:: Natural Health 365 ::

Peasant food has healthy rewards

Jonathan — Thu, 17 May 2012 01:31:04 +0000

(NaturalHealth365) Polenta has a legacy dating back to the 1700’s – when it was made popular in Italy. It was considered peasant food because it was plentiful and cheap. Naturally, polenta became a diet staple in the winter months when food was scarce.

Maize, the American Indian word for corn, means “that which sustains life”. It is right behind wheat and rice as the most important grain in the world. In addition, it’s one of the best foods to supply long-lasting energy.

The source of your food is important

Even though corn is one of the healthiest, low calorie foods – it’s a good idea to rotate and mix polenta with other vegetables. Note: today’s corn is almost entirely genetically modified – so polenta MUST come from an organic source or (potentially) suffer the health consequences.

According to the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, foods made from milled yellow corn including polenta provide a natural and excellent source of carotenoids. Dr. Mario Ferruzzi of Purdue University stated: “It is easier to digest the carotenoids from milled corn foods than those in carrots and spinach.” Carotenoids are fat soluble meaning they are easier to digest when combined with some fat.

Delicious (healthy) food – anytime

Polenta is a low carbohydrate food rich in vitamin A and C making it a good source of the caroteinoids, lutein and zeaxanthin. The concentration reaches a level of 1,355 micrograms per 100 grams. The level of beta-carotene is 97 micrograms per 100 grams with health benefits like, cancer and heart disease prevention.

Research studies have shown that corn can support the growth of friendly bacteria in our large intestine and can also be transformed by these bacteria into short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These supply energy for our intestinal cells, which lowers the risk of colon cancer.

An easy way to prepare meals

Polenta is a wonderful dish that goes with breakfast, lunch and dinner entrees and it can be served hot or cold, soft or hard making it one the most versatile foods. Since polenta is gluten free it can easily replace wheat based meals.

In fact, many health stores will sell pre-made polenta or you can easily make it by boiling water and stirring in cornmeal until it thickens. One of the easiest ways to prepare it is to add the cornmeal to cold salted water, bring to a boil shut off, and let it stay in a covered pot until it becomes thick. Then it can be served hot or refrigerated until it can be sliced.

The flavoring you use will determine how the polenta will be used at the dinner table. You can try some herbs and spices like Cajun, pepper, chipotle, and teriyaki to add flavor to any dish. By the way, spices will help speed up your metabolism!

An irresistible combination and classic Mediterranean dish consists of chickpeas, roasted eggplant, zucchini, red and yellow peppers, on sliced polenta topped off with (organic) mozzarella cheese plus your favorite tomato sauce. And, no worry, vegans can replace the cheese with rice cheese. (yummy!)

About the author Blanche has been a student of natural healing modalities for the last 25 years. She had the privilege of working with some of the greatest minds in Natural Healing including Naturopaths, Scientist, and Energy Healers. Having seen people miraculously heal from all kinds of dis-ease through non-invasive methods, her passion now is to help people become aware of what it takes to be healthy.

How to eliminate thyroid disease – naturally

Jonathan — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:40:24 +0000

(NaturalHealth365) Are you tired or frustrated you can’t lose weight? One of the most overlooked health issues associated with these chronic health problems is hypothyroidism. Unfortunately, many people are not taught how sensitive the thyroid gland is to stress within a modern (fast paced) lifestyle.

To fix a health problem – understand your body

The thyroid gland produces hormones which stabilize our metabolic rate and energy levels. Protein synthesis, body temperature regulation and oxygen consumption of the cells would not occur without a healthy thyroid gland. In other words, if you abuse your thyroid with a poor diet and lifestyle choices – the rest of the body will suffer.

Our immune system is under attack from toxins within our air, water and food supply. These pollutants over-stimulate our immune system, create auto-immune reactions and damage thyroid function. The good news is thyroid disease is reversible without pharmaceuticals.

“I think you have the best program on the internet!” – Geri

The underlying issue behind thyroid disease

According to Dr. Brownstein, his clinical practice has revealed that just about everyone suffering with Thyroid dysfunction has severe iodine deficiency. But, it’s not enough to just eat salt or supplement with iodine. You MUST be sure to get the right kind of iodine to produce a positive result.

Have you been tested properly? Dr. Brownstein says the commonly-used, spot iodine (skin) test is useless! It’s better to get a “spot urinary iodine test” – which test your morning urine to see how much iodine is present. Or, you can take a “24 hour iodine loading test” – which give you a pretty good idea how much iodine has been excreted and retained. Bottom line: get tested and consult a qualified, holistic medical professional.

The NaturalNews Talk Hour begins this Thursday evening at 6pm Pacific / 9pm Eastern, and registration is FREE. Simply click the banner “free shows” on the right column of this page, enter your email address and you’ll receive show details plus a FREE 7-Day juice cleanse!

This week’s guest: David Brownstein, M.D. – Board-Certified family physician

Find out how to eliminate thyroid disease – naturally – Thu. May 17

David Brownstein, M.D. is a Board-Certified family physician who utilizes the best of conventional and alternative therapies. He is the Medical Director for the Center for Holistic Medicine in West Bloomfield, MI. and a graduate of the University of Michigan and Wayne State University School of Medicine.

Dr. Brownstein is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American College for the Advancement in Medicine. A world renowned, international speaker – Dr. Brownstein has authored ten books, including, Drugs That Don’t Work and Natural Therapies That Do; Overcoming Thyroid Disorders 2nd Edition; and The Soy Deception.

End fatigue now! A lack of energy, sluggish metabolism and weight gain are serious threats to our health. Fortunately, there are medically-proven, successful ways to heal your body from thyroid disorders. Simply click the banner “free shows” on the right column of this page, enter your email address and you’ll receive show details plus a FREE 7-Day juice cleanse!

About the author: Jonathan Landsman is the managing director of NaturalHealth365.com and host of the NaturalNews Talk Hour – a free, weekly health show sponsored by NaturalHealth365.com and NaturalNews.com. Jonathan is helping millions of people worldwide create health and physical fitness through a variety of educational and entertaining articles, teleconference calls, live shows and special events. Click Here for immediate access to The Inner Circle – a monthly (Online) subscription to exclusive audio interviews, video events plus much more!

Sources for this article include:

http://www.naturalways.com/thyroid.htm

Onions help us age gracefully

Jonathan — Tue, 15 May 2012 01:38:48 +0000

(NaturalHealth365) Phytochemicals are what makes onions a world class anti-aging vegetable. The anti-aging benefits of onions are enormous, and are one of the best keep secrets in nutrition. Remember, the more pungent the onion – the more antioxidant power. The sulfur-rich phytochemicals are what gives onions their odor and their anti-aging benefits.

The beauty of onions

Studies have shown that onions are one of the richest sources of quercetin, one of the most powerful antioxidants and one of the best nutrients to keep you wrinkle free. The vitamins and the sulfur from onions protect the skin while keeping it supple and smooth.

The best comparison would be to look at two apple slices and notice that if you add some lemon juice to one it stays crisp, and the other one becomes brown and shriveled from exposure to oxygen through a process known as oxidation. This is what happens to our skin and other organs when they don’t get the needed antioxidants. While lemons do have some anti-aging benefits which are similar to onions, humans need a variety of vegetables for optimal results.

Improve the quality of your hair

Did you know that a full head of hair is a sign of youth? Onion juice is considered to be a natural remedy for stimulating hair growth when applied topically. Studies are now being done to look further into onions ability to stop hair loss.

Apparently, the sulfur-rich phytochemicals are what makes onions the premier anti-aging tool. Onions may not be the sweetest smelling vegetable, but they will preserve a youthful look. In addition, the vitamin C that onions provide also helps protects the skin keeping it supple and smooth.

Hopeful news for baby boomers

Onions are under-rated as a source for beta-carotene, potassium, cystein, fiber, calcium, and folate. In fact, the total polyphenol content of onions is higher than garlic, leaks, tomatoes, carrots and red bell pepper. Now for the delicious news.

When onions are simmered to make soup, their quercetin does not get degraded; it winds up in the soup liquid. Onions have the least pesticides of most vegetables, so if you need to use the conventional grown onions you still will be getting some healthy nutrients.

So to improve your skin tone – try some sweet and pungent flavors in your salads, stews, soups and side dishes. It’s time for us to adapt a new anti-aging strategy – one that enhances vitality and delivers nourishment to the skin and rejuvenates the hair.

Let’s face it: topical treatments may improve appearance but will not overcome the issues that allowed the wrinkles to form. We may be able to beautify the world (one onion at a time) by making it known that eating organic vegetables is a wise choice!

A sunscreen warning for women

Jonathan — Mon, 14 May 2012 09:57:33 +0000

(NaturalHealth365) Recently, scientists have found a new reason to be concerned about using sunscreen. There is an ingredient that mimics the effects of the female sex hormone estrogen – which increases the risk for endometriosis. This is a painful condition in which the uterine tissue grows outside the uterus.

Some sunscreens contain a benzophenone (BP) type ingredient which passes through the skin and mimics the effects of estrogen. Endometriosis effects up to 1 in 10 women of reproductive age and is dependent on estrogen to develop.

Your doctor may NOT know about this

Advances in diagnosis and reporting are unable to explain the epidemic rise in endometriosis cases. The rate of hysterectomies, due to endometriosis, in teenage girls could be a result of too many toxins in our air, water and food supply. According to data from the U.S. National Center for Health Fertility Center, from 1965 – 1984 – hysterectomies for endometriosis increased 250% for young women ages 15-24 and 186% between the ages of 25-34 years old.

Clearly, the prenatal and neonatal stages are critical times of sensitivity to toxins. Yet, doctors remain “puzzled” over the skyrocketing cases of endometriosis – which was a rare condition in the 1980’s. Until now, scientists have not checked for a connection between the use of BP sunscreens and the likelihood of being diagnosed with endometriosis. (gee, I wonder why?)

Scientific proof about the danger of sunscreens

Some studies have discovered that women with high levels of a BP called 2,4COH-BP – was associated with an increased risk of endometriosis. And, guess what, women tended to have higher levels of BP’s during the summer months. Here’s an idea: eat more antioxidant rich foods to protect yourself from sun damage and avoid sunscreen products.

Physicians are aware of the effects of prenatal exposure to hormones – especially synthetic versions. As pregnant women apply these chemical concoctions, we may be facing the prospect of future generations contending with endometriosis and infertility. The fact is infertility afflicts 30 to 40 percent of all women with endometriosis.

Toxic sunscreen products threatens our DNA

There is reason to believe that all the controversial chemicals are fraught with danger to humans. Our DNA structure is changing due to these (unwanted) foreign materials in our body. In modern times, detoxification is a must for every person.

The presence of foreign substances in our food supply, personal care and household items are causing great changes in human health. Women are the bearers of the generations to come and they bear the brunt of these changes. The hands that rock the cradle should not be used for applying chemical laden suntan lotion on themselves and their children.

There is GREAT news to report! Women still have the largest deciding vote (and power) on how to spend money within the household. To eliminate these unwanted chemicals, women need to make healthier choices in home and family products. And, when commercial sunscreen product sales drop, even the biggest companies will re-consider placing deadly ingredients in their products.

Lentils get their 15 minutes of fame

Jonathan — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:12:47 +0000

(NaturalHealth365) Lentils bring to mind a hot bowl of soup loaded with healthy vegetables. Yet, few think of lentils as a nutritional fountain of youth, loaded with fiber, folate, iron, protein, vitamins and minerals. Researchers who looked at the elderly found these and other legumes were the single most important factor in longevity.

Lentils are small seeds that grow in pods. They are a member of the legume family and are related to beans, chickpeas, soy and peanuts. They are thought to have originated in the Near East and are one of the oldest cultivated plants with nearly a dozen varieties of lentils that vary in color and size. The best known are green, brown, yellow and red – with red being the smallest in size.

A boost of energy to last a lifetime

Lentils contain more folate than any other plant food. This means it offers protection against coronary artery disease by lowering homocysteine levels. In addition, there is a decreased risk of breast cancer due to the large amounts of vitamin B6 and folate. By replenishing iron stores it increases energy which keeps levels constant throughout the day. A healthy iron level helps the body to transport oxygen from the lungs to the cells producing needed energy.

The magnesium in lentils is not only good for the heart, but is wonderful for the nervous system. Magnesium is known as the relaxing mineral and is nature’s calcium channel blocker. Magnesium relaxes veins and arteries which improves the flow of oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body. A great way to de-stress the body.

Healthy eating made simple and easy

Compared to most other dried beans, lentils are quick and easy to prepare. They cook up quick and go with virtually all vegetables. With a full serving of soup you can add cruciferous vegetables and sea vegetables, like Kombu.

Lentil cooking time is about 30 minutes and need no presoaking; red lentils cook the fastest and may be ready to eat in 20 minutes while the black, brown, or green varieties have more fiber and take a little longer.

Nutritional abundance in every bit

The 15.6 g of fiber in 1 cup of red lentils provides 62 percent of the 25 g daily recommended amount. There are 230 calories in 1 cup of red lentils, and an extraordinary high level of nutrients. It has 17.9 g of protein in 1 cup, and a low glycemic index. Red and yellow lentils are green lentils with their skins (hulls) removed – which means the fiber content isn’t as high.

Moroccan dishes use lentils with vegetables, soy sauce, cumin, and cayenne. Where as India uses a spiced lentil dish known as dal. In America, lentil soup is typically created with carrots, garlic, celery, peppers, greens, thyme, parsley and basil.

Naturally, fresh beans are best but if you buy canned beans – avoid can liners made from bisphenol-A and extra additives. Of all the beans, lentils offer an easy – low cost – way to ensure our family’s health. Try it, (maybe) you’ll like it.

Nutritional yeast offers many health benefits

Jonathan — Thu, 10 May 2012 09:56:53 +0000

(NaturalHealth365) Nutritional yeast is considered by many to be the most valuable supplement available and is used as a flavor enhancer as well as a nutritional aid. The subtle cheese flavor makes it a favorite among vegetarians. It’s delicious and more!

Good things come in small packages

One ounce of nutritional yeast contains 14 grams of protein and 79 calories. What you get for those calories is vital health: yeast contains more than seven grams of fiber per ounce. That is nearly one quarter of the recommended quota of 25-30 grams per day.

By supplementing a diet with nutritional yeast you are getting taste without sodium. One serving of nutritional yeast provides the full spectrum of B vitamins including B12, amino acids, protein, folic acid, biotin and minerals such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, chromium, and selenium. Nutritional yeast is one of the few vegetarian sources that provide all nine essential amino acids, which are used by the body to form protein.

Get an immune system boost

From the 1940’s until today – researchers have investigated Beta glucans, which are derived from the broken cell walls of yeast, mushrooms, barley and oats, showing it plays a role as an immune stimulator; the macrophages they activate are the immune system’s first line of defense against viral, fungal, bacterial, parasitic infection and cancer.

Research papers confirm the immune activating ability of Beta glucan along with its cholesterol lowing abilities. This is what Nicholas DiLuzio, Ph.D, Department of physiology Tulane University had to say: “The broad spectrum of immunophamacological activities of glucan includes not only the modification of certain bacteria, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections, but also inhibition on tumor growth.”

In fact, beta glucan is the only glucan found effective in preventing coronary artery disease by significantly lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels.

Defend yourself from free radicals

Nutritional yeast contains glutathione, in fact as much as a California avocado, which is known to be excellent source. At the same time it supplies 30% of the recommended daily dose of selenium. These form glutathione peroxidase, a much needed antioxidant that protects us from free radicals.

Nutritional yeast is one of the better sources of nucleotides known for there anti-aging properties. Dr. Benjamin Frank author of Nucleic Acid Therapy in aging and Degenerative Disease and No Aging Diet: Eat and Grow Younger talks about the rejuvenating properties of DNA and RNA. DNA is known as the genetic blueprint for life of all organisms and RNA carries the DNA instructions to all the cells. The building blocks of DNA and RNA are called nucleotides. Foods that contain these increase energy, keep skin young, reverses heart disease, memory loss, poor vision and hair loss.

You just need to know where to look

The best nutritional yeast are grown on cane and beet molasses and fermented. After being held at pasteurization temperatures for a long enough time to inactivate the yeast, all necessary vitamins are added. A good product will have B12 added in this process.

Nutritional yeast is a concentrated source of nutrition without all those unwanted calories. It adds a salty and cheesy flavor to casseroles, popcorn, and pasta dishes without extra sodium or fat. Have you tried it? (post your comments – below)

About the author Blanche has been a student of natural healing modalities for the last 25 years. She had the privilege of working with some of the greatest minds in Natural Healing including Naturopaths, Scientist, and Energy Healers. Having seen people miraculously heal from all kinds of dis-ease thru non-invasive methods, her passion now is to help people become aware of what it takes to be healthy

Save our children from vaccines and conventional schools

Jonathan — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:49:43 +0000

(NaturalHealth365) From day one – our children are being exposed to life-threatening chemicals and destructive ideas. In the United States, parents are being told to give their children (26) brain-damaging vaccines – within the first 18 months of life. And, to make matters worse, television and the (conventional) school system are killing the creativity of our children.

Our children need us (now) more than ever! Learn how to heal from birth traumas, natural ways to physically and emotionally support our kids plus much more! Simply click the banner “free shows” on the right column of this page, enter your email address and you’ll receive show details plus a FREE 7-Day juice cleanse!

A thousand times worse than inorganic mercury – in vaccines

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, inorganic mercury is the second most toxic metal known to man – NO debate. But, vaccinated children are being exposed to a far more deadly form of mercury called Thiomersal. (or Ethylmercury) Many health experts agree that combining inorganic mercury with an organic compound (like Ethyl) can trigger food allergies, promote parasitic infestation, attention deficit disorders plus much more.

Before you vaccinate your child – educate yourself in order to make an informed decision. I urge you to do your own research and find out what many health professionals have discovered: (it’s shocking – to say the least)

“A number of clinical laboratory studies demonstrate that vaccines may cause chronic damage to the G.I. tract, immune system, brain, and other organs.” – Bernard Rimland, Ph.D. was an American research psychologist, writer, lecturer and advocate for autistic children

“They say that if children are not vaccinated against measles millions of children could die during a measles epidemic. They know this is nonsense. What they are using is examples taken from developing countries with poor nutrition and poor immune function in which such epidemic death can occur.” – Russell Blaylock, M.D., author of “The Truth Behind the Vaccine Cover-Up”

“Because routine immunizations that bring parents back for repeated office calls are the bread and butter of their specialty, pediatricians continue to defend them to the death. The question parents should be asking is: Whose death?” – Robert Mendelsohn, M.D. was an American pediatrician who criticized his own profession

Conventional school systems (and television) are dumbing down our children

Charlotte Thomson Iserbyt was a Senior Policy Advisor in the U.S. Department of Education – under the Reagan administration. In the 1980′s, she blew the whistle on government activities withheld from the public. Charlotte talks about the dangers of “modern” education and its controversial methods and programs. Keep in mind, governement-sponsored schools do NOT support the values of independent (free) will, love and compassion when teaching our children.

This week’s guest: Sascha Kalivoda, Conscious Parenting Expert

Learn about proper nutrition, birth trauma solutions plus much more – Thu. May 10

For over 20 years, Sascha Kalivoda has followed her passion for nutrition and wellness. Inspired as a holistic nutritionist, she eventually left a career in petrochemicals research to pursue her new career in the wellness field. Her path led her to becoming one of the founding nutrition coaches and teachers with the BodyMind Nutrition Center in Canada.

Through her research, Sascha created a comprehensive online course, “Your Conscious Pregnancy and Parenting Guide”. She is dedicated to teaching people how to raise healthy, confident and well-adjusted children. Her program brings together information from world-renowned experts in the fields of biology, nutrition, parenting, birth trauma healing plus much more.

Our children need us (now) more than ever! Learn how to heal from birth traumas, natural ways to physically and emotionally support our kids plus much more! Simply click the banner “free shows” on the right column of this page, enter your email address and you’ll receive show details plus a FREE 7-Day juice cleanse!

Sources for this article include:

http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/medical/immunization_chart.html

http://www.epa.gov/hg

http://www.deliberatedumbingdown.com

Peppercorn – A secret fat fighter

Jonathan — Tue, 08 May 2012 01:14:12 +0000

(NaturalHealth365) Shedding those pounds may be a black pepper shaker away. Of all the things that address weight loss – black pepper may be one of the easiest ways to help you shed those pesky pounds. Healthy fuel for your body means giving it the nutrients needed to burn fat and increase your metabolism.

Ancient medicine to boost your metabolism

The pungent taste of pepper has been used for centuries in traditional Eastern medicine to treat gastrointestinal distress, pain, inflammation and other disorders. Black pepper stimulates the taste buds, and alerts the stomach to increase hydrochloric acid secretions for digestion.

Hydrochloric acid is necessary for the digestion of proteins and other foods. Without this process – food would sit in the stomach for a period of time leading to heartburn or indigestion. Eventually, poor digestion leads to unfriendly gut bacteria and chronic disease.

Weight loss does NOT have to be complicated

Black pepper is recognized for its ability to promote sweating and having diuretic (promotes urination) properties. In addition, peppercorn has demonstrated antioxidant and antibacterial effects, along with its ability to stimulate the breakdown of fat cells. Good news for an obese nation.

A new study provides an explanation of black peppers beneficial fat-burning ability. The research, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found the pungent-tasting substance that gives black pepper its characteristic taste, can block the formation of new fat cells.

The scientists found black pepper interferes with the activity of the genes, which control the formation of fat cells; this action causes a metabolic chain reaction that helps keep fat in check. The researchers suggest that this finding may lead to wider use of black pepper extracts to help in fighting obesity and related diseases.

Here’s how it works

The outer layer of the peppercorn stimulates the breakdown of fat cells, and may be the way to stimulate weight loss. If black pepper is this effective at blocking fat formation – then it should be easier than ever to loss weight while enjoying your food.

Black pepper is not a common allergic food and is an excellent source of manganese, and a good source of dietary fiber and copper, which makes it a very healthy condiment. Keeping a pepper mill on your dining table may be a good idea to stimulate the taste buds, while keeping everyone at the table slim and healthy.

Cracked pepper is so easy to incorporate into recipes; it is a fun way to a flatter stomach. It goes on everything from soups, stews, pasta and salads. Olive oil, lemon juice, sea-salt and cracked pepper makes a delicious and nutritious salad dressing.

Nature has the answer

The weight loss products that may rid the body of pounds also bring along some harmful and dangerous side effects. Remember, you’ll always find the best weight loss items at your local health food store or farm. There are many herbs and spices available to improve digestion and speed up your metabolism.

About the author – Blanche has been a student of natural healing modalities for the last 25 years. She had the privilege of working with some of the greatest minds in Natural Healing including Naturopaths, Scientist, and Energy Healers. Having seen people miraculously heal from all kinds of dis-ease through non-invasive methods, her passion now is to help people become aware of what it takes to be healthy.

Capers are a powerful anti-inflammatory

Jonathan — Mon, 07 May 2012 10:27:50 +0000

(NaturalHealth365) The caper is the un-opened flower bud used for centuries in Mediterranean cuisine, where it imparts a salty tang and decorative flair to a variety of meats, salads, pastas and other foods. The unique flavor of capers makes them a very desirable ingredient in the Mediterranean basin. But, great taste is just the beginning of the good news about capers.

These small buds are handpicked in the early hours of the day and then the buds are washed and allowed to wilt for a few hours in the sun before being put into jars and covered with salt, vinegar, brine or olive oil. The plant is native to the Mediterranean, and grows in warm humid climates and is found growing abundantly around Cyprus, Italy, Greece, North Africa and Asia Minor. In the market place, capers are sold by their size and the smaller sized buds are more valuable than the larger sized ones.

A nutritional powerhouse

Capers have a mere 23 calories per 100g. Yet, this spice contains many phytonutrients, antioxidants and vitamins essential for optimum health. High in the flavonoid compounds – rutin and quercetin – capers are the second highest source of quercetin (180mg per 100g).

Studies show that quercetin acts as an anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. These spicy buds contain good levels of vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin k, niacin and riboflavin and minerals like calcium, iron and copper. And, the news keeps getting better and better.

Reduce your risk for cancer and heart disease

In a new study, Maria A. Livrea and colleagues note that other foods in the so-called Mediterranean diet have gotten plenty of attention for their health benefits. Capers, however, have been largely overlooked until now.

Researchers found that capers help to prevent the oxidation of fat that occurs during cooking and digestion. This was especially noticeable with meats which are where most oxidation occurs. Also, they found that components of capers can help to regenerate the antioxidant vitamin E, making it more available for use. These two things alone can help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.

The laboratory study involved adding caper extracts to grilled (ground) turkey and analyzing byproducts formed during stimulated digestion. The researchers found that caper-extract helped prevent the formation of certain byproducts of digested meat that is known to be linked to the formation of cancer and the risk of heart disease. The benefits are produced with a small amount of capers – typically used to flavor meat.

Important news for meat lovers

The conclusion of the study was that capers may be extremely beneficial to people whose diets are rich in fats and red meats. If you happen to like the sharp, salty notes of capers, you are going to be protecting you health, while enhancing your recipes. Capers are so versatile and easy to use; they can be added straight from the jar to tuna, venison, salmon and tomato sauces.

They are the favorite of Italian cooks who use these bulbs in antipasto salads and as a topping on pizzas and pasta. Capers render zing to vegetables, meats, veal and fish. You can find it served with smoked salmon and anchovy sauces. In northern Europe, caper brine is one of the main ingredients in their sauces. (Enjoy!)

American Cancer Society has a new message

Jonathan — Fri, 04 May 2012 10:56:50 +0000

(NaturalHealth365) The new guidelines issued by the American Cancer Society will both urge cancer survivors to eat right and exercise to prevent the disease from coming back, and doctors will be encouraged to talk to their patients about eating right, exercising and slimming down if they’re too heavy.

Is it too little – too late

This is the same organization that calls for mammograms and other cancer screenings, while promoting the standard treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. They claim to have encouraged healthy habits, but until now, the group didn’t think there was much evidence to support a strong statement.

Experts are not unanimous about the protective effects of diet on cancer; many have said that diet has no effect on this condition. (crazy, but true) The studies that have concluded diet wasn’t effective used a healthy diet consisting of one or two more fruits and vegetables with a little less fat then the standard American diet.

Nutritional “experts” need to get re-educated

The vast majority of past studies have focused on isolated vitamins not the synergistic actions of a nutrient dense diet. It turns out the advice you got as a child to “eat your greens” has a bigger effect on estrogen metabolism and cell division then any single vitamin.

This new upgrade in recommendations took in to account more than 100 studies in the last 5 years involving cancer survivors, which showed that exercise and/or a healthy diet was associated with lower cancer recurrence rates and longer survival.

Being overweight or obese has long been tied to an increase risk of cancers of the colon, esophagus, kidney, pancreas and breast cancer in post menopausal women. However, there hadn’t been much evidence on the effects of diet and exercise on people who had cancer until now.

Always keep the “big picture” in mind

These new guidelines are not pioneering or promising, because the effects of the standard medical protocol compromises the immune system and can cause secondary cancers. The most dangerous effects of chemotherapy and radiation aren’t neutralized by a few more vegetables.

This is what Mark W. Dewhirst, D.V.M., professor of radiation oncology at Duke University had to say; “In a sense, these therapies can make a tumor healthier.” He went on to explain by, “unless the treatment is very effective in killing many if not most tumor cells, you are shooting yourself in the foot.”

The tumor cells that survive the therapies drive and increase a regulatory factor called HIF1 (hypoxia-inducible factor 1), which cells use to get the oxygen they need by increasing blood vessel growth into the tumor. Solid tumors generally have low oxygen, and HIF1 helps them get the oxygen they need.

The other challenges occurs because cancer cells can survive in a harsh environment, high chemical exposure, low oxygen, higher availability of glucose, acidic pH, which means drugs used in chemotherapy will kill the weaker, and more benign (healthier) cells, while creating the very conditions known to make the more malignant and chemo resistant cancer cells thrive. In the same manner, radiotherapy is known to induce secondary cancers.

So when the American Cancer Society hands out material encouraging cancer survivors to eat better, they should mention what they need to do to minimize the harm done by the treatments they endorse. Don’t be fooled – educate yourself as fast as possible.