10 amazing ‘superfoods’ which may help fight asthma naturally

(NaturalNews) An inflammatory condition of the lungs that afflicts roughly 25 million Americans; asthma is one of the most common allergy-triggered immune diseases of modern times. But a life marked by frequent and unexpected asthma attacks does not have to be the norm, especially if asthma sufferers make a conscious effort to incorporate anti-asthma “superfoods” into their normal diet. Here are 10 amazing superfoods that can help fight asthma naturally:

1) Avocado. The fruit with the highest known concentration of L-glutathione; avocado is an excellent anti-asthma food that helps protect cells against free radical damage and detoxify the body of pollutants and other harmful substances. Widely recognized as the “master” antioxidant, enabling all other antioxidants to function, the L-glutathione in avocados helps quells inflammation systemically and repair damaged gut health, a process that in turn helps prevent triggers of asthma from engaging.

2) Kale. An excellent source of all-natural vitamin C; kale possesses a unique ability to block the free radicals responsible for causing contractions of smooth muscles in airway passages. Kale is also a great source of beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant phytochemical capable of both alleviating existing asthma symptoms and preventing future ones from forming.

3) Spinach. A study involving 68,535 female participants found that high intake of spinach is directly correlated with a lowered risk of asthma. This may be due to the fact that spinach is high in vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin E, and magnesium. Magnesium deficiency is prevalent among people with asthma, and emergency intravenous (IV) treatments with magnesium have been shown to help halt an asthma attack. Spinach is also high in potassium, a deficiency of which is also said to exacerbate asthma symptoms.

4) Banana. A banana a day could keep asthma away, according to a 2011 study out of the U.K. Researchers from Imperial College London found that children who eat just one banana a day reduce their risk of developing asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing by about 34 percent. Bananas are also naturally high in fiber, which can help prevent respiratory conditions like asthma from developing.

5) Water. For many of the people diagnosed with asthma, dehydration is the true cause of their asthma symptoms. In fact, according to water expert Dr. Fereydoon Batmanghelidj, the set of symptoms commonly labeled as asthma is actually just the body crying out for more water. So unless you have aquagenic urticaria, also known as water allergy, it is definitely worth your while to drink more clean, fluoride-free water every day to avoid developing asthma symptoms.

6) Ginger. Loaded with anti-inflammatory nutrients that pervade the entire body; ginger root is another powerful anti-asthma herb that some people say works better than antihistamine drugs like Benadryl at clearing up airways and stopping inflammation. And the best part about ginger root is that it does not cause harmful side effects, which means you can safely add it to everyday foods and beverages for good health.

7) Turmeric. The inflammation responsible for swelling the lungs and constricting breathing passages during an asthma attack is no match for turmeric, the active ingredient of which is proving to be one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory nutrients in existence. Because it helps dilate blood vessels and relax muscles, turmeric is a powerful weapon in keeping asthma symptoms at bay.

8) Elderberry. One of the richest plant-based sources of quercetin, a powerful antioxidant compound, elderberry is an incredible immune-boosting fruit that helps fight colds, flu, and respiratory illnesses like asthma. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), quercetin is particularly effective at blocking the release of histamines and other allergic and inflammatory chemicals in the body, including those associated with asthma.

9) Apple. Similarly high in quercetin; apples have been shown to provide powerful protection against asthma. A study out of Europe found that pregnant women who ate at least four apples per week were 53 percent less likely to bear a child with doctor-confirmed asthma. And the same study that linked banana consumption to lowered asthma symptoms also found that children who drink apple juice are about 50 percent less likely to develop asthma symptoms.

10) Chia seed. A powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and quercetin, chia seeds are another excellent addition to your anti-asthma diet. The omega-3s in chia seeds are known to help decrease inflammation in both children and adults, as well as restore natural balance to the lipid walls of cell membranes. A study involving the long-term use of omega-3 supplements in asthmatics has also confirmed that the nutrient can lead to a significant reduction is asthma symptoms, particularly in those suffering from allergy-related asthma.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.healwithfood.org/asthma/foods.php

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/asthma-000015.htm


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Coconut oil can stop dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

(NaturalNews) You can prevent (and reverse) dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, multiple sclerosis, plus many other neurodegenerative disorders by eating coconut-related foods. This is not just a “health nut” making these claims – it’s all backed by scientific research and touted by many natural healthcare professionals like, Dr. Bruce Fife and Dr. Russell Blaylock.

Discover a natural way to keep your brain energized by killing (unwanted) bacteria; balancing hormones; maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and eliminating brain inflammation. The scientific data is crystal clear – coconut foods can dramatically improve brain chemistry; cognitive function plus much more – very quickly! Don’t miss our next show about the power of coconut oil.

Visit: http://www.naturalhealth365.com and enter your email address for FREE show details + a FREE gift!

Memory loss and mental disorders are caused by chronic inflammation and excess oxidative stress

When we experience excessive, free radical damage – it prevents the brain from utilizing glucose. Simply put, when the brain does not get enough glucose – brain cells degenerate and die. This loss of brain matter can destroy memory and motor skills – depending on which area of the brain is damaged.

The key to all of these neurodegenerative diseases is a lack of energy. Obviously, a poor diet filled with processed foods will not supply adequate energy for the brain. But, did you know, that many of the prescription drugs for health problems like, Parkinson’s disease actually interfere with the brain’s ability to utilize glucose-

Look it up yourself – drugs cause breathing problems (apnea); loss of coordination; drowsiness; headaches; muscle pains; nausea; shaking; confusion; anxiety and, even, memory loss! Clearly, this is not the best protocol for people suffering with brain issues.

Eating coconut oil can improve memory and reverse Alzheimer’s disease

Have you ever seen the YouTube video featuring Dr. Mary Newport- Dr. Newport a Florida neonatologist, documented her husband’s incredible progress with reversing Alzheimer’s disease by eating coconut oil. To read more about this story, get her book – “Alzheimer’s Disease: What If There Was A Cure-” Basically, it’s the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil that can work wonders on brain dysfunction.

Back in the 1960′s, Dr. George Cahill discovered that coconut oil can be metabolized by the liver and turned into ketones – which are then used as an alternative fuel source for the brain. So, in other words, these ketones are converted directly into energy for the brain – instead of being stored as fat in the body. Keep in mind, most of the vegetable oils like, olive oil – do not contain MCTs.

On the next NaturalNews Talk Hour, Jonathan Landsman and Dr. Bruce Fife will talk about how to eliminate brain inflammation; prevent memory loss plus much more!

This week’s guest: Dr. Bruce Fife, best-selling author and naturopathic physician

Dr. Fife reveals how to prevent memory loss, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease plus much more!

Dr. Bruce Fife, C.N., N.D., is an author, speaker, certified nutritionist, and naturopathic physician. He has written over 20 books including, “The Coconut Oil Miracle”, “Eat Fat, Look Thin”, and “The New Arthritis Cure”. He is the publisher and editor of the Healthy Ways Newsletter and serves as the president of the Coconut Research Center, a non-profit organization whose purpose is to educate the public and medical community about the health and nutritional aspects of coconut and related foods.

Dr. Fife is considered one of the world’s leading experts on dietary fats and oils. He is a popular speaker and travels throughout the world lecturing at health fairs, conferences, hospitals, and spas. He has appeared on hundreds of radio and television programs worldwide.

Discover a natural way to keep your brain energized by killing (unwanted) bacteria; balancing hormones; maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and eliminating brain inflammation. The scientific data is crystal clear – coconut foods can dramatically improve brain chemistry; cognitive function plus much more – very quickly! Don’t miss our next show about the power of coconut oil.

Visit: http://www.naturalhealth365.com and enter your email address for FREE show details + a FREE gift!


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Tomatoes, dandelions, and hawthorn – why they trump Obamacare

(NaturalNews) The Affordable Care Act seems compassionate, but its one size fits all philosophy suppresses real healthcare, the kind found growing freely and more affordable – in nature. Fully implemented in 2014, this law mandates every American purchase health insurance. This is the first time in U.S. history that Americans are required to buy a product. This one-size-fits-all mandate of herding people’s health philosophy is misguided, ignorant, bankrupting, and tyrannical. It flies in the face of real health. The most successful, healthy people know from experience that the most effective health philosophy is simply a lifestyle of nutrition utilization and positive thinking.The mysterious elements of foods – the nutrients, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants inside – are absolutely necessary for healthy survival. These blessings of nature, when digested in their real form, are important for energizing the body and mind. The best part about nutrition – it was never intended to cause bankruptcy. You can find nutritious blessings growing freely in the pasture, in the park, in the woods, in the vacant lot, or in the garden.

Tomatoes, for example, are more than just food. They are medicine. The lycopene inside a tomato is a powerful antioxidant that aggressively scavenges free radicals from its surroundings. Many chronic diseases result from tissue injury caused by free radicals. Free radicals can trigger chain reactions that damage lipid membranes, enzymes, chromosomes, and other cellular components. By utilizing antioxidants, one can prevent free radical damage to cells, keeping disease at bay. This is the philosophy of real health insurance – taking care of the root cause.

The government is trying to make pharmaceutical drugs more affordable, but drugs don’t create health. They suppress symptoms and cause new problems. For example, diabetes can be treated with Sulfonylureas, which stimulate the pancreas to create more insulin. Ultimately, this causes low blood glucose, upset stomach, skin rash, or weight gain. Thiazolidinediones may help but can cause congestive heart failure.

Ultimately, there are natural options, like the abundant, affordable dandelion. Dandelions aren’t just weeds. Packed with vitamins A, C, iron, and calcium, dandelions are strong detoxification foods. Dandelion juice can help diabetic patients by stimulating the production of insulin from the pancreas, keeping the blood sugar level low. As a diuretic, dandelion makes the diabetic patient urinate frequently, removing the extra sugar from the body. Since they are bitter, they also lower sugar level in the blood.

Low sex drive, dizziness, and fatigue are all clinical side effects of current heart prescription drugs. This is counterproductive and enslaving.

Why not try hawthorn berries instead-

The German Commission E, a scientific body which determines the effectiveness of herbal medicines, recommends hawthorn for:

• Cardiac insufficiency
• Cardiac pressure and tightness
• The aging heart
• Mild bradyarrhythmia
• Increasing coronary and myocardial circulation

Enough said. This berry, rich in antioxidant flavonoids, benefits the heart through powerful anti-inflammatory, relaxing effects on the blood vessels. One cannot overdose hawthorn either.
It is a berry of safety and longevity.

Why do heart medications even exist, when mankind knows all about this powerful berry-
Why do Americans cling to”health insurances” and government mandates- There are more affordable, simpler answers to health all around. Positivity, creativity, and nature will pave the way for real healthcare. Hope exists, but it’s far from government mandates rooted in a system of drugging medical intervention.

Sources for this article include:

Haas, Elson, MD. “Staying Healthy with Nutrition,”
http://drugs.about.com/od/diabetesmedications/a/diabetes_meds.htm
http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/November08/healingwise.htm
http://www.ehow.com/about_5312043_side-effects-heart-medication.html

About the author:
Lance Johnson, along with his wonderful wife Kender, are creating a natural products movement from the ground up: Free Spirit All Natural Products. As more hearts are pulling toward natural solutions in a world of toxins and propaganda, Lance wants to help others see the real health opportunities all around us. www.allnaturalfreespirit.com

He’s also a passionate writer who has self published two works of poetic writing that relate to the people, unmask the hiding, and challenge the status quo. He has more writing ideas within him, as health and freedom has become a major topic of interest within him.



What to Eat for Glowing Skin: Diet Tips

Preventing sunburn is a major component in preserving the health of your skin, but the issue of what to eat for glowing skin is equally important. Most women don’t need a strict daily diet plan for glowing skin, but they need to eat more of the right foods for a healthy and beautiful skin.

For glowing skin, what to eat is the best question you can ask when you’re trying to put together a healthier diet for beautiful skin. Find out what is the right mixture of ingredients for glowing skin and the best sources for complete nourishment of your skin.

Protein and Fats for Glowing Skin

Quality protein is needed for cell repair and the best sources of the right kinds of protein are fish, egg whites along with skinless chicken or turkey breast.

The right mixture of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids is also needed for glowing skin. Make sure your daily diet plan for glowing skin includes fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines), but also walnuts, almonds, soy beans and canola or flax seed oil for cooking.

Antioxidants for Glowing Skin

Free radical damage affects the levels of collagen in skin, causing a dull complexion and wrinkles. Fight them with the best antioxidants from berries (blueberries, raspberries, black currants), along with broccoli, kale, spinach, papaya and sweet potatoes. Any food with a high content of vitamin C is also full of antioxidants and that doesn’t just mean citrus fruit, but also tomatoes, strawberries and kiwi.

Vitamins for Glowing Skin

Vitamin A, which the body can also extract from beta-carotene, is vital for glowing skin. You can get it from whole milk and butter, liver, eggs or plant sources like orange fruit and vegetables, from apricots and mangoes to pumpkin and carrots or even dark green vegetables like watercress.

Vitamin E is equally important when you’re considering what to eat for glowing skin. You can get it from nuts and seeds, whole grains and avocados.

Minerals for Glowing Skin

Selenium is the most important mineral that promotes healthy skin and you can get plenty of it from cereals, mushrooms and seafood.

A healthy glow also depends on the level of zinc in the body, a mineral that can also increase the production of collagen and improve the immune system. You can find it in seafood, cheese, nutritional yeast and mushrooms when you’re wondering what you should eat for glowing skin.

three ways to enhance memory and boost brain power

(NaturalNews) Perhaps the greatest threat to brain function is chronic stress. Challenged by fear and anxiety, the body will produce excessive amounts of cortisol, the “stress hormone”, which eventually damages the brain’s memory center. And, although cortisol is a necessary hormone for survival purposes, excessive amounts destroy our adrenals, immune system plus much more.

Eliminate brain fog – naturally! On the next NaturalNews Talk Hour, a LIVE internet radio broadcast – Dr. Holly Lucille, a nationally recognized leader in naturopathic medicine will teach us how to improve thyroid and adrenal function; elevate our moods; increase our energy and improve mental clarity.

Visit: http://www.naturalhealth365.com and enter your email address for free show details.

Prevent adrenal fatigue and elevate your mood – naturally

Obviously, it goes (almost) without saying, if you can reduce the stress in your life by changing your perspective or making changes in your lifestyle habits – do it. But, nutritionally speaking, you may want to consider boosting your intake of vitamin C to support healthy adrenal function. Remember, the adrenals produce stress hormones and without them – your ability to handle tough situations is diminished.

According to Dr. Lucille, “during stress, the adrenal glands stockpile this antioxidant to protect against free-radical damage. However, ongoing stress depletes this vital nutrient from the adrenal glands.” By the way, Dr. Lucille recommends at least 250 to 500 milligrams (mg) per day of vitamin C for anyone concerned about the negative effects of stress and maintaining a clear mind.

Sharpen your mind with chocolate and essential fatty acids

Cocoa, the key ingredient in chocolate, is loaded with brain-boosting antioxidants called flavonoids. Just don’t go and buy any (commercial) brands filled with excess simple sugars, poor quality fats and nasty chemical additives. Scientific research shows that small amounts of dark chocolate, consumed on a regular basis, can improve blood flow to the brain – which enhances cognitive and memory test scores.

Did you know that the human brain is composed of significant amounts of fat- If you want to avoid being “brain dead” – be sure to include lots of omega-3′s in your diet. Naturally, especially these days, you want to be careful about the quality of fat you eat. If you’re not comfortable eating fish – several times per week – then a good quality omega-3 supplement of about 500 – 1,000 mg per day could help improve brain function.

This week’s guest: Dr. Holly Lucille, a nationally-recognized leader in naturopathic medicine

Learn how to improve memory, brain function and eliminate chronic stress in your life – Thu. Nov. 8

Dr. Holly Lucille is a nationally recognized and licensed naturopathic doctor, an educator and a natural products consultant. She is the author of Creating and Maintaining Balance: A Women’s Guide to Safe, Natural, Hormone Health and serves on the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians Board of Directors.

An acclaimed expert in the field of naturopathic medicine, Dr. Holly lectures throughout the nation on a variety of natural health topics. Regularly quoted as an expert in both consumer and peer journals, in 2007, Dr. Holly was listed in Time Magazine’s “Alt List” as one of the “Top 100 Most Influential People.”

Eliminate brain fog – naturally! On the next NaturalNews Talk Hour, a LIVE internet radio broadcast – Dr. Holly Lucille, a nationally recognized leader in naturopathic medicine will teach us how to improve thyroid and adrenal function; elevate our moods; increase our energy and improve mental clarity.

Visit: http://www.naturalhealth365.com and enter your email address for free show details.




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Curcumin slays cancer cells of their tracks

(NaturalNews) Curcumin is the active anti-inflammatory ingredient of turmeric. It has been used traditionally for centuries by Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. Currently, it may be western medicine’s most researched ancient medicinal herb.

Curcumin has been under scrutiny in clinical and epidemiological (statistical survey) studies by several researchers for arthritis relief, cardiac conditions, and other inflammatory based diseases. It’s even getting serious consideration for curing cancer these days.

On April 21, 2011, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, top Western medicine abandoned it’s normal research for new toxic chemo solutions for cancer to release a surprising paper on their curcumin research.

The researchers were amazed at curcumin’s ability to differentiate cancer cells from normal cells and create apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells only, while actually promoting better cellular health in non-cancerous cells.

The MD Anderson Cancer Center was very interested in how curcumin and other natural compounds affected adverse epigenetic influences from free radical damage due to pollutants and other sources.

When adverse epigenetic influences begin, DNA damage occurs more rapidly than it can heal itself resulting in a chain reaction of gene activation or inactivation that create cell mutations – or cancer cells.

The researchers concluded that curcumin (diferuloylmethane) exerts its biological influence through epigenetic modulation, a process that continues downstream staying one step ahead of adverse genetic influences. Very heady stuff indeed.

More recently, a study from Zheijian Provincial People’s Hospital in Zheijiang, China indicates that curcumin is capable of inducing apoptosis (cell death) within triple negative breast cancer cells. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a type of cancer that defies conventional therapy.

A breast cancer chemotherapy drug, Tamoxifen, targets estrogen receptors. This makes the toxic drug less invasive to surrounding healthier cells. But TNBC doesn’t have estrogen and progesterone receptors to target, thus requiring non-targeting and more toxic chemo drugs.

The Triple Breast Cancer Foundation flashes pink like their sister charity Susan G. Koman and raises money that pays their solid salaries with some trickle down cash for dead-end research to Big Pharma’s never ending quest for high priced toxic ineffective chemicals.

Meanwhile, they ignore real prevention and natural, safe and inexpensive solutions for cancer. Here’s a reference for a list of several research papers on curcumin, many on cancer. (http://www.greenmedinfo.com/substance/curcumin)

There have been many positive studies on curcumin for cancer and other diseases. The good news is a lot has been from mainstream researchers. The two focused on here are simply the most recent and spectacular discoveries.

Even PubMed acknowledges curcumin’s anti-cancer capabilities for several different types of cancer.

Natural foods rich in flavanols, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) found in green tea, has also been explored to be used in tandem with curcumin’s diferuloylmethane as a one-two punch for cancer. EGCG inhibits excessive angeogenesis, or excessive blood vessel creation.

We all have some free floating cancer cells. When excess angeogenesis occurs, it helps coagulate cancer cell colonies to use the new blood vessels and thrive as tumors.

Heating turmeric powder in milk and coconut oil with a dash of black pepper will give you a healthy tonic that you can use daily to mollify chronic inflammation and help prevent cancer. This combination mimics traditional Indian cuisine and is necessary to get maximum absorption of turmeric’s curcumin.

For more acute issues, high dose curcumin is also available in enteric coated capsules with piperine, the active ingredient of black pepper that enhances nutritional absorption.

Enteric coating keeps the capsules from breaking apart and exposing their fragile curcumin to stomach acids. This allows the curcumin to get into the small intestines and into the blood. If you Google bioperine (piperine) enteric coated curcumin, you’ll find several suppliers.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18462866

http://www.greenmedinfo.com




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Boosting your enzyme reserves

(NaturalNews) Enzymes are extremely vital to human well-being. They play a critical role in digestion and nutrient assimilation, in immune response, cognitive acceleration, and cellular detoxification among other things. These systems battle for enzymes to utilize within our body.

Enzymes are some of the most important structures in the body. They are long-chain proteins that take on specific shapes and act like a key to unique locks throughout the body. Their job is to carry out very specific functions throughout the body.

When the amino acid bonds within an enzyme are damaged, the enzyme collapses and can no longer do its particular job. This denaturing process may be caused by any of the following:

  • Fluoride
  • Drugs
  • Alcohol
  • Free radical damage
  • Irradiation
  • Canning
  • Food processing
  • Heating above 118 F (cooking)

When enzymes are damaged, they are no longer able to carry out their unique processes and they become another foreign protein in the body. These foreign proteins are recognized by the immune system as a possible hazardous invader. The body may then trigger an immune response and create inflammation.

All processed and heavily cooked foods contain an abundance of denatured enzymes. These are highly allergenic in the body and create a massive assault on the body. These processed and irritated foods also depend upon good enzymes from the body for digestion. So these foods, in essence, steal enzymes from our system.

To create an enzyme surplus in your body, you will want to incorporate a diet high in raw and living foods. The optimal nutrition plan should be at least 75-80 percent raw and living foods with 20-25 percent high quality cooked foods.

Healthy, cooked foods would include brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes and cruciferous vegetables. Cruciferous veggies are great to steam as boiling will steal valuable water-soluble nutrients. Steaming these veggies breaks down the outer cellulose wall that is challenging for the digestive system to metabolize. This actually makes the food more bioavailable.

Organic and grass-fed animal products are to be cooked in a medium-rare fashion. This will break down the thicker proteins but keep much of the powerful nutrition still intact. Fresh squeezed lemon and apple cider vinegar should be added to any cooked food and especially to meat in either a pre/post cooked marinade or just before serving. Lemon and apple cider vinegar provide organic acids, enzymes, probiotics and anti-oxidants that help to pre-digest the cooked meal and neutralize any free radical formation.

To boost enzymatic potential, it is essential to soak and sprout all grains, seeds, nuts and legumes. The practice of soaking, fermenting and sprouting breaks down challenging proteins and activates key enzymes that improve the bioavailability of the nutrients. Sprouted legumes, seeds and nuts are basically a pre-digested food that has unlocked its full potential of enzymes and nutrients.

The fermentation process unlocks huge nutrient potential within the seed. Sprouted foods have five to ten times higher B vitamins, double the vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, calcium and iron content of its pre-soaked and sprouted counterpart. The enzymes will also make the protein much more bioavailable for consumption.

Incorporating fermented foods and drinks is another great way to boost enzyme load. Great fermented drinks include coconut kefir, raw whey, fermented berry and grape drinks, kombucha, amasai, goat milk kefir, etc. Sauerkraut, kimchi, and fermented veggies are also great resources for enzymes.

Intermittent fasting and incorporating fermented drinks are especially important parts to creating an enzyme surplus. Fasting for periods of 16-48 hours each week or month allows the body to catch up in its enzyme processing.

Sources for this article include:

http://ezinearticles.com
http://www.naturalnews.com
http://www.naturalnews.com/034277_fasting_longevity.html
http://www.naturalnews.com

About the author:
Dr. David Jockers owns and operates Exodus Health Center in Kennesaw, Ga. He is a Maximized Living doctor. His expertise is in weight loss, customized nutrition & exercise, & structural corrective chiropractic care. For more information go to www.drjockers.com To find a Maximized Living doctor near you go to www.maximizedliving.com Dr. Jockers is also available for long distance phone consultations to help you beat disease and reach your health goals




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Benefit from the cardiovascular and other health benefits of wholesome nuts

(NaturalNews) Nuts are an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and more and they offer a wide variety of health benefits, particularly for the heart and cardiovascular system. However, many people avoid nuts due to the nuts being potentially fattening. Such concerns could easily be addressed by substituting nuts for another menu item or else cutting down on other menu item portions.

Cutting back on other food items may be easier than you think: recent studies have found that eating nuts actually helps curb appetite due to nuts increasing serotonin levels. Nuts have plenty of fiber which makes you feel fuller. Fiber is also heart healthy and is thought to play a role in preventing diabetes.

Nuts are rich in heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids and they contain vitamin E, which may help stop the development of plaque in the arteries. Arterial plaque can lead to chest pain, coronary artery disease, or a heart attack.

Nuts are also a source of l-arginine, a substance that improves artery walls by making them more flexible and less prone to blood clots. Some nuts also contain healthy plant sterols.


There are a lot of good choices.

Walnuts

Walnuts may be considered the king of nuts for health benefits according to U.S. researchers. Walnuts contain the highest combination of more healthful and higher quality antioxidants. Antioxidants in walnuts were two to 15 times as potent as vitamin E – renowned for its powerful antioxidant effects which protect the body against free radical damage which causes disease. Reportedly, it only takes about seven walnuts a day to get their potential health benefits.

Almonds

Many studies have demonstrated the health benefits of almonds. Almonds are high in antioxidants, are a good source of protein and have ample amounts of magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron as well as vitamin E. Like other nuts, almonds also provide a good source of monounsaturated fat – the good fat that is needed for heart health.

Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts are another must. A recent study conducted at the University of Illinois suggested that Brazil nuts may play a vital role in preventing breast cancer. According to the scientists who carried out the study, this benefit is probably a result of the high amounts of selenium they contain.

Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize harmful free radicals that can attack healthy cells and increase the risk of serious conditions like heart disease and cancer – including breast, and lung, bowel, and prostate cancer.

Cashews

Cashew nuts are a significant source of iron, which is essential for red blood cell function and enzyme activity. They also contain magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium.

Peanuts

Even though peanuts are not certifiably nuts, their nutritional properties resemble that of actual nuts so closely that they are commonly referred to as nuts. Peanuts are a great source of concentrated protein. They are also rich in potassium and are packed with vitamins, especially niacin and other B vitamins. The vitamins in peanuts help maintain healthy skin, hair, and muscle tone.

Nut oils contain many, but not all, the benefits of raw nuts. Nut oils contain saturated as well as unsaturated fats. They are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, but lack the fiber found in whole nuts. Consider using nut oils in homemade salad dressing or in cooking. Nut oil, if overheated, can become bitter. Just like with nuts, nut oil is high in calories, thus it may be best to use nut oil in moderation.

For the best health benefits, nuts should be organic, non-irradiated, and raw.

Sources for this article included:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nuts/HB00085
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111111095222.htm
http://www.askmen.com/sports/foodcourt_100/100_eating_well.html
http://www.upi.com
http://www.shape.com
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17125534
http://health.learninginfo.org/benefits-nuts.htm

About the author:
“See all articles by Tony Isaacs”

Tony Isaacs, is a natural health author, advocate and researcher who hosts The Best Years in Life website for those who wish to avoid prescription drugs and mainstream managed illness and live longer, healthier and happier lives naturally. Mr. Isaacs is the author of books and articles about natural health, longevity and beating cancer including “Cancer’s Natural Enemy” and is working on a major book project due to be published later this year. He is also a contributing author for the worldwide advocacy group “SANEVax Inc” which endeavors to uncover the truth about HPV and other vaccine dangers.

Mr. Isaacs also hosts the Yahoo Oleandersoup group of over 2600 members and the Utopia Silver Supplement Company and he and his partner Luella May recently began hosting The Best Years in Life Radio Show” on Wolf Spirit Radio.




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Easy, natural how you can reduce skin cancer risk

(NaturalNews) “All skin cancer is the result of damage to skin cells,” says Lise Alschuler, ND, author of Five to Thrive: Your Cutting-Edge Cancer Prevention Plan.

Skin cell damage is caused by oxidative stress from free radicals, which manifests as sunburn. It’s the same process that causes metals to rust and apples to brown. Although oxidation cannot be completely avoided, oxidation must be minimized to avoid free radical damage.

Oxidative stress is both the cause and the consequence of disease. Contrary to what allopathic dermatologists recommend, a daily, moderate dose of sun without sunscreen is actually beneficial for the skin.

Bare skin exposed to direct sunshine boosts vitamin D3 production in your body, but it should be moderate. 20 minutes; three or four times a week during peak sunlight hours is sufficient for most vitamin D3 requirements. Then there are supplements that can be added as well.

Antioxidants are the key to reducing oxidative stress. Molecules with missing electrons are called oxidants; whose primary activity is replacing their missing electron by stealing an electron from another molecule. This, in turn, causes a molecular domino effect of oxidative stress that can lead to disease.

The magic of antioxidants is the well researched fact that they can donate an electron to an oxidant without in turn becoming a free radical. Antioxidants stop the cascading free radical effect and reduce free radical damage.

Minimizing free radical damage to skin cells can be boosted by the right diet. Eating lots of fresh, organic plant-based foods is the key. Plants thrive on sunlight while using their own flavonoids to protect them from excess oxidation. You can borrow those flavonoids by eating plants.

A high quality multivitamin with the full spectrum of vitamin E (mixed tocopherols), mixed cartenoids and zinc would be helpful for maintaining healthy skin as well as, ironically, vitamin D3 supplements.

Good fats are important. Skin cells contain fats. Avoid processed trans-fatty oils and use cold pressed virgin olive or coconut oils for salads and cooking. Omega-3 fatty acids are critical for the full spectrum of health issues. Chia seeds, ground flax seeds, and uncontaminated fish oils are good sources of omega-3.

Moisture is essential for skin health. Hydrating sufficiently is an important key. One guideline offered for sufficient hydration is how often you’re compelled to urinate, which should be every two to four hours.

Choosing a topical skin moisturizer requires some serious label reading. For starters, make sure the sources are organic. Pesticides and insecticides damage the skin and can be absorbed internally. Avoid moisturizers with chemicals and preservatives.

If your complexion is very fair, you may need to use a sunscreen part of the time. Use one that contains zinc or titanium oxide to block the UV rays. However, the darker one’s skin, the more one can endure time under the sun. Notice how the well tanned stay under the sun while those with fair complexions begin to burn.

Parabens are preservatives in almost anything sold outside of health food stores for topical application. They are carcinogenic all by themselves. Parabens are in colognes, perfumes, and lipsticks. Most underarm deodorants contain aluminum.

You don’t need oxidative stress from sunburn damage with the parabens in most commercial cosmetics. They’ll help you get skin cancer without any exposure to the sun. But there is very little attention on cosmetics from allopathic dermatologists. They simply make you afraid of the sun and tell you to use carcinogenic sun screens.

Here’s a guide for cosmetic product ingredients: (http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/)

Sources for this article include:

http://www.betternutrition.com

http://inhumanexperiment.blogspot.com

http://www.naturalgrocers.com




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Top 10 Reasons Coconut Oil is a Miracle of Nature!

Top 10 Reasons Coconut Oil is a Miracle of Nature!
(OrganicJar) Coconut oil has a surprising number of health benefits, from relieving stress to bolstering your immune system. It’s rich in the lauric, capric and caprylic acids. These omega three fatty acids give it its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti fungal properties. It can be used to cook food, moisturize skin, and treat infections. With all of these benefits, it’s hard to imagine why you wouldn’t add coconut oil to your life. Check out the top 10 reasons why coconut oil is a miracle of nature and why YOU should be using it.

    Improves Your Skin

    Coconut oil acts as an effective moisturizer on all types of skins including dry skin. It can treat psoriasis, eczema, rosacea and even wrinkles and protects the skin from sun exposure, skin cancer, and free radical damage.

  1. Helps You Lose Weight

    Unlike many other common oils, like soy (vegetable) and corn that contain LCT (long-chain triglycerides ) that are typically stored as fat. Coconut oil won’t make you fat. Coconut oil contains MCT (medium-chain triglycerides), which are an easy fuel for the body to burn, without turning to fat. When you add coconut oil into your diet, you’ll feel more full and eat fewer calories over all.

  2. Stress Relief

    Coconut oil is very soothing so it’s an excellent massage oil for the skin. Applying coconut oil to the head followed with a gentle massage helps in removing mental fatigue. Just the natural aroma of coconuts is extremely soothing thus helping to lower your stress level.

  3. Makes Your Hair Grow and Repairs Damage

    Coconut oil is one of the best natural remedies for your hair. It helps in the healthy growth of new hair and provides a shiny complexion. It is an excellent conditioner and helps in the re-growth of damaged hair. It also provides the essential proteins required for nourishing damaged hair.

  4. Anti-Aging Properties

    The small molecular structure of MCTs allows for easy absorption into your skin giving it a soft, smooth, and supple texture. Coconut oil strengthens your skin’s underlying connective tissues warding off lines and wrinkles and supplies healing and repairing properties. It prevents destructive free-radical formation and limits the damage excessive sun exposure can cause and helps rejuvenate the skin by removing the outer layer of dead skin cells.

  5. Improves Healing and Fights Infections

    Coconut oil is very effective against a variety of infections due to its antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. When applied on scrapes and cuts, coconut oil forms a thin, chemical layer which protects the wound from outside dust, bacteria and virus. Coconut oil speeds up the healing process of bruises by repairing damaged tissues.

  6. Improves Digestion

    Internal use of coconut oil occurs primarily as cooking oil. Coconut oil helps in improving the digestive system and thus prevents various stomach and digestion related problems including irritable bowel syndrome. The saturated fats present in coconut oil have anti-microbial properties and help in dealing with various bacteria, fungi, parasites, etc. Coconut oil also helps in absorption of other nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

  7. Gives you Energy

    Because of the healthy omega 3 fatty acids and the fact that it increases the metabolism, most people that switch to coconut oil feel a burst of added energy in their daily life. This is due to those MCT’s and coconut oil is nature’s richest source of them.

  8. Prevents Disease

    Coconut oil has been shown to prevent liver, kidney and gall bladder disease. It improves our ability to absorb important minerals needed by our bones, thus warding off osteoporosis. With its ability to increase insulin production and control blood sugar, coconut oil helps prevent and treat diabetes.

  9. Great for the Heart

    Comprised of about 50% lauric acid, coconut oil helps control high cholesterol, high blood pressure and atherosclerosis. The saturated fats in coconut oil do not have harmful properties of those contained in other vegetable oils.

  10. .

  11. BONUS: May Protect Against STD’s

    6-7% of the fatty acids in coconut fat are a MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) called capric acid. Capric acid is formed into monocaprin in the human body which has been shown to have antiviral effects and is being tested for effects against herpes, chlamydia and other sexually transmitted bacteria.

Source: pubmed, coconutresearchcenter.org, naturalfamilyonline.com
Image: hailmerry.com