Pumpkins: Not just for Halloween!

   Pumpkin refers to certain cultivars of squash, most commonly those of Cucurbita pepo, that are round, with smooth, slightly ribbed skin and deep yellow to orange coloration. 

    The bright orange colour of pumpkin indicates that its content is rich in beta carotene. This beta carotene is converted into Vitamin A in the body. Beta carotene is essential for eye health and for prevention of coronary heart disease. This antioxidant is linked to prevention of various types of cancers. Although pumpkin does not contain fiber, it is recognized for its composition of Vitamin A and C and for its fat free content. 

    Pumpkin is recognized for its composition of another one carotenoid which is called beta cryptoxanthin. This has healthy implications as it decreases the risk of lung cancer for smokers. Moreover, pumpkin is a rich source of minerals such as copper, calcium, potassium and phosphorus. 

    One another important health benefit of pumpkin is that it contains Zea-xanthin. It is a natural antioxidant which has UV rays filtering actions in the macular lutea in the retina of eyes. Thus age related macular degeneration is prevented in the elderly. Pumpkins therefore, constitute an essential component in the human nutrition. 

http://blogs.naturalnews.com/pumpkins-not-just-for-halloween/

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/pumpkin.html

Rooibos-Nutritional and Phytochemical Components

Rooibos Tea

  Rooibos tea has been significantly recognized for its taste and health benefits by generations of South Africans. Rooibos actually, is a broom like herb from the diverse mountain area near Cape Town. It is rich in antioxidants and minerals. 

   Health benefits of Roibos:

   1.  It contains polyphenols that possess anti carcinogenic, anti mutagenic, anti inflammatory and anti viral properties.

   2.   It is naturally caffeine free so it can be drank before bedtime.

   3.   It is low in tannins which allows easier assimilation of minerals.

   4.   No oxalic acid so a recommended choice for kidney stone sufferers.

   5.   Variety of vitamins and minerals, as well as phytonutrients. Rooibos is a good source of essential and trace minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, fluoride, copper, manganese, zinc and Vitamin C. 

  6.  It can be given to infants, children, pregnant and lactating women. Rooibos eases colic and stomach cramps as helping with hyperactivity.

   7.   Good source of antioxidants.

   8.  It strengthens bone and teeth.

   9.  It protects cell proteins, cell fats and DNA. 

  10. Aids in liver tissue regeneration

  11. Inhibits rotavirus infection

http://www.naturalnews.com/042265_rooibos_tea_phytonutrients_health_benefits.html

Benefits of consuming whole, fresh lemons.

  One fruit that is rich in fiber and low in calories is lemon. Aside from giving flavor to drink and lemon bars, lemons have a lot of health benefits. A lemon of medium size has no fat and contains 24 calories. Additionally, it is rich in Vitamin C, potassium and iron. 

  Lemons are recognized for their useful implications in health. 

   1. Lemons provide Vitamin C accounting to 44.5 mg. One lemon gives more than half of 75 mg of Vitamin C that females need per day and half of 90 mg that males require. 

   2.  Lemons have compounds that can protect health. According to a study carried out in 2005, citrus fruits like lemons have limonoids. These are organic substances which determine sweetness or bitterness. Additionally they offer protection towards certain kinds of cancer, as well as they can protect the cells from getting damaged and igniting cancer cells. 

   3. Although lemon can be bitter, it can still make a glass of cold water or iced tea flavorful. Furthermore, the usual salad dressing can be replaced by freshly squeezed lemon juice. This renders the salad more nutritious and healthy and lessens someone's intake of calories, sodium and saturated fat. 

   4. Digestive health is crucial in overall body's health. In order to improve digestive health, it is vital for enough of fiber to be got every day. Fiber can prevent some serious medical conditions such as hemorrhoids, constipation, diabetes and heart diseases. 

  Although lemons are considered healthy overall they are known to consist of some acids that can damage teeth as the enamel found on the surface tends to fade away. Then teeth become prone to decay and cavities. Consumption of undiluted lemon should be avoided as acids would stick to the teeth. 

http://www.naturalnews.com/042264_lemon_consumption_health_benefits_natural_foods.html

Avoid cancer with some lifestyle habits.

  Cancer is one of the most important health complications in modern world. It constitutes one of the deadliest and most feared diseases of people all over the world. Twelve million individuals living in America alone were diagnosed with this disease in 2008. Five years later, more than 1.6 million new cases were diagnosed.

   There are some lifestyle that can offer considerable protection from cancer occurrences.

  1.  People should never panic about acquiring cancer since according to various research studies it is not an epidemic condition.

 2.  It is advisable never to overeat because this encourages growth of tumors which grow lot faster than normal cells leading to cancer. A healthy diet can prevent tumours and cancer.

  

 3. Red meat consumption should be avoided as it contains glycoproteins which can lead to persistent inflammation in the tissues. Growth of tumours is also an issues with consumption of red meat.

 4.  Consumption of carbohydrates sometimes can lead to unceasing inflammation. According to a study in Denmark, a diet low in glycemic load that is low in cereals and potatoes and high in fruits and dairy can lead to better metabolism and insulin sensitivity.

5.   A person should not be negative about consuming organic food. It is believed that tumours grow when people consume produce grown conventionally.

6.  Selenium and calcium supplements can offer considerable protection against colorectal cancer and large colon polyps.

7.  Exposure to toxic environments can lead to development of malignancies such as lung cancer, throat cancer, cervical cancer and leukemia. Safe sex is also an important recommendation. 

8.   It is important to get screened for cancer. Women who are between 21 to 29 years should get tested for cervical cancer. 

http://www.naturalnews.com/042270_cancer_prevention_lifestyle_habits_healthy_diet.html

Habits that wreck the teeth.

  1. Chewing on ice: Although it is natural and sugar free chewing ice is harmless for the teeth as toothaches are possible. Hot and cold foods trigger quick, sharp jabs of pain or a persisting toothache.

  2. Playing sports without a mouth guard: A piece of molded plastic is required that would protect the upper row of teeth. Without an appropriate protection teeth can be knocked out when action gets rough.

  3. Bedtime bottles: Tooth decay can occur when bottles of juice, milk or formula are served while on bed.

  4. Tongue piercings: They can be attractive but when the metal comes in contact with the gums gum damage can be caused which can lead to tooth loss. Piercing also rise the risk of infections and sores. 

  5. Grinding Teeth: Teeth grinding or bruxism can occur due to stress and sleeping habits. Avoiding hard foods during the day can reduce pain and damage.

  6. Cough Drops: Sugar that comes from a cough drop or a hard candy can react with the sticky plaque that coats the teeth. Then bacteria in the plaque convert the sugar into an acid that eats away at tooth enamel.

  7. Gummy Candy: Some candies are harder to bear. Gummies stick in the teeth, keeping the sugar and resulting acids for hours in contact with the enamel.

  8. Sodas: They can have up to 11 teaspoons of sugar per serving. Sodas also contain phosphoric acid and citric acids that eat away at tooth enamel. 

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/ss/slideshow-teeth-wreckers

Top superfoods for boosting energy.

  Superfoods or vita foods supply lot of nutrients that may often not be available from crops grown in mineral depleted soils. They also supply more nutrients and antioxidants with less bulk and fewer calories. There are five groups of superfoods that are recognized for their healthy implications.

1.  Green Superfoods: 

•  Algae superfoods such as blue green algae, spirulina and chorella bypass.
•  Wheat graiss is sprouted, making it more veggie than grain, eliminating gluten issues.
•  Powders are the most economical. Creating smoothies or simply using whole limes or lemons in water  mixed with powders work well. 

2.  Bee superfoods:

• Since ancient times, bees were cultivated for honey and other products they generate. Honey should be raw and locally produced.
• Bee pollen: Used for energy. The source should be organic.
• Bee propolis: What bees use to coat their hive walls for protection against diseases.
• Royal jelly: Queen bee's food that is high in nutritional energy.

3.  Seaweeds:

• They offer a high concentration of nutrients and few calories. They benefit the thyroid more than other foods.
• They can be used in soups, with noodles, other vegetables and as a garnish for Tempeh burgers. Tempeh is fermented soy which makes the soy digestible and safe for human consumption.

4. Herbs: 

• Cinnamon disease and preventative values are being continually discovered. Great for blood sugar issues.
• Gingseng, potent energizer and anti aging herb
• Aloe Vera, great for skin issue and healing minor burns

5. Miscellaneous:

• Cacao: Unsweetened essence of pure chocolate. Cacao nibs can be used as toppings or mixed with hot beverages.
• Goji berries: Offer lot of nutrition in small amounts and few calories.
• Coconut milk: Great for reguvenating electrolytes naturally after intense workouts.

http://www.naturalnews.com/042238_superfoods_boosting_energy_natural_remedies.html

How to heal cavities naturally.

 Nowadays there are various health incidents that may cause a significant trouble. However all health problems are curable such as dental cavities. Dental cavities occur when foods containing carbohydrates such as milk, pop, raisins, cakes or candy are frequently left on the teeth. As a result, bacteria that are harmful thrive on the teeth and there is production of acids. These acids destroy tooth enamel resulting in tooth decay. Tooth decay is source of inappropriate diet.

• Not enough minerals in the diet.
• Not enough fat soluble vitamins such as A,D in the diet
• Nutrients not being readily bioavailable and the intestinal system not properly absorbing them. 

  In order to restore the ratio of calcium and phosphorus in the blood and to enable minerals to bond to the teeth too many sweet and processed foods should be avoided. Instead of them, health building, copious amounts of minerals and nutrients are recommended. More particularly, foods that are recommended are:

• Coconut oil, grass fed organic dairy, grass fed meats, seafood and bone broths. 
• Organic cooked vegetables
• Organ and gland meats like liver. 

 

  Supplements to consider are:

• Fermented cod liver oil-very high in fat soluble vitamins, A, B and K. 
• Magnesium- required to use calcium and phosphorus effectively.
• Gelatin- great for gums and digestion. 

http://www.naturalnews.com/042204_cavities_natural_healing_tooth_decay.html

   

10 easy, natural remedies for conquering the common cold.

 Common cold every year infects many people and its symptoms can be persistent in some cases. Continuous coughing, runny nose, stuffed up sinuses and headaches are the most common symptoms that can make everyone feel helpless during the day and fulfill the responsibilities when catching a cold virus. For treatment of colds there can be several effective cures.

1) Vitamin D:  One of the most effective remedies for common cold. Vitamin D helps reducing the cold and flu symptoms than getting back to normal quite quickly.

2) Apple Cider Vinegar:  Powerful alkalizing food which helps the treatment of the cold symptoms. Mixing a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with warm water, honey and lemon encourages rapid recovery.

3) Vitamin C: Powerful immune system booster. Experts recommend 2000 milligrams or more of non genetically modified ascorbic acid or sodium ascorbate when suffering from symptoms.

4) Honey:  Well known healing and soothing agent. It is recognized for the nutrients that it contains which vary from antioxidant, antiviral and antibacterial. 

5) Ginger: Powerful, soothing as well as powerful healer with amazing anti inflammatory properties. Patients who suffer from cold symptoms that involve ginger can experience a significant relief with the aid of ginger. Additionally it warms the body which enhances the expelling of toxins and other harmful invaders.

6) Zinc: Often sold in syrup or lozenge. It is efficient towards cold symptoms by combating sniffing, sneezing and coughing. Zinc is also a powerful immune boosting trace element by facilitating the function of more than 3000 proteins in the body.

7) Echinacea: Echinacea herb can shorten the duration of cold symptoms by several days and stimulate the immune system by activation of T cells. 

8) Neti Pot: Blocked noses are a serious concern in colds. For the treatment of block noses, a sanitised neti pot can be filled with warm water and one teaspoon of sea salt. This can then be poured down in the sinuses. Thus nasal passages are cleared and harmful bacteria can be eliminated.

9) Oil of oregano: Rich in 4 specific groups of chemicals that synergistically promote healing and strong immunity. The chemicals found in oil of oregano exhibit powerful antiviral and anti inflammatory activity.

10) Coconut Oil: One of the most powerful, natural antiviral compounds. Rich in medium chain fatty acids, coconut oil absorbs directly into viral cells where it disintegrates the protective coating of virus.

http://www.naturalnews.com/042226_common_cold_natural_remedies_apple_cider_vinegar.html

   

Use peppermint oil to aid digestion, repel bugs and more.

  Peppermint has been considered since older times as a digestive aid and for its beneficial action on stomach, intestines and liver. The plant is easy to grow and crossbreads with other mint plants easily. Peppermint is in fact a natural hybrid of green mint and water mint with sterile flowers. Peppermint has a strong, clean, fresh and a characterised minty aroma. The most important active element in peppermint is menthol which is extracted and used in pharmaceutical products as well as commercial ones such as toothpaste and food flavoring.

  Used by American Indians, the Chinese and the Egyptians, peppermint is considered an important substituent for health. It is known to:

1. Aid digestive system
2. Enhance the function of respiratory and circulatory systems.
3. Anti inflammatory and antiseptic 
4. Cleanser, purifier and detoxifier.
5. Stimulates lymph system drainage
6. Increases stomach acidity
7. Useful for headaches, nausea, irritable bowels, catarrh, bad breath. 
8. Beneficial for easing nervous exhaustion and depression.
9. Improves memory and concentration.
10. It can raised low blood pressure with a massage using peppermint oil. 

   However, peppermint is strong and can cause irritation in people with sensitive skin. It is not for use during pregnancy, for infants and small children. Essential oil should not be applied directly to the skin in their concentrated and undiluted form. 

http://www.naturalnews.com/042219_peppermint_healing_herbs_digestion.html

Vegetarians less likely to die from heart disease study finds.

  Long term vegetarianism is linked to various benefits as longevity is enhanced, risk of cancer and diabetes is decreased. Weight loss and improved digestion are encouraged significantly. According to American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vegetarianism can offer protection against heart disease by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.

 Researchers at the University of Oxford monitored the blood and cholesterol levels of 450000 English and Scottish Volunteers-34% of which vegetarian. During that period, 1,235 volunteers that didn't follow a vegetarian diet developed heart disease, 169 died from it and the remaining 1.066 recovered but continued to suffer throughout their lives. The risk of heart disease for vegetarians is a third lower than comparable non vegetarians. 

 Vegetarianism is characterised by some distinctive features.

1. Extended rather than short intestinal tract
2. Too weak hydrochloric acid to digest meat and parasites
3. Saliva alkaline rather than acidic. 

http://www.naturalnews.com/042221_vegetarians_heart_disease_decreased_risk.html

Flavonoids from red grapes and blueberries synergistically boost immune response.

  For the past decades, nutrition scientists have carried out an extensive research concerning certain whole foods that are consumed in their natural and unprocessed forms. They have found that consumption of foods in their natural form can enhance vibrant health by stimulating the innate immune response system, while all refined foods and hydrogenated fats promote disease.

   

  Resveratrol is a natural occuring compound which is found most commonly in red grapes. Except from resveratrol, pterostilbene from blueberries also work in combination with the natural reserve of Vitamin D, to stimulate immune system and prevent chronic disease. 

  The scientists have analysed throughout the years have analysed 446 naturally occuring compounds from fresh fruits and vegetables. They found that resveratrol and pterostilbene from grapes and blueberries has a signficant impact in raising the expression of the human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, involved in immune function. 

http://www.naturalnews.com/042224_flavonoids_immune_response_pterostilbene.html

Eye problem treatments you can achieve at home.

  Eyes are the most powerful of the five senses as humans are considered to be visual creatures and eyes are used for every single operation. However, the eyes are subjected to various injuries which can impair sight in a serious manner.

• Allergies:  Eyes are prone to a variety of allergic reactions which can leave the eyes red and teary. The most important part of the treatment of allergies is to understand the source of the allergen and to avoid exposure to various environmental triggers. 

• Stye:  Stye is a serious type of eye infection but it is harmless and it does not leave any long term side effects. An efficient home treatment for this infection is to dampen a washcloth with warm water above the eye. Heat from water open the eye's pores and eliminates infection.

• Black Eyes: It is characterised by brusing around the eye area. Treatment for this condition is quick and easy. Ice can be applied to the infected area to prevent it from swelling. This can be done every 2 hours for 10-15 minutes.

• Conjunctivitis: This condition is known as pink or sore eyes. Conjunctivitis is characterized by swelling of the conjunctiva, causing redness and soreness of the infected eye. Eye drops can be used for disinfection and cold compresses to relieve itchiness.

http://www.naturalnews.com/042201_eye_problems_home_remedies_treatment.html

Avoid the zinc deficiency trap - Boost health, resiliency and overall well being with this one essential mineral

Foods High in Zinc

  Zinc is one of the most essential minerals. It plays an important role in a wide range of functions, such as DNA repair and immunity. It is also an essential nutrient for the prevention of colds and flu. 

  Zinc is involved within a variety of process that occur in the body.

• Regulating genetic instructions
• Sensitivity of smell and taste
• Metabolism and blood sugar balance
• Immunity

  When an individual is zinc deficient, this triggers cold and infections, suppressed appetite, depression, hindered growth in children and impaired sense of taste and smell. Other clinical conditions are associated with zinc deficiency which explain why zinc is necessary in every type of diet.

1. Acne
2. Alcoholism 
3. Alopecia
4. Alzheimer's Disease
5. Anorexia Nervosa
6. Atopic dermatitis
7. Benign prostatic hyperotrophy
8. Cervical dysplacia
9. Common Cold
10. Diabetes
11. Epilepsy
12. Inflammatory bowel diseases
13. Influenza
14. Macular degeneration
15. Osteoarthritis
16. Osteoporosis
17. PMS
18. Psoriasis
19. Rheumatoid arthritis
20. Senile cataracts

http://www.naturalnews.com/042206_zinc_deficiency_essential_mineral_trace_minerals.html

Sugar named ''most addictive and dangerous substance'' of our time worse than cigarettes and alcohol.

  Sugar belongs to a class of chemically related sweet flavoured substances. There are various types of sugar that are derived from different sources. Simple sugars involve monosaccharides like glucose, fructose and galactose. Disaccharides involve maltose and lactose.

  The head of Amsterdam's health service in the Netherlands is trying to raise awareness about a pervasive and a bigger health threat. According to Paul Van der Velpen, sugar is the most dangerous and addictive substance of modern times. More specifically, he addresses the issue of obesity, the rates on which are on rise not only in Netherlands but everywhere around the world. Obesity is a serious threat which is connected to a serious of severe clinical conditions such as metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease. In addition sugar is a substance that triggers hunger and in some times can be excessive. According to Van der Velpen sugar can be described as a drug as it can be acquired everywhere leading to a severe addiction. 

 Consumption of sugar should be reasonable as the consequences are of considerable interest.

• Suppresses immune system and impairs defences against infection disease.
• Upsets and disrupts the mineral relationships in the body.
• Rapid rise of adrenaline, hyperactivity, anxiety, difficulty concentrating
• Loss of tissue elasticity and function.
• Weakens eyesight
• Premature aging
• Can lead to alcoholism
• Contributes to tooth decay
• Contributes to obesity
• Lowers vitamin number levels
• Increases systolic blood pressure
• Cause food allergies and eczema in children.
• Causes atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease

http://www.naturalnews.com/042209_sugar_addictive_substances_cigarettes.html

http://www.feelbettertherapies.com/consequencesofsugar.htm

Dangerous Foods

1) Peanuts: 

  The body reacts to the proteins that peanuts contain. These can cause rashes, swelling and trouble breathing. 

2) Milk and Dairy Foods: 

   Milk is one of the most common food allergy trigger for humans. Infants specifically need hypoallergic or soy formula

3) Eggs:

    Watch out for eggs in noodles, mayonnaise and baked goods. They can also be in unlikely places such as in the foam topping in drinks and in the egg wash on pretzels.

4) Shellfish:

   Shrimp, crab, crawfish, lobster, clams, mussels, scallops, escargot, octopuses can cause serious reactions.

5) Tree nuts:

   Watch out for walnuts, almonds, pecans, hazelnuts, cashews, pistachios, Brazil nuts and pine nuts that can be highly allergic.

6) Fish:

   Fresh salmon, tuna and halibut can cause severe allergies. 

7) Soy:

   Foods to avoid involve edamame, tofu, soy milk, miso and soy sauce.

8) Wheat:

   If you are allergic to wheat, other grains, like barley, oats, rye, corn and rice are usually safe. But you may want to avoid bulgur, couscous and farina. 

Is almond milk good for you? Importance of reading the label to avoid potential carcinogen.

  Almond milk is often used as a substitute for dairy or soy milk due to its health benefits. This type of milk contains no saturated fat, fewer calories than soy milk and rich in Vitamin E. In every food product it is important that consumers take a careful attention of the label. Almond milks contain a controversial food additive that is called carrageenan that may be a potential carcinogen.

  Almond milk helps to reduce calorie intake 

• Whole Milk: 140 calories per cup
• 2% fat milk:  120 calories per cup
• Rice Milk:     120 calories per cup
• Skim Milk:    80 calories per cup
• Soy Milk:      80 calories per cup
• Almond Milk: 40 calories per cup

   Almond milk can help lower cholesterol levels and is a good choice for anyone who has difficulty digesting dairy or soy. Additionally, almond milk is one of the most nutritious milks. It is a good source of antioxidant Vitamin E, which can help prevent cancer and slow the sings of ageing. Almond milk also provides Vitamin D and Vitamin A.

   Some Almond Milks are particular as they contain a food additive that is extracted from red seaweed. This is called carrageenan. Food Drugs and Administration recognize the additive as a safe one however according to research it leads to gastrointestinal inflammation and possibly cancer so attention is crucial.

http://www.naturalnews.com/042181_almond_milk_potential_carcinogen_food_labels.html

Health advantages of using virgin coconut oil

  Coconut oil is an edible oil extracted from the kernel or meat of maturated coconuts harvested from the coconut palm. It has various applications in food, medicine and industry. Because of its high saturated fat content it is slow to oxidize thus resistant to rancidification. 

  Virgin coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids which heightens metabolism and energy thus stimulating the thyroid. Except from metabolism boost there are other benefits surrounding virgin coconut oil.

• It targets the harmful bacteria candida and kills it using caprylic acid content. 
• It lowers cholesterol due to its lauric acid content.
• It encourages weight  loss because there is no circulation of medium chain fatty acids in bloodstream.
• Virgin coconut oil controls diabetes because the insulin in the bloodstream does not go up.
• The immune system is strengthened due to the lauric acid content. 
• This type of oil is beneficial for the skin when directly applied as an antibacterial layer is formed which protects the infected part of the body.
• Virgin coconut oil nourishes the brain and enhances cognitive function. 
• Rapid recovery from various illnesses. 

http://www.naturalnews.com/042184_virgin_coconut_oil_health_advantages_healthy_foods.html

Low omega 3 fatty acids in children causes difficulties in reading, learning

  The latest research concerning omega 3 fatty acids come from Oxford University in UK. In conducting their study Oxford researchers analysed the blood content of the children. The outcome of the analysis was that school aged children between 7-9 years old had low levels of omega 3 fatty acids in their blood. The study carried out is one of the first to examine omega 3 in blood. 

  Long chain omega 3 fatty acids are found in fish, seafood and some forms of algae. They are essential for brain's structure and function as well as for the maintenance of a healthy heart and cardiovascular and immune systems. Overall government guidelines recommend two portions a fish a week however the findings suggested that 9 out of 10 children ate fish less than twice a week. Analysis of blood samples showed that under 2% of the total blood fatty acids were omega-3 DHA and 0.5% omega-3 EPA.

  The majority of children in UK don't get enough of the long chain omega 3 fatty acids that are needed for a healthy brain, heart and immune system thus poor behaviour and learning disabilities are observed in some children. 

  Consumption of long chain omega 3 fatty acids can offer also significant protection from depression also. According to a Norwegian study that was carried out which involved 22.000 participants, a regular consumption of a diet that is rich in omega 3 fatty acids significantly reduced the risk of around 30% of depression development. 

http://www.naturalnews.com/042185_low_omega-3s_children_learning_difficulties.html

http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2007/oct2007_report_depression_01.htm

  

  

Taking Aspirin for 10 years doubles risk of vision loss

  

 One of the dominant causes of vision loss is macular degeneration. This condition is a medical condition which usually affects older adults and results in vision loss in the center of visual field due to the damage of retina. Unhealthy diets and limited exercising of the eye are the dominant reasons for age related macular degeneration.

  A long term project led by American researchers performed a series of eye exams every 5 years over a 20 year period on almost 5.000 volunteers between the ages of 43 to 86. A research team led by Dr Barbara Klein analysed the project carried out and discovered that there was no relationship between macular degeneration and aspirin usage over the five year period however volunteers that experienced a 10 year usage of aspirin expressed a significant risk of neovascular macular degeneration development. This acute condition is characteristic for blood vessel growth below the retina.

 Aspirin can be beneficial for treatment of various diseases but there are also many side effects.

• Gastric musosal lesions
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Anorectal ulceration and rectal stenosis
• Epigastric distress, abdominal discomfort
• Hemorrhage
• Perforation
• Peptic ulcers
• Renal failure
• Proteinuria
• Papillary necrosis
• Decreased blood flow
• Rhinitis
• Pancreatic cancer
• Dehydration
• Hyperkalemia

http://www.naturalnews.com/042186_aspirin_vision_loss_age-related_macular_degeneration.html

http://www.drugs.com/sfx/aspirin-side-effects.html

  

This is what happens to your body when you exercise

  Exercise is one of the most efficient ways to maintain good health. One of the key benefits of exercise is that it helps normalise the glucose, insulin and leptin levels by optimising insulin/leptin receptor sensitivity.

  Exercise affects the body, directly and indirectly. The majority of side effects of exercise are beneficial.

• improved sexual function
• changes in gene expression
• clearer skin
• improved mood
• improved sleep

  What happens in the body when exercising?

      1.    Muscles: Glucose and ATP are used for contraction and movement. To create more ATP, the body needs extra oxygen so breathing increased and heart pumps blood to the muscles. 

   2.  Lungs: As the muscles call for more oxygen the breathing rate increases. Once the muscles surrounding the lungs can not move any faster, the VO2 max is achieved, which is the maximum capacity of oxygen use. .  

     3.    Heart: Heart rate increases with physical activity in order to supply more oxygenated blood to the muscles. The fitter you are, the more efficiently the heart can do this, allowing you to work longer and harder. 

      4.    Brain: The increased blood flow benefits the brain by allowing it to function better. Regular exercise encourages the growth of new brain cells. The new brain cells in the hippocampus encourage memory and learning. Additionally various neurotransmitters such as endorphins, serotonin, dopamine and glutamate play a crucial role in mood control. 

      5.    Joints and Bones: Peak bone mass is achieved in adulthood and then there is a decline. However through the aid of exercise a healthy bone mass can be achieved. More particularly, weight bearing exercise constitutes an effective remedy towards development of osteoporosis. Bones are porous and soft but along the years they become dense and more brittle.  

http://fitness.mercola.com/sites/fitness/archive/2013/09/20/exercise-health-benefits.aspx

Does a bad diet cause bad behaviour?

  The gut is quite literally the second brain with the ability to significantly influence mind, mood and behaviour. Researchers find that depression and a wide variety of behavioural problems appear to stem from nutritional deficiencies or imbalance of bacteria in gut. 

  A recent article by the Weston A Price Foundation, titled ''Violent Behaviour. A solution in Plain Sight", highlighted the impact of nutrition on brain health and behaviour reviewing the importance of a number of dietary factors.

1. Fat soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A and K2

     2.  Water soluble vitamins like B1, B6, B12

     3.  Minerals such as iodine, iron, magnesium, zinc, chromium, manganese

     4.  Specific brain nutrients like choline, ARA, DHA

  Excitotoxins constitute a worse threat in the food supply. Examples of excitotoxins involve monosodium glutamate and aspartame. People who live on processed foods and who drink diet sodas are exposed to various mind altering chemicals. 

 Throughout the years environmental trends have played a dominant role in the diet. Consumption of high quality probiotic and non pasteurised, traditionally fermented foods is an effective way to maintain a gut flora that encourages good level of health. Such foods involve Fermented Vegetables, Lassi (indian yoghurt drink), Fermented Milk (kefir) and Natto (fermented soy). 

  The ideal is the consumption of a wide variety of fermented foods to maximize the variety of bacteria. Gut bacteria are an active and integrated part of the body thus they are vulnerable to every type of lifestyle. Overall processed foods compromise the gut bacteria and feed bad bacteria and yeast. In addition to this gut bacteria express high sensitivity to:

• Antibiotics
• Chlorinated Water
• Antibacterial soap
• Agricultural chemicals
• Pollution

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/09/19/bad-diet-bad-behavior.aspx

Why you should avoid taking the seasonal flu vaccines?

 

  Vaccine industry, trough its vast network of corporate government health agencies and media partners, tries to encourage everyone to get vaccinated with a flu shot as this period is a period with significant prevalence of flu incidents. However as the years pass there is evidence that suggests that flu medicines are ineffective and that people should not get a flu shot.

  A study for Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota revealed that at the best the flu vaccines have a measly 1.5% effectiveness rate. At worst, the flu shot is entirely useless as 97% of people who do not get a flu shot do not get the flu. 

 
http://www.naturalnews.com/042159_flu_shot_vaccine_myths_influenza.html

Whole fruit sugars are bound to fiber to prevent glucose surges leading to diabetes risk.

 A study conducted analysed 187.382 men and women participants who were free of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer at the outset of the study.

 Researchers used dietary questionnaires every four years to determine overall fruit and fruit juice consumption and frequency. Specifically the team focused on consumption of 10 fruits to collect their results. These 10 fruits were: 

• Grapes or raisins
• Peaches
• Plums/Apricots
• Prunes
• Bananas
• Cantaloupe
• Apples or pears
• Oranges
• Grapefruit
• Strawberries
• Blueberries

 The analysis of the findings suggested that while fruits are recommended as a measure for diabetes prevention, previous studies have found mixed results for total fruit consumption. However some fruits are recognized significantly towards lowering the risk of diabetes. The scientists determined that people who ate at least two servings each week of certain whole fruits, particularly blueberries, grapes and apples reduced their risk for Type 2 Diabetes. 

http://www.naturalnews.com/042173_whole_fruits_diabetes_reduced_risk.html

Toxic Glyphosate found to be harming daily cows

 Glyphosate, primary ingredient in Round Up herbicide, was found to be dominant in daily cows all across Denmark. Dairy cows were found to contain glyphosate not only in their urine but also in high levels at blood. 

 According to a study carried out it was observed that all the cows had some level of Glyphosate in their systems. Many of the cows as a result of the high levels of Glyphosate expressed varying types of organ damage, damage to their livers, kidneys and muscle cells. In addition high urea levels that are detected also in the cows suggest a potential nephrotoxic with significant mineral depletion. 

 Glyphosate, when sprayed on crops seeps into the ground and literally binds important trace minerals like Cobalt and Magnesium, rendering them unavailable for plants and animals. In the end, the cows that feed on glyphosate poisoned pasture become mineral deficient, The levels of these minerals are crucial due to their contribution towards proper function and immune response. 

 The potential consequences are chronic illness for cows, tainted milk for humans and ulimately more sickness and deaths for everyone. 

http://www.naturalnews.com/042175_glyphosate_dairy_cows_harmful_effects.html

List of legal beer additives: fish bladder, Monosodium Glutamate, high fructose corn syrup and insect dyes

  In many today's mainstream beers there are some ingredients that have been recognized as legal however they may be connected to serious health effects. Overall when beer introduced in the body serves as an invader, a poison of sorts. It stresses the entire gastrointestinal system from mouth to throat, to colon and could aid in development of cancers. 

   The legal ingredients in many beers involve:

1) Monosodium glutamate

2) Propylene glycol, as beer's head stabiliser

3) High fructose corn syrup

4) Calcium disodium EDTA

5) FD&C blue 1, red 40 and yellow 5

6) Insect based dyes

7) Glyceryl monostearate-It can cause toxicity in human organs

www.naturalnews.com

Ginger may protect the brain from Monosodium Glutamate

  

  For thousands of years ginger has been hailed as a superfood for its healing properties that aid every system of the body. The oils that ginger contains are antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal and ginger has been found to inhibit cancer growth. In addition to this ginger can offer protection towards the damage that is caused by a known harmful excitotoxin which is called monosodium glutamate.

 Injection of monosodium glutamate can cause significant depletion of epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. Low levels of these important neurotransmitters can be significantly detrimental to human health.

 Monosodium glutamate is widely used as a cheao flavour enhancer in many processed foods. However there are many negative side effects.

• Headaches
• Migraines 
• Eye damage
• Fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Anaphylaxis
• Seizures
• Depression
• Numbness
• Muscle spasms
• Nausea
• Rashes
• Rapid heartbeat
• Breath difficulty