Saturday, January 31, 2009
What is the best tuna to buy?
I always like to recommend foods as close to their whole, natural forms as possible. Yet, in the case of tuna, it is difficult for me to stick with this principle 100% due to the types of fresh (and frozen) tuna most widely available in the marketplace and their relative risk of mercury toxicity. Canned light tuna, ordinarily made from skipjack tuna, actually poses a substantially lower risk in terms of mercury exposure than fresh yellowfin or albacore tuna. So this type of tuna - canned light tuna - is the type that's best for you to buy if you want to eat tuna relatively often (for example, about one meal per week). If you are only interested in eating tuna about once per month, other options include yellowfin or albacore tuna (that is either fresh or frozen, troll or pole caught), which I would describe as having a medium mercury exposure risk. While from an ecological standpoint, I would rank these tuna as "best choices" most of us will probably want to consider the mercury and health risks right alongside of the ecological ones when deciding upon our food purchases.
While canned light tuna is my "best choice" recommendation when it comes to canned tuna, it's important to take a close look at the "canned light" label as skipjack, yellowfin, bluefin, and tongol can all be sold as "light" tuna. Skipjack is your best choice among these light tuna options for lowering your risk of mercury exposure.
I also recommend water-packed versus oil-packed tuna whenever you are buying canned tuna. In addition to questioning the quality of non-organic oils used in oil-packed tuna (and the unnecessary, lower-quality fat calories they provide), water-packed tuna, on average, contains a slightly higher omega-3 fat content than oil-packed tuna. However small it may be, it is yet another important benefit that it offers.
There are also more expensive, specialty brands of canned tuna available in the marketplace that may serve as a good option. Some of these specialty products give you better flavor and more omega-3 fatty acids due to higher-quality production methods.
They may also involve more sustainable fishing methods than many other forms of canned tuna.
Labels: canned tuna, health and safety, healthy diet, mercury, Omega-3s, tuna, world's healthiest foods
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wildflower Dry Oil - BellaSugar Recommends It!
As much as I love testing beauty products, there are times when I wonder if I'll even remember to put on one more thing! However, that's not the case with Hollybeth's Wildflower Dry Oil. The elixir of botanical infusions and plant extracts (95 percent organic!) provides unparalleled moisture for my dryness. Normally, even my favorite face cream seems to vanish by morning, yet this leaves my skin feeling smooth after a night of shuteye. Simply use the included eyedropper (which can double as a cap) to drip onto fingers before applying to the flowery-scented oil to your face and neck twice daily. It's said to diminish fine lines and counteract the formation of free radicals. Now, I've only been using it for a week so I can't report any visible changes, but I do know that I don't want to stop touching my soft face. Even with a big price tag of $40 (for 0.5 fl. oz.), I'd not only recommend it for wintry dry skin, but also because the company participates in UNICEF's Inspired Gifts program. With proceeds from sales in 2009, they've committed to purchase five water pumps, each one will providing clean, safe drinking water for an entire community. It's a nice way to feel like you're helping others while also helping yourself.
Labels: bellasugar, free radicals, Hollybeth, organic skin care, Wildflower Dry Oil
Question of the Day: Is there a problem with eating up to four bananas per day in my protein shakes if I work out?
In the vast majority of cases, four bananas per day are probably too many. One large banana contains about 18 grams of sugar and 125 calories. Four would contain about 72 grams of sugar and 500 calories. If a person ate about 2,000 calories per day, that person's diet would be approximately 14% sugar from the bananas alone, and about 25% of all calories would come from the bananas. From my perspective, that's too much daily sugar and too many daily calories from a single food. I have no way of knowing, of course, whether or not four bananas per day are supportive of your personal health. That answer depends upon your individual health status, your daily diet, the amount and type of exercise you are doing, and your current nutritional needs. A healthcare practitioner who can take all of these factors into account would be the best person to help determine the number of bananas that would be best for you to consume to meet your nutrient and health needs.
But I can suggest a set of questions that you might ask yourself about your banana-plus-protein shakes. Does your diet have room for the calories that four bananas per day provide? Do you have to cut out any other nutrient-rich foods that provide other nutrients in which bananas may not be concentrated in order to make room for the bananas? Do you feel good when you eat the bananas? Do the bananas give you the energy and stamina that you desire?
In general, our website approach is to encourage consumption of whole, natural foods. We believe that the benefits of these foods are so unique and so overwhelming that major changes in lifestyle are worthwhile in order to make way for these foods. While you may be getting the nutrients you need from your protein shakes, you also might not be, and you will always increase your chances of getting the full spectrum of nutrients you need by eating a variety of whole, natural foods.
Labels: bananas, diet, nutrition, question of the day, Whole Foods, world's healthiest foods
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Mercury Found In Nearly Half of All Corn Syrup
In a new study published Monday in the scientific journal Environmental Health, mercury was found in nearly 50 percent of tested samples of commercial high fructose corn syrup. The news is disturbing given that this ingredient is present in a large portion of processed American foods. According to David Wallinga, M.D., co-author of the study,"Given how much high fructose corn syrup is consumed by children, it could be a significant additional source of mercury never before considered. We are calling for immediate changes by industry and the FDA to help stop this avoidable mercury contamination of the food supply."
A separate study by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy detected mercury in nearly one-third of 55 popular brand-name food and beverage products where high fructose corn syrup is the first or second highest labeled ingredient-including products by Quaker, Hershey's, Kraft and Smucker's.
Source
Labels: Hershey's, HFCS, high fructose corn syrup, Kraft, mercury, Quaker, Smucker's, study, toxic
Exercise At a Glance
Exercise at a glance
In a nutshell, exercise can:
- reduce your chances of getting heart disease. For those who already have heart disease, exercise reduces the chances of dying from it.
- lower your risk of developing hypertension and diabetes.
- reduce your risk for colon cancer and some other forms of cancer.
- improve your mood and mental functioning.
- keep your bones strong and joints healthy.
- help you maintain a healthy weight.
- help you maintain your independence well into your later years.
Labels: exercise, Health, healthy living, staying healthy
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Know Your Teas (aka Tea 101)
So what are the different kinds of teas? Well, there are four basic types: black, green, oolong and white. However there are a few others as well.- Black Tea - The tea leaves are allowed to fully oxidize, so the leaves of the tea are darker than others. It has been the most popular type of tea in western countries due to the fact that it has a longer storage life and was more suitable for transport in the early days of tea trade. Often referred to as "red tea" in many parts of Asia.
- Green Tea - The leaves of green tea are un-oxidized or minimally oxidized by steam or dry cooking in hot pans. The steaming process allows the leaves to retain their green color. Due to the shorter shelf-life, green teas should be consumed as soon after production as possible.
- Oolong Tea - The oxidation process is stopped somewhere between green and black tea, usually within 2-3 days. It generally has more flavor than green tea, but brews lighter than black.
- White Tea - Made from the buds and young leaves of the tea plant. In order to stop the oxidation process, the leaves are fried or steamed immediately after picking. It is very delicate in taste and has a unique sweetness. In general, the price of white tea is usually more than the others.
- Post-fermented Tea - These leaves undergo a second oxidation and are meant to be aged. It's also produced from the mature, larger leaves of older tea trees. It can take several years to age. Pu-erh is the most common type of post-fermented tea.
- Yellow Tea - A special tea processed similarly to green tea, however the drying phase is much slower.
- Herbal Tea - Made by infusing or boiling leaves, seeds, flowers, stems, roots, and bark of various plants. It is not a "true tea" since the leaves do not all come from the tea tree.
Labels: beverages, green tea, healthy living, herbal teas, Oolong Tea, Pu-erh tea, types of tea
Monday, January 26, 2009
Gimme More Fish OIl!!
Among the Japanese, who each eat an average of 145 pounds of fish a year, rates of depression and homicide are strikingly low. Meanwhile, men who live in landlocked nations such as Austria and Hungary, where fish consumption is respectively 25 pounds and nine pounds per capita, top the global charts in suicide and depression.Despite the fact that the Japanese smoke like fiends, struggle with high blood pressure, and eat a hundred more cholesterol-rich eggs a year per person than Americans do, they boast enviably low rates of cardiovascular disease, as well as the longest life span on the planet, an average of 81 years…three years longer than that of Americans.
And while it's true that the Japanese consume soy in the form of tofu, miso, and soy sauce, the way it is prepared--precipitated or fermented--is far healthier than the raw, mineral-blocking phytate estrogen and omega-6-rich versions consumed by Americans.
Full Article
Labels: fish oil, healthy diet, nutrition, Omega-3s
The Power of Berries
Studies show that many berries, including these Olallie blackberries, are packed with nutrients and may be a weapon against cancer.
Several studies show that people who eat diets high in fruits and vegetables have lower cancer rates. Now a large body of research suggests that berries may be among the most potent cancer-fighting fruits.
In numerous laboratory studies, researchers at Ohio State University have found that black raspberries inhibit the development of oral, esophageal and colon cancers in rats. Some human studies have also suggested a benefit from berry consumption. In one small study of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis, a genetic condition that raises risk for colon cancer, patients given black raspberry extract had up to 59% fewer rectal polyps than those taking a placebo; the findings were published in November’s Cancer Prevention Research journal. Another study showed black raspberry powder reduced symptoms for patients with Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition.
The main berries being researched include black and red raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and elderberries. Although blueberries have numerous health benefits, they don’t appear to have the same cancer-fighting properties as other berries, researchers say. Berries contain a number of healthful compounds including vitamins A, C, E and folic acid; selenium; calcium; polyphenols; and compounds called anthocyanins, which give berries their color.
While berries, particularly raspberries, look like a promising super food, many people may not find it practical to eat them on a regular basis. A human would have to eat about a pound of berries a day to ingest the equivalent doses used in the rodent studies. Another concern is whether variations in climate and growing techniques may alter the concentration of the beneficial compounds found in the fruit. Although frozen berries can substitute for fresh when they are out of season, the fruits are expensive and may be too costly for most people to eat daily.
As a result, researchers are trying to identify the key ingredients that make berries cancer fighters. In a study published this month in Cancer Prevention Research, scientists compared rats who ingested a diet of whole black raspberries or a concentrated powder of black raspberry anthocyanins to rodents who ate a regular diet. The study found that the anthocyanin powder worked just as well as whole raspberries for slowing tumor growth. Both groups of rats consuming either whole berries or anthocyanin powder developed 50% fewer esophageal tumors compared to untreated rats.
Although the verdict on berries as cancer fighters is still out, Dr. Stoner says more people could benefit by eating them. Studies already show people with diets high in fruits and vegetables are healthier, and berries are a particularly tasty fruit. Dr. Stoner says frozen berries are a good option, because they won’t spoil, can be eaten year round and often are cheaper than fresh berries. Concentrated berry powders are also available at health food stores.
Dr. Stoner says he starts every morning with a shake made with strawberries, blackberries and blueberries mixed with yogurt and milk.
“We think for the average American, probably the consumption of three to four helpings of berries every week is a good thing,” he said. “We know berries have so many effects on processes related to cancer development. They are one of the food stuffs you probably should consider consuming every day, or at least a few times a week.”Source
Labels: berries, cancer, fruits, healthy diet, study
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Good Mood Nutrients
Chromium (broccoli, grapes, oranges, grains)
Several studies have shown that chromium supplementation can improve depression symptoms, particularly in people who experience carbohydrate cravings along with altered mood (chromium is a blood sugar stabilizer). Take 300 mcg of chromium per day.
Folic acid (rice, beans, oranges, greens) and B12 (salmon, eggs, milk)
People with B deficiencies are more likely to have severe depression symptoms. Take 800 mcg of folic acid and 1 mg of B12 per day.
Magnesium (wheat and oat bran, brown rice, nuts, molasses)
Involved in many enzymatic reactions that control brain function; helpful for mood disorders, including PMS and bipolar disorder. Take 300 mg of magnesium per day.
Omega-3 fatty acids (oily fish, walnuts, flaxseed oil)
Build healthy brain cell membranes and help facilitate neuron-to-neuron communication. Take a supplement that includes a total of 650 mg EPA and DHA daily.
Zinc (oysters, lean meats, beans, nuts, oatmeal)
Helps metabolize omega-3 fatty acids in the brain. Studies have implicated low zinc levels in postpartum depression and other depression symptoms. Take 25 mg zinc per day (often found in a multivitamin).
Labels: b-vitamins, chromium, depression, essential nutrient, folic acid, good mood, magnesium, nutrition, Omega-3s, zinc
Friday, January 16, 2009
Marinate Steak in Beer, Fight Cancer
Before you get ready to throw your next steak on the barbie, consider adding in an extra step that'll flavor your meat — and possibly improve your health. According to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, marinating steak in beer or red wine reduces the number of cancer-causing compounds in the meat. Cooking food of any kind, and especially frying and grilling meats, increases the level of compounds known as heterocyclic amines (HAs) that cause cancer.
Following the University of Porto study, marinating steak in red wine slashed levels of two types of HAs by up to 90 percent compared to unmarinated steak, and marinating steak in beer reduces levels even more.
Labels: beer, cancer, healthy cooking, marinated steak, red wine, study
Good Question --> Smoked Salmon, Good or Not So Good?
In addition to having less omega-3s than non-smoked fish, smoked fish may contain toxic substances called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Many of these compounds have been shown to increase risk of cancer. When wood or coal is used for smoking, the hotter the wood or coal burns, the more PAHs are created. I don't recommend regular consumption of smoked foods for this reason. Smoking fish has been a traditional way to preserve fish for many different cultures. Fish that are smoked in high heat for longer periods of time are less likely to require the addition of preservatives to extend their shelf life; however, they may also have a higher PAH content. "Cold-smoked" fish avoid some of the negative consequences of high heat exposure but still contain PAHs and may have been preserved with nitrates or nitrites depending on the manufacturer. While "cold-smoking" doesn't have a legal definition, it generally involves temperatures between 70°-100°F (21°-38°C) and a time period of at least 12 hours in length, and sometimes as long as three weeks.
"Lox" is a word used to describe salmon that has been cured in brine that typically includes salt and sugar. This type of salmon may or may not be smoked. When it is smoked, however, it is usually "cold-smoked." Nitrates or nitrites are sometimes added to lox as a preservative, but many high-quality manufacturers omit this additive. The lack of nitrates and nitrites is desirable from my perspective even though lox that is nitrate-free and exposed to minimal heat will have a shorter shelf life than salmon smoked in high heat and preserved with nitrates or nitrites.
Many factors would be important in determining whether to include or avoid smoked salmon in a Healthiest Way of Eating. Most individuals in a relatively good state of health with fully nourishing diets would be able to include smoked salmon and benefit from its consumption. These individuals would have plenty of additional omega-3 food sources in their weekly meals, and they would also have healthy detoxification systems that could readily process and eliminate the PAHs or preservatives found in the smoked fish. For other individuals, non-smoked salmon would be a much better choice.
Labels: cancer, fish, lox, nitrates, nitrites, Omega-3s, salmon, smoked salmon
CSPI Sues Coke Over VitaminWater Claims
Suddenly Vitaminwater doesn’t look so healthy after all. At least not to the Center for Science in Public Interest and participants in the class action lawsuit against Coca-Cola. The suit states that the Coke-owned brand is guilty of deceptive and unsubstantiated claims.Glacéau Vitaminwater has long been marketed as a healthy alternative to other beverages thanks to added vitamins and minerals. CSPI has taken issue with many claims associated with its drinks like “rescue,” “energy” and “endurance.”
“We had been looking at Vitaminwater for a number of months. Our concern is flavored sugar water shouldn’t be marketed as a health drink,” CSPI litigation director Steve Gardner told Brandweek. “We were then contacted by two small law firms who were already working together. Their client had the same complaint we did so we joined forces.”
The brand's marketing claims the products can, among other things, reduce the risk of chronic disease and promote healthy joints. The health advocacy group feels the drink is more likely to do harm than good, considering the 33 grams of sugar. The marketing of Vitaminwater “is truly an irresponsible act by Coca-Cola. They know it is flavored snake oil,” said Gardner.
He pointed to the brand's double labeling practices as "them just thumbing their nose at the Federal Drug Administration and the consumer." Specifically, the servings of calories and other "bad stuff" are shown per every eight ounces while the vitamins and minerals are labeled per bottle.
This is not Coke’s first run in with CSPI. In 2007, the group sued the company over claims that its Enviga brand burns more calories than it consumes resulting in weight loss. The suit is still pending.
Coke has already come under fire from the FDA. Last month it sent Coke CEO Muhtar Kent a letter stating that Diet Coke Plus' nutrient claims are in violation of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
Source
Labels: Coca-Cola, Coke, CSPI, deceit, lawsuit, sugar, Vitamin Water, VitaminWater
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Yoga At Your Desk
Sitting MountainThis pose is done best from a chair.
- Sit tall in a chair with your feet flat on the floor and your shoulders relaxed under your ears.
- Place your hands palms up on your lap.
- Cross your wrists in front of your solar plexus.
- Interlace your fingers and raise your arms as high as is comfortable and look at the back of your hand (make sure that you do not hyper-extend your neck).
- Repeat once.
This pose can be done in a chair or on the floor.
- Return to the first phase of Sitting Mountain.
- Extend both of your arms out to your sides, palms facing the floor.
- Inhale as you bring your right arm over your head, bending slightly at the waist. Exhale as you return to center.
- Repeat with the right side.
This pose is done best from a chair.
- Return to the first phase of Sitting Mountain
- Turn to the right side of your chair and extend your left leg behind you, pressing the heel back.
- Raise your arms above your head, arch as much as is comfortable and look up, taking care not to hyper-extend your neck.
This pose is done best from a chair.
- Return to the first phase of Sitting Mountain
- Exhale, pressing your spine to the back of the chair
- Inhale, pulling your abdominal region forward, lifting the chest and chin up (remember to take care not to hyper-extend the neck)
- Repeat as desired.
Labels: living holistically, office, yoga, yoga poses
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Why You Should Consider Krill Oil
The Antarctic krill is considered the healthiest nutrient the sea can offer. Krill oil consists of a unique “triple power” combination of bioactive compounds—marine phospholipids, omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) bound to phospholipids and the potent antioxidant astaxanthin—all which have documented health benefits for humans. Purified krill oil is believed to have beneficial effects due to its ability to modulate the inflammatory response.
Krill oil is the only available source of omega-3s bound to phospholipids. Omega-3-bound phospholipids may be more bioavailable than other forms of omega-3. Krill oil is also a source for one of nature’s strongest antioxidants—the carotenoid astaxanthin.
Antioxidants protect the body against free-radical damage, and astaxanthin is particularly potent in protecting the cells as well as serving as a powerful anti-inflammatory compound. When consumed along with omega-3-bound phospholipids, astaxanthin enhances and supports several of the omega-3 benefits.
Labels: Anti-oxidant, astaxanthin, krill oil, Omega-3s, Omega-3s fish oil
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Hot Herbs for the Bedroom
GinsengFor centuries, ginseng has had a reputation for being sexually invigorating and rejuvenating. But is it true? Yes, according to scientific research. Recently, a team of scientists studied the efficacy of Korean red ginseng in 45 patients with ED. Using several means to calculate the efficacy of the herb, including the International Index of Erectile Function, scores were significantly higher in patients who took red ginseng than in those given a placebo. In fact, 60 percent of the patients taking ginseng reported improved erections. Ginseng is also known for its ability to help the body cope with stress, and stress is a common reason for low sex drive.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), an Indian herb, is used to support mood and energy. Kilham says that ashwagandha is, without question, the single most popular herb in India. “I spent time in India and talked with a number of gynecologists and obstetricians,” he explains. “They all give ashwagandha to their patients as a matter of course for healthy fertility, menstruation, and as a general aphrodisiac.”
Maca
One of Kilham’s favorite herbs is the turnip-like Lepidium meyenii, or maca. “It packs a sexual punch,” he says. In a recent Peruvian study, researchers looked at the effect of maca on sexual desire in men. The results showed that with eight weeks of treatment with maca, the men had increased sexual desire. In another study, maca usage over four months resulted in an increase of seminal volume, sperm count, and motility. And maca isn’t just for men
Labels: ashwagandha, fertility, ginseng, herbs, maca, sex
Health Effects of Decaf Coffee
Decaf coffee increases acidity
Decaf coffee increases cholesterol and heart attack risk
Several studies have shown that decaffeinated coffee raises the risk for heart attacks similar to regular coffee in spite of the lowered levels of caffeine. A U.S. National Institutes of Health study suggested that drinking decaffeinated coffee increased the risk of heart disease. This study showed that the group drinking decaffeinated coffee experienced an 18% rise in non-essential fatty acids in the blood, which can drive the production of LDL cholesterol and an 8% rise in apolipoprotein B - a protein associated with cholesterol linked to cardiovascular disease.Levels of LDL cholesterol, a strong predictor for heart attacks, increase after coffee drinkers switch from regular coffee to decaf coffee. These finding suggests that a phytochemical present in coffee other than caffeine is responsible for the subsequent LDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B activity.
The fact is that caffeinated and decaf coffees are known to be made from different beans. Decaf coffee is often made from Robusta beans, which contain a much higher content of fats called diterpenes. Diterpenes are known to stimulate fatty acid production in the body. Thus, decaf coffee has proved more harmful effects on the heart as compared to regular coffee. Coffee oils other than caffeine have also been demonstrated to elevate liver enzyme levels, further inhibiting the liver’s ability to effectively regulate serum cholesterol.
Also, chlorogenic acid is found in both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee. It is believed to raise plasma levels of homocysteine, which is associated with increased susceptibility of developing cardiovascular disease. Reducing intake of both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee may be important in controlling plasma homocysteine levels.
Decaf coffee may lead to osteoporosis
According to an osteoporosis expert of Creighton University in Omaha, there occurs a loss up to 5 milligrams of calcium for every six ounces of regular coffee that you drink. As little as 300 to 400 mg of caffeine a day doubles the risk of hip fracture.Low bone density increases chances for developing osteoporosis. Metabolic acidity contributes to demineralization of the bones. The high acidity of decaf coffee increases the risk for developing osteoporosis. It alters bone cell function, increasing osteoclastic bone resorption and decreasing osteoblastic bone formation. Avoiding regular and decaf coffee and including 3-4 servings of calcium rich foods a day can reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis.
Decaf coffee leads to increased incidence of rheumatoid arthritis
Decaffeinated coffee intake is independently and positively associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) onset. According to researchers from the American College of Rheumatology, older women who drink four or more cups of decaffeinated coffee a day are more than twice as likely to develop RA as regular coffee drinkers. Moreover, drinking more than 3 cups of tea per day is actually associated with decreased risk of developing RA.Decaf coffee increases risk of glaucoma
Caffeine consumption may be harmful to people with glaucoma because it increases pressure within the eyeball. While caffeinated coffee more significantly increases intraocular pressure, decaffeinated coffee also causes a rise in levels of pressure within the eye. People at risk for developing glaucoma and those who already suffer from glaucoma should avoid anything that further increases intraocular pressure to avoid damaging their eyes.Link to cancer and organ damage
The decaffeinated coffee is likely to contain the solvent methylene chloride that is used to remove caffeine from coffee. This process leaves small amounts of this chemical in the beans. Methylene chloride is a proven carcinogenic that is toxic to lungs, the nervous system, liver, mucous membranes, and central nervous system (CNS). Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage. Ethyl acetate is an alternate solvent used to extract caffeine. As this chemical is in low quantities found naturally in fruit, companies often market coffee decaffeinated using this process as naturally decaffeinated. However, this is a chemical with serious health consequences.Kicking the decaf coffee habit
The health risks of decaffeinated coffee have been studied, with varying results. People most often switch from caffeinated to decaffeinated coffee due to a desire to improve their health. But for people with a number of existing health conditions, drinking decaffeinated coffee may not necessarily provide the desired health benefits. Current studies suggest that, for people who are sensitive to the effects of coffee, decaffeinated brews may still exacerbate their health problems. Therefore, the healthiest option may be to eliminate both regular and decaffeinated coffee from the diet.Source
Labels: acid, caffeine, coffee, decaffeinated, study, toxic
The UltraMind Solution
In his revolutionary new book, The UltraMind Solution, Dr. Mark Hyman offers not just an explanation validated by hundreds of recent peer-reviewed medical studies, but a solution for this invisible epidemic that now affects 1.1 billion people worldwide and will cripple one in four among us during our lifetime. So, what's causing our "broken brains"?
Essentially two things - our modern diet and environment - both of which are loaded with brain-toxic compounds, including:
- Brain-toxic foods, such as high-fructose corn syrup and trans/hydrogenated fats
- Excessive consumption of sugar, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine
- Additives and toxins in our foods (more than 3,500 can be added to food; more than 3,000 are in our homes)
- Toxic chemicals (more than 80,000 have been introduced since 1990; 500 have been tested for safety)
- Heavy metals, including lead, mercury, cadmium
- Over-the-counter and prescription medications, which interfere with the body's use or production of several compounds essential for brain health (e.g., coenzyme Q10, B vitamins, glutathione)
- Mycotoxins, which, according to a number of very current studies, cause severe symptoms of brain damage in 70%, and autonomic nervous system abnormalities in 100% of patients living with them.
- Sleep deprivation
- Sedentary lifestyle, which lowers brain repair mechanisms (e.g., IGF-1 and brain-derived neurotropic factor)
- Chronic stress, which chronically elevates the "stress hormone," cortisol
What's the UltraMind Solution? Heal the Body, Heal the Brain
First, as the discussion of current research in Part I makes clear: the brain is not disconnected from the rest of the body. Dr. Hyman sums it up saying: "the barrier between the body and the brain is no iron curtain. It is more like cheesecloth."
What this means is that brain disorders are not only in the brain. Their root cause(s), and therefore their cure, is to be found in finding and treating imbalances in the rest of the body-in the body's seven key systems. Restoring balance to these core systems restores health, both in the body and the brain.
Dr. Hyman marshals these seven key systems as the Seven Keys to UltraWellness.
They are:
- Optimize nutrition
- Balance your hormones
- Cool off inflammation
- Fix your digestion
- Enhance detoxification
- Boost energy metabolism
- Calm your mind
Labels: caffeine, Dr. Mark Hyman, high fructose corn syrup, living holistically, stress, sugar, The UltraMind Solution, toxic metals, toxins, UltraWellness
Monday, January 12, 2009
The Green That KOs Blood Sugar Damage
Like going a couple of rounds with Tyson, high blood sugar can do a number on your vital organs. But eating this may give it a one-two punch right back: broccoli.The tasty green florets are ripped with sulforaphane, a compound that seems to help keep high blood sugar goons on their best behavior, so they do less damage.
Pass the Antioxidants, Please
When your blood sugar is chronically high, it can damage the cells of your heart, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. But in a recent petri-dish study, adding sulforaphane to a mix of blood vessel cells and glucose cut oxidation (read damage) by as much as 73%. More research is needed to see if sulforaphane in the diet is as protective. But we already know that the compound is a super cancer fighter.
Source
Labels: Anti-oxidant, blood sugar, broccoli, cancer, healthy food, sulforaphane
It's Cold and Gray, But You Sunscreen Should Stay!
Winter means cold, windy, snowy weather without much sunlight to offset the chill. With less time spent outside and a minimal amount of exposed skin, you may have abandoned daily use of sunscreen. After all, if you’re rarely outside and you’re all bundled up when you do venture out, what’s the point, right? Wrong! Although the sun may not be shining and the hours of daylight are fewer than during spring and summer, abandoning your daily sunscreen habit would be a skin care (meaning antiwrinkle) mistake. Here’s why:
Even when you’re clothed in layers to defend against the cold, chances are good that a portion of your face, if not all of it, is still exposed. That means damage is still taking place if you didn’t apply sunscreen. Whether it’s the middle of January or you’re heading to the beach in June, you need sunscreen 365 days a year. Of course, in the summer months and in climates that are sunny year-round you have almost daily reminders as to why you should protect your skin from UV damage. But what you must remember when clouds prevail or the weather turns cold and gray are three basic facts about UV damage:
1. Sun damage is about your skin seeing daylight not just “sunshine”.
2. Sun damage begins within the first minute of unprotected exposure.
3. The bad rays of the sun penetrate windows.
I know winter weather can be deceptive to say the least, because without question your skin is not being exposed to the same intense radiation you’ll get in summer or sunny climates. However, even though you cannot feel the sun warming your skin (and may not even be able to see it through the thick cloud cover that’s overstayed its welcome) ultraviolet light is still present and still capable of harming your skin. Ignoring sunscreen during winter months just doesn’t make sense, especially if part of your skin care concern is about preventing or reducing wrinkles.
Still not convinced?
You may not know that the sun’s aging UV rays are no match for cloud cover. Clouds offer some UV protection, but enough skin-damaging rays break right through dreary winter clouds that damage will still occur. It’s also critical to keep in mind that snow is an excellent UV light reflector. So depending on where you live or where you are vacationing not only are UVA rays bombarding your skin from above, but they’re bouncing off the glaring white snow and hitting you from below, too. And for all of you skiers out there, don’t forget that altitude is also a sun enhancer. For every 1,000-foot increase in altitude the ultraviolet radiation potency increases by 4%.
If you’re spending little time outdoors and getting through the typical cold, gray winter months inside a toasty, heated room, you may want to change the sunscreen you use. For example, it may make good sense for you to apply a sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater during summer months or in sunny climates; however, a high SPF rating becomes extraneous when you’re spending most of your daylight hours indoors and the sun isn’t shining; there just isn’t that much time for significant UV light exposure. Of course I’m not implying you should skip sunscreen (no way!), but you’ll likely be just fine applying one rated SPF 15. Regardless of whether you choose to decrease your SPF protection or not, you would never want to go lower than using a sunscreen rated SPF 15. Also, you still have to make sure to apply sunscreen liberally and only use one that contains one or more of the active ingredients that ensures sufficient UVA protection: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, avobenzone (sometimes listed as butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane), ecamsule (Mexoryl SX) or Tinosorb.
It is easy to take the approach that when sunlight is out of sight the need to protect yourself from it is, to finish the phrase, out of mind. It also doesn’t help that between the end of summer and onset of autumn, sunscreen displays and promotions in stores vanish. It seems that as far as the retail industry (and many fashion magazines) are concerned, you only need sunscreen when it’s sunny, and mostly that means summertime. Don’t become complacent about sunscreens just because the stores and media are. It’s a daily habit everyone should stick with not only for maintaining skin’s youthful appearance (and preventing further sun damage) but for its overall health. This and every winter, the goal is to be as sun smart as you are when sunny days are once again the norm.
Labels: anti-aging, Paula Begoun, skin care, sun, sun damage, sunscreen, sunshine, wrinkles
Veggie of the Day ---> Winter Squash
Did you know that one cup of winter squash provides 146% of your daily value of vitamin A and is rich in beta carotene, the pre-cursor to vitamin A? Beta-carotene is one of the carotenoids found in winter squash that provides it with its deep orange color and has been shown to have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.Antioxidants help prevent the progression of atherosclerosis by inhibiting the oxidation of cholesterol in the body. Since it is only the oxidized form of cholesterol that builds up in the blood vessel walls, these antioxidants help protect against both heart attack and stroke. The anti-inflammatory properties of winter squash may help reduce the severity of conditions such as asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, which all involve inflammation. And that's not all. The carotenoids found in winter squash protect against diabetic heart disease and may be beneficial to blood sugar regulation for those suffering from diabetes. Research suggests carotenoids may be inversely associated with insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels.
Read More ...
Labels: acorn squash, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, butternut squash, healthy eating, in season, vegetable, winter squash
Friday, January 09, 2009
Dry Brushing.....Do It!
As the name implies, dry brushing is brushing with a dry brush. Commonly used for exfoliation, these brushes help remove flakes but actually help with several different things at the same time. Unclogging skin doesn't just eliminate dead cells but also encourages the body’s discharge of metabolic wastes and other things excreted through perspiration. Using the brush before you get in the shower stimulates circulation and de-gunks your pores. It detoxifies your skin with a gentle internal massage while helping tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite. It also helps mobilize fat and improve muscle tone by stimulating those nerve endings that causes the individual muscle fibers to activate and move.
Pick up a brush with soft bristles — preferably made from natural materials, as most synthetic bristles are too sharp. Make a circular motion with the brush, applying light pressure in areas where the skin is thin and harder pressure on places like the soles of the feet. Work over your entire body. Now, I'm not saying this brush is an excuse to stop eating healthily and eliminating that gym regimen but, if you're like me, you want to get all the help you can get to keep your skin and body in tip-top shape!
Thanks Bella!!
Labels: detox, detoxify, dry brush, healthy living, living holistically, massage, skin care
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Everyday Detox -- > 5 top liver lovers
| Artichoke leaf | Stimulates production of bile, the liver's main carrier to expel toxins; helps strengthen liver cell membranes so they can resist toxin absorption. |
| Dandelion root | Increases bile flow from the liver. |
| Green tea | Protects the liver from toxin damage, especially that of alcohol; may also help prevent liver tumors. |
| Milk- thistle seed | Strengthens liver cell membranes; stimulates bile production; promotes glutathione production. |
| Turmeric root | Anti-inflammatory herb that elevates detox enzymes in the liver. |
Labels: dandelion root, detox, detoxify, green tea, healthy living, milk thistle, supplements, turmeric
This Makes Me Sad --> Organics Industry Plagued by Recession and Scandal
It's only January, and the organic industry is already having a bad year. Not only have producers been losing consumers due to the hefty price tag of organic food, but the industry has struggled to maintain its integrity. With organic feed prices at an all-time high, farmers in the UK are lobbying the government to temporarily relax organic feed standards to assist livestock producers who are currently paying twice as much for organic feed as they would conventional.In California, state investigators have discovered that California Liquid Fertilizer, an organic farming treatment, had been spiking its fertilizer with a synthetic product banned from organic farms. The tainted fertilizer infiltrated up to a third of the organic market, including produce giants such as Earthbound Farms, for up to seven years. Following the incident, investigations have begun into other organic fertilizer distributors in different states. With these issues now in the spotlight, it's my feeling that consumers will be left confused about organic standards of quality, and distrustful of industry practices.
Source
Labels: California Liquid Fertilizer, eating healthy, organic farms, organics, scam, toxins
It's Persimmon Season!!
Despite the fact that it's Winter, don't limit your fruit intake to oranges, bananas, and apples. Next time you're at the market, pick up a few persimmons. The sweet, mild-flavored fruits, which originate from Asia, are in season between November and February. Persimmons are bountiful in Asia, and are popular yard fruit trees in the United States, but if you've never enjoyed a persimmon before, know that there are two distinctly different kinds: fuyu persimmons and hachiyas. While they're both persimmons, fuyus and hachiyas have striking differences.Orange-red, acorn-shaped hachiya persimmons are very astringent when unripe, which means that if you eat them before their prime, you'll experience a bitter, tannic, chalky taste. When ready to eat, the variety will be soft and squishy to the touch with a jelly-like texture. In contrast, tomato-shaped, light orange-hued fuyus are ripe when they are firm, yet give slightly to the touch, much like a peach. While the two kinds of persimmons are distinct, they're both aromatic and sweet.
They are a good source of Vitamin C, and a very good source of Fiber, Vitamin A and Manganese.
Source
Labels: eating healthy, fruits, fuyus, hachiyas, in season, persimmons
How to Avoid Genetically Modified Ingredients
In the U.S., food products that contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs) do not have to be labeled as such. This is a big problem, considering more than 90% of surveyed consumers say they would avoid products with these ingredients and since most packaged foods on grocery store shelves already contain hidden GMOs. Although Obama stated publicly in his campaign that he supports mandatory labeling for genetically engineered foods, OCA believes we will have to keep the pressure on if he is to fulfill this promise. In the meantime, here are some quick tips to help you avoid GMO ingredients and "Frankenfoods."1) Look for products that voluntarily label themselves as GMO or GE-free.
2) Buy Organic: Products certified as "Organic" are not allowed to contain genetically modified ingredients.
3) Avoid non-organic products that contain the most common genetically engineered ingredients: corn (corn syrup, corn meal, corn oil, etc.), fructose, dextrose, glucose, modified food starch, ingredients including the word "soy" (soy flour, soy lecithin, etc.), vegetable oil, vegetable protein, canola oil (also called rapeseed oil), cottonseed oil, and sugar from sugar beets.
Source
Labels: genetically engineered, genetically modified, GMO, healthy food, organics
Multiple 2008 Studies Confirm Genetically Modified Crops Damage Human Health and the Environment
Although genetically modified (GM) corn is banned in most of the world, it has been approved as "safe" for human consumption in the U.S. for 12 years and is now likely unknowingly consumed, in one form or another, by more than 90% of Americans on a regular basis. But a recent series of peer-reviewed studies were published in 2008 confirming previous studies indicating potentially severe health and environmental problems associated with the biotech crops.Recent alarming scientific research includes:
1) A new long term study by the Austrian government confirms previous findings that consumption of GM corn, for as little as 20 weeks, can damage the reproductive system, lower fertility rates and increase illness and death rates in offspring.
Learn more
2) Researchers in Mexico reported in December that some popular varieties of GM corn negatively affect the learning response of bees. Scientists say this may be an indicator of the cause of Colony Collapse Disorder, a recent catastrophic and mysterious die-off of as much as 30% of the world's honey bee population in the past couple of years.
Learn more
3) In Italy, scientists published a study that put the biotech industry in a public relations tailspin. In the study, laboratory tests showed a direct connection between consumption of GM corn and a damaged immune system.
Learn more
Source
Labels: genetically modified, GMO, study
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Introduction of New Skinny Beverages Sweetened with Stevia Planned to Launch Early Next Year
Skinny Nutritional Corp ., marketer and distributor of Skinny Water®, announced today that it plans to introduce a line extension of beverages in early 2009. The new beverages will contain a proprietary natural sweetener derived from Stevia , and like Skinny Water, will contain ZERO calories."We have been working on launching new Skinny beverages that contain an all natural sweetener with ZERO calories," says Ron Wilson, President and CEO of Skinny Nutritional Corp. "Many consumers are looking for a great tasting, ZERO-calorie beverage that is 100% natural. We also believe that we can gain entry into many natural and whole food distributors and retailers throughout the country with these new beverages. We are always researching new trends in the functional beverage segment. In addition to the latest superfruits, health and wellness ingredients, and natural colors, we see Stevia-derived sweeteners as a breakthrough in the sweetener category."
Early this week, U.S. suppliers of sweeteners derived from rebaudioside A, a part of the Stevia leaf, announced that the FDA issued a no objection letter concerning the conclusion of an independent expert panel that highly-purified rebaudioside A is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use as a general purpose sweetener, including for use in food and beverages. These suppliers have also announced their intention to market all natural, ZERO-calorie sweeteners made with highly purified rebaudioside A.
Source
Labels: drinks, innovative, new product, Skinny Water, Stevia
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
The Fruit That Fights Wrinkles
You really can fight wrinkles from the inside out. And there's a fruit that can lead the charge.It's papaya. What makes papaya so perfect? Easy. Vitamin C. Papaya has loads of it, and getting lots of vitamin C may mean more youthful skin -- fewer wrinkles and less thinning and dryness. A recent study in women over 40 confirmed it.
The Mysteries of C
Vitamin C is a natural friend to skin. The nutrient is essential for making collagen, the protein fibers that give skin its strength and resiliency. And being a powerful antioxidant, C also disarms free radicals that would otherwise chip away and weaken collagen.
More Food for Your Face
A little extra vitamin C isn't all it takes to plump your complexion. Here are a few more food tips that can help keep your face fresh:
- Munch on walnuts. In the vitamin C study, researchers also noted that diets rich in linoleic acid -- an essential fatty acid in walnuts -- meant moister, plumper skin.
- Ease up on fats and refined carbs. Scientists found both were linked to aging skin. Discover the dark side of processed foods with this article.
- Think whole grains. The magnesium and B vitamins you get from them help with the regeneration of skin cells. Find out what foods are mostly whole grains.
- Keep the fruits and veggies coming. To stay smooth and healthy, your skin needs a whole slew of antioxidant-rich produce. Like this root vegetable.
Labels: eating for good skin, magnesium, papaya, processed foods, skin care, Vitamin C, Walnuts, Whole grains
Monday, January 05, 2009
Even More Natural Sleep Remedies
Magnesium and calcium Magnesium and calcium are both sleep boosters, and when taken together, they become even more effective. Plus, by taking magnesium, you cancel out any potential heart problems that might arise from taking calcium alone. Take 200 milligrams of magnesium—lower the dose if it causes diarrhea—and 600 milligrams of calcium each night.
Wild lettuce
If you've suffered anxiety, headaches, or muscle or joint pain, you might already be familiar with wild lettuce. It's also effective at calming restlessness and reducing anxiety—and may even quell restless legs syndrome. When using a wild-lettuce supplement, take 30 to 120 milligrams before bed.
Hops
Beer fans will no doubt be familiar with the calming effect of hops, the female flowers used in beer making. For sleep purposes, though, this extract has been widely used as a mild sedative for anxiety and insomnia. Take 30 to 120 milligrams before climbing under the covers.
AromatherapyLavender is the trick here, as studies have proven that it aids in sleep. It's also a cheap, nontoxic way to slip into a peaceful slumber. Find a spray with real lavender and spritz it on your pillow before bedtime. Or buy a lavender-filled pillow.
Melatonin
Melatonin is the hormone that controls sleep, so it's no wonder that it naturally induces sleep. Although some experts recommend taking higher doses, studies show that lower doses are more effective. Plus, there's concern that too-high doses could cause toxicity as well as raise the risk of depression or infertility. Take 0.3 to 0.5 milligrams before bed.
Yoga or meditation
Choose gentle yoga or stretching, not vigorous power or ashtanga yoga, which could energize you instead. Try easy yoga stretches in bed followed by simple meditation. Close your eyes and, for 5 to 10 minutes, pay attention to nothing but your breathing.
L-theanine
This amino acid comes from green tea and not only helps maintain a calm alertness during the day but also a deeper sleep at night. However, green tea doesn't contain enough L-theanine to significantly boost your REM cycles. Besides, you might then wake up to go to the bathroom. Instead, buy a brand called Suntheanine, which is pure L-theanine. (Other brands have inactive forms of theanine that block the effectiveness.) Take 50 to 200 milligrams at bedtime.
Valerian
Valerian is one of the most common sleep remedies for insomnia. Numerous studies have found that valerian improves deep sleep, speed of falling asleep, and overall quality of sleep. However, it's most effective when used over a longer period of time. One caveat? About 10% of the people who use it actually feel energized, which may keep them awake. If that happens to you, take valerian during the day. Otherwise, take 200 to 800 milligrams before bed.
Labels: benefits of yoga, calcium, hops, l-theanine, magnesium, melatonin, natural products, natural therapy, sleep, valerian
