Admin – Cymantra April 2017
The 7 Medicinal Benefits of Cinnamon
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Category: Spices
Cayenne Health Benefits
What if there was a common household spice that could rebuild the gut wall to improve digestion, destroy cancer cells, stop a heart attack in its tracks and was useful for weight loss? I’m assuming you’d want to know more about it, right?
The hot fruit of the cayenne plant (“capsicum annuum”) has been used as a superb culinary spice for centuries and may be the most valuable medicinal herb in the entire plant kingdom for many of the reasons mentioned above!
Have you ever gone after the chips and salsa with gusto and then felt flushed while your nose started to run a little bit? Cayenne warms the body and stimulates the release of mucus from the respiratory passages. If you’ve ever eaten a fresh hot pepper, you know it clears the sinuses and causes sweating.
Cayenne peppers raise the body temperature as it stimulates circulation and blood flow to the skin. Herbs that promote fever and sweating are considered to have a diaphoretic (sweat-inducing) action which helps reduce fever and relieves the congestion of colds and sinusitis.
The Science Behind Cayenne Pepper & Cancer
The active ingredient in cayenne is called capsaicin and in 2004, Dr. Sanjay K. Srivastava and colleagues (University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine) treated pancreatic cells with capsaicin. They found that it disrupted mitochondrial function and induced apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancerous cells without affecting normal pancreatic cells!
The results of the study were published in the April 20, 2005, issue of Innovations Report, in which Dr. Srivastava stated: “Our results demonstrate that capsaicin is a potent anticancer agent, induces apoptosis in cancer cells and produces no significant damage to normal pancreatic cells, indicating its potential use as a novel chemotherapeutic agent for pancreatic cancer”
In an article published in Reuters on March 16, 2006, entitled, “Hot Pepper Kills Prostate Cancer Cells in Study,” Dr. Soren Lehmann of the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the UCLA School of Medicine asserted: “Capsaicin had a profound anti-proliferative effect on human prostate cancer cells in culture. It caused 80% of the prostate cancer cells growing in mice to commit suicide in a process known as apoptosis.” Researchers in Japan have also shown that cayenne pepper can dramatically slow the development of prostate tumors, and is an excellent addition to alternative cancer treatment for this type of cancer.
Cayenne’s Other Uses
For Your Heart
And if cayenne’s cancer-fighting capabilities weren’t enough, its effects upon the venous structure and heart are nothing short of miraculous. Cayenne is incredibly nourishing to the heart and has been known to stop heart attacks within 30 seconds. If you want something in your first aid kit for a heart attack, carry cayenne tincture.
According to Dr. John R. Christopher, “In 35 years of practice, and working with the people and teaching, I have never on house calls lost one heart attack patient and the reason is, whenever I go in (if they are still breathing) I pour down them a cup of cayenne tea (a teaspoon of cayenne in a cup of hot water) and within minutes they are up and around.”
For Weight Loss
In addition to being a welcome addition, there’s also evidence to suggest that cayenne may be useful in the treatment of obesity. Results of one trial showed that consumption of 10 grams of cayenne pepper with meals helped to reduce appetite, while results of another revealed that cayenne increases the metabolism of dietary fats.
For Infections and Parasites
Lastly, herbalists from centuries past would pour cayenne pepper directly on fresh wounds in order to sterilize and stop bleeding.
Many of us (over 90%) have worms or different parasites in our systems. One simple way to get rid of them is to have a “cayenne drink” daily. Fill up a glass with water or juice and then add 1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper. Stir it up and then “down the hatch.” Yes, it’s a bit spicy, but you’ll get used to it.
As you can see, the amazing curative powers of cayenne are almost mind-boggling. Clearly, it is a “wonder herb” that has scientifically proven its worth! According to Dr. Richard Schulze, “If you master only one herb in your life, master cayenne pepper. It is more powerful than any other.”
On a personal note, I take cayenne pepper every day as part of my nutritional regimen and a “preventative” cancer treatment. I also keep a cayenne tincture in the house and in both cars … just in case!
This article was republished with permission from the truth about cancer
Admin – Cymantra Oct. 2016
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Chia Seeds Do Wonders Inside Our Body, Can Treat Colon Cancer
The majority of you have probably heard of them only recently, but chia seeds exist and have been used for several thousand years. Due to the fact that they are extremely valuable, they have been even used as a currency. These seeds (Salvia Hispanica) are abundant in omega fats, proteins, antioxidants and dietary fiber. Their mild aroma is similar to the one from the walnut. These seeds can absorb fluids, so they are ideal for hydration and a prolonged feeling of fullness.
These tiny, but rich and beneficial seeds have enjoyed great respect by the Maya and Inca tribes. In fact, their name comes from the Mayan word “Chia” which means “strength.” Undoubtedly, these invaluable seeds provide a lot of strength and power as a result of their strong health properties.
Health benefits
Chia seeds are a rich source of healthy essential fatty acids. Interestingly, these amazing seeds contain eight times more omega-3 fatty acids than salmon!
They are also abundant in omega 6 fatty acids, antioxidants (one gram of Chia seeds is four times richer in antioxidants than fresh blueberries) and proteins which are extremely important for your health.
These miraculous seeds are rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants and contain dietary fiber and easily- digestible plant proteins. Consequently, they are excellent for skin regeneration and burning fat, provide body strength and have a positive effect on the digestive system. The chia seed includes 37% fiber, which triggers the intestinal operation.
Chia seeds can also promote hydration, and as they are abundant in proteins and fiber, they will leave a feeling of satiety that will last long. Therefore, the consumption of chia seeds to reduce the appetite will also accelerate your metabolism, and will activate glycogen which is also very important in the fat- burning process.
Nutritionists claim that these seeds are perfect if you feel exhausted and with no energy, since they affect the muscle function and release the energy in your body. Due to these properties of chia seeds, they are often consumed by athletes.
Furthermore, studies have shown that strict regimes or diets based on the consumption of chia seeds provide excellent results in the case of colon cancer, and prevention of cancer.
Also, according to research, if you consume chia seeds, you will positively affect the health of hair and nails, due to the fact that they are a great source of protein (20%).
Incorporating chia seeds in your regular diet
In order to enjoy in their numerous benefits, you need to consume these healthy seeds as often as possible. Hence, you can add them to your healthy meals and snacks.
You can add them during the preparation of your favorite pies and pastries, or instead of breadcrumbs in the preparation of some meals with chicken and fish. Chia seeds can also be an addition to your risotto, Gino, amaranth or millet. However, note that you need to add them at the end of the cooking process.
In order to increase the intake of proteins, you can add chia seeds to your salads. If you are a dessert-fan, you can enjoy a nice delicious pudding with chia seeds.
You can also create and prepare your own mix: For instance, add the seeds in coconut or almond milk, and spice it up with something according to your choice, blueberries, walnuts, raspberry, cranberry, crushed almonds, cocoa, apple, rose hip, dried coconut and the like. Leave it in the fridge for 10 minutes, and then, enjoy your tasty healthy mix!
Remember, no matter how you decide to consume them, one thing is for sure: chia seeds can improve your health and enhance your well- being!
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Saffron, The One Ingredient That Can Save And Restore Your Eyesight
Almost every year people spend money on new glasses because their eyesight only worsens with time. Generally, the glasses your wear help you see more clearly but it does not improve your eyesight.
If you notice any problem with your eyesight, you should visit your ophthalmologist because it is much better to fix the problem in the start instead of later.
Luckily, there is a natural remedy which can help you improve your vision.
Saffron is one of the most expensive spices and comes from the dried stigma of the flower of the saffron crocus. Studies have shown that saffron could stop blindness and cure eye disease. Also, saffron supplementation improves age-related macular degeneration which can lead to partial or total blindness. This spice costs up to $800 per pound depending on its quality.
It is used in a number of ways: as a food spice, coloring agent or for treating more than 90 diseases.
Saffron is loaded with antioxidant carotenoids, crocin and crocetin, which have cellular and neuroprotective properties. Crocin found in saffron has the ability to prevent the creation of peroxidized lipids that can actually restore the superoxide dismutase activity (SOD).
Studies have shown that oral supplements of saffron (around 20 mg per day) taken in the period of three months can significantly improve your eye health. Additionally, a research conducted on patients diagnosed with early stage of age-related macular degeneration (AMD or ARMD) have been given a therapy with saffron supplements. The results have shown significant improvement in their retinal function and eyesight activity.
According to Professor Silvia Bisti taking saffron supplements is a natural way to slow down and repair the vision loss caused from macular degeneration. Regular intake of saffron supplements will lead to eye cell recovery and significant eyesight improvement.
Professor Silvia Bisti explains that saffron has the ability to directly affect the genes that are responsible for the regulation of the fatty acid content of the cell membrane, which strengthens the vision cells and makes them more resilient.
There is a question of how much saffron do we need, and can we get it in the diet or we must take supplements?
How much saffron supplements do we need?
- Organic Traditions Saffron, 1 gram
The recommended dose of high quality saffron is 20 mg on daily basis. You can consume it in the food as a spice or prepared as a tea.
Source: www.weeklyhealthylife.com
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The 15 Most Effective Natural Remedies For Anxiety
Herbal therapies are astoundingly popular and their interest is growing as the dangers of pharmaceuticals become widely known and accepted. In 2008 statistician Patricia M. Barnes of the National Center for Health Statistics and her colleagues reported that almost 20 percent of children and adults in the U.S. had used an herbal medicine during the past year. That percentage according to some experts has doubled. A team led by physician David M. Eisenberg of Harvard Medical School determined that use of herbs for physical and mental problems including anxiety had risen 380 percent in seven years.
The use of plants as treatments dates to at least 3000 b.c. although some theories propose humans have been using plants has medicine for as long as we’ve existed. Today this practice is part of a broader movement that has been fueled by the high ineffectiveness of prescription drugs, their side effects and the fact that these drugs do not work for everyone. Natural remedies come with little to no risk and if you find the right one for your condition, you can use it for life. That being said, always consult with a Naturopathic Doctor before initiating any herbal treatments for diagnosed conditions, especially if you are already taking medication.
1. Cannabis
Cannabis has very powerful neuroprotective properties with an incredible ability to regulate emotional behavior and may be the most reliable medicinal plant available as a therapeutic target for the treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders. A study conducted with mice suggests that beta-caryophyllene may be useful in treating anxiety and depression. The findings were published online in the journal Physiology & Behavior.
2. Valerian
Valerian root (valeriana officinalis) is derived from a plant native to Europe and Asia and has been used for thousands of years as a remedy for various ailments. It is believed that valerian root has an impact on the availability of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system that is responsible for regulating and specifically for inhibiting the activity of the brain’s neurons. Extra GABA in your system promotes relaxation and lowers stress levels. For this reason, valerian root is known as a sedative. Valerian is very effective at relieving stress itself and insomnia caused by stress.
3. Honey
The nutrients in honey produce a calming effect, especially when taken in significant amounts. Honey can also be mixed with a suitable beverage for a good night’s sleep!
4. Lemon Balm
A large amount of published data has emerged on the benefits of lemon balm for alleviating anxiety and mood disorders in humans. In the past five years alone, the powerful relaxing effects of lemon balm extracts have been documented by scientists around the world. These studies confirm what herbal practitioners have long known–that lemon balm in combination with other herbal agents is effective in addressing conditions related to stress and anxiety. In one study of healthy volunteers, those who took standardized lemon balm extracts (600 mg) were more calm and alert than those who took a placebo.
5. Passionflower
Natural sedative relieves occasional anxiety and mild panic attacks. Passion Flower is a woody vine that bears small berry-like fruit called grandilla. The brightly colored flowers and above-ground portions of the Passion Flower vine are used to derive medicinal compounds that relax the central nervous system and promote emotional balance. In the United States, Passion Flower is classified as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the Food and Drug Administration. Substances that receive a GRAS classification have maintained a long, safe history of common use in foods or have been determined to be safe based on proven scientific research.
6. Winter Cherry
Relieves nervous tension, occasional anxiety and mental fatigue. Winter Cherry, or Ashwagandha Root, is among the most prominent herbal preparations used in Ayurveda, a holistic system of medicine that originated in India. The root of this small evergreen shrub is primarily recognized for its adaptogenic properties, meaning it naturally increases the body’s resistance to physical and emotional stress. Practitioners of Ayurveda traditionally prescribe Winter Cherry to promote gentle relaxation and emotional balance. Research has shown that Winter Cherry is a safe, natural sedative that produces the most noticeable benefits following daily use for two to six weeks.
7. Lavender
Lavender is a common herb used in aromatherapy for mental health and mood. Lavender is a part of aromatherapy for headaches and depression. Lavender is a part of several scented products like perfumes soaps, shampoos and sachets. The plant is usually extracted into an oil and used in aromatherapy for mood, stress and anxiety. Lavender should be used with the recommendation of a physician, because it can interact with other medications. In one German study, a specially formulated lavender pill was shown to reduce anxiety symptoms in people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) as effectively as lorazepam (brand name: Ativan), an anti-anxiety medication in the same class as Valium.
8. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb from the roots of Withania somnifera, a plant in the nightshade family. It has long been prized for hundreds of years for its ability to help the body deal with stress. It has also been used to boost the immune system, improve memory, and to promote overall wellness.
9. L-theanine (or green tea)
Research shows that L-theanine helps curb a rising heart rate and blood pressure, and human studies have found that it reduces anxiety. In one study, anxiety-prone subjects were calmer and more focused during a test if they took 200 milligrams of L-theanine beforehand. Astonishingly, even extremely short-term use of theanine had remarkable effects on manifestations of anxiety.
10. Rhodiola Rosea (Arctic Root)
Relieves occasional anxiety and positively supports the body during periods of stress. Arctic Root is a plant indigenous to Siberia, where it thrives in high altitudes and dry arctic climate. The primary medicinal compounds of Arctic Root are derived from the root of the plant.
In Russia, Scandinavia and much of Europe, Arctic Root has been traditionally recognized for its adaptogenic properties. An adaptogen is a physiological agent that naturally increases the body’s resistance to physical and emotional stress. Rhodiola Rosea has been clinically shown to stimulate Serotonin, Norepinephrine and Dopamine activity, and may help to support healthy neurotransmitter balance.
11. St. Johns Wort
Natural reuptake inhibitor that supports a healthy neurotransmitter balance. St. John’s Wort is an aromatic perennial herb with an abundance of golden-yellow flowers. Tiny perforations filled with phytochemical-rich oils cover the aerial (above- ground) portions of St. John’s Wort and yield an extract that gives the plant its primary health benefits. Current usage statistics indicate that millions of Americans supplement their daily diets with St. John’s Wort to promote positive mood balance. The medicinal components of St. John’s Wort, which include Hypericin and Hyperforin, have been clinically shown to promote a healthy neurotransmitter balance, which can help to provide positive mood support following two to six weeks of continued use.
12. Chamomile
There is good evidence that chamomile possesses anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties and can be used to treat stress, anxiety and insomnia. In one study at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, in Philadelphia, patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) who took chamomile supplements for eight weeks had a significant decrease in anxiety symptoms compared to patients taking placebo.
13. Skullcap
Skullcap is the anxiety remedy for people who experience anxiety along with restlessness, muscle tension, and jaw clenching. If you tend to toss and turn in bed, or if you feel like you can only relax when you’re out walking (but sitting still makes you want to jump out of your skin), or if you feel like “climbing the walls” when you’re stuck inside during a bout of anxiety, skullcap can help you to unwind not only your anxiety, but also the accompanying muscular tension and restlessness. Skullcap is effective in tea or tincture (a tincture is an herb extracted in alcohol) form, but if you can tolerate small amounts of alcohol I think 20-40 drops of the tincture (for a 150-pound person) is the most effective form.
14. Kava Kava
The known active ingredients in kava are phytochemicals called kavalactones. Kava Kava is best-known as a ceremonial South Pacific beverage. Six major kavalactones are used to identify the chemotype of variety as they represent greater than 90 percent of the total amount of kavalactones within the kava specimen. These kavalactones give kava its stress fighting, muscle relaxing, anxiety reducing effects. The are also very effective for depression and sleeplessness.
15. Licorice Root
contains a natural hormone alternative to cortisone, which can help the body handle stressful situations, and can help to normalize blood sugar levels as well as your adrenal glands, providing you with the energy necessary to deal with the stressful situation at hand. Some claim licorice stimulates cranial and cerebrospinal fluid, thereby calming the mind.
Neurotransmitter Support is one of the best formulations on the market for brain energy metabolism. It is a feast for brains in need of restoration, providing the optimum combination to facilitate the transport of vital nutrients into brain cells, and assist in re-establishment of neuronal function. And it’s a healthy snack for an aging brain, as well, giving it all the essentials necessary to support our mood, memory, and cognitive abilities, which tend to slow down as the years pass by.
Dave Mihalovic is a Naturopathic Doctor who specializes in vaccine research, cancer prevention and a natural approach to treatment.
Sources:
vtherbcenter.org
preventdisease.com
care2.com
life-choice.net
about.com
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5 Myths About Sugar That Everyone Needs To Stop Believing
Photo credit: White, or brown sugar? Shutterstock
Every day we’re fed new and often conflicting information on our health and diets; what’s good for you, what’s bad, what to eat in moderation and what to avoid completely. As a result of poor education coupled with laziness, obesity rates are rising like never before. Obesity has doubled since 1980, and in 2014, more than 1.9 billion adults, 18 years and older, were overweight. Of these over 600 million were obese.
So are we totally to blame for our ever expanding waist lines? Or are we being subjected to a barrage of misinformation and misdirection in the form of health advice and advertising?
Those of us that try to eat balanced diets and watch their weight are likely to be limiting or removing sugar from their diets completely, switching to “healthier” options like cane sugar, artificial sweeteners and “sugar-free” options which are better for us. Right?
Wrong
Take a look at Business Insiders post debunking common sugar myths.
by Danielle Andrew | June 25, 2015
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Baking Soda And Himalayan Salt, A Danger to the Pharmaceutical Industry ?
Image Courtesy of HealthyWildAndFree
Baking soda is commonly found in most homes around the world as a good all purpose scraping and cleaning powder, or to be used for baking purposes but there’s a good chance that you’re not fully utilizing the full potential of baking soda for your health and well-being. Baking soda is very cheap, only a few bucks and can be bought practically anywhere so to use baking soda like it can be used to treat ailments and health issues is information that the pharmaceutical industry does not want to get out.
The great thing about it is that it can be used in many different ways and to help reduce aches and pains, reduce symptoms or even reduce the chances of potential life-threatening issues by doing all that it does! So what does baking soda actually do to your body and health?
The first and probably the earliest use of baking soda medicinally was written in 1924 by Arm & Hammer to treat and prevent the cold and flu. They found that people who consumed baking soda in water prevented the flu and cold and those who had already caught the flu or cold could take baking soda in water and their symptoms would begin to dissipate.
Baking soda is also used for ulcer pain, instead of taking an anti-acid medication baking soda can neutralize the pH of the stomach helping to relieve the Ulcer symptoms. Reducing stress and having healthy lifestyle practices will ultimately reduce the ulcers in the first place, but supplementing with baking soda orally can help relieve symptoms on the spot.
Baking soda is slightly more alkaline than human blood and helps to deliver oxygen to the body as well as bring the pH level up if it is too low (too acidic). This means that any ailment, or medical condition that suffers from an acidic environment or lack of oxygen can be benefited by baking soda. Literally every cell in the human body could use more oxygen and alkaline support because of the acidic, chemically-laden and overuse of acids in our world today.
People have used and recommended baking soda for ulcers, arthritis, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease or any and all skin conditions ranging from sunburn to scars and acne. It is also very commonly used topically as a foot bath, a sunburn remedy, an addition to the bathtub for skin health as well as used in all natural aluminum free baking soda based deodorants like Primal Pit Paste which I personally use and love. Baking soda mainly oxygenates the body which allows your body to have direct access to more oxygen especially in cells that are suffering and need it, wherever they may be in the body. Secondly, it will alkalize your body and work to bring the pH into a more alkaline state, there is one issue with this however.
Based on my research I do not personally think that just swallowing baking soda and water throughout the day is the healthiest idea as most suggest. Why? Baking soda water is quite alkaline and that water goes right into your gut which is supposed to be an acidic environment in order to digest hard food. If you continuously bombard your gut with alkaline liquid without giving it some acids (which may not be an issue for some people) throughout the day you can actually weaken your gut and digestive system in general. This is why (and where) the second ingredient comes in, pink Himalayan salt.I’m sure you’ve heard of this salt before, it’s very mineral rich boasting a mineral content of 84 minerals as well as being rich in electrolytes which help the health of the cell, nervous system and entire body.
By mixing baking soda with Himalayan pink salt you are creating a mineral rich water (which provides more hydrogen and oxygen to your cells and entire body) that is pH balanced for the human blood which is going to supply your entire body. This is a drink that oxygenates, alkalizes and hydrates your body while balancing the pH of the blood which works to balance the pH of other individual organ as a carrier and modulator. This drink also balances and oxygenates the lungs which are responsible for balancing pH throughout the body as well as the kidneys with the many minerals and oxygen infusion. By drinking this you help your lungs and kidneys perform healthier which helps to supply a balanced pH and carry more oxygen and a balanced pH effect throughout the entire body.
Healthy human blood has a pH in the range of 7.35-7.45 and in order to optimize and enhance the health of your blood we’ll be ingesting something meant to do so as well as to balance the pH of your blood and get it back in the 7.35-7.45 range, or very close to it. The pH of baking soda in water is 8.2, slightly alkaline, The pH of Himalayan pink salt in water is right around 6.50 (depending on your water source) and if you put the two of these together you have something quite magical I discovered, You have a mineral and electrolyte rich drink that also gives you all of the benefits of baking soda, not to mention the pH of this drink will be right around a pH of 7.35-7.5 or so, this is right in the exact range of pH to balance the pH of your blood which runs through and gives your entire body nutrients, hydrogen and oxygen which are all vital to healing whatever is going on anywhere in your body.
Baking Soda + Himalayan Salt Drink Recipe:
1/2 tsp. of baking soda + 1/2 tsp. of Himalayan salt in a half glass of water (approximately 3-4 ounces of water) Simply add the baking soda and Himalayan salt to a half glass of water, stir and drink! You can drink this once in the morning and once at night.
Ingredients needed:
1. Himalayan Pink Salt 2. Baking Soda (Some people and companies claim that most conventional baking soda contains aluminum in it, which is a toxic metal that you definitely do not want to ingest! I’m not sure if this is true or not but you can get an aluminum free baking soda by clicking here just to be safe, I’m not sure if these claims are true and the aluminum free baking soda does cost a bit more but still fairly cheap.) 3. Purified Water (Ionizer/Distilled/Reverse Osmosis) Tap water is dead water. It’s sanitized and toxic. Chlorine, fluoride, heavy metals, traces of pharmaceutical drugs and many other compounds are in our tap water. It’s not the healthiest water and has little to no vitality left in it.
I highly recommend looking into getting a water filtration system, whether it’s purified, ionized, distilled or reverse osmosis, whatever floats your water floating boat! This drink recipe above can be used for heartburn, to balance pH of the blood and body, to oxygenate the body. Boost your immune system to fight the cold and flu as well as any other infection or sickness/disease. It can also be used to treat ulcers, help the blood for diabetic patients and many more uses. It’s oxygen, mineral and electrolyte rich and does a great job at fighting candida, bacteria or fungal infections as well as keeping your cells and blood healthy. Try drinking it once or twice daily and go from there!
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10 Proven Health Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin
Turmeric may be the most effective nutritional supplement in existence.
Many high quality studies show that it has major benefits for your body and brain.
Here are the top 10 evidence-based health benefits of turmeric.
1. Turmeric Contains Bioactive Compounds With Powerful Medicinal Properties
Turmeric is the spice that gives curry its yellow color.
It has been used in India for thousands of years as a spice and medicinal herb.
Recently, science has started to back up what the Indians have known for a long time… it really does contain compounds with medicinal properties (1).
These compounds are called curcuminoids, the most important of which is curcumin.
Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant.
However, the curcumin content of turmeric is not that high… it’s around 3%, by weight (2).
Most of the studies on this herb are using turmeric extracts that contain mostly curcumin itself, with dosages usually exceeding 1 gram per day. It would be very difficult to reach these levels just using the turmeric spice in your foods.
Therefore, if you want to experience the full effects, then you need to take an extract that contains significant amounts of curcumin.
Unfortunately, curcumin is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream. It helps to consume black pepper with it, which contains piperine… a natural substance that enhances the absorption of curcumin by 2000% (3).
I personally prefer to swallow a few whole peppercorns along with my curcumin supplement, in order to enhance absorption.
Curcumin is also fat soluble, so it may be a good idea to take it with a fatty meal.
Bottom Line: Turmeric contains curcumin, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Most studies used turmeric extracts that are standardized to include large amounts of curcumin.
2. Curcumin is a Natural Anti-Inflammatory Compound
Inflammation is incredibly important.
It helps the body fight foreign invaders and also has a role in repairing damage.
Without inflammation, pathogens like bacteria could easily take over our bodies and kill us.
Although acute (short-term) inflammation is beneficial, it can become a major problem when it is chronic (long-term) and inappropriately deployed against the body’s own tissues.
It is now believed that chronic, low-level inflammation plays a major role in almost every chronic, Western disease. This includes heart disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s and various degenerative conditions (4, 5, 6).
Therefore, anything that can help fight chronic inflammation is of potential importance in preventing and even treating these diseases.
It turns out that curcumin is strongly anti-inflammatory, it is so powerful that it matches the effectiveness of some anti-inflammatory drugs (7).
Curcumin actually targets multiple steps in the inflammatory pathway, at the molecular level.
Curcumin blocks NF-kB, a molecule that travels into the nuclei of cells and turns on genes related to inflammation. NF-kB is believed to play a major role in many chronic diseases (8, 9).
Without getting into the gory details (inflammation is extremely complicated), the key takeaway here is that curcumin is a bioactive substance that fights inflammation at the molecular level (10, 11, 12).
In several studies, its potency has compared favorably to anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical drugs… except without the side effects (13, 14).
Bottom Line: Chronic inflammation is known to be a contributor to many common Western diseases. Curcumin can inhibit many molecules known to play major roles in inflammation.
3. Turmeric Dramatically Increases The Antioxidant Capacity of The Body
Oxidative damage is believed to be one of the mechanisms behind ageing and many diseases.
It involves free radicals, highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons.
Free radicals tend to react with important organic substances, such as fatty acids, proteins or DNA.
The main reason antioxidants are so beneficial, is that they protect our bodies from free radicals.
Curcumin happens to be a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals due to its chemical structure (15, 16).
But curcumin also boosts the activity of the body’s own antioxidant enzymes (17, 18, 19).
In that way, curcumin delivers a one-two punch against free radicals. It blocks them directly, then stimulates the body’s own antioxidant mechanisms.
Bottom Line: Curcumin has powerful antioxidant effects. It neutralizes free radicals on its own, then stimulates the body’s own antioxidant enzymes.
4. Curcumin Boosts Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Linked to Improved Brain Function and a Lower Risk of Brain Diseases
Back in the day, it was believed that neurons weren’t able to divide and multiply after early childhood.
However, it is now known that this does happen.
The neurons are capable of forming new connections, but in certain areas of the brain, they can also multiply and increase in number.
One of the main drivers of this process is Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which is a type of growth hormone that functions in the brain (20).
Many common brain disorders have been linked to decreased levels of this hormone. This includes depression and Alzheimer’s disease (21, 22).
Interestingly, curcumin can increase brain levels of BDNF (23, 24).
By doing this, it may be effective at delaying or even reversing many brain diseases and age-related decreases in brain function (25).
There is also the possibility that it could help improve memory and make you smarter. Makes sense given its effects on BDNF levels, but this definitely needs to be tested in human controlled trials (26).
Bottom Line: Curcumin boosts levels of the brain hormone BDNF, which increases the growth of new neurons and fights various degenerative processes in the brain.
5. Curcumin Leads to Various Improvements That Should Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease
Heart disease is the biggest killer in the world (27).
It has been studied for many decades and researchers have learned a lot about why it happens.
It turns out that heart disease is incredibly complicated and there are various things that contribute to it.
Curcumin may help reverse many steps in the heart disease process (28).
Perhaps the main benefit of curcumin when it comes to heart disease, is improving the function of the endothelium, which is the lining of the blood vessels.
It is well known that endothelial dysfunction is a major driver of heart disease and involves an inability of the endothelium to regulate blood pressure, blood clotting and various other factors (29).
Several studies suggest that curcumin leads to improvements in endothelial function. One study shows that is as effective as exercise, another shows that it works as well as the drug Atorvastatin (30, 31).
But curcumin also reduces inflammation and oxidation (as discussed above), which are also important in heart disease.
In one study, 121 patients who were undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery were randomized to either placebo or 4 grams of curcumin per day, a few days before and after the surgery.
The curcumin group had a 65% decreased risk of experiencing a heart attack in the hospital (32).
Bottom Line: Curcumin has beneficial effects on several factors known to play a role in heart disease. It improves the function of the endothelium and is a potent anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant.
6. Turmeric Can Help Prevent (And Perhaps Even Treat) Cancer
Cancer is a terrible disease, characterized by uncontrolled growth of cells.
There are many different forms of cancer, but they do have several commonalities, some of which appear to be affected by curcumin supplementation (33).
Researchers have been studying curcumin as a beneficial herb in cancer treatment. It can affect cancer growth, development and spread at the molecular level (34).
Studies have shown that it can reduce angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels in tumors), metastasis (spread of cancer), as well as contributing to the death of cancerous cells (35).
Multiple studies have shown that curcumin can reduce the growth of cancerous cells in the laboratory and inhibit the growth of tumours in test animals (36, 37).
Whether high-dose curcumin (preferably with an absorption enhancer like pepper) can help treat cancer in humans has yet to be tested properly.
However, there is some evidence that it may help prevent cancer from occurring in the first place, especially cancers of the digestive system (like colorectal cancer).
In one study in 44 men with lesions in the colon that sometimes turn cancerous, 4 grams of curcumin per day for 30 days reduced the number of lesions by 40% (38).
Maybe curcumin will be used along with conventional cancer treatment one day. It’s too early to say for sure, but it looks promising and this is being intensively studied as we speak.
Bottom Line: Curcumin leads to several changes on the molecular level that may help prevent and perhaps even treat cancer.
7. Curcumin May be Useful in Preventing and Treating Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease in the world and a leading cause of dementia.
Unfortunately, no good treatment is available for Alzheimer’s yet.
Therefore, preventing it from showing up in the first place is of utmost importance.
There may be good news on the horizon, because curcumin has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier (39).
It is known that inflammation and oxidative damage play a role in Alzheimer’s disease. As we know, curcumin has beneficial effects on both (40).
But one key feature of Alzheimer’s disease is a buildup of protein tangles called Amyloid plaques. Studies show that curcumin can help clear these plaques (41).
Whether curcumin can really slow down or even reverse the progression of Alzheimer’s disease needs to be studied properly.
Bottom Line: Curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier and has been shown to lead to various improvements in the pathological process of Alzheimer’s disease.
8. Arthritis Patients Respond Very Well to Curcumin Supplementation
Arthritis is a common problem in Western countries.
There are several different types, but most involve some sort of inflammation in the joints.
Given that curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory, it makes sense that it could help with arthritis. Several studies show this to be true.
In a study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, curcumin was even more effective than an anti-inflammatory drug (42).
Many other studies have looked at the effects of curcumin on arthritis and noted improvements in various symptoms (43, 44).
Bottom Line: Arthritis is a common disorder characterized by joint inflammation. Many studies show that curcumin can help treat symptoms of arthritis and is in some cases more effective than anti-inflammatory drugs.
9. Studies Show That Curcumin Has Incredible Benefits Against Depression
Curcumin has shown some promise in treating depression.
In a controlled trial, 60 patients were randomized into three groups (45).
One group took prozac, another group took a gram of curcumin and the third group took both prozac and curcumin.
After 6 weeks, curcumin had led to improvements that were similar to prozac. The group that took both prozac and curcumin fared best.
According to this (small) study, curcumin is as effective as an antidepressant.
Depression is also linked to reduced levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and a shrinking hippocampus, a brain area with a role in learning and memory.
Curcumin boosts BNDF levels, potentially reversing some of these changes (46).
There is also some evidence that curcumin can boost the brain neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine (47, 48).
Bottom Line: A study in 60 depressed patients showed that curcumin was as effective as prozac in alleviating the symptoms of depression.
10. Curcumin May Help Delay Ageing and Fight Age-Related Chronic Diseases
If curcumin can really help prevent heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s… then this would have obvious benefits for longevity.
For this reason, curcumin has become very popular as an anti-aging supplement (49).
But given that oxidation and inflammation are believed to play a role in ageing, curcumin may have effects that go way beyond just prevention of disease (50).
11. Anything Else?
If you want to buy a turmeric/curcumin supplement, then there is an excellent selection on Amazon with thousands of great customer reviews.
I recommend that you find one with bioperine (another name for piperine), which is the substance that enhances absorption of curcumin by 2000%.
Without this substance, most of the curcumin just passes through your digestive tract.
By Kris Gunnars
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This Little Known Chinese Herb Kills 12,000 Cancer Cells For Every Healthy Cell
About 2 out of every 5 Canadians will develop cancer within their lifetime. Every one in four of the Canadians dies from cancer they were diagnosed with. One out of every two men and one out of three women will be diagnosed with cancer. These numbers have skyrocketed since the recording of cancer, and more people are asking questions.
New research is being done every day that puts into question the two approved treatments for cancer, which is radiation and chemotherapy. Scientists have found that chemo fuels cancer growth and kills the patient faster, yet nothing has changed; both are extremely toxic to the human body.
This Chinese herb could be eligible for the list of cancer killer of alternative methods of treatment. Artemisinin can kill cancer cells and can do it at a rate of 12,000 cancer cells for every healthy cell. This herb is 100 times more selective in killing cancer cells as opposed to normal healthy cells. It is 34,000 times more potent in killing cancer cells over its cousins.
This wormwood extract was used centuries ago by the Chinese for healing purposes, and the treatment became lost over time. It has been rediscovered because of the ancient manuscript that contained medical remedies. It can kill 12,000 cancer cells for every healthy cell, which means that it could be turned into a drug of minimal side effects.
“The compound is currently being licensed by the University of Washington to Artemisia Biomedical Inc., a company that Lai, Sasaki and Narendra Singh, UW associate professor of bioengineering, founded in Newcastle, Washington for development and commercialization. Human trials are at least several years away. Artemisinin is readily available, Sasaki said, and he hopes their compound can eventually be cheaply manufactured to help cancer patients in developing countries. Artemisinin reacts with iron to form free radicals that kill cells. Since cancer cells uptake relatively larger amounts of iron than normal cells, they are more susceptible to the toxic effect of artemisinin. In previous research, we have shown that artemisinin is more drawn to cancer cells than to normal cells. In the present research, we covalently attached artemisinin to the iron carrying plasma glycoprotein transferrin. Transferrin is transported into the cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis and cancer cells express significantly more transferrin receptors on their cell surface and endocytose more transferrin than normal cells. Thus, we hypothesize that by tagging artemisinin to transferrin, both iron and artemisinin would be transported into cancer cells in one package. Once inside a cell, iron is released and can readily react with artemisinin close by tagged to the transferrin. This would enhance the toxicity and selectivity of artemisinin towards cancer cells. We found that holotransferrin-tagged artemisinin, when compared with artemisinin, was very potent and selective in killing cancer cells. Thus, this ‘tagged-compound’ could potentially be developed into an effective chemotherapeutic agent for cancer treatment.”
Sources:
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How Matcha Tea Can Change Your Life
Matcha tea is taking the world by surprise. It is making a big name for itself with its old traditional ritual setting and with good reason.
Matcha originated in China around the 10th century and were a staple ingredient in Japanese tea ceremonies around the 12th century. It has great health properties with visual appeal and because of its distinct flavor and texture, it makes a good tea. Matcha comes from the Tencha leaf and is grown in the southern half of Japan, which is de-stemmed, de-vined and stone ground to a fine dark green powder.
The tea is traditionally prepared in a ceremonial setting that is known as “Chanoyu”. The powder is placed in a hand painted bowls that is mixed with warm water and whisked with a bamboo whisk. It is usually made in two different forms, Usucha and Koicha. Usucha means a thin tea and commonly seen in cafes and restaurants. Koicha means thick tea and is made from the highest grade of Matcha.
Matcha has about 137 times the antioxidants of the average green tea. The most important antioxidants are Catechines, and one being epigallocatechin gallate that is known for its cancer-fighting properties. ECGg makes up about 60 percent of the antioxidants that is found in Matcha, which makes it the most potent cancer-fighting tea. Matcha also contains L-theanine, which helps keep you calm while also keeping you alert. L-theanine helps reduce anxiety and stress and increase alpha brainwaves that relax the body without feeling drowsy or sleepy.
Matcha has energy boosting properties because of the caffeine content. It has been shown to increase the metabolism and helps the body burn fat four times faster than average. It has strong detoxifying properties which makes it able to clean the toxins and heavy metals from the body. Matcha tea leaves are covered about 20 days before they’re harvested because it increases the production of chlorophyll in the plant that makes it darker in color.
When matcha is harvested at different times, it results in different leaf colors. The best grade matcha is the ceremonial is usually the most expensive. There is a premium grade which is high quality and more available at decent prices. Then there is a culinary grade that is a lesser quality but is cheaper and can be used to make cakes and smoothies.
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