Broccoli Can Help Cancer

BALTIMORE —A recent study concluded at John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and published in the journal Cancer Prevention found that broccoli could help prevent cancer.

The study included 291 participants. The researchers divided them into two groups; one group consumed broccoli sprouts, and the other group did not consume any broccoli. They analyzed the cancer fighting abilities associated with consuming broccoli.

The team found that broccoli has the ability to activate more than 400 genes to help prevent a wide range of cancers. They also found that those who consumed broccoli every day significantly reduced their risk of developing cancer from air pollution; broccoli helps protect us from harmful pollutants that we may inhale.

According to Dr. Kenneth Kensler,

“This study points to a frugal, simple and safe means that can be taken by individuals to possibly reduce some of the long-term health risks associated with air pollution.”

If you are interested in preventing cancer, specifically from air pollution, you might want to consider adding broccoli to your daily diet.

Enjoy your day. 

Protect Your Defense System

     Curcumin, a phytochemical extract of the turmeric root, used to be one of the best-kept health secrets in the world.  Then, almost overnight, a bevy of glowing endorsements from high-profile fans, including Dr. Oz, made the herb famous.

     Today, curcumin appears on Nutrition Business Journal's list of best-selling supplements in the United States.  Many medical practitioners consider it to be the most effective... affordable... all-natural immune system booster available.  Unfortunately, not all the supplements sold as "curcumin" live up to the herb's reputation—but when you acquire real, quality curcumin, the health benefits can be astounding. 

The Healing Powers of Curcumin

     Curcumin comes from the turmeric plant, a perennial herb prized in Ayurvedic medicine.  This member of the ginger family grows in Southern Asia and the Himalayas.  You may recognize turmeric as the gold-colored Indian spice in curry and mustard.  Although the words turmeric and curcumin are often used interchangeably, they're not the same thing.

The therapeutic properties of curcumin are much more potent in an extracted form than in substances made from the whole root.

Hundreds of Benefits 

Curcumin's role in easing arthritis pain is just one of hundreds of benefits—literally.  Scientists have found the herb affects more than 100 separate pathways inside each cell.  The herb's strong antioxidant properties quell inflammation and rare likely related to its ability to treat arthritis. 

     Research has identified inflammation as the underlying cause of conditions including...


 Arthritis, Digestive upsets, Neurodegenerative diseases , Tumors and  Cardiovascular issues.

It is clearly noted that by reducing  inflammation, curcumin  supports your natural defense system.

Have a good day.

Nuts And Longevity?

BOSTON

A recent study conducted at Harvard University and published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that consuming nuts could help you live longer.

It is noted that nuts have been proven to be a heart-healthy food.

The study included 119,000 participants. The subjects filled out surveys on food and lifestyle habits every 2 to 4 years; the survey included how often they consumed nuts.

The team found that those who ate nuts on a daily basis minimized their risk of dying by 20 percent. They also found the risk of heart disease dropped by 29 percent and the risk of dying from cancer also decreased by 11 percent. In addition, the researchers also found those who consumed nuts more often weighed less, and had energy to exercise more.

According to Livestrong.com, you should consume a handful of nuts each day. This is about ¼ cup, or 1 ounce.

According to nutrition scientist, Penny Kris-Etheron:

"We're seeing benefits of nut consumption on cardiovascular disease as well as body weight and diabetes.”

If you are interested in minimizing your risk for death and heart disease, you might want to consider adding nuts to your daily diet.

Enjoy your day. 

Great Benefits Taking Vitamin B12

  Studies conducted at Harvard University and published in the Harvard Health Newsletter found that vitamin B12 could help prevent or fight off Alzheimer’s disease.

According to  Alzheimer’s.org, nearly 1 in every 8 Americans over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s disease and it is the 6th leading cause of death.

The study analyzed a group of participants and measured the amount of vitamin B12 they consumed daily. The researchers then compared these results to the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

The team found that the majority of people have a deficiency in vitamin B12. This is not good news, because they also found that this nutrient not only helps keep your immune system strong, regulates sleep and energy, but also keeps your brain from shrinking. It is noted that reduction in brain mass is directly associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

According to Harvard University , the following foods are rich in vitamin B12:

·         Fruits and vegetables

·         Whole grains

·         Beans

·         Chicken and fish

·         Dark leafy greens

If you are interested in preventing Alzheimer’s disease, you might want to consider adding vitamin B12 to your daily diet.

Enjoy your day.

Do You Get Migraines?

If you suffer from migraines, there may be any number of triggers that set the pain and agony into motion. But there's one thing that's for sure. People who experience migraines have reduced levels of a specific neurotransmitter that inhibits pain and regulates mood.

You've probably heard of it before. It's called serotonin.

Low serotonin levels can make you feel stressed, anxious and depressed. But that's not the end of it. People who have low levels of this neurotransmitter are more likely than other folks to suffer migraines. Worse yet, serotonin levels fall even further during a migraine attack.

Now, here's the thing…

Somewhere around 90% of serotonin is produced in your GI tract. But, if you become constipated or have an imbalance of healthy gut microbiota, it can throw that production system out of whack.

I believe this is why certain foods are one of the most common migraine triggers I have heard of.

It is noted that the nitrates in hotdogs, deli meats, bacon and ham can send you reeling. Histamines in beer and wine can be a problem, too. And, let's not forget about fermented foods, cheese, peanut butter, chocolate, foods laced with MSG, and one in our diets almost every single day – gluten.

What can you do to stop the pain and improve serotonin levels?

Sadly, the same medicine you reach for to stop migraine pain may be driving your serotonin levels down even further. Analgesic drugs, like over-the-counter acetaminophen or prescription narcotics might help in the short-term. But they also deplete serotonin. Furthermore, overuse of these drugs can also cause rebound headaches. Once the medicine wears off, you get a pounding headache. This drives you to take another dose of the drug. Eventually you'll reach the point that you get a headache every time you stop taking the drug.

In that case, your doctor might write you up a prescription for a "triptan." These drugs mimic the action of serotonin by activating serotonin receptors. This helps block pain, but it does nothing to increase serotonin levels.They also come with a boatload of problems.

 People with heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, peripheral artery disease or obesity face serious risks if they take them. That's because these drugs constrict blood vessels and arteries.

Your best bet, then, is to naturally increase your serotonin levels. Your body uses an amino acid called tryptophan to produce serotonin. However, we really don't get much tryptophan in our diets.

To be cont'd.

Have a nice day.

The 5 Myths Of The Silent Killer?

There are many misconceptions about high blood pressure. This is a case where ignorance is definitely not bliss. In fact, it can kill...

So here are five deadly myths about high blood pressure you cannot live without. The good news: you can get control of your high blood pressure.Perhaps even prevent it altogether.

Myth Number One: It's No Big Deal. The problem with high blood pressure initially is, there are no symptoms. You don't feel bad, so how could anything be wrong?

Here's the truth, when your blood flow begins to push too hard against your blood vessels, it leads to damage of your heart, kidneys, and other organs in your body. High blood pressure is a very big deal indeed.

Myth Number Two: There Is No Good Treatment. Many people feel there's nothing they can do about their high blood pressure.

The truth is if you follow a sensible plan, you can manage your high blood pressure. 

Myth Number Three: A "Little" High Blood Pressure Is Okay. When you take your blood pressure readings, you probably notice they vary somewhat. You probably also notice there are two numbers, one on top and one on bottom.

Normal readings are: 119 or below for the top number, and 79 or below for the bottom number. Some people believe that as long as one of these numbers is normal, you're okay.The truth is if either of your blood pressure numbers is above normal, you need to do something right away.

Myth Number Four: High Blood Pressure Cannot Be Prevented. This idea is dead wrong. Even if everyone in your family has higher blood pressure, this doesn't mean there is nothing you can do. Simple changes such as eating a healthy diet, limiting salt intake, and keeping your weight under control, can help you prevent high blood pressure.

Myth Number Five: Treatment Is Difficult. Most people think that treating high blood pressure requires giving up all your favorite foods, engaging in some crazy exercise plan, or taking dangerous and expensive drugs.

While you do need to make changes to get your blood pressure under control, those changes do not have to be difficult or unpleasant.

In fact, the best treatment for your high blood pressure could be right there in your kitchen cabinet that may even help to prevent your blood pressure from escalating. Yes, high blood pressure is a big deal, it can kill.

Enjoy your day.

Benefits Of Coconut Oil

ASIA PACIFIC—A recent study conducted in the Asia Pacific area and published in The Coconut Oil Miracle found seven significant health benefits associated with consuming coconut.

Coconut oil contains a unique fat called monolaurin, it is noted that it is one of the best fats found in nature, which provides health benefits when consumed regularly.

The study analyzed people who live in tropical areas whose diets are rich in coconut oil. The team found seven significant health factors associated with consuming this oil, which include:

1.      Help fight off infections- contains lauric acid, a substance that is very toxic to viruses, funguses and bacteria.

2.      Hair and skin health: help penetrate hair shafts and great skin conditioner.

3.      Weight loss: medium-chain fatty acids help boost metabolism.

4.      Diabetes: substituting sugary foods/beverages with coconut oil whens produce energy quicker, preventing the onset of diabetes.

5.      Hypothyroidism: helps produce more thyroid hormone.

6.      Bone Health: rich in calcium and magnesium, which both help strengthen bones.

7.      Alzheimer’s disease: studies have shown the medium-chain fatty acids found in this oil help fight off and prevent this disease.

The researchers also noted a few ways to consume coconut oil: it can be used as a substitute in almost any recipe, add it to granola or even roast it with sweet potatoes.

If you are interested in receiving some of these great health benefits, you might want to consider adding coconut oil to your daily diet.

Have a great day.

Can Protein Prevent Dementia?

UNITED KINGDOM -  Recent studies conducted at the University of Warwick and published in the journal Nature Communications found that consuming daily protein could prevent dementia.

The study analyzed the health benefits associated with consuming protein, focusing on memory loss associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

The researchers found that protein (MK2/3) helps regulate the shape of spines of theneurons that control communication directly to the brain. They noted that the neurons are narrower when protein is missing, which makes communication to the brain more difficult.

According to lead researcher and author, Dr. Sonia Correa:

"For example, washing the dishes; if you have washed them by hand your whole life and then buy a dishwasher it can be difficult for those people who are older or have dementia to acquire the new memories necessary to learn how to use the machine and mentally replace the old method of washing dishes with the new. The change in shape of the postsynaptic neuron due to absence of MK2/3 is strongly correlated with this inability to acquire the new memories."

According to the USDA, the following foods are rich in protein:

·         Lean cuts of meat

·         Eggs

·         Beans and Peas

·         Nuts and Seeds

·         Seafood

If you are interested in preventing memory loss, you might want to consider adding protein to your daily diet.

Have a great day.