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Juicy watermelon can be as miraculous as Viagra
Watermelon produces an effect similar to that of Viagra, researchers say. A slice of juicy watermelon contains citrulline that can trigger the production of a substance that relaxes the body’s blood vessels. A similar effect is produced when a man takes a Viagra pill.

Sweat It All Out!
There is a valid reason why human beings have used sweat baths for hygienic and health purposes since the Stone Age. It's because sweating has proven its effectiveness in flushing out toxins and disease and maintaining optimal physical as well as mental health.Most cultures around the world have their own versions of the sweat bath, whether it's the ancient Romans and their "Thermae" or the traditional Japanese "Onsen". The Russians call it the "Banya" and the for native North American Indians it's "Inipi", without omitting the notorious Turkish bath or "Hamam". However, the most prominent and popular one of all is the Finnish Sauna.

Benefits of Water
The human body, which is made up of between 55 and 75 percent water (lean people have more water in their bodies because muscle holds more water than fat), is in need of constant water replenishment.Your lungs expel between two and four cups of water each day through normal breathing - even more on a cold day. If your feet sweat, there goes another cup of water. If you make half a dozen trips to the bathroom during the day, that's six cups of water. If you perspire, you expel about two cups of water (which doesn't include exercise-induced perspiration).

Milk thistle compound may protect against liver cancer
A flavanone compound in milk thistle, silibinin, may stop the growth and spread of liver cancer, suggests a laboratory study from the University of California, Irvine.The in vitro study used human liver cancer cells exposed to different doses of silibinin, and found that the milk thistle compound could inhibit the spread of the cells and promote programmed cell death (apoptosis).It should be stressed that the new research, published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, did not use milk thistle dietary supplements, but pure silibinin, the active component in milk thistle.

Onion compound linked to lower blood pressure
Quercitin, the compound most commonly associated with onions, may reduce blood pressure by an average of five millimitres of mercury, indicates new research.
The study, said to be the first to report the blood pressure-lowering activity of this flavonol, found a daily 730 milligram supplement of quercitin led to significant reductions in the blood pressure of 22 people with high blood pressure (hypertension).Hypertension, defined as having a systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) greater than 140 and 90 mmHg, affects about 600 million people worldwide and is associated with over seven million deaths.The randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, considered to be the gold-standard for experimental interventions, adds to an ever-growing body of reported health benefits for quercitin. The flavonol was previously linked to reduced risk of certain cancers.

Black tea shows blood sugar benefits
A one gram drink of black tea may have the potential to stimulate an insulin response and reduce blood sugar levels, suggests new research from England.The study, a four-way randomised, crossover trial, suggests that Britain's top tipple could have benefits for diabetics to blunt the blood sugar spikes, keeping the body's blood sugar levels relatively steady throughout the day. This has been linked to better regulation of appetite and a reduced tendency to snack.

Forget eating your greens: red and blue foods are the cancer fighters Sources:
Natural pigments that give certain fruit and vegetables a rich red, purple or blue colour act as powerful anti-cancer agents, according to a study by American scientists.The compounds, found in foods such as aubergines, red cabbage, elderberries and bilberries, restricted the growth of cancer cells and in some cases killed them off entirely, leaving healthy cells unharmed.The study combined laboratory tests on human cancer cells with experiments on animals that were designed to see whether a diet rich in the foods made a difference to their risk of developing cancer.

Green tea spurs detox chemical production
A new clinical study provided evidence that green tea catechins can stimulate production of cancer-protective enzymes in people with low natural levels - the first to demonstrate this effect in humans, say researchers.Populations of counties where green tea is consumed as part of the every day diet, such as Japan and China, tend to have a lower incidence of cancer than people in countries where green tea is less commonly drunk. Consequently, green tea catechins - antioxidant polyphenols - have been the focus of considerable research in recent years.

Turmeric may help beat brain disease
Latest research shows that a chemical compound found in turmeric may help beat Alzheimer's, which is a brain disease that impairs memory. Researchers isolated the compound 'bisdemethoxycurcumin' found in turmeric, which they claimed helps stimulate immune system cells that defend the body against infections and diseases.

Drinking milk cuts diabetes risk
Drinking a pint of milk a day may protect men against diabetes and heart disease, say UK researchers. Eating dairy products reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome - a cluster of symptoms which increase likelihood of the conditions - the Welsh team found. In the 20-year study, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, metabolic syndrome increased the risk of death by 50%.
Experts recommended people only eat two or three portions of dairy a day.

Fish oil lowers prostate cancer growth
A new study with mice suggests that a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil might help slow prostate cancer growth.
Omega-3 fatty acids -- especially the long-chain forms found in oily fish -- have become the latest nutrition superstars, with studies suggesting they can help prevent heart disease and even cancer. "This study clearly shows that diet can tip the balance toward a good or a bad outcome," said senior researcher Yong Q. Chen, Ph.D., from Wake Forest University School of Medicine. "It's possible that a change in diet could mean the difference between dying from the disease and surviving with it."

Vitamin D dramatically cuts cancer risk: study
A landmark new study is raising the tantalizing spectre that a simple and cheap vitamin supplement may offer a highly effective way of preventing cancer. The research, published in the online edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, finds that a combination of vitamin D3 and calcium has a substantially marked effect on reducing cancer incidence. The four-year study out of Creighton University in Nebraska found that women who regularly took vitamin D3 had a 60 per cent reduction in cancer infections compared to a group taking placebos.

Omega-3 again linked to Alzheimers protection
22/06/2007 - Supplements of omega-3 fatty acids may help combat the depression and agitation symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease, says a new clinical trial.The randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, with 174 patients with Alzheimers is yet another positive result for the fatty acids in relation to cognitive function. Last year the same researchers reported omega- may slow mental decline in people with very mild Alzheimer's disease (Archives of Neurology, Vol. 63, pp. 1402-1408).

Omega-3 eyed for retina protection
Omega-3 fatty acids may protect our eyes against the development and progression of retinopathy, a deterioration of the retina, is results from a mice study can be translated to humans.The study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, adds further support for increasing the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids with the finding that omega-6 fatty acid consumption is associated with an increased risk of retinopathy.

Omega-3 fatty acids key to cell health
ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- The name sounds like something out of a science fiction novel, but omega-3 fatty acids are a necessary part of our diet. "Every cell in the body requires omega-3 to function normally," says Dr. Andrew Stoll, author of "The Omega-3 Connection." "They are a class of fats, good fats that are actually as essential as vitamins to our health."Researchers discovered that omega-3 protects the heart about 30 years ago. Doctors now know that the compound controls inflammation and protects cells by forming part of the cell membrane. "We know that omega-3 can protect the heart, the lungs, the kidneys, really every organ system that we know of, including the brain," says Stoll.The problem is that most Americans don't get enough of the compound in their diet. Part of the reason, Stoll says, is they don't eat enough fish. Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines are the best sources of omega-3 for the diet. For most patients, Stoll recommends one or two servings of the cooked fish a week. Unlike other fish, which store the compound in their liver, the four recommended varieties store the compound in their muscles, which are eaten by humans. Watch more on Omega 3s in Health Minute »

Researchers recommend apple peel to protect against cancer
Apple peel may be more nutritious than apple flesh for people trying to keep cancer at bay, according to researchers at the Cornell Institute, New York, US.Researchers from Cornell claim to have identified a dozen compounds called triterpenoids in apple peel that either inhibited or killed cancer cells in laboratory cultures.
"We found that several compounds have potent anti-proliferative activities against human liver, colon and breast cancer cells and may be partially responsible for the anti-cancer activities of whole apples," said Rui Hai Liu, Cornell associate professor of food science. He and his colleagues analyzed the peel from 230 pounds of red delicious apples and isolated their individual compounds. They then tested the pure compounds against cancer cell growth.

Flavanol improves memory in mice, study
A plant-derived flavanol found in blueberries, tea, grapes and cocoa improved memory in mice. It could have the same effect on humans, according to research published in the Journal of Neuroscience, and funded by the food company Mars.Memory improvement increased further when the mice exercised regularly, concluded Henriette van Praag and colleagues from the Salk Institute. "This finding is an important advance because it identifies a single natural chemical with memory-enhancing effects, suggesting that it may be possible to optimize brain function by combining exercise and dietary supplementation," said Mark Mattson from the US' National Institute on Aging.

Eating flaxseed may halt prostate cancer growth
Daily consumption of flaxseed may stop the growth of prostate cancer tumours, according to research presented this weekend.Flaxseed,, which is rich in omega 3-fatty acids and fibre-related compounds known as lignans, may interrupt the chain of events that cause cells to divide irregularly and become cancerous, suggest researchers from the Duke University Medical Center in the United States. Folic acid seen to reduce stroke risk Folic acid supplementation is best known as a means of protecting unborn children against birth defects, but research suggests that it could also be beneficial to adults and significantly reduce their risk of suffering a stroke.A meta analysis published this week in The Lancet concludes that people can cut their risk of a stroke by a fifth by increasing their intake of folic acid.Xiaobin Wang from the Children's Memorial Research Center in the US and colleagues analysed data from eight randomised trials looking at the link between intake of folic acid and the risk of suffering a stroke.

Vitamin-B in diet helps slim avoid pancreatic cancer
A diet rich in B vitamins may decrease the risk of slim people contracting pancreatic cancer, according to a meta-analysis, but supplements may have the opposite effect. People with an average or below average body weight were at a reduced risk of pancreatic cancer if they ate a diet rich in vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folate, concluded the study in the American Association for Cancer Research's Cancer Research journal.The conclusions were based on the combined data of four large studies and found that the target group's risk was 81 per cent, 73 per cent and 59 per cent lower if their diet contained significant amounts of B6, vitamin B12 and folate respectively.

Herbal Extract, Forskolin, May Help Combat Bladder Infections
An herbal extract, Forskolin, which is currently sold as an aid for allergy or fat loss treatment, may be beneficial for patients with bladder infections when taken in combination with antibiotics, say researchers from Duke, University, USA. You can read about this new researcher in the journal Nature Medicine.The majority of infections of the bladder are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli). Women are much more susceptible to bladder infections than men - in fact, bladder infections can come back again and again.

EGCG from tea may prevent arthritis - study
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) extracted from green tea may inhibit the production of inflammatory molecules associated with and joint damage in people with rheumatoid arthritis, scientists have reported.Salah-uddin Ahmed, from the University of Michigan Health System, told attendees at Experimental Biology 2007 in Washington, D.C. yesterday that the tea extract may also suppress the inflammatory products in the connective tissue of people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Saffron Persian herb for depression
Saffron is one of the most expensive herbs mainly produced in Iran. Studies say saffron has anti-depressant effect.

Borage, a traditional Persian remedy
Borage, also known as starflower, is one of the most important herbs in Persian traditional medicine. It is called 'gol-e gav zaban' in Iran. Borage has bright blue, star-shaped flowers.

Watermelon juice may be novel amino acid source
Watermelon juice may provide a novel source of the essential amino acid arginine, says a new study that shows the juice is a rich source of its metabolic precursor.
Arginine is a precursor for nitric oxide, which has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce blood clotting and protect against myocardial infarction and strokes.Researchers from the ARS, Texas A&M University, the University of Nevada, and Oklahoma State University, have reported that blood arginine levels increased by 22 per cent after three weeks of drinking watermelon juice with every meal.
Watermelon is also a rich source of lycopene, a carotenoid that has been linked extensively to improvements in heart health and risk reductions for a range of certain cancers.

Grape juice, most beneficial juice of all
New research at the University of Glasgow in Scotland has shown grape juice, especially the purple variety, has much higher levels of an antioxidant called polyphenol than other fruits. Antioxidants are compounds found in fruits and vegetables which play a role in protecting the body from the damaging effects of free radicals. Free radicals are chemicals in the body which have been linked to a number of diseases including cancer and diabetes. Purple grape juice contains the most polyphenol, followed by cloudy apple juice and cranberry juice, while orange juice comes way down the list.

Blueberries help fight colon cancer
A new research shows pterostilbene, a powerful antioxidant compound found in blueberries, may help in combat of colon cancer. Colon cancer includes cancerous growths in the colon, rectum and appendix. It is the third most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of death among cancers in the Western world. There is no certain cause of this cancer but some factors can increase the risk like age, hereditary, smoking, too much consumption of meat and a low fiber diet.

Benefits of Apple Juice on Neurotransmitter Affecting Memory
Animal research from the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) indicates that apple juice consumption may actually increase the production in the brain of the essential neurotransmitter acetylcholine, resulting in improved memory. Neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine are chemicals released from nerve cells that transmit messages to other nerve cells. Such communication between nerve cells is vital for good health, not just in the brain, but throughout the body.

Vegetables May Boost Brain Power in Older Adults
Want to preserve your mental edge as you age? Vegetables - particularly green, leafy ones - will do the trick if you eat three servings a day, new research shows. But the research also suggests that the same effect is not found in those who eat lots of fruit. "It's a modest effect," said Martha Clare Morris, associate professor at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, and lead author of the study. "People who consumed two or more vegetables a day had a 35 to 40 percent decrease in the decline in thinking ability over six years. That's the equivalent of being five years younger in age."

Green tea may prevent HIV infection
 New studies suggest that drinking green tea may help to prevent or slow down the spread of HIV. A research team has tested tube experiments on a green tea flavonoid called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which showed that it binds with CD4 immune system T-cell receptors and stops HIV from doing the same.

Walnuts for healthy heart
According to latest research a handful of walnuts everyday can help in maintaining the elasticity of the arteries and thus reducing the risk of heart attacks and coronary heart disease. Olive oil, traditionally thought to be good for the heart and arteries was found to be less effective than walnuts. The fat molecules in a high fat diet trigger an inflammatory reaction which over a period of time contributes to the hardening of the arteries leading to heart disease and blockages. Walnuts have been found to increase the ability of the body to withstand the effects of these fatty acids and in maintaining the flexibility of the arteries.

Almonds could suppress appetite, tackle obesity
A handful of almonds, a rich source of flavonoid antioxidants, vitamin E and magnesium, may enhance the feeling of fullness in people and aid weight management, suggests a new study.
In other words, almond consumption could displace other foods from the diet, leading to a stable weight.Another explanation, suggested the researchers, is that some of almonds' fat is not digested and absorbed so the estimated energy content listed on the food label is greater than the amount actually available to consumers.The results need to be repeated in larger and longer intervention trials. Mechanistic studies are also needed to determine which compounds in the almonds could be exerting the potential satiating effect, and how this effect is achieved.

Sunflower Seeds  
Sunflower seeds contain both monounsaturated and poly unsaturated fat, the types of fat that may protect the heart. They are also a good source of Vitamin E, selenium which is often deficient in our diet and other important nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc.

Turmeric May Help Prevent Arthritis
An ancient Asian spice may hold the key to preventing rheumatoid arthritis.
A University of Arizona researcher has found that turmeric, known for giving curry its yellow color, is effective in reducing flare-ups and staving off rheumatoid arthritis. The bitter spice acts as an anti-inflammatory.The three-year study by Associate Professor Janet Funk appears in the November issue of the Arthritis and Rheumatism journal. Funk isn't ready to recommend that people rush out and buy turmeric supplements. More research is needed. The turmeric has been tested in animals but still needs to go through clinical testing, which could take another five years.

Turmeric – Nature’s precious gift
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a well-known indigenous herbal medicine. Its major constituents, curcumin, various curcuminoids, curcuma oil – particularly dl-ar-turmerone – exhibit a wide range of biological activities, e.g. anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, lipoxygenase, cycloxygenase, protease inhibitory effects, besides being effective active oxygen species scavengers and lipid peroxidase inhibitors.In the indigenous system of medicine, turmeric enjoys the reputation as a stomachic, blood purifier, useful in common cold, leprosy, intermittent fevers, affections of the liver, dropsy, purulent ophthalmia, otorrhea, indolent ulcers, pyogenic affections, wound healing and inflammation. A review of literature reveals that turmeric is useful in treating a variety of ailments and metabolic disorders. Turmeric roots are known1–3 to be antiseptic and aromatic. Its paste is used in cleansing and disin-fecting the skin and skin ulcers without drying out its natural oils. The bactericidal properties of turmeric have been proved by clinical testing to have a greater medicinal effect than being merely cosmetic. In vitro evaluation of the antibacterial potency of C. longa constituents – curcumin, other curcuminoids (Scheme 1)

Curry Ingredient May Help Fight Alzheimer's

FRIDAY, Oct. 27 (HealthDay News) -- Curcumin, a component of curry and turmeric, seems to help the immune system get rid of amyloid beta -- the protein that builds up to form damaging plaques in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.The findings build on previous research linking curry consumption to reduced Alzheimer's risk, including one study that found that only 1 percent of elderly Indians developed the disease -- a quarter of the rate seen in the United States.
Now, preliminary findings from the University of California, Los Angeles, suggest that curcumin comes to the aid of immune system cells called macrophages to clear away amyloid beta.

Resveratrol tackles Alzheimer's plaques
Resveratrol, a compound found in grapes and red wine, lowers levels of the amyloid-beta peptides that cause the plaques in the brain leading to Alzheimer's disease, shows new research.It could help to explain the large body of epidemiological evidence linking wine consumption to lower risk of dementia.Writing in the 11 November issue of the Journal of Biological Chemistry, Philippe Marambaud and his colleagues at the Litwin-Zucker Research Center for the Study of Alzheimers Disease and Memory Disorders in Manhasset, New York, describe adding resveratrol to cells which produce human amyloid-beta.They found that levels of amyloid-beta in the treated cells were much lower than those in untreated cells.The deposition of amyloid-beta peptides in the brain is one of the characteristic features of Alzheimer's disease.

JAMA study announces positive results in Alzheimer disease with Ginkgo extract
October 22, 1997. Results of a multicenter study published in the most recent issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) indicate that Ginkgo biloba extract can be of significant benefit in the treatment of dementia associated with Alzheimer disease and multi-infarct dementia (LeBars PL, Katz MM, Berman N, et al. A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial of an extract of Ginkgo biloba for dementia. JAMA 1997;278:1327-1332.). The authors asserted that the improvement seen in patients with Alzheimer could be equated with "a six-month delay in the progression of the disease." These results are particularly promising in light of the fact that no satisfactory treatments currently exist for the management of this common and devastating condition.

Tea soothes a troubled mind, say scientists
The soothing power of a regular cup of tea has been given more backing from science with research that shows it can reduce the harmful effects of stress.Stress hormone levels fell by nearly twice as much in tea drinkers compared with those given a tea-like drink, after all had been put under stress.There was also an effect on blood platelets, linked to blood clotting and heart attacks. The tea group showed less platelet activity and reported a "greater degree of relaxation" after the task."Many people believe that drinking tea helps them relax after facing the stresses of everyday life. However, scientific evidence is quite limited.

Mandarins 'cut liver cancer risk'
Eating mandarins may cut the risk of developing liver cancer and other diseases, research suggests. Japanese scientists found the key were vitamin A compounds called carotenoids which give the fruit its orange colour. One study found eating mandarins cut the risk of liver disease, hardened arteries and insulin resistance. And a second found drinking the fruit's juice cut the risk of patients with chronic viral hepatitis developing liver cancer.

Amazing Water Therapy
Drink 5/6 glasses (1.5 Litres) of water every morning and avoid medicines, injections, doctor fees etc.
You will never believe this before you actually begin practicing!Following Ailments have positively responded and been cured with this therapy:Cough, Ashtma, Bronchitis, Pulmonary Tubercolosis, Kidney stones, Urogenital diseases, Hyper Acidity, Dysentry, Gastroenteritis, Uterus Cancer, Constipation, Diabetes, Eye diseases, Irregular Mensuration, Breast cancer, Laryngitis, Headache, Leukemia, Arthritis, BP & Hypertension.
Therapy Procedure:Early morning as soon you get up from bed, drink 1.5 litres of water, i.e. 5 to 6 glasses. The water should be at room temperature, and the most convenient way is to fill a 1.5 litre bottle and keep it by your bedside before going to sleep.

Water therapy aids osteoarthritis
Hydrotherapy improves strength and mobility in patients with osteoarthritis, research suggests.The study also says patients would benefit from much higher intensity exercise than currently recommended.Patients who used water therapy were able to walk better afterwards, and their muscle strength improved. The research, by a team from Flinders University, South Australia, is published in the journal Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.

Vitamin C and Grapefruit
The vitamin composition of the fruit is unique. One grapefruit provides a daily dose of vitamin C that the human organism needs. Vitamin C helps people protect from cold and flu, slows down ageing and is good for complexion and skin. Besides, grapefruits are a good source of vitamin PP that fights fatigue and sleeplessness, and vitamin D that is essential for children and the elderly. Grapefruit also contains pectin that removes cholesterol off the organism and improves metabolism. It also contains lycopene, the element that wonderfully fights toxins and helps people endure bad environment. The fruit is very popular among those who take much care of the body shape. Remember that a couple of grapefruit segments after meals can burn a half of the calories consumed during the meal. It is because of this peculiarity that dietitians recommend stout people eat more grapefruits. A kilogram of grapefruits contains only 90 calories, so the fruit will not cause damage to the body shape.

Bananas...
After Reading THIS, you'll NEVER look at a banana in the same way again - Bananas. Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial
boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a
strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit
with the world's leading athletes.

Milk Thistle - soothing Mediterranean herb that cures
Milk thistle has been widely known for curing the liver related problems. However, there are a lot other benefits of Milk thistle. The benefits of Milk thistle with respect to different organs and ailments are as follows-LIVER The main component in Milk Thistle called as ‘Silymarin’ protects the liver from damage caused by viruses, toxins, alcohol, acetaminophen (also called as paracetamol that is commonly used for headaches). These substances can cause liver damage if taken in large quantities or by people who drink alcohol regularly.

Rich and red, tomatoes may help cut your cancer risk
Since the 1980s, when scientists discovered lycopene's powerful antioxidant activity (that is, its potential ability to help prevent and repair cell damage), several studies have linked diets high in tomatoes with lower risks of certain cancers .A Harvard study in the mid-1990s found that men who consumed at least 10 servings of tomato products per week had a 34 percent lower risk of prostate cancer than other men. More recent research suggests that lycopene benefits women, too. Studies have shown that women who consumed diets high in lycopene-rich tomato products had a 30 to 50 percent lower risk of developing clinical breast cancer. And while this research is promising, more studies are needed to confirm lycopene's role regarding reducing cancer risks.

Megavitamin Treatment of Cancer
Anti Cancer Nutrition
A large number of special diets ranging from fasting (water only) to juice fasts to low fat and sugar free diets are used. Every one of the special diets have proponents who think they are very helpful, and patients who have been helped by them but no one has ever conducted an experiment to compare all the diets to determine which is the best. Perhaps there will never be a "best". Because of the individuality of people it may turn out that each person will have to determine what is their own best diet. In my book Hoffer's Laws of Natural Nutrition Quarry Press, P.O.Box 1061, Kingston, Ontario K7L 4Y5.

Research backs theory that vitamin C shrinks tumours
By Jeremy Laurance, Health Editor
Published: 28 March 2006
New research suggesting that vitamin C can be effective in curing cancer will renew interest in the "alternative" treatment for the terminal disease. Three cancer patients who were given large intravenous doses over a period of several months had their lives extended and their tumours shrunk, doctors reported yesterday.

Ginger has been used to aid digestion and treat stomach upset, diarrhea, and nausea for more than 2,000 years.
Ginger, the underground stem, or rhizome, of the plant Zingiber officinale has been used as a medicine in Asian, Indian, and Arabic herbal traditions since ancient times. In China, for example, ginger has been used to aid digestion and treat stomach upset, diarrhea, and nausea for more than 2,000 years. Since ancient times, ginger has also been used to help treat arthritis, colic, diarrhea, and heart conditions. In addition to these medicinal uses, ginger continues to be valued around the world as an important cooking spice and is believed to help the common cold, flu-like symptoms, headaches, and even painful menstual periods.Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
When my brothers and I were cranky, Mom used to tell us that "There are good boys and tired boys, and tired boys cry." She meant there are no "bad" boys (or girls) by nature. If we were fussy, we must therefore need a nap. As a former teacher, Mom knew that you seek to change the behavior, not condemn the person.
I have taught every grade there is. My students have ranged from primary school, long ago, all the way to the doctoral level. This experience has helped me to understand the essential role that nutrition plays in the education process. May you never have a class full of sugared up, chemically fed, vitamin deficient students. Regardless of age, they are too poisoned to pay attention.

Vitamin for Depression?
A Good Vitamin Supplement Could Be Just What the Doctor Ordered
Did you ever wish that you could take a vitamin for depression? Well, for some of you it may be just that simple. There are a variety of vitamin deficiencies that can lead to depression symptoms.

Magnesium fights range of serious ills
Dr. W. Gifford-Jones, "Magnesium fights range of serious ills", Star Phoenix, April 29, 2006,
A healthy 18-year-old basketball player and health-conscious jogger recently left this world all of a sudden. Why? An initial diagnosis was death from coronary artery disease due to high blood cholesterol. However, the cause of death eventually proved to be magnesium deficiency. Magnesium has never been a super-star nutrient like calcium. But it's still crucial in keeping the undertaker away and in fighting several common chronic diseases. So are you getting enough of this mineral? Magnesium is nature's natural antispasmodic and it's amazing this fact hasn't triggered more attention from the medical community. In 1979. Dr. J.R. Chipperfield reported in the British Journal Lancet that patients who suffered from angina often had low levels of blood magnesium and that this nutrient could ease spasm and pain. More important, magnesium can prevent sudden death.

The effect of magnesium supplementation on blood pressure:
a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Sun Ha Jee; Edgar R. Miller III; Eliseo Guallar; Vikesh K. Singh; Lawrence J. Appel; and Michael J. Klag, "The effect of magnesium supplementation on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials",
 for each 10 mmol/day increase in magnesium dose. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis detected dose-dependent BP reductions from magnesium supplementation. However, adequately powered trials with sufficiently high doses of magnesium supplements need to be performed to confirm this relationship.”

DRUGLESS METHODS TO HELP GET RID OF ANXIETY
No one knows how many people are in prison because of destructive outbursts that normally should have been controlled. Millions of regular folks just barely manage to live within their anxiety every day. They might not be in jail, but they are not radically happier. Many, many millions of prescriptions are written every year for emotional illness. More can be done for many of these people. That "more" includes some good, natural remedies and regular practice of a stress reduction technique.

These antioxidant-rich foods have the power to change your life
Blueberries are brain food. If there's one good-for-you food that has cut through the din of conflicting and controversial diet headlines, it's the tiny indigo berry native to North America, which scientists have discovered contains powerful disease-fighters that may improve memory, intelligence and coordination.
But blueberries aren't the only food with bragging rights. Pomegranates, kiwi fruit and, yes, even dark chocolate are the latest buzz, joining such everyday foods as broccoli, spinach, wild salmon, sweet potatoes, soy, oats, walnuts and tomatoes. Together these nutrient-dense foods containing health-promoting phytonutrients are dubbed "super foods." "Super foods are foods that have longevity and contribute to good health," says Steven Pratt, an ophthalmologist at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, Calif., and co-author of the best-selling "SuperFoodsRx" and "SuperFoods HealthStyle" (William Morrow, 2005, $24.95).

CHRONIC FATIGUE AND IMMUNE DYSFUNCTION SYNDROME (CFIDS):

ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES
Looking for a medical cure for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a bit like trying to buy a new Buick from a Ford dealer: it just isn't possible. The first rule of fishing is to put your hook in the water, because that is where the fish are. Let's consider nutrition research and see what REAL options are available for the CFIDS patient that has been told to "learn to live with it."

Alzheimer's fight focusing on sticky brain buildup
Lauran Neergaard, "Alzheimer's fight focusing on sticky brain buildup", Boston Globe, September 7, 2004,
How to prevent a sticky gunk from clogging up, and probably killing, the brain cells of Alzheimer's patients is the newest focus in the fight against the disease. Half a dozen companies are developing drugs to target the buildup, and researchers are enrolling hundreds of patients to test the lead candidate although nobody yet knows if this gunk, called beta-amyloid, is the disease's true culprit.

ALZHEIMERS DISEASE: SOME ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES
Supplemental choline has already shown promise in treating Alzheimer's Disease. In Geriatrics, July 1979, lecithin was employed as a therapy to combat memory loss. Studies at MIT show increases in both choline and the vital neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brains of animals after just ONE lecithin meal. (Today's Living, February, 1982)

Curcumin could cut plaque build-up linked to Alzheimer’s
Curcumin, found extensively in curries, could boost the body’s ability to clear the build up of plaques in the brain that are linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Although the mechanism of Alzheimer's is not clear, significant data exists supporting the build-up of plaque from beta-amyloid deposits. The new research appears to indicate that curcumin, the natural pigment that gives the spice turmeric its yellow colour, could help the body's immune system clear away these deposits and reduce the risk of developing the disease.

Cup of tea may help boost memory
Drinking regular cups of tea could help improve your memory, research suggests. A team from Newcastle University found green and black tea inhibited the activity of key enzymes in the brain associated with memory.The researchers hope their findings, published in Phytotherapy Research, may lead to the development of a new treatment for Alzheimer's Disease.

Alternative Therapies for Alzheimer’s Disease
There is several prescription drugs used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Some of the most commonly prescribed are Donepezil, Tacrine, and Rivastigmine. These medications work by increasing the amount of acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter) in the body. Unfortunately, they also may produce many unwanted side effects, including dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and may become addictive. More and more, people are looking to natural alternatives to man-made pharmaceuticals. In the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, there are plenty of alternative therapies to consider.

GETTING THE BODY TO MANUFACTURE NEUROTRANSMITTERS
"The composition of each meal could have a direct effect on the production of chemical signals in the brain." (The New York Times, January 9, 1979) Rather than give a synthetic drug to block or mimic the body's chemical nerve messengers (neurotransmitters), it is possible nutritionally to encourage the body to make its own natural ones.If we are what we eat, then our nerves also depend on what they are fed. Here is tremendous potential for the alleviation of depression, anxiety, neuroses, panic attacks and sleep disorders.

An egg a day could keep AMD at bay
Making the point of getting a daily egg, the yolk of which is a rich source of lutein and zeaxanthing, could reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), suggest two new studies from the University of Massachusetts.The new studies, both published in the October issue of the Journal of Nutrition, suggest that as well as filling you up for longer (eggs are well known to have a 50 per cent higher satiety index than regular breakfast cereals), an egg a day could boost blood levels of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, and reduce the risk of AMD.AMD affects the central part of the retina called the macula, which controls fine vision, leaving sufferers with only limited sight. AMD affects over 10 million people in the United States, with a further 15 to 20 million worldwide, and is the leading cause of blindness in people over 50.

Juice lowers Alzheimer's risk
In a large epidemiological study, researchers found that people who drank three or more servings of fruit and vegetable juices per week had a 76 percent lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease than those who drank juice less than once per week.
The benefit appeared particularly enhanced in subjects who carry the apolipoprotein E -4 allele, a genetic marker linked to late-onset Alzheimer's disease - the most common form of the disease, which typically occurs after the age of 65.

Marijuana's Active Ingredient May Slow Progression Of Alzheimer's Disease
Scientists are reporting discovery in laboratory experiments of a previously unknown molecular mechanism in which the active ingredient in marijuana may slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Scripps Research Institute's Kim D. Janda and colleagues used laboratory experiments to show that delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) preserves brain levels of the key neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

Omega-3s show promise for very mild Alzheimer's
Supplements of omega-3 fatty acids may slow mental decline in people with very mild Alzheimer's disease, but have no impact on people with more advanced forms, says a new clinical trial.Although the mechanism of Alzheimer's is not clear, more support is gathering for the build-up of plaque from beta-amyloid deposits. The deposits are associated with an increase in brain cell damage and death from oxidative stress. But how omega-3 fatty acids may interfere with the development of Alzheimer's disease is not clear, said the authors, but suggested that the benefits may be linked to the fish oil's anti-inflammatory effects, although no such effects were observed in this study.

VITAMIN E: A CURE IN SEARCH OF RECOGNITION
(Reprinted with permission from the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, 2003; Vol. 18, Numbers 3 and 4, p. 205-212.)"Some doctors claim that vitamin E helps many heart cases, but the official view is that the substance has not been proved of value in treating heart disease."This statement could have been taken verbatim from any of a number of recent news media reports. But in fact, this particular quote is from a 1953 article in Maclean's Magazine entitled "The Fight Over Vitamin E." (1)

Vitamin K deficiency linked to osteoarthritis
Study findings support an association between low blood levels of vitamin K and an increased prevalence of hand and knee osteoarthritis -- the most common form of arthritis, occurring mainly at older ages, in which the cartilage cushioning the joints breaks down over time, leading to pain, stiffness and, often, limited mobility.
"We are not yet sure if vitamin K is in fact the cause of osteoarthritis," lead author Tuhina Neogi, from Boston University, told Reuters Health. "But what we did see is that the lower the levels of vitamin K in the blood, the higher the prevalence of osteoarthritis." The primary form of vitamin K in the diet is "phylloquinone," which is found mostly in green leafy vegetables, but also in cheese, liver, coffee, and green tea, for example.

Detox Herb Selection Guide
WINNING THE COLD WAR AGAINST COLD SORES
Herpes simplex sores heal much more quickly when a vitamin C paste (easily made from of non-acidic calcium ascorbate crystals plus a little water) is applied twice daily. But the greatest natural enemy of the cold sore is the amino acid L-lysine. Keep your wallet in your pocket: you can get lots of lysine by eating lots of beans. An effective dose is about 3 to 4 grams (3,000 to 4,000 milligrams) of lysine daily. That is about a can and a half of beans a day. Wait! Before you go off singing the “Musical Fruit“ song, hear me out: Beans, and all the other legumes, are literally loaded with lysine. Peas are very high in lysine. So are lentils, refried beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, three-bean salad, bean soup, bean burritos, veggie bean-burgers, and even chickpeas (garbanzos). Lima beans are relatively low; soybeans (and anything made from soy) are unusually high in lysine. So be a has-bean! Eat your beans at every meal.

Herpes Simplex Virus
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are very common worldwide. HSV-1 (often called oral-facial herpes) is transmitted through kissing or sharing drinking utensils, and HSV-2 (often called genital herpes) through sexual contact. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause infections around the face, mouth, and genitals. The infection may not show symptoms for a long time, and then become activated by exposure to the sun, fever, menstruation, emotional stress, a weakened immune system, or acute illness.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Cures Liver Disease, Diabetes, Brain Function and Stroke,
Alpha-lipoic acid works together with other
antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. It is important for growth, helps to prevent cell damage, and helps the body rid itself of harmful substances.

Liver Disease
The liver is the largest organ in the body and it has many vital tasks to perform. For example, it gets rid of or neutralizes toxins (such as poisons, germs, and bacteria) in the blood and controls infection. The liver also produces proteins that regulate blood clotting and bile that helps absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins. When the liver does not work normally, many complications can develop. Scarring of the liver, once it occurs, cannot be repaired. But because cirrhosis progresses very slowly, early treatment can prevent further damage.

Curcumin may prevent alcohol-related liver disease
19/03/2003 - A team from the US, Finland and Hong Kong have found that curcumin, found in the Indian spice turmeric, prevents activation of a genetic factor leading to liver inflammation and necrosis.Last week we reported on a study showing how curcumin can prevent the blood cancer multiple myeloma, by de-activating the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kappaB) which seems to be linked to production of cancerous cells.NF-kB is also involved in a number of tissues that are sensitive to alcohol, and as scientists have already shown that curcumin can suppress tumour blood vessel growth and the activation of NF-KB, this raised the possibility that the substance might be useful in preventing alcoholic liver disease(ALD).

Kidney Stones
The formation of stones in the kidneys or urinary tract is not an uncommon disorder. The stones are formed from the chemicals usually found in the urine such as uric acid, phosphorus, calcium, and oxalic acid. They may vary in consistency from grit, sand, and gravel-like obstructions the size of a bird's egg. Stones may form and grow because the concentration of a particular substance in the urine exceeds its solubility. Most kidney stones are composed either of calcium oxalate or phosphate, the latter being most common in the presence of infection. About ninety per cent of all stones contain calcium as the chief constituent. More than half of these are mixtures of calcium, ammonium and magnesium, phosphates and carbonates, while the remainder contain oxalate.

Kidney Disease and Therapeutic Nutrition
Kidney diseases kill 60,000 Americans a year and afflict at least 8 million more.  Dialysis and transplants are expensive, costing taxpayers over 2 billion dollars annually. To that, add the emotional and physical costs in pain. The role of massive doses of vitamin C is profound in this case, providing prevention and treatment at saturation levels. Since vitamin C is filtered and "wasted" through the kidneys, its is a virtually custom-made therapy.

The Kidney Cleansing Recipes
A Kidney cleanse is a procedure aimed at dissolving Kidney stones - stones formed inside kidneys.Kidney cleanse can also be used for improving kidney health by flushing out toxins accumulated inside kidney tissues.There are many different kinds of Kidney stones. Sometimes, it can take days to dissolve them, sometimes it can take months. Sometimes, water is enough, sometimes, you may need several different remedies.Crystals form in urine from various salts that build up on the inner surfaces of the kidney. Eventually these crystals become large enough to form stones in the kidney (called nephrolithiasis).Such salts may include calcium oxalate, uric acid, cystine, or xanthine. These salts can become extremely concentrated under certain circumstances: if the volume of urine is significantly reduced (chronic thirst and dehydration); or if abnormally high amounts of crystal-forming salts are present (infection). When concentration levels reach the point at which the salts no longer dissolve, they precipitate out and form crystals.Stones may also form in the ureter or the bladder. The salts that form these stones are made up of combinations of minerals and other chemicals, some of which are derived from a person's diet.

Ginger may prevent diabetic kidney damage – animal study
10/03/2006 - Ginger could help protect against kidney damage, a condition said to threaten one in three diabetics, if the results of an animal study published in Food Chemistry are also seen in humans.An estimated 19 million people are affected by diabetes in the EU, equal to four per cent of the total population. This figure is projected to increase to 26 million by 2030.The rhizome of the ginger plant (Zingiber officinale) is a rich source of antioxidants, including gingerols, shogaols, zingerones and other ketone derivatives. It has long been used as a remedy for nausea, especially associated with morning sickness.
The new study, published on-line in Food Chemistry (doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2006.01.013), assessed the effects of ginger on the blood antioxidant levels and kidney health of diabetic rat models.

Tomato juice could lower inflammation
04/04/2006 - Italian researchers have reported that a daily glass of tomato juice could lower markers for inflammation by over 30 per cent, but has no effect on the immune system, adding to the debate as to whether carotenoids can boost immune function.Researchers from the University of the Milan found that a daily intake of the commercial tomato drink, Lyc-o-Mato was linked to a drop in the inflammatory mediator TNF-alpha by 34 per cent after six weeks of supplementation of a normal diet.Inflammation is linked to hardening of the walls of the arteries (atherosclerosis), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) – the cause of almost 50 per cent of deaths in Europe.

Apples really keep the doctor away
You may have heard the saying, ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ without really knowing how. Researchers however, have found out how the protective mechanism works.
They have discovered a way in which flavonoid-rich apples inhibit the kinds of cellular activity that leads to the development of chronic diseases."We've known for a long time that it's the flavonoids in fruits that are protecting the body. We just haven't known exactly how,” professor of allergy, rheumatology and immunology at the UC, Eric Gershwin said.

'Cannabis' brain tumour drug hope
An ingredient in marijuana may be useful for treating brain cancers, say Spanish researchers from Madrid. Chemicals called cannabinoids could starve tumours to death by halting the growth of blood vessels that feed it, the Complutense University team hope.
By studying mice, the team has shown for the first time how these chemicals block vessel growth.

Backache
Backache is one of the most common ailments prevalent today. Sedentary living habits, hazardous work patterns and psychological conditions associated with emotional stress, which bring about spasm of the muscles, cause backaches. As the back bears the weight of the entire body, overweight persons feel the strain on the back when they have to carry an extra load.More on Backache : Symptoms, Causes, Remedy, Diet, Other suggestions

Vitamin C, Infectious Diseases, and Toxins: Curing the Incurable
The effectiveness and safety of megadose vitamin C therapy should, by now, be yesterday’s news. Yet I never cease to be amazed at the number of persons who remain unaware that vitamin C is the best broad-spectrum antibiotic, antihistamine, antitoxic and antiviral substance there is. Equally surprising is the ease with which some people, most of the medical profession, and virtually all of the media have been convinced that, somehow, vitamin C is not only ineffective but is also downright dangerous.

Garlic compounds may stop liver cancer growth
04/05/2006 - Water-soluble compounds from garlic reduced the size of liver cancer cells by a factor of three, research that adds to other anti-cancer studies with garlic, says a new laboratory study from Italy.Consumer awareness of the health benefits of garlic, mostly in terms of cardiovascular and immune system health, has benefited the supplements industry, particularly since consumers seek the benefits of garlic without the odours that accompany the fresh bulb.

Garlic Reduces Plaque Mass in Arteries
This new study provides conclusive evidence that garlic prevents and reduces plaque build up in carotid (heart) arteries and femoral (thigh) arteries.When fatty plaque, like cholesterol, builds up in the arteries, it increases the risk of heart attacks.German researchers studied 280 participants over a 4 year period. Participants were given either 900mg of garlic per day or a placebo. Those who took the garlic had 18% less plaque than those who took a placebo.Men who took the placebo had a 5.5% increase in plaque build up and those who took garlic had only a 1.1% increase.

Ginger and curry may help Kennedy's disease
A Chinese researcher has shown that a compound of ginger and curry powder could slow down the progression of Kennedy's disease. Kennedy's disease (KD) or X-linked spinal-bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is a neuromuscular disease associated with mutations of the androgen receptor (AR) that only affects men. The symptoms of the disease, attacking one out of 40,000 people, include difficulty in speaking and swallowing and weakness in the arms and legs.

The new buzz on honey
Mother was right, honey is good for you. New research suggests that adding honey to your diet can boost levels of antioxidants. 1For centuries, honey has been known to have many healing properties. The ancient Egyptians and other early cultures all used honey for its sweetening and nutritional qualities as well as its topical healing effects on sores and wounds. 2Dr Heidrun B Gross and colleagues investigated the antioxidant properties of honey. Honey contains compounds called phenolics that have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants mop-up free radicals within the body which can damage arteries and DNA and can lead to illness.

Fish Oils: The Essential Nutrients
There are good fats and there are bad fats. Artificially produced trans-fatty acids are bad in any amount and saturated fats from animal products should be kept to a minimum. The best fats or oils rather, since they are liquid at room temperature, are those that contain the essential fatty acids so named because without them we die. Essential fatty acids are polyunsaturated and grouped into two families, the omega-6 EFAs and the omega-3 EFAs.

Blueberry Compound Fights Cholesterol, Study Finds
A compound used by blueberries and grapes to fight off fungal infections could help lower cholesterol, U.S. researchers reported on Tuesday.The compound, called pterostilbene, also helps regulate blood sugar and might help fight type-2 diabetes, the researchers told a meeting of the American Chemical Society in Philadelphia.The finding adds to a growing list of reasons to eat colorful fruit, especially blueberries, which are rich in compounds known as antioxidants. These molecules battle cell and DNA damage involved in cancer, heart disease, diabetes and perhaps also brain degeneration.

A Tomato A Day to Keep the Doctor Away
AS FARMERS celebrate National Tomato Week, just why is this humble food so good for us?
The tomato is a real superfood - it is high on health, easy to store, can be used in countless recipes and is a tasty snack raw or cooked. Packed full of antioxidants, tomatoes help to fend off a host of illnesses including several forms of cancer, heart disease, stroke and cataracts.

Beta-carotene could slow down lung aging
Increased intake of beta-carotene, found naturally in carrots, broccoli and tomatoes, might reduce the loss of lung function due to aging, says new research from France.The researchers, from the University of Medicine Bichat, Paris, also report that heavy smokers who had high intakes of beta-carotene and vitamin E reduced their loss of lung function.
“These results strongly suggest that beta-carotene protects lung function in the general population and that beta-carotene and also vitamin E have a protective effect in heavy smokers,” wrote lead author Armelle Guénégou in the journal Thorax (Vol. 61, pp. 320-326).As we age, our lung function declines. This decline is even more pronounced in smokers where tobacco smoke increases the oxidative stress on the lung tissue. By increasing the intake of antioxidants it has been suggested that this decline could be slowed.

Vitamin C could lower body fat levels
Increasing intake of vitamin C improves the body’s ability to oxidize fat and can reduce fatigue,Bonnie Beezhold and Professor Johnston from Arizona State University presented the results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 20 obese men and women on a low-fat diet. One group's diet was supplemented with a 500 mg vitamin C capsule, while the other group received an identical-looking placebo.The diet was formulated to provide 67 percent of the US RDA (recommended daily allowance) for vitamin C.

Pomegranate Juice 'can slow prostate cancer'
Drinking a daily eight ounce glass of pomegranate juice can significantly slow the progress of prostate cancer, a study suggests. Researchers say the effect may be so large that it may help older men outlive the disease. Pomegranates contain a cocktail of chemicals which minimise cell damage, and potentially kill off cancer cells. The study, by the University of California in Los Angeles, appears in the journal Clinical .

Pomegranate juice may cut Alzheimer’s risk
A daily glass of antioxidant-rich pomegranate juice could halve the build-up of harmful proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease, says a new animal study from the USA.
Although the mechanism of Alzheimer's is not clear, more support is gathering for the build-up of plaque from beta-amyloid deposits. The deposits are associated with an increase in brain cell damage and death from oxidative stress. It is against the oxidative stress that the polyphenols appear to offer protection.

Prostate Health
NUTRITION AND THE PROSTATE
We will briefly consider three all too common problems with the male prostate: infection, enlargement and malignancy.
PROSTATITIS Bacterial infection of the prostate may be acute or chronic. A nonbacterial prostatitis is actually more common. (Merck Manual, 14th ed., pp 1566-1567) Saturation doses of vitamin C are at least as effective as antibiotics in any of these conditions. We know this through the work of Frederick R. Klenner, M.D., Robert Cathcart, M.D. and other physicians who have used very large doses of vitamin C to cure infections for decades. Vitamin C is admittedly nonspecific, but no more so than the pharmaceutical antibiotics that are given for infection no matter where in the body it may be. Vitamin C has the advantages of being cheaper and considerably safer than drugs. Saturation of vitamin C is indicated by diarrhea, so one takes just less than the amount that would produce loose bowels. It will be a lot, measured in grams and not milligrams. The need for vitamin C will diminish as the infection subsides. A maintenance dose effectively helps to prevent a recurrence.

Fruit compound fights prostate cancer in lab
A compound found fruits like olives, mangoes, strawberries and grapes fights cancer in human and animal cells, shows recent research.University of Wisconsin researchers reported this summer that lupeol, a triterpene present in the oils and resin of many plants, caused cells from human pancreas tumours to die when tested in the laboratory.
The same team, led by Professor Hasan Mukhtar, has now found that the compound also kills prostate cancer cells from humans injected into mice. Writing in the 1 December issue of Cancer Research (vol 65, issue 23, pp11203-13), the researchers reported that mice fed with lupeol showed significantly slower growth of cancer tumours and increased death of prostate cancer cells.

Protect Your Prostate Naturally
Posted: 5/18/2006 11:09:00 AM
A diet rich in cruciferous vegetables and foods rich in lycopene may help protect your prostate. Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and brussel sprouts. One study found just five servings a week reduced the risk of prostate cancer by twenty percent. Lycopene rich foods include tomatoes and tomato products, pink grapefruit and watermelon. It appears that processed and cooked tomato products offer more protection, possibly by making lycopene more available to the body. In a 2002 study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, researchers found that eating at least 2 servings of tomato sauce a week can reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer by about a third.

Vitamin E, beta-carotene may protect smokers from prostate cancer
15/02/2006 - Daily supplements of vitamin E and beta-carotene may reduce the risk of prostate cancer in smokers, but not non-smokers, reports a new study, adding more contradictory results to an already confused field.A diet rich in antioxidants like vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene has been reported to protect certain sub-populations, particularly smokers, against prostate cancer, a disease that is becoming more common, with incidence rates haven risen by almost two per cent over 15 years.“Vitamin E supplementation in smokers and beta-carotene supplementation in men with low dietary beta-carotene were associated with reduced risks of this disease,” wrote lead author Victoria Kirsh from US National Cancer Institute.The Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (Vol. 98, pp. 245-254), surveyed the diet and supplement use of 29,361 men with an average age of 63, and with an average follow-up time of 4.2 years.

Onion compounds may cut prostate cancer risk
09/01/2004 - Onions and solar radiation exposure could help prevent prostate cancer, while meat and dairy products could be risk factors, finds a recent 32 country study.Environmental factors such as diet and smoking are generally thought to account for 60–70 per cent of cancer incidence and mortality. Since smoking is not a risk factor for prostate cancer the role of diet is likely to be quite high, writes independent US researcher William Grant, who carried out the study. Prostate cancer mortality (PrCM) rates in northern Europe are approximately five times higher than in Hong Kong, Iran, Japan and Turkey.Taking his lead from this notion, Grant set out to identify and determine the relative importance of dietary and environmental risk and risk reduction factors for prostate cancer mortality.

Antioxidants may ham
Meta-analysis supports protective effects of garlic against stomach and colon cancers
A meta-analysis of 18 studies reporting a relative risk estimate for consumption of garlic (Allium sativum) and cancer risk concluded that high consumption of raw or cooked garlic may be associated with protective effects against stomach and colorectal cancers. In the studies analyzed, the lowest consumption of garlic ranged from none to 3.5 g/week, while the highest consumption category ranged from any consumption to more than 28.8 g/week. The average difference between the highest and lowest consumption categories was 16 g/week.

Olive oil brings more than flavor to your diet
Rich in antioxidants, it boosts the cancer-fighting benefits of other foods
It’s no surprise that the Mediterranean diet is linked to good health. Small reliance on meat and scant use of butter limit the saturated fat that raises blood cholesterol and possibly promotes development of some cancers.

Ginkgo biloba
The remarkable effects of Ginkgo biloba on brain function and circulation have made this venerable tree one of the most extensively studied and widely used botanicals in the world. Millions of Americans and Europeans now enjoy the benefits of ginkgo for memory, cognitive function, circulatory disorders, and conditions of the eyes and ears. No other known circulation enhancer, natural or synthetic, can increase blood flow not only to healthy areas of the brain, but also to areas already damaged by disease. In addition, ginkgo's powerful antioxidant effects have earned it an international reputation as an "anti-aging" herb among young and old alike.

Curry spice may fight decline in brain functiainon
Curcumin, the spice that gives curry its yellow colour, may activate a key enzyme that protects the brain against oxidation, thought to be a major factor in ageing and responsible for neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease.A laboratory study by an Italian and US team, being presented this week, demonstrates how the spice strongly induced expression of a gene that helps protect brain cells exposed to an oxidant challenge.It provides further evidence of the spice's antioxidant effects, already shown to fight some cancers and autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.There is a growing need for remedies to fight the conditions associated with ageing, as elderly populations continue to expand around the globe. The number of people with dementia is steadily increasing and there are nearly 18 million people with the disease in the world. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, making up 55 per cent of all cases.

Raspberries – the berries are booming
31/03/2006 - Raspberries possess about 50 per cent higher antioxidant activity than strawberries, and storage or processing into jams does not remove the valuable compounds, as growing consumer awareness of health benefits drive sales.Raspberry sales in the UK are reported to have grown by 62 per cent in the last two years compared to strawberries at 34 per cent, according to AC Nielsen.In a new study, published in the journal BioFactors (Vol. 23, pp. 197-205), it is reported that raspberries contain almost 50 per cent more antioxidant activity that strawberries, three times that of kiwis, and ten times the antioxidant activity of tomatoes.Vitamin C makes up about 20 per cent of the total antioxidant capacity, accounting for up to 30 milligrams per 100 grams of fruit. Anthocyanins, especially cyanidin and pelagonidin glycosides, account for a further 25 per cent.

Pomegranate juice confers cardiovascular health benefits
In vivo studies in healthy nonsmoking men and mice with experimentally induced atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) concluded that pomegranate juice (Punica granatum)
had potent antiatherogenic effects, possibly due its antioxidant activity.

Red cabbage could cut Alzehimer’s risk
In a new study red cabbage was seen to reduce the build-up of certain plaques in the brain that could cause Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia that costs the UK an estimated £15 billion (€ 22 billion) every year.Although the mechanism of Alzheimer’s is not clear, more support is gathering for the build-up of plaque from amyloid deposits. The deposits are associated with an increase in brain cell damage and death from oxidative stress. It is against the oxidative stress that the anthocyanins and other cabbage polyphenols appear to offer protection.Writing in the journal LWT – Food Science and Technology, Ho Jin Heo and Chang Yong Lee from Cornell University said that the benefits of phytochemicals from dietary sources for neurodegeneration diseases, like Alzheimer’s, is only beginning to be explored by scientists.

Grapefruit flavonoid may repair DNA, protect against cancer
Naringenin, a flavonoid found in grapefruit and oranges, helped to repair damaged DNA in cancer cells, reports a lab study.Grapefruit and oranges contain flavonoids, which have received much attention because of their ability to scavenge free radicals. American and Chinese researchers have now reported that one specific flavonoid, naringenin, has anti-cancer effects beyond that of an antioxidant.The study, published in the February issue of the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry (vol. 17, pp. 89-95) looked at the effect of naringenin on DNA repair in human prostate cancer cell cultures (cell line LNCaP).DNA repair is an important factor in the prevention of cancer since it prevents the proliferation of mutations in the cells. The risk of prostate cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer amongst men in the US, increases with age. As men get older, their cells become more susceptible to oxidative stress, which in turns leads to increased DNA damage.

Red grapefruit could lower heart disease risk
Eating a red grapefruit a day could reduce cholesterol by 15 per cent and triglycerides by 17 per cent and protect against heart disease, according to research from Israel.Researchers from the Hebrew University's Hadassah Medical School performed both in vitro and human studies on the antioxidant effects of red and white grapefruits. The results are published on-line in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (doi:10.1021/jf058171g).Grapefruits and other citrus fruits are known to contain high concentrations of antioxidants like vitamin C, and polyphenols, especially flavonoids. The new study claims to be the first to look at different grapefruit types and their influence on humans who suffer from high blood cholesterol (hyperlipidemia) and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), both of which play major roles in heart disease.

Safety of St. John's Wort versus Antidepressant Drugs
In 1999, British researchers from the University of Exeter undertook the first systematic comparison of safety data on St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L., Clusiaceae) and four antidepressant drugs (Stevinson et al., 1999). In compiling the article, they utilized data from meta-analyses and reviews from the Medline database, manufacturers' clinical trials, drug monitoring studies, and spontaneous adverse effect reporting schemes. Although St. John's wort (SJW) was associated with fewer and milder side effects than the drug therapies, it was difficult to make direct comparisons due to the different forms in which data was presented. The authors concluded that SJW is "at least as safe, or possibly more safe" than conventional drug therapies. However, there is still a need for safety data on potential herb-drug interactions.

Beta-carotene shown to reduce LDL oxidation.
In a clinical study sponsored by Nutrilite, a 4.5 mg daily supplement of beta-carotene significantly reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation in adults considered to be at risk for heart disease. The study involved 200 male and female subjects aged 35-68 years who were divided into three at-risk groups-smokers, diabetics, and obese-and a healthy control group.

Ginkgo: Greater improvement in peripheral arterial disease with higher dose
Numerous studies have shown that standardized Ginkgo biloba extract can help improve symptoms of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD), a circulatory disorder associated with narrowing of the arteries and consequent pain during walking. Based on the positive outcome of an earlier pilot trial, this clinical study was designed to compare the effects of two different dosages of ginkgo extract in order to confirm the therapeutic superiority of the higher dose.

Pungent garlic compound to protect the health
05/12/2001 - Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel are focusing on allicin, a pungent compound that is nature's way of protecting garlic from insects, fungi and bacteria in the soil, the Arizona Central newspaper reports this week Weizmann Institute biochemist David Mirelman is leading a team that has cloned the gene for allicin, synthesised it and stabilised the highly volatile molecule in garlic.The strong odour associated with crushed garlic is the result of the chemical reaction that creates allicin by combining the substrate, allin, with an enzyme called allinase., the paper continues. Tests conducted by Mirelman show that allicin is also highly effective at preventing high blood pressure, treating diabetes, curing diarrhoea, lowering the risk of heart attacks and killing cancer cells.In laboratory tests on rats, they also found that garlic prevents weight gain and might even lead to weight loss. Aspirin is not an antibiotic but it helps to prevent strokes, headaches, pain and so on...Allicin has a proven effect on micro-organisms so it's an antibiotic; it kills micro-organisms,”said Mirelman.

Garlic component fights meat carcinogens
07/11/2005 - A component of garlic that gives the herb its flavour may inhibit the effects of a suspected carcinogen produced by meat cooked at high temperatures, say US researchers. Cooking protein-rich foods like meats and eggs at high temperatures releases a chemical called PhIP, which is thought to be cancer-causing. It could be behind the link between increased incidence of breast cancer among women who eat large quantities of meat, although fat and caloric intake and hormone exposure may also play a role in this increased risk. Diallyl sulphide (DAS), a flavour component of garlic, has been shown to inhibit the effects of PhIP that, when biologically active, can cause DNA damage or transform substances in the body into carcinogens.

Garlic ‘smart bomb' destroys tumours in mice
08/01/2004 - Scientists in Israel have developed a new delivery method that allows the garlic compound allicin to selectively kill cancer cells, leaving healthy ones intact.A team at the Weizmann Institute report that they destroyed malignant tumours in mice by using a new, two-step system to deliver allicin straight to the tumour cells.Allicin is the substance that gives garlic its distinctive aroma and flavour. It is also potent and has been shown to kill not only cancer cells, but also the cells of disease-causing microbes, and even healthy human body cells. A researcher in the UK is currently using it to fight the hospital superbug MRSA. Allicin is also highly unstable and breaks down quickly once ingested. This rapid breakdown and undiscriminating toxicity presented twin hurdles to creating an allicin-based therapy.

Garlic: Empowering Immunity From Within
"The secret to garlic's efficacy lies in its' complex composition," said Rob Blais, Director of Branding - Purity Life Health Products Ltd., Canadian distributors of Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract (AGE). Since garlic oil was first isolated in the late 1800s, more than 100 compounds have been identified as constituents of garlic.Of these elements, the most important are organosulfur water soluble S-allyl compounds, including S-allyl cysteine and other sulfur amino acids that are increased by aging garlic extract. Stable, odorless and safe, with high antioxidant activity, S-allyl cysteine easily gets into the circulatory system from the stomach (highly bioavailable), with an absorption of close to 90%. These stable organosulfer compounds have been shown to be the most critical in fighting sickness, building immunity and creating overall wellbeing, according to Blais.

Strong-flavoured onions show promise for fighting cancer
22/10/2004 - Strong-flavoured onions may not help your social life but they could have significant potential for fighting cancer, report US researchers. Researchers have known for some time that onions may help fight cancer, but the current study is believed to be the first to compare cancer-fighting abilities among commonly consumed onion varieties.
Preliminary laboratory studies by a team from Cornell University found members of the onion family with the strongest flavour — particularly New York Bold, Western Yellow and shallots — are the best varieties for inhibiting the growth of liver and colon cancer cells. “No one knows yet how many daily servings of onions you'd have to eat to maximize protection against cancer, but our study suggests that people who are more health-conscious might want to go with the stronger onions rather than the mild ones,” said study leader Rui Hai Liu.


Fruit and veg protect against pancreatic cancer: more evidence
20/09/2005 - Including plenty of fruit and vegetables in the diet could halve chances of developing pancreatic cancer indicates a new case-control study, supporting research published earlier this year.The latest evidence in favor of fruit and veg comes from a study conduced at the University of California, San Francisco and due to be published in the September issue of Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention. It involved person-to-person interviews with 2,233 people living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Of theses, 532 were pancreatic cancer patients. The remainder of the group was made up of randomly selected ‘controls' who did not have pancreatic cancer, but who were of a similar age distribution, and with a similar male to female ratio, as the pancreatic cancer patients.

St. John's Wort Equivalent to World's Best-selling Antidepressant
St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L., Clusiaceae) is one of the world's best-researched phytomedicines. One criticism from the medical community, however, has been that most of the clinical research on St. John's wort (SJW) has matched it against the tricyclic antidepressants, rather than newer, more commonly used agents. It should be noted that during the time at which most SJW research was conducted, doctors favored the tricyclic antidepressants. Now, physicians claim that in order for research results to be truly meaningful, SJW must be compared with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants.

Extra-virgin is the oil of choice to protect against LDL oxidation
Many Mediterranean populations that consume large amounts of olive oil as part of their diets enjoy a decreased incidence of coronary heart disease. The presence of monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants in the diet is directly related to the ability of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol to resist oxidation. Oxidative damage of LDL cholesterol has been linked to development of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.

Three Concentrations of St. John's Wort Effective Against Depression
At least 25 double-blind clinical studies have established the efficacy of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L., Clusiaceae) in treating mild-to-moderate depression. In a recent double-blind, multicenter study, Swiss researchers took off in a different direction. They attempted to determine the optimum dosage of hypericin, a constituent that is thought to play an important role in the plant's antidepressant activity (Lenoir et al., 1999).

JAMA study announces positive results in Alzheimer disease with Ginkgo extract
October 22, 1997. Results of a multicenter study published in the most recent issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) indicate that Ginkgo biloba extract can be of significant benefit in the treatment of dementia associated with Alzheimer disease and multi-infarct dementia (LeBars PL, Katz MM, Berman N, et al. A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial of an extract of Ginkgo biloba for dementia. JAMA 1997;278:1327-1332.). The authors asserted that the improvement seen in patients with Alzheimer could be equated with "a six-month delay in the progression of the disease." These results are particularly promising in light of the fact that no satisfactory treatments currently exist for the management of this common and devastating condition.

Elderberry formula activates healthy immune system
A small study concluded that Sambucol, a proprietary standardized extract of black elderberry (Sambucus nigra), stimulates the healthy immune system by increasing production of inflammatory cytokines. Tea’s brain health benefit link gets more support Both green and black tea could protect against age-related diseases like Alzheimer's, says a new study, adding yet more support to the benefits of tea extract on brain health.“We looked at the protective effects of two tea extracts and their main constituents, called catechins, on dying nerve cells,” explained senior author Rémi Quirion from Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Quebec.The research, published in the European Journal of Neuroscience (Vol. 23, pp. 55-64), claims to be the first to show beneficial effects of both green and black tea on cell cultures treated with amyloid proteins, thought to be a cause of Alzheimers disease, the most common form of dementia and currently affects over 13 million people worldwide.

Coffee possesses extremely harmful qualities, scientists say
One cup of coffee a day is supposedly enough for developing narcotic dependence
Coffee, the most popular drink on planet Earth, has been studied and analyzed all over the world. It seems that every country, which can boast of having a scientific institute, regularly conducts special research works about coffee, its qualities and influence on humans. Looks like researchers in different countries are obsessed by the desire to look deep into this invigorating beverage. Greek researchers believe that one cup of coffee a day can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. According to them, a cup of coffee will lead to a sharp increase of caffeine content in blood; harden the walls of the vessels, and raise blood pressure. Some scientists believe that coffee can dry out the kidneys and disrupt the water supply of the brain.

Apple juice may protect memory in old age
Consuming apple juice may protect against cell damage that contributes to age-related memory loss, conclude researchers investigating the benefits in mice.They believe their results are down to the rich antioxidant levels in concentrated apple juice.
While studies in humans are needed to confirm the benefit to ageing people, the new research adds to previous evidence that fruit and vegetable intake might be good for an ageing brain."This new study suggests that eating and drinking apples and apple juice, in conjunction with a balanced diet, can protect the brain from the effects of oxidative stress – and that we should eat such antioxidant-rich foods," said lead researcher Dr Thomas Shea.

Broccoli compounds halted lung cancer in animal tests
A family of compounds found in broccoli and other vegetables blocked lung cancer progression in both animal studies and in human lung cancer cells, report researchers. The results, published in the 15 September issue of Cancer Research, suggest that these chemicals might some day be used to help current and former smokers ward off development of lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer death in Americans. "These studies provides significant insight into the mechanisms of lung cancer prevention and suggests ways the process can be slowed down after exposure has already occurred," said the study's principal investigator Fung-Lung Chung, professor of oncology in the Lombardi Cancer Center at the Georgetown University Medical Center. "We still need to do more research, but it may be that an agent containing these ingredients could, to some degree, help protect people who have developed early lung lesions due to smoking," Chung said.One of the two new studies being reported was the first to test whether these compounds, derived from naturally occurring isothiocyanates, could have an impact on the stages of cancer development specifically after exposure to cancer-causing elements.

Broccoli and soy could cut cancer risk
08/02/2006 - Compounds found in broccoli and soy may help protect against certain cancers that affect over two million new people every year, according to a cell culture study.Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a phytochemical found naturally in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, and genistein, a soy isoflavone, were shown to have potential prevention activity against hormone-responsive tumours, such as breast, ovarian and prostate cancer.Epidemiological and animal studies have shown that diets high in such vegetables resulted in less instances of certain cancers, while a trial supplementing the diet with I3C reported the prevention of oestrogen-dependent tumours. This led researchers to test the effect of I3C, and genistein, on human breast and prostate cancer cell cultures.

Cauliflower 'juice', a weapon against breast cancer
09/06/2005 - Women who eat cauliflower regularly could provide the body with powerful tools to help fight breast cancer, as a new Italian study reveals the chemopreventive compounds of this popular vegetable, reports Lindsey Partos.Cauliflower is a member of the Brassicaceae mustard/cabbage family that includes brussels sprouts and broccoli, and a raft of studies have already suggested these ubiquitous winter vegetables could be an important source of health benefiting compounds.Investigating their chemoprotective effects, scientists at the University of Urbino claim to have discovered the mechanism of action by which Brassica oleracea (cauliflower) may offer protection against breast cancer.“Cell growth inhibition was accompanied by significant cell death at the higher juice concentrations,” they report in the June issue of The Journal of Nutrition. The scientists stressed that they found all cauliflower varieties tested suppressed cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner.

Pomegranate juice’s heart benefits backed by study
The evidence in favor of pomegranates is stacking up, as the latest research indicates that drinking a glass of pomegranate juice each day may be of benefit for patients with coronary heart disease.Pomegranate juice is remarkably rich in antioxidants, such as soluble polyphenols, tannins, and anthocyanins, which scavenge free radicals and help prevent DNA damage that can lead to a number of serious health conditions.It is also believed to have antiatherosclerotic properties, as studies in Israel have shown that the fruit juice, taken daily, prevented the thickening of arteries and slowed down cholesterol oxidation by almost half (Clin Nutr. 2004 Jun;23(3):423-33).POM Wonderful, which supplied juice for the new study, draws attention to the antiatherosclerotic properties of pomegranate juice on its website.

per cancer therapies
Antioxidants are widely believed to help reduce the risk of certain cancers, but if taken by cancer patients undergoing cytotoxic therapy they may have a detrimental effect, according to a commentary in the Cancer Journal for Clinicians.
Antioxidants,, such as vitamins A, C and E and carotenoids like beta-carotene, are believed to exert a protective effect on cells. They scavenge toxic molecules called free-radicals, which cause oxidative stress and can lead to DNA cell damage.Gabriella D'Andrea, assistant clinical member of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center's department of medicine, wrote in the journal that oncologists are frequently asked what patients can do to reduce the toxicity of treatments. Surveys have shown that as many as 50 percent of cancer patients use dietary supplements.

Cholesterol-lowering foods – the sum greater than the parts?
9/3/2006 - A combination of foods like soy, plant sterols, almonds and viscous fibres, could reduce LDL-cholesterol levels by 20 per cent, and work