Genetically Modified Foods - Associated with Health Benefits

  According to various researchers, consumers start to appreciate and pay more attention to genetically modified crops, as they may be associated with health benefits that are important. A team of researchers from Ghent University developed genetically modified rice that can be enriched with pro-vitamin A and folate. Particularly, the rice, in which Vitamin A is incorporated, known as ''Golden Rice'' could positively affect people's health, by encouraging good vision, healthy immune system and cell growth. 

  

    Despite the potential benefits of ''Golden Rice'' and the fact that six major staple crops have been successfully biofortified with vitamins and minerals, the developers of transgenic biofortified crops can not proceed further as genetically modified organisms are not approved for cultivation. Scientific community try to encourage the consumption of such foods as they can offer a complementary and cost effective alternative, while other strategies are less feasible. 

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Science/GM-foods-with-health-benefits-have-big-market-potential-Research?cxtnav=1422259044258

Arla Foods - New food Innovation

  Arla Foods, a cooperative dairy company, which is owned by 13.500 dairy farmers launched Arla Protein, that is high protein, low fat and ''super thick'' quark product. This product is available in raspberry, strawberry and blueberry variations and it contains 20 grams of protein. The aim of the company is to attract increasingly active and health conscious consumers. 

  A range of Arla Protein products are already marketed in Finland and they decided to enter the UK market recently, as dairy cooperative's aim to become a leading dairy brand in UK. Arla Foods UK is a company that is working on further innovative products and range extensions, in order for consumers to profit in terms of health. 

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Market-Trends/Arla-Foods-enters-UK-yoghurt-category-with-high-protein-quark-launch

Role of Oregano Essential Oil - Protection of Corn Crops from Fungal Infections

                                                                         

  Oregano (Origanum Vulgare) constitutes one of the most powerful and versatile oils. It contains strong immune-enhancing and antioxidant properties. Additionally, oregano can be used to enhance the flavour of the food, but also as an agent in massage applications. More particularly, oregano is the key oil that is involved in the Raindrop Technique, which targets electrical alignment in the body. 

  Fungicides can be controlled with the use of synthetic chemicals, however sometimes a greater amount of chemicals may be needed for efficient control of fungal growth. On the other hand, the main feature of essential oils is that small amount of them can offer a significant effect. Essential oils have a low toxicity to the animals and they don't remain in water or soil for long time. 

   According to the Journal of Food Science, the role of essential oils is crucial for the quality of corn crops. Essential oils such as Oregano oil can inhibit the growth of fungi, but also the formation of mycotoxins. Moreover, as an antifungal oregano oil offers protection to the body from internal and external infections. Therefore, healthy gut flora can be maintained and colon infections can be prevented. The main compound that is responsible for the beneficial action of Oregano is thymol, which is considerably effective towards fungal infections. 

http://www.naturalnews.com/048189_oregano_essential_oil_natural_fungicide_corn_crops.html

   

Plantain: One of nature's most powerful medicine

From left to right

1. Plantain 

2. Red Bananas

3. Bananitos 

4. Cavendish Bananas 

  The Plantain is a crop from the genus Musa. Its fruits are edible and are used for cooking. Plantains are considerably firmer compared to dessert bananas and they possess much less sugar. Regions with Plantain crops involve the Southern United States, the Caribbean, Central America, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. 

  Plantain is recognized for offering various benefits for human health. One of its uses is as an astringent for wounds and bug bites. The mode of action of plantain is simple. By chewing, crushing or grinding plantain life confers an effective treatment against poisons that derive from the skin. 

  Nowadays, significant high amount of people suffer from constant digestive problems due to antibiotics, food allergies or genetically modified foods. According to a research that has been carried out, the leaves and seeds of Plantain aid in reducing inflammation and help repair damage to the gut lining. Additionally, plantain is rich in mineral silica, it acts also as an excellent expectorant. Therefore, congestion and mucus are cleared up leading to treatment of coughs, colds and various other respiratory ailments. David Hoffman describes plantain as ''Gentle expectorant while soothing inflamed and sore membranes, making it ideal for coughs and mild bronchitis''. 

  When plantain is processed and turned into lotion or ailment, plantain can be applied to hemorrhoids, to stop the flow of blood, which is also useful in the treatment of cystitis accompanied by bleeding. Thus, plantain is an efficient mode of treatment against many health disorders and blood diseases.

http://www.naturalnews.com/048062_plantain_natural_medicine_common_weed.html

    

The role of low-fat dairy products

  

  

   Low fat dairy products play a dominant role in the human nutrition. Milk and dairy products constitute an important source of nutrient supply to the diet within relatively few calories. 

   To begin with, low fat dairy products are recognized for their considerable provision of calcium. Calcium is used for building bones and teeth, thus treatment of osteoporosis is enabled and bone mass is maintained. Express from calcium, dairy products such as yoghurt, fluid milk and soymilk provide significant amounts of potassium. The role of potassium is crucial, as it aids in the regulation of blood pressure. Additionally, intake of dairy products is also associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. 

    Nowadays, many of us believe that low fat dairy products are efficient towards weight gain and the appearance of other medical conditions. However, according to a scientific research carried out by Dr. Stephen Guyenet, consumption of low and non fat dairy products encourages the formation of metabolic disease along with a series of serious health issues, such as obesity, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, diabetes and heart disease. The evidence for this is based on the role of fatty acids and other nutrients. These are vital constituents, as they contribute to a highly efficient digestion and assimilation of daily components. Moreover, gut and cardiovascular degradation is prevented. Some important fatty acids involve butyrate, trans-palmitoleic and phytanic acid.

   To sum up, it is important to consume all the types of dairy products, in order to obtain the majority of nutrients that they provide. Furthermore, health balance is encouraged so this is important for  the maintenance of good health.


http://www.naturalnews.com/048079_low-fat_dairy_weight_gain_heart_disease.html

Amaranth - Gluten Free Grain rich in protein and minerals

 Amaranth: ''The magic crop''

 Amaranth is a plant that grows mainly in North America. It belongs to Amaranthaceae family of flowering plants that includes beets, Swiss chard, spinach and quinoa. As a species it is characterised for its rapid growth and competitive nature. However, amaranth is appreciated for its nutritional features, rendering it a popular food in Mexico and South America.

Nutritional Benefits of Amaranth

• High protein content:  Amaranth contains a higher amount of protein compared to cereals such as rice, sorghum and rye. In particular, it is comprised of 13-19% protein. This protein contains all essential amino acids, constituting an important energy source for vegetarians and vegans.

• Gluten Free: Amaranth is naturally gluten free which offers superior features. Presence of gluten is associated with a range of issues. Firstly, it activates a protein called zonulin, triggering an immune response and moreover it renders many important minerals such as magnesium bio-unavailable.

• Cardiovascular benefits: According to a study conducted in January 2007, it was found that amaranth oil could efficiently treat coronary heart disease. Moreover, another study that took place this year showed that atherosclerosis can be prevented through application of Amaranth.

• Rich in dietary fibre: Amaranth is appreciated for its high content of soluble and insoluble fibre. On the one hand, the insoluble fibre passes through the gastrointestinal tract and triggers a laxative effect. On the other hand, soluble fibre tends to attract water, slows digestion and lowers production of cholesterol.

• Dense in Minerals: The high concentration of minerals in amaranth is one of the most important features. Particularly, one cup of cooked amaranth supplies a considerable amount of iron, magnesium, phosphorus and manganese along with other minerals such as calcium, potassium and zinc. 

http://www.naturalnews.com/047248_amaranth_gluten_grains.html

Ultraviolet light robot kills Ebola in two minutes

Xenex Germ-Zapping Robot

Ebola is serious medical condition which is fatal to humans, as there is appearance of haemorrhagic fever. Transmission into humans occurs through close contact with blood secretions and bodily fluids of infected animals such as chimpanzees, gorillas, fruit bats, monkeys and forest antelopes. Scientific community is highly concerned that's why there was a research on possible treatment of this health condition and recently a highly effective treatment was invented. This is the application of ultraviolet light.

  Recently, vaccine makers and drug companies conduct a series of experiment in order to figure the medical intervention that is the most efficient. However, there is a new emerging technology by a team of Texas doctors, whose company is based on San Antonio. This is the Xenex Germ-Zapping Robot. This highly specified machine uses pulsed xenon generated UV light leading to a highly advance environmental cleaning of various healthcare facilities. This machine is valuable as it can destroy the integrity of RNA, therefore viruses become inactive and prevention is achieved in almost two minutes through the application of a specific wavelength of UV light at concentrations that are 25.000 higher than the natural sunlight. 

  This technique offers solution to a health situation that is of high concern but there is not any generation of chemicals so its incorporation in hospitals is considered safe. That's why around 250 hospitals use it as it can disinfect a whole hospital in ten minutes. To sum up, technology constantly evolves through the appearance of various challenges every day. 

http://www.naturalnews.com/047216_Ebola_contamination_Xenex_ultraviolet_light.html

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs103/en/