood further leads to ketosis. Weakness, nausea, lethargy, and excess sweating are signs of ketosis.

Occurrence

Our body gets its energy from the food we eat, which gets converted into glucose or blood sugar. It is insulin which provides an easy access to this blood sugar. During pregnancy, the placental hormones make the body resistant to insulin, which subsequently restricts the glucose in the blood from entering the cells. Hence, though the blood will be enriched with blood sugar, the cells will be deprived of the required energy. As a result, the cells start accessing other energy sources, like the fat stores, resulting in ketones as the byproduct of this entire process.

Causes

There can be various factors that may contribute to large ketones in the urine during pregnancy; dehydration and bad diet, to name a few. Others are enlisted below:

• Not getting enough calories from the food you are eating
• Long time intervals between meals
• Skipping meals or snacks
• Gestational diabetes
• Diets which include low intake of carbohydrates
• Dehydration - not drinking enough water
• Metabolic disorders
• Nausea, poor eating habits or throwing up
• Insulin resistance from hormones as a result of which the body is unable to access blood sugar
• Testing

Ketone testing is very much different from normal urine sugar tests. You need to wash yourself properly, and collect your urine in a sample box. It is better to let a small amount of the initial urine fall into the commode. This will clear the urethra of contaminants. About 1 or 2 oz. of urine will be sufficient for the test. Then you can ask your health care provider to examine the presence of ketones in your urine. Nowadays, different ketone sticks are available in the market which can be used for ketone testing.

For optimum results, it is better to use the first sample of urine (taken first in the morning) for testing, as due to the overnight fast, the blood sugar levels drop. It is then that the body starts looking for fat stores as a source of energy, which results in giving off or spilling of ketones in urine.

You may have to go on a different diet before you take the test. Please make sure not to consume any drugs before the test. Doing so might affect the test results. The test does not cause any discomfort, as it is carried out through normal urination samples itself. There are no risks either. It is always important to take a ketone test during pregnancy, as high levels of ketones in the urine can be harmful to you and your baby.

If ketones are present in your urine, the test results are said to be abnormal. The abnormality is categorized into three parts. Small is < 20mg/dL, moderate would be 30 - 40 mg/dL and large would be > 80 mg/dL. Small amount may mean that the build-up has just started. Conduct the test again after few hours. Moderate or large amounts may prove to be dangerous. Ask for a doctor's opinion in the latter case.

Prevention

It is always recommended to consult a doctor for this problem. In order to prevent ketones in general, you should avoid skipping meals or having long gaps between each meal. You should eat after every 3 to 4 hours during pregnancy. Also, try having a good bedtime snack which should be rich in proteins and starch. This is because protein slows down the absorption of carbohydrates, which benefits by making energy available to the body for a longer duration of time.

Also, remember not to keep more than 9 to 10 hours gap between your bedtime snack and breakfast, as this will lower the risk of presence of ketones in urine. Hence, consider having small yet frequent meals, high in proteins and starch, in order to avoid the situation.

However, there have been cases when the patient isn't starving, nor is she dehydrated, but still spills ketones in her urine. In such cases, putting on weight by overeating is not the solution. It is necessary to eat nutritious food like fruits and vegetables. Drinking plenty of water will keep your baby healthy.

During pregnancy, one should consume about 1800 to 2500 calories, on a daily basis. Maintaining a food diary or journal should prove helpful to keep a count on what you have been eating, along with the time and calorie count. Seek advice from a nutritionist or refer to pregnancy diets for proper guidance. You could also attend weight watcher meetings.

To conclude, we can say that occasional traces of ketone bodies in urine during pregnancy do not seem to be a very serious problem; unless there are larger amounts or frequent bouts of ketones in urine. Whether traces of ketones in urine during pregnancy is dangerous or not, is a debatable topic. However, some studies emphasize that women with large amounts of ketones, may have babies with learning disabilities or reduced IQ later in life.

Regular monitoring of the first urine in the morning (for ketones by a midwife or doctor), especially in women having gestational diabetes, can help in preventing as well as treating this health ailment.

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5 Foods High in Omega-3

One of the biggest buzzwords in healthy eating is omega-3. You can see it featured on cereal boxes and in TV commercials. What is omega-3, and why is it important? The answer is simple: It’s one type of fat you can’t live without.

Omega-3 fatty acids are a category of polyunsaturated fats that help maintain the cell membranes for every cell in your body. Like other fatty acids, omega-3 is a collection of nutrients you consume with your food. You can get the omega-3 you need in your diet from certain nuts, fruits, vegetables and coldwater fish. Research has shown that omega-3s can also help reduce the symptoms of high blood pressure, depression, ADHD and joint problems.

Omega-6 fatty acids are also essential polyunsaturated fats. They help support healthy skin and the ability of the blood to clot. You can get your omega-6s in eggs, chicken and plant oil products like vegetable oil, corn oil and margarine. Too many omega-6s, though, can increase your chance of heart attack or stroke. You can reduce that negative impact by balancing the omega-6s with a significant amount of omega-3s.

The latest research suggests that a healthy ratio between these fatty acids is one part omega-3s for every two to four parts omega-6s. The National Institutes of Health say that the typical American diet is a ratio of about 1 part omega-3s to 10 parts omega-6s. The significant difference in these ratios (1:2-1:4 and 1:10) reveals one possible reason heart disease is so prevalent in the United States.

Despite these compelling ratios, the research is still going on to find a recommended daily allowance value for omega-3s. Researchers and physicians seem to vary in their own recommendations. These recommendations cite specific omega-3s eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and alpha-linoleic acid (ALA). The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 300 to 500 milligrams daily of EPA and DHA, and 800 to 1,100 milligrams daily of ALA.

Omega-3 fatty acids are often associated with fish, but the best source may surprise you. It is important to know that there are other sources of omega-3 besides fish. This article covers the top five food sources that are highest in omega-3.

Winter Squash

Before the Americas were settled by Europeans, Native Americans depended on squash among other nutritional foods in their diet. Today, squash and its seeds are still an integral part of Central and South American cuisines, and countries around the world are following their lead. With nutrition research revealing that winter squash has a lot to offer a healthy diet, it’s sure to be a popular choice for years to come.

Summer squash, like zucchini and yellow squash, are soft and light, and they’re a popular vegetable during the summer growing season. Winter squash is denser and drier with a nutty flavor that we’ve come to associate with autumn and winter dishes. That density corresponds with a higher concentration of nutrients. Some varieties of winter squash are pumpkins, butternut squash, acorn squash, spaghetti squash and the visually unique turban squash.

A cup (205 grams) of spaghetti squash, boiled or baked, has almost 121 milligrams total omega-3 fatty acids, or 12 percent of today’s daily recommendations. It’s one of the higher sources among the winter squash, with acorn coming in at 76 milligrams and butternut at 49 milligrams. The list of vitamins and minerals goes on for winter squash, too, making it an excellent addition to any meal.

You can find hundreds of recipes online featuring one or more varieties of winter squash. Use caution when working with a fresh winter squash, however: It’s very firm and challenging to cut through. Be prepared with a sturdy cutting surface and a large sharp knife, and take care when applying the pressure needed to cut it. Several experienced cooks have posted their cutting tips online, including videos on YouTube.

Soybeans and Tofu

Chinese farmers first planted and harvested soybeans more than 3,000 years ago. It grew in use throughout Southeast Asia over the centuries that followed. Even today, we associate many soy products like soy sauce, bean sprouts and tofu with Asian cuisine. However, the soybean made its way around the world. In fact, the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association says today’s largest producers of soybeans are the United States, Brazil and Argentina.

Soybeans are earning a wonder-crop status. Products you might use that are made from soybeans include commercially prepared foods, livestock feed and composites for industrial use. Adding to its long list of accolades is soybean’s nutritional value as a food, including as a source of omega-3s.

A cup of edamame (boiled soybeans) has almost 1,029 milligrams total omega-3 fatty acids, or almost all the omega-3s you need daily. Though the edamame has more than 7,600 milligrams of omega-6s, exceeding the recommended 1:2-1:4 ratio, it’s very low in cholesterol and packs a punch with its vitamins and minerals. A serving of edamame gives you 41 percent of your daily recommended allowance of fiber, 49 percent of iron and 18 percent of calcium. Plus, soybeans are an excellent source of protein, Vitamin K and folate.

Besides edamame and tofu, there are other ways to get the benefits of soy in your diet. One way is to substitute some foods you’d normally eat with soy alternatives. For example, you could replace dairy milk with soy milk, or replace potato chips with soy chips. Another way to enjoy soybeans is as a dry-roasted snack called soy nuts. Soy nuts are plain, salted or flavored, and you can often find them with nut snacks at larger grocery stores and niche grocers that specialize in healthy foods.

Walnuts

There are many varieties of walnut trees around the world. The three most common walnut varieties in the United States are the butternut (white walnut), the Carpathian English walnut and the black walnut. Though all three varieties produce tasty nuts, the black walnut tree is the most popular for both its nuts and its wood.

Among nuts, black walnuts are some of the most nutritious. A cup of chopped walnuts has 2,508 milligrams total omega-3 fatty acids. Like soybeans, walnuts are a good daily source of fiber (34 percent), protein (60 percent) and iron (22 percent), and they’re low in cholesterol. Also like soybeans, the ratio between omega-6s and 3s exceeds the recommended 1:2-1:4 ratio. So, with walnuts, as with any other food, consider all the nutritional pros and cons when working them into your diet.

Besides their overall nutritional benefits, another thing that proves walnuts are a great omega-3 choice is their convenience. Just an ounce of walnuts contains 562 milligrams of omega-3s, or half the amount you need in a whole day. You can drop that in a snack bag to take with you or use it to top a salad or yogurt.

If you’re trying to stay healthy while adding omega-3s, choose your walnut sources carefully. Commercially packaged foods and recipes that include walnuts range from healthy salads and trail mixes to delicious high-calorie desserts. Don’t let the omega-3 hype keep you from looking at all the other important health considerations for each food.

Salmon and Other Fish

One of the most popular sources of omega-3s, and one of the easiest to add to your diet, is fresh fish. Salmon is perhaps the most popular and versatile of these fish, and one of the highest in omega-3s. Sardines, halibut and herring are also great omega-3 sources. Shellfish like shrimp, crab, scallops and oysters also put up some impressive omega-3 numbers.

A 3-ounce serving of raw Chinook salmon has 1,991 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids. That’s well above even the highest recommended amounts. Plus, unlike soybeans and tofu, the omega-3s far outnumber the omega-6s (only 104 milligrams). This means you can add salmon to your diet not only as a source of omega-3s, but also to help balance the omega-6s you’re already eating. This same serving of salmon is a good source of protein plus several vitamins and minerals.

Are fish oil supplements a good substitute?

Omega-3 recommendations often feature 2 to 3 servings of cold-water fish per week, especially salmon. Fish oil supplements are recommended only as supplements for those who find it difficult to meet that recommendation. Fish oil supplements are often reported to irritate your stomach and leave a fishy aftertaste. If you take a fish oil supplement, reduce these unpleasant effects by taking it with a meal. There have been recent controversies about whether fish oil supplements have dangerous amounts of other ingredients like polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB).

When eating salmon for its omega-3 benefits, be cautious of how you cook it. The omega-3s are easily damaged by oxygen, light and heat. That damage affects salmon’s nutritional benefits. Eating the salmon fresh-sliced at a sushi bar is the best way to avoid omega-3 damage. If you’re not a fan of raw fish, though, bake or broil the fish instead of frying it to limit the heat exposure.

Flax Seed

By far, your best omega-3 source is flax seed, also called linseed. It’s derived from the flax plant, which some believe originated in Egypt where ancient Egyptians used it for food and medicine. Historically, it’s been used as a laxative. Today’s research, though, reveals it can be a great way to fight cholesterol and heart disease.

A tablespoon of ground flax seed has 1,597 milligrams of omega-3s, and the same amount of flax seed oil has a whopping 7,196 milligrams. That’s seven times today’s popular daily recommendations. Like salmon, flax seed and flax seed oil have far fewer omega-6s, making them a great omega-3 source to balance your omega-6 intake. Flax seed features the omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). This is different from the EPA and DHA omega-3s found in fish. At the beginning of this article, you read that the World Health Organization recommended 300 to 500 milligrams of EPA and DHA to 800 to 1,100 milligrams of ALA. Your body can convert some ALA into EPA and DHA, but you’d need to take large amounts of flax seed for it to be a substitute for the omega-3s in fish.

Like salmon, the omega-3s in flax seed can be damaged with heat and oxygen. You can afford some damage, since flax seed is so high in omega-3s, but you should still minimize that damage as much as possible. To protect the omega-3s in flax seed oil, keep it in dark glass containers with a tight lid, and place it in the refrigerator or freezer. Also, avoid heating flax seed oil on the stove. Instead, add it to non-heated recipes like salad dressing, and toss it over food only after cooking it.

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The 7 Health Benefits of Cherries

Cherries are not only delicious, they're also good for you. Here are seven reasons to include them in your diet.

Anti-Inflammatory

Cherries have gained fame as one of nature's most powerful anti-inflammatories, which means they're beneficial for many different conditions. This is due to the anthocyanins in cherries that researchers have found prevent free radical damage and inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes better than many anti-inflammatory drugs.

Arthritis Benefits

According to the Arthritis Foundation, drinking tart cherry juice mixed with water three times a day may be beneficial for people with arthritis. This is due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Heart Health

A study at the University of Michigan found that a diet that includes a lot of cherries lowers all the overall risk factors for heart disease, including inflammation, body fat, and cholesterol.

Cancer Protection

Researchers have found sweet cherries to be cancer fighters thanks to their high level of an antioxidant called cyanidin. Cyanidin is an important free radical scavenger and may also promote cellular differentiation, an important process in the body's fight against cancerous cells.

Memory Booster
Anthocyanin is also good for the brain and has been shown to improve memory.

High in Beta Carotene
Cherries are high in beta carotene, containing 19 times more than blueberries or strawberries.

Sleep Aid
Cherries contain melatonin, a hormone that regulates the body's sleep cycles.

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The 7 Health Benefits of Cantaloupe

The health benefits of cantaloupe are pretty impressive. Given that cantaloupe is the most popular melon in the United States, that's good news for everyone who eats it. It was originally cultivated in Persia some 5,000 years ago. Traditionally, the term "cantaloupe" has referred to the variety of melon with orange flesh and a non-netted style of shell, a type more common in Europe. However, "cantaloupe" is now synonymous with the muskmelon, the netted shell version most common to most U.S. consumers.

Here are 7 health benefits of cantaloupe:

Cancer Prevention

One of the most awesome cantaloupe benefits is that it provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support considered essential to reducing the risk of cancer. While cantaloupe is considered a good addition to a cancer prevention diet, specific studies on the relationship between eating cantaloupe and preventing cancer are still needed.

High in Antioxidants

Cantaloupe is an excellent source of vitamin A and vitamin C, providing about 100% the DV of each per one cup serving. These powerful antioxidants help fight free radical damage to the cells and thereby reduce the risk of developing cancer, cardiovascular disease and a variety of other health problems. They are also thought to slow the aging process of nearly every part of the body and each body system.

Immune System Support

The vitamins in cantaloupe are believed to provide a good boost to the immune system. These vitamins also may help ward off the common cold and other viral infections as well as reduce the risk of long-term sickness and disease.

Anti-Inflammatory

Cantaloupe contains a wide range of phytonutrients that have anti-inflammatory properties. Regular consumption of cantaloupe may help prevent chronic inflammation to the body's systems as well oxidative stress to the joints and muscles throughout the body. This is critical to warding off cardiovascular disease and arthritis.

Eye Health

The vitamin C and vitamin A in cantaloupe may play key roles in the long lasting health of the eyes. They help keep the eyes strong and reduce the risk of age-related eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration.

Skin Health

The skin benefits of cantaloupe are fantastic. Foods high in antioxidants, particularly vitamin A and C, can help slow the aging process of the skin. They help to keep the skin moisturized and healthy, reduce wrinkles and even protect from sun damage and skin cancer.

Diabetes

Studies on animals have shown that cantaloupe may help the body regulate blood sugar and improve insulin metabolism. It has shown to improve insulin resistance in animals with diabetes as well as prevent oxidative stress to the kidneys.

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The 6 Health Benefits of Decaf Coffee

Decaf coffee offers many of the same health benefits as regular coffee without some of the potential side effects. Whereas the caffeine in regular coffee can lead to increased anxiety, caffeine dependence, sleeplessness and heart irregularities, decaf appears free of these symptoms. Here are 6 health benefits of decaf coffee:

Cancer Prevention

Decaffeinated coffee is associated with a lower risk of many types of cancer. Just three cups per day may reduce the risk of skin cancer by as much as 9% in men and 20% in women. The risk of developing prostate cancer is also greatly reduced, by as much as 30% for some coffee drinkers according a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Liver Protection

According to a professor at the Harvard School For Public Health, decaf coffee consumption appears to help protect the liver from cirrhosis and related forms of liver cancer. It is unclear as to whether the caffeine in regular coffee may enhance or deter this protection, but decaf coffee is considered good for the liver when taken in moderation.

Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Drinking decaf coffee can greatly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Coffee contains magnesium, chromium and other minerals that help the body use insulin. Thus, coffee helps regulate blood sugar levels. A review of 18 studies, involving 450,000 people, published in Archives of Internal Medicine, found that each additional cup of coffee consumed per day lowered the risk of diabetes by 7%. A similar study of 193,000 people saw a reduced risk of 35% for people drinking 6 or 7 cups of coffee per day.

Alzheimer's Disease

Coffee is often associated with a reduced risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. A study conducted in Finland and Sweden of 1,400 people over the course of 20 years found a 65% reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease for those that drank 3 to 5 cups of coffee per day. There may be some difference between drinking regular or decaf coffee when it comes to preventing Alzheimer's. A lab study of mice found that an unknown substance in coffee interacted closely with the caffeine to boost GCSF, a growth factor known to ward off Alzheimer's disease. For now, it appears that all coffee can have positive effects on Alzheimer's and dementia, but decaf coffee may not be as strong as regular.

Parkinson's Disease

Consuming several cups of coffee per day could lower the risk of Parkinson's disease by 25%. A review of studies published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease looked at 26 different studies involving 125,000 people and found that two to three cups of coffee per day may have optimal effects on Parkinson's patients.

Heart Health

Though decaf coffee has sometimes been associated with an increase in cholesterol levels, it appears that its overall heart benefits are good. One study showed that women who drink coffee on a daily basis have a 25% less chance of developing cardiovascular disease than non-coffee drinkers. Additionally, decaf may be a better choice for the heart than regular coffee because it does not come with the adverse side effects caffeine can have on cardiovascular health.

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The 6 Health Benefits of Green Coffee Bean Extract

Green coffee bean extract is taken from coffee beans that have not been roasted. The primary active compound of the extract is chlorogenic acid. Roasting coffee beans greatly reduces the amount of chlorogenic acid obtained from the coffee. Green coffee bean extract has become popular weight loss supplement after being recommended by Dr. Oz and many others, but weight loss is not its only benefit. Here are 6 health benefits of green coffee bean extract:

Antioxidant

Green coffee bean extract is a rich source of polyphenol antioxidants. Most notable of these is chlorogenic acid, a particularly powerful antioxidant that makes up as much as 50% of some green coffee extract supplements. Antioxidants fight free radical damage to the cells and DNA and oxidative stress to the body, which in turn can lower the risk of cancer, premature aging, heart disease and other illnesses and disease.

Diabetes

Chlorogenic acid is believed to slow the release of glucose in the body and may inhibit its absorption. One clinical study found that a dose of 400mg of green coffee bean extract reduced the amount of post meal glucose spikes by 32%. Research shows that chlorogenic acid may also increase insulin secretion, which also helps balance blood sugar levels.

Weight Loss

Green coffee bean extract appears to be beneficial for weight loss. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 16 overweight adults found a significant reduction in body weight, body mass index and percentage of body fat in those given the green coffee bean extract over a six week period compared to those given a placebo. The limited number of participants in this study make some health officials skeptical of its results. Another study found that patients lost an average of 17 lbs after 22 weeks on green coffee supplements. A third study found that taking 80 to 200 mg of two different varieties of the extract daily led to a modest weight loss over the course of 12 weeks. Other research suggests that green coffee bean extract and chlorogenic acid supplements may help the body to block the absorption of fat and help to boost the metabolism.

While these studies as well as loads of anecdotal evidence suggests that green coffee bean extract aids in weight loss, more in-depth studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.

Lowers Blood Pressure

Research suggests that green coffee extract may help to reduce blood pressure. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 177 men with hypertension found significant reductions in those given 93 mg daily and 185 mg daily compared to those given a placebo. Studies involving the effects of chlorogenic acid on blood pressure have yielded similar results. While roasted coffee can cause blood pressure spikes in hypertensive people, green coffee extract does not appear to have this effect.

Heart Health

Thanks to its blood pressure lowering benefits, chlorogenic acid may lower the risk of heart attack and heart disease. The antioxidant activity of the compound may also reduce oxidative stress to the cardiovascular system, which can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Liver Function

Chlorogenic acid is believed to help the liver process fat. It may also help cleanse the liver of toxins. The moderate amount of caffeine found in coffee bean extract may also help stimulate urination, though it is not enough to be considered a diuretic.

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The 5 Health Benefits of Brazil Nuts for Men

Brazil nuts are an extremely good dietary source of selenium. In fact, just one ounce provides nearly ten times the recommended daily value of selenium. Brazil nuts offer many health benefits for men, due in part to this high concentration of selenium.

Be aware, however, that too much selenium can be harmful to a man's health and the benefits may only apply to men with selenium deficiency. Just one Brazil nut per day may be more than enough selenium for the average diet. Health officials recommend consulting a qualified health provider before consuming Brazil nuts in large amounts.

Here are 5 health benefits of Brazil nuts for men:

Cancer Prevention

Brazil nuts may help to lower the risk of cancer by helping to prevent free radical damage to cells. Lab studies with animals have shown that selenium can help inhibit the growth of cancer cells and even induce apoptosis. Selenium may also stimulate the production and function of liver enzymes that help process harmful toxins.

Prostate Health

The magnesium and selenium in Brazil nuts are believed to help promote good prostate health and even decrease the risk of prostate cancer. Experts suggest just 200 mcg of selenium per day to reduce the risk of prostate cancer by as much as 50%.

Antioxidants

Selenium can act as an antioxidant when taken alongside other antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E. Brazil nuts can help prevent oxidative stress to the body and decrease the risk of cancer and heart disease. They also contain a good amount of magnesium, another powerful antioxidant.

Increased Testosterone

According to the National Institutes of Health, selenium can boost testosterone levels in men. It has also been found to increase sperm production and motility.

Lower LDL Cholesterol

Selenium can help lower bad cholesterol levels and thus decrease the risk of blood clots, heart disease and heart attacks in men. Overall, Brazil nuts are considered a benefit to heart health in most men.

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The 6 Health Benefits of Parsley

Though traditionally overlooked as just a garnish, parsley is a giant amongst other herbs in terms of health benefits, and in such small amounts too. Here are six reasons why a sprinkle of parsley can not only make your meals tastier, but also your body healthier.

Anti-Cancer

Studies show that myristicin, an organic compound found in the essential oil of parsley, not only inhibits tumor formation (especially in the lungs), but also activates the enzyme glutathione-S-transferase, which helps the molecule glutathione attach to, and fight against, oxidized molecules. Myristicin can also neutralize carcinogens like benzopyrene in cigarette smoke that can pass through the body, consequently fighting against colon and prostate cancer.

Antioxidants

Parsley is rich with an antioxidant arsenal that includes luteolin, a flavonoid that searches out and eradicates free radicals in the body that cause oxidative stress in cells. Luteolin also promotes carbohydrate metabolism and serves the body as an anti-inflammatory agent. Furthermore, two tablespoons of parsley contain 16% of the RDA of vitamin C and over 12% of the RDA of vitamin A - two powerful antioxidants.

Anti-Inflammatory

Along with luteolin, the vitamin C found in parsley serves as an effective anti-inflammatory agent within the body. When consumed regularly, they combat the onset of inflammatory disorders, such as osteoarthritis (the degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone) and rheumatoid arthritis (a disease causing inflammation in the joints).

Healthy Immune System

The vitamin C and vitamin A found in parsley serve to strengthen the body's immune system, though in different ways. Vitamin C is necessary for collagen, the main structural protein found in connective tissue. This essential nutrient will not only accelerate the body's ability to repair wounds, but also maintain healthy bones and teeth.

Vitamin A, on the other hand, fortifies the entry points into the human body, such as mucous membranes, the lining of the eyes, and respiratory, urinary and intestinal tracts. Moreover, lymphocytes, or white blood cells, rely on vitamin A to fight infection in the body.

A Healthy Heart Homocysteine, an amino acid that occurs in the body, threatens the body's blood vessels when its levels become too high. Luckily, the folate (or vitamin B9) found in parsley helps convert homocysteine into harmless molecules. A regular garnish of parsley can help ward off cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis.

Vitamin K

Two tablespoons of parsley have a whopping 153% of the RDA of vitamin K, which is necessary for the synthesis of osteocalcin, a protein that strengthens the composition of our bones. Vitamin K also prevents calcium build-up in our tissue that can lead to atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Finally, the vitamin K found in parsley is essential for synthesizing sphingolipid, the fat needed to maintain the myelin sheath around our nerves, and therefore our nervous system as a whole.

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The 10 Health Benefits of Glutathione

Glutathione is a molecule produced naturally in the body. It functions as an extremely potent antioxidant and plays an important role in each body system. Although it is not considered an essential nutrient (because it does not have to be obtained from food), many different health conditions may be a result of glutathione deficiency. Glutathione can be obtained from supplements as well as foods, particularly sulphur rich foods like cruciferous vegetables as well as fruits and meats.

Here are 10 health benefits of glutathione:

Cancer Prevention

Raising glutathione levels in cells may help prevent cancer growth. A test tube study published in a 2009 edition of "Oncology Reports" showed that glutathione could suppress the activity of reactive oxygen molecules, which could reduce the risk of cancer development. Human trials are needed to prove the potential that glutathione may have in preventing cancer, however, it is a powerful antioxidant that fights free radical damage, which is known to increase the risk of cancer.

Cancer Treatment

Many different side effects associated with cancer treatments may be curbed with glutathione supplements. It is known to treat radiation poisoning and fight the toxic effects of chemotherapy. Its ability to support the immune system may be vital during harsh cancer treatments. One study showed that boosting glutathione levels in bone marrow helped the body to resist the toxins associated with chemotherapy.

Antioxidant Protection

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that can help prevent oxidative stress to body systems as well as fight damage to the cells and DNA caused by free radicals in the body. Glutathione is also believed to boost the activity of other antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E.

Immune System

Studies show that the immune system is at its best when glutathione levels are well balanced in the lymphoid cells. Glutathione strengthens the immune system as it helps in the production of antibodies. It also helps the body fight and eliminate foreign toxins.

Heart Health

Glutathione helps prevent oxidative stress to the cardiovascular system, thus reducing the risk of heart disease and heart attacks. Specifically, studies show it can help prevent hardening of the arteries and reduce high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Chronic Immune Disease

Glutathione is used to treat chronic and autoimmune diseases like HIV and AIDS. Its essential support to the immune system is vital for treating chronic immune diseases. Two different placebo-controlled trials have found that glutathione supports immunological function in HIV-infected patients.

Anti-Aging

The antioxidant properties of glutathione can help prevent premature aging. It has been associated with slowing the process of age-related cognitive disorders as well as aging of the eyes, skin and body. In contrast, glutathione deficiency can contribute to the development of many different age-related diseases and conditions.

Eye Health

Glutathione supplements have been shown to prevent eye ailments such as cataracts and glaucoma. It is found in high levels in eye lenses and in the fluid of the inner eye. These glutathione levels decrease with old age and this decline is believed to contribute to these age-related eye conditions.

Cognitive Function

Glutathione supplements may be an effective treatment for memory loss, dementia and even reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. As we age, glutathione levels drop significantly and this is believed to contribute to cognitive disorders and disease.

Psychological Disorders

A study published in a 2010 issue of the "Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience" found that regulating glutathione metabolism could benefit people who suffered from disorders such as bipolar disorder, compulsive disorders, schizophrenia and addiction.

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The 9 Health Benefits of Limes

Limes are a citrus fruit. While the sour lime is the most common in the United States, there are also varieties of sweet limes. Lime juice is used in all types of food preparation (our favorite is in guacamole!) as well as in cocktails, skin creams, disinfectants, candies, oils, toothpastes and more. Limes were essential to maintaining the health of the British navy during the 19th century because their vitamin C content prevented scurvy. This is why British sailors are called Limeys. Here are 9 health benefits of limes:

Cancer Prevention

Limes contain limonoid, a compound believed to have anti-carcinogen effects. These compounds are thought to help prevent skin, mouth, stomach, breast, lung and other types of cancer. An article published in the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" noted that limonin has been proven to induce cancer cell death. Limes are also a potent source of antioxidants, particularly vitamin C. Antioxidants reduce the risk of cancer by preventing free radical damage to the cells and DNA. Limes may have anti-inflammatory properties that can slow the risk of chronic inflammation, another high risk factor for developing cancer.

High In Antioxidants

Limes are a great source of vitamin C and other phytonutrients and flavonoids with antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are key in neutralizing free radical activity that damages the cells and DNA and can increase the risk of cancer, heart disease and premature aging.

High In Vitamin C

Just a quarter cup of lime juice contains over 46% the DV of vitamin C. Vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins and antioxidants in human health. It helps boost the immune system, supports heart health, wards off sickness and disease and protects the eyes from conditions like cataracts.

Antibiotic

One of the flavonoid compounds found in limes are believed to have powerful antibiotic properties. Studies in west Africa found that the daily addition of limes into the diet of villagers helped reduce the occurrence of cholera.

Immunity Booster

The vitamin C in limes helps to boost immunity and offer long term support for the immune system. It may help to prevent the flu and the common cold as well as reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer.

Anti-Inflammatory

Vitamin C and many of the other phytonutrient compounds in limes have anti-inflammatory effects. Limes may be useful in lowering the risk of conditions related to chronic inflammation like arthritis, asthma, and heart disease.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Prevention

A study of more than 20,000 people published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that subjects who consumed more vitamin C rich foods like limes were far less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis and related arthritic conditions. Subjects who ate the least amount of foods with vitamin C were three times more likely to develop arthritis.

Heart Health

Antioxidants like vitamin C are often associated with a reduced risk of heart attack and heart disease. Foods that have potent anti-inflammatory properties are also believed to help support the cardiovascular system.

Eye Health

Vitamin C is essential to the proper function of the eyes. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to cataracts and other eye conditions. Maintaining good vitamin C levels by eating citrus like limes and lime juice is a good way to maintain proper eye health.

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Bitter Melon Health Benefits

Consult your diabetes care team before starting any nutritional supplement. Blood glucose levels should be checked more often to determine the effectiveness of the supplement or if a medication change is needed.

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is also known as bitter gourd, bitter cucumber, bitter apple, karolla and karela.

Bitter melon is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family and is related to honeydew and Persian melon, cantaloupe, muskmelon and casaba. Bitter melon is a vegetable cultivated and eaten in many parts of the world, including India, Asia, Africa and South America.

Bitter melon grows on a vine with green leaves and yellow flowers. The fruit has a bumpy exterior, resembling a cucumber, and the interior is yellow-orange. There are many varieties of bitter melon, ranging in color from creamy white, golden, pale green to very dark green. Green melons are the ones most often seen in the United States. Some varieties are only a few inches long with very pronounced bumps; others are much larger with smoother, less-defined bumps.

The fruit and seeds of bitter melon are thought to be useful for diabetes.

Some Ingredients May Lower Blood Glucose

Bitter melon contains several chemical ingredients, including the glycosides momordin and charantin. Polypeptide P, charantin and vicine are the specific components thought to have blood glucose-lowering effects.

Other possible mechanisms in diabetes include increased tissue glucose uptake, liver and muscle glycogen synthesis, inhibition of enzymes involved in glucose production and enhanced glucose oxidation.

Cautions About Bitter Melon

Bitter melon should be used with caution by young women of childbearing age since it may induce menstruation and inadvertently cause abortion if the woman is pregnant.

There is no information about its use in lactating women, so it should be avoided.

Children should not use bitter melon because serious adverse effects have occurred, including hypoglycemic coma.

There is no traditional dose of bitter melon since different forms are in use, including juice, powder, vegetable pulp suspensions and injectable forms.

Few studies have evaluated using bitter melon in the treatment of diabetes.

The largest study, published in a 1999 issue of the Bangladesh Medical Research Council Bulletin, used an aqueous suspension of bitter melon vegetable pulp in 100 patients with type 2. The authors evaluated the effect at one hour after bitter melon was administered and then two hours after a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test.

The average blood glucose was 222 mg/dl, which was lower than the previous day’s two-hour value of 257 mg/dl.

In another study, published in a 1981 issue of the Journal of Natural Products, bitter melon was prepared as an injectable “plant insulin” and injected into five patients with type 1 and six patients with type 2. There was a control group of six patients 6 with type 1 and two patients with type 2 who did not receive any bitter melon.

In type 1s, average glucose decreased from 304 to 169 mg/dl four hours after injection; this effect was maintained at six and eight hours after injection.

In the type 2 patients, there was no significant decline in blood glucose from baseline.

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The Green Tea benefits For Cancer

Green tea and its extracts have purportedly been used to successfully treat many different types of cancer. Drinking green tea regularly is believed to greatly reduce the chances of developing cancer. Green tea contains polyphenol compounds (antioxidants) that have chemoprotective properties. They have demonstrated the ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce cancer cell death. Consumption of green tea has been associated with a reduced risk of stomach and colorectal cancer as well as prostate, breast, liver, gallbladder, pancreatic, lung and esophageal cancers. Here's why you should drink green tea for cancer:

Anti-Cancer Properties of Green Tea

Lab studies have found that the active compounds found in green tea can trigger apoptosis in leukemia and other types of cancer cells. They act as antioxidants, protecting cell membranes and DNA from free radical damage, which is known to contribute to the development of many different forms of cancer. Green tea is also believed to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties as well as the ability to boost the immune system, each of which plays a key role in cancer treatment and prevention.

Green Tea & Prostate Cancer

Studies have found that men who drink the most green tea have less inflammation in the prostate tissue. The same studies have found that green tea polyphenols have antioxidant effects inside the prostate, which is believed to help protect the cells from damage and lower the risk of developing prostate cancer. Similar studies have found that drinking green tea has the ability to slow prostate cancer growth.

Green Tea & Breast Cancer

More and more studies are linking green tea with a reduced risk of breast cancer. A study at Columbia University Medical School found a correlation between green tea extract and stopping the growth of tumors in women with breast cancer. In another study, one extract from green tea was found to inhibit growth factors that can contribute to breast cancer development.

Use

While there is not a consensus on exactly how much green tea (or green tea extract) is needed to help prevent cancer, it is clear that daily consumption of green tea may help reduce the risk of cancer as well as a variety of other health problems. It is safe to say that drinking at least 2 to 3 cups of green tea per day can be a healthy addition to one's diet and may even greatly reduce the risk of cancer. Consult a doctor before using green tea extract for cancer treatment or alongside other cancer drugs and treatments.

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