9 Incredible Benefits of Papaya Leaf Juice

Sushmita Sengupta  |  Updated: August 31, 2018 17:29 IST

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Highlights

• Every part of the papaya plant can be used for multiple health benefits
• Like papaya, the leaf is also rich in enzymes like papain and chymopapain
• Papaya leaf juice increases the platelet count

Grown in the tropical regions, papaya is possibly one of the most loved fruits in the world. The yellowish orange fleshy fruit containing lots of seeds is replete with umpteen benefits. According to the book Healing Foods by DK Publishing House, papaya is “known to have antibacterial properties and promotes good digestion and almost every part of the plant can be used." Yes, every part! While the fruit is said to be rich in contents of vitamin E, C and beta-carotine making it loaded with antioxidant properties, the seeds are rich in fatty acids and papaya oil, have a sharp peppery flavour, and can be used in place of your spices. We tell you benefits of papaya leaf juice.

Papaya leaf juice, on the other hand, is also fast gaining importance in a world of nutrition for packing incredible health and skin benefits. Like the fruit, the leaf is rich in enzymes like papain and chymopapain, which aid digestion, prevents bloating and other digestive disorders. Apart from digestion, the strong alkaloid compounds like karpain works effectively against fighting dandruff and balding. Papaya leaves also contain high amounts of vitamins A, C, E, K, and B and minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium magnesium and iron.

Here is a round up of some benefits you can reap of papaya leaf juice -

1. Treats Dengue fever

A common remedy that is advised by all to dengue patients is papaya leaf juice. Dengue is caused by infected Aedes mosquitoes, who transmit the disease into our blood. Dengue fever severely brings down the blood platelet count, and the extracts from papaya leaf are known to help increase the count.
Bangalore-based nutritionist, Dr. Sheela Krishnaswamy says, "Studies have proved that papaya leaf juice contributes significantly in the production of platelets and increase the platelet count."

Also Read:8 Amazing Benefits of Papaya for Health and Skin

_{Benefits of papaya leaf juice:  A common remedy that is advised by all to dengue patients is papaya leaf juice}

2. Anti-Malarial Properties

Papaya leaves have strong anti-malarial properties. A compound found in papaya leaf is acetogenin, which can help prevent dangerous disease like malaria and dengue.
 

_{Benefits of papaya leaf juice:  A compound found in papaya leaf is acetogenin}

3. Good for Liver

Just as papaya, papaya leaf juice also acts as a potent cleansing agent for the liver, thereby healing many chronic liver diseases, jaundice and liver cirrhosis.

4. Supports Digestion

The book Healing Food mentions how “papaya contains enzymes papain and chymonpapain. Both have been shown to aid digestion, prevent constipation and clean the colon. Papain is also helpful in healing and preventing stomach ulcers.”

Papaya leaves are also rich in protease and amylase. These enzymes help break down proteins, carbs and minerals aiding digestion. Its high anti-inflammatory properties also reduce the inflammation of stomach and colon. The juice can also heal peptic ulcers by killing bacteria H.Pylori owing to its antimicrobial properties.
 

_{Benefits of papaya leaf juice:  Papaya leaves are also rich in protease and amylase}

5. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels

Papaya leaf juice can work wonders for diabetics as well, as it regulates the production of insulin, which in turn checks blood sugar levels. Its strong antioxidant nature also helps to bring down the consequent complications of diabetes like kidney damage and fatty liver.

6. Cure to Your Menstrual Pain

Are you a victim of excruciating menstrual cramps and lower abdominal pain during your periods? Papaya leaf juice works wonders to ease the menstrual flow and reduce the pain. Drinking this juice also brings down PMS symptoms. Its potent healing properties balance hormones, and regulate menstruation cycles. You can try this concoction to treat your menstrual pain: take one papaya leaf, a pinch of salt and tamarind, mix them all in a glass of water and bring it to boil. This juice should ease your pain greatly.
 

_{Benefits of papaya leaf juice:Papaya leaf juice works wonders to ease the menstrual flow and reduce the pain}  

7. Helps Treat Skin Problems

Papaya leaf juice has a rich content of vitamin C and A, which boost skin health and lend you a healthier and radiant skin. Papaya leaf juice suppresses the activity of free radicals. The presence of karpain compounds checks the growth of excess micro-organisms, and cleanses your skin of the toxins, providing protection against skin problems like pimples, freckles and acne. 

_{Benefits of papaya leaf juice:  Papaya leaf juice has a rich content of vitamin C and A}

8. Promotes Hair Growth

The extract of papaya leaf is said to promote hair growth, prevent balding and thinning of hair. It is an important ingredient used in anti-dandruff shampoos because of the karpain compound. This alkaloid component is effective in removing dirt and oil from your scalp. It can also serve as a natural conditioner and bring back the lost sheen to your hair.

_{Papaya leaf juice benefits:  The extract of papaya leaf is said to promote hair growth}

9. Reduces Cancer Risks

Extracts from papaya leaf boasts of great anti-cancer properties majorly because of its compound acetogenin. According to the study carried by the journal of Ethnopharmacology, the enzymes in papaya leaf can fight liver cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer and breast cancer. The anti-inflammatory properties of papaya leaf could also be helpful in reducing inflammation and chemotherapy side effects.

5COMMENTSIf the bitterness of the leaves bother you, you can also mix the juice with other juices like that of coconut. So don’t hold yourself back from gaining these benefits and grab some now.

https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/9-incredible-benefits-of-papaya-leaf-juice-1672318

The basics of managing your child’s eczema

Eczema is a condition in which patches of skin become red, cracked, itchy and inflamed. In medical terminology, it is called atopic dermatitis.

FEBRUARY 21, 2019

The rash can easily get infected, but is not contagious. It can occur at any age, but is commonly seen in children between the ages of six months and five years.

Signs and symptoms

Eczema can affect any part of the body. However, manifestations of eczema vary in different age groups. Eczema looks different in infants than in older children. In infants, the red, inflamed rash is commonly seen on the face, cheeks, chin, forehead and scalp.

In older children, the affected skin appears thickened and brownish, commonly involving the creases of the elbows and the knees, while sometimes also involving the wrists, ankles and hands. The hallmark of the rash in all age groups is itching, which in turn makes the rash worse.

What causes it?

We do not exactly know what causes eczema. Perhaps a combination of genetic and environmental factors are involved.

Approximately half the children who develop eczema will also develop hay fever or asthma. Generally, a history of eczema, hay fever, asthma or other allergies is also present in other family members.

The good news about eczema is that more than half the children who develop eczema will outgrow it by the time they become teenagers.

Common triggers that cause flare-ups of eczema include dryness of the skin, hot weather, sweating, infection, pollen, dust, harsh soaps and detergents, and some allergy-provoking foods.

Managing it

If your child has eczema, don’t despair! There is a lot that you can do to help your child with eczema.

Bathe the child daily in warm water (not hot water), using a moisturising body wash. After the bath, pat the skin dry and apply unscented moisturising cream or ointment all over the body. Evidence suggests that creams and ointments are more effective than lotions and oils.

Keep the skin moist and lubricated at all times. You may need to apply the moisturiser several times a day, especially in dry weather. Make sure you wash your hands before and after applying the cream.

Make sure that your child’s fingernails and toenails are kept clean and short, so that they do not scratch themselves, which can make the condition worse. Putting mittens and socks on an infant at night and at nap times will help in this respect and will enable baby to sleep better.

Their room should be cool and comfortable, as heat makes the condition worse. Your doctor may prescribe an oral medicine (antihistamine) to control the itching. Your child’s clothes should be soft, cottony and not very warm.

Wash the clothing and bedsheets in a mild, unscented detergent. Vacuum the house regularly as dust can trigger or worsen the rashes. Try to identify and avoid any triggers or allergies that might be making the condition worse.

If the above steps do not help or the rash seems to be getting worse, consult a physician who might prescribe a steroid cream to clear the rash. Use the cream during acute flare-ups as per your doctor’s instructions.

Another reason for consulting your doctor would be infection. This may be the case if the eczema rashes appear bright red, crusty and angry looking, or is oozing yellowish discharge. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to clear up the infection.

The eczema will only respond to the usual treatment once the infection is under control and cleared up. Remember, controlling the dryness of the skin and itching, and avoiding your child’s triggers, is of paramount importance, and may be all that is needed in milder cases of eczema.

There is no cure for eczema, but the symptoms can be controlled by the measures outlined above. This condition often waxes and wanes, so the rash may appear and disappear from time to time.

The rash generally starts to improve around five years of age and the majority of children outgrow the condition by the time they reach adolescence.

https://www.star2.com/health/2019/02/21/the-basics-of-managing-your-childs-eczema/

Read also:

Breastfeed your kids to reduce their risk of eczema

Breastfeed your kids to reduce their risk of eczema

New American research has found that infants who are exclusively breastfed for the first three months of life appear to have a lower risk of developing eczema in childhood, compared to babies who were breastfed for less time or not at all.

MARCH 4, 2019
BY AGENCY

Carried out by researchers at the Children’s National Medical Centre in the US, the new study looked at data gathered from the Infant Feeding Practices Study II, a longitudinal study co-led by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The study provided information on the diets of around 2,000 pregnant women during their third trimester, as well as their breastfeeding habits during their infants’ first year. The researchers also followed up on 1,520 of the children to look at their diet, health and development when they were six years old.

The findings, presented during the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 2019 Annual Meeting, showed that the children who were exclusively breastfed for the first three months of life had a significantly lower chance of having eczema at age six, compared with children who were not breastfed or were breastfed for less time.

The researchers also found that children with a family history of food allergies or a higher socioeconomic status also had a higher chance of being diagnosed with eczema.

“The evidence that being exclusively breastfed protects children from developing eczema later in life remains mixed,” says lead author Katherine M. Balas. “Our research team is trying to help fill that data gap.”

She adds: “Children who were exclusively breastfed for three months or longer were significantly less likely (adjusted odds ratio of 0.477) to have continued eczema at age six, compared with peers who were never breastfed or who were breastfed for less than three months.

“While exclusive breastfeeding may not prevent kids from getting eczema, it may protect them from experiencing extended flare-ups.”

The results are also supported by those from a large-scale study carried out by British, American and Canadian researchers, which looked at 17,046 mothers and their newborn babies to find that babies exclusively breastfed from birth for a sustained period had a 54% lower risk of eczema at the age of 16.

Eczema is a chronic condition that causes the skin to become itchy, dry, cracked, sore and red, and affects around one in five children and one in 10 adults in the developed world. – AFP Relaxnews

https://www.star2.com/health/2019/03/04/breastfeed-your-kid-to-reduce-their-eczema-risk/

Hong Kong research warns of sunscreen health risks

NEW research in Hong Kong has found that UV filters commonly used in sunscreen are polluting surrounding waters and could endanger human health, one of the city’s leading universities said .

OCTOBER 15, 2018 HEALTH

BY AGENCY

There is growing international concern over the polluting effects of sunscreen.

An “extensive amount” of seven common UV filter chemicals was found in Hong Kong seawater as well as in fish, shrimps and mussels on aqua-farms, scientists from Hong Kong Baptist University told reporters.

“The effect of these contaminants passing along the food chain to humans and the long-term impact on human fertility cannot be neglected,” said Dr Kelvin Leung, who led the research.

Tests performed on zebrafish, which share a similar genetic structure to humans, showed the polluted water caused abnormalities and a higher mortality rate in the fish’s embryos as the chemicals entered the food chain.

The university described the study as a world-first in identifying the harm caused by a combination of polluting chemicals in sunscreen. Researchers said they would conduct further tests to learn more about the effects of UV filters on the human body.

The chemicals tested on the zebrafish study included octocrylene (known as OC), benzophenone-3 (known as BP-3) and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (known as EHMC), which were found to be the most abundant types of chemical UV filters in Hong Kong waters.

The European Union’s International Chemical Secretariat has already established BP-3 as a threat to human health and called for it to be replaced with another, safer ingredient. Dr Leung added that these chemicals can accumulate in the human body and cannot be dissolved or diluted simply by drinking water.

There is growing international concern over the polluting effects of sunscreen. Hawaii signed a bill in July to ban sunscreens containing chemicals harmful to coral reefs, which will take effect from 2021. But the ban raised concerns that it may deter consumers from using sunscreen to protect their skin from cancer.

Leung called for more regulations on the use of chemicals in personal care products and recommended consumers use mineral-based sunscreens such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, or wear sun-protection clothing. – AFP Relaxnews

https://www.star2.com/health/2018/10/15/sunscreen-health-risks/

Scientists in Australia develop world-first blood test to detect skin cancer before it spreads through the body

Scientists in Australia have developed a world-first blood test to detect skin cancer before it spreads through the body. 

•  Jonathan Pearlman, in sydney

18 JULY 2018 • 5:33PM

Early stage melanoma can often be difficult to distinguish from a mole CREDIT:  CALLISTA IMAGES

The test could potentially allow early detection of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, and increase the prospects of treatment. It may also help to avoid invasive and costly biopsies.

Researchers said the test could prove more accurate than the current method of detection, which typically involves a doctor looking at the skin and assessing spots or changes to moles before removing a sample for further examination. But an early stage melanoma can often be difficult to distinguish from a mole.

“While clinicians do a fantastic job with the tools available, relying on biopsies alone can be problematic,” said Pauline Zaenker, from Edith Cowan University.

“The body starts producing these antibodies as soon as melanoma first develops which is how we have been able to detect the cancer in its very early stages with this blood test. No other type of biomarker appears to be capable of detecting the cancer in blood at these early stages.”

Melanoma, which are typically caused by exposure to the sun, can, if undetected, spread to other parts of the body such as the lungs, liver and brain. These secondary melanomas can be more dangerous and harder to treat.

A trial of the new blood test involving 209 people found the cancer during its early stages in 81.5 per cent of cases.


Actor Hugh Jackman recently revealed he had been treated for skin cancer - a basal cell carcinoma - after seeking advice for a mark on his nose. CREDIT: @REALHUGHJACKMAN / INSTAGRAM

Detection of melanoma before it spreads can result in a 90 to 99 per cent five-year survival rate but the survival rate for people with secondary forms is less than 50 per cent.

The researchers said the test could be used for routine screening of people with a higher risk of melanoma, such as those with a large number of moles, pale skin or a family history of the disease.

“It’s critical that melanoma is diagnosed more accurately and early,” said Professor Mel Ziman, from Edith Cowan University.

“So a blood test would help in that identification particularly at early stage melanoma, which is what is the most concerning and would be most beneficial for everybody if it was identified early.”

The researchers plan to conduct clinical trials and believe the test could be available in three to five years.

The World Health Organization says skin cancers are more common for Caucasians, particularly people with pale or freckled skin, fair or red hair, or blue eyes.

Australia has one of the world’s highest rates of melanoma, with 14,000 new diagnoses and almost 2000 deaths each year.

Professor Rodney Sinclair, from the University of Melbourne, said the test was not 100 per cent accurate and results would still need to be interpreted with caution, potentially with a check by a dermatologist.

The research findings were published in the journal Oncotarget.

0https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/07/18/scientists-australia-develop-world-first-blood-test-detect-skin/

Do collagen supplements really do all that they claim?

From hotpot dinners to fortified smoothies, collagen has fast become one of the most popular health supplements on the market.

In the past, we would mainly supplement through food (such as bone broth, beef tendon, salmon or chicken feet), but the ‘eat clean’ movement has rapidly popularised collagen supplements, creating a high demand for faster and more convenient methods of collagen intake.

JULY 14, 2018

BY DATUK DR NOR ASHIKIN MOKHTAR

Non-meat foods that can help increase collagen include legumes, like soybeans; spirulina, which can be added to smoothies or fruit juices; and agar, which is cheap and easy to make. — AFP

Now, the market is flooded with many types of supplements – pills and powders that you can mix into smoothies and lattes, collagen-packed protein bars, and injections.

Collagen has been touted for its ability to maintain youthful and supple complexions, relieve stress, soothe aching joints, and perhaps even improve gut health.

But how true are these claims?

What collagen is, types and how they work

In its medical form, collagen is the most abundant type of amino acid, or structural protein of connective tissue in animals.

It is an essential building block in our bones, skin, cartilage, tendons, muscles, skin and connective tissue, along with much else.

When heated for soups and cooking, collagen becomes gelatinous after being chilled, and this is perhaps the most familiar form of collagen that we are used to.

It’s a trend in some hotpot restaurants to offer “collagen” broths that tout beauty benefits.

Essentially, these are gelatinous pieces of bone broth that melt into a silky soup when heated up in a pot.

In other forms, collagen powder or pills also become gelatinous when mixed with water. All forms of collagen get broken down into individual amino acids for our body to use as building blocks to regenerate and repair vital organs and other parts of our anatomy.

This also includes producing more of our body’s own collagen.

It is a common assumption that the collagen we consume goes directly to our skin and joints, but the reality is that it has to go through the same process of digestion and biochemistry as the rest of our food.

Still, there are a few key types of collagen that are known to benefit different parts of our body.

There are 16 different types of collagen, but if you want healthy hair, skin, nails, and bones, there are two types that work best – Type I and Type 3.

Collagen Types 1 and 3 contain 19 amino acids, all of which are essential to the functions of the skin, muscles and bones. These amino acids are produced by the cells in connective tissues, known as fibroblasts, as well as cells that build bones, known as osteoblasts.

More than 90% of our body’s collagen is made up of Types 1 and 3.

Type I collagen is the most common form of collagen in the human body. Supplementing this collagen can have a dramatic effect on the health of the hair, skin and nails. Ingestion of Type I collagen can heal the skin by promoting density of collagen fibrils and fibroblasts, thus stimulating collagen production.

Type 3 collagen is the second most abundant collagen in the body. This type of collagen is also found in the skin and is responsible for its elasticity. It is also a building block for the extracellular matrix that forms the structure of blood vessels and organs.

Proteins found in these types include glycine, proline, alanine and hydroxyproline.

Glycine is found in the highest quantity in collagen, and requires large amounts of serine, a metabolic amino acid, to achieve the optimum levels in metabolic processes. It seems to have a calming effect on the nervous system, which can improve sleep.

Proline, a non-essential amino acid derived from glycine, plays an important role in our joints and tendons. Together with hydroxyproline, it also aids in stabilising the structure of collagen itself.

Finally, alanine is used in the biosynthesis of proteins.

Collagen Types 1 and 3 are often taken together in supplement form and are good for skin, muscles, bone health, as well as hair and nail growth and maintenance.

Collagen Type 2 is produced by chondrocytes, and it is a liquid-like filling within healthy cartilage.

It benefits the fluids and function in the cartilage and joints, but supplements should be consumed separately from Types 1 and 3 to ensure more efficient absorption.

Our bodies already produce collagen on their own, with the help of nutrients and vitamins that we derive from daily food intake. Additionally, we consume collagen if we eat dairy, eggs, fish and meat.

The reason that collagen supplements are popular, or maybe even essential, is because our body becomes less efficient in collagen production as we age, especially after the age of 30.

We experience wrinkles, sagging skin, and joint aches and pains because collagen production begins to decrease as early as our mid-20s, by approximately 1% every year.

Benefits of a collagen supplement

There is a growing body of research indicating that collagen supplements support skin and joint health, as well as muscle recovery and even stress relief.

While the latter two are still being studied, there is more indication that collagen supplements are beneficial for skin elasticity and hydration.

A 2017 study from China Agricultural University showed that the formation of deep wrinkles was reduced once collagen hydrolysate supplements were added to a participant’s diet for at least six weeks.

Participants older than 30 were observed to benefit the most from supplements.

Supplements may also help improve the condition of brittle peeling nails, according to a 2017 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, in which 25 participants took 2.5g of specific bioactive collagen peptides for 24 weeks, followed by four weeks of no supplements.

The trial resulted in the increase of 12% nail growth rate, and a decrease in the frequency of broken nails by 42%.

The research for joint health is even more compelling. A 2008 study at Penn State University showed that athletes with exercise-related joint pain who took 10g of collagen daily had a reduction of their symptoms.

The study indicated that collagen hydrolysate has an anabolic effect on cartilage tissue and is possibly beneficial to patients with osteoarthritis.

In fact, many studies link collagen to reduced symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Undenatured type 2 collagen was found to be an effective treatment for four out of five osteoarthritis sufferers who took a daily 40 mg oral dose.

The American study, which appeared in the International Journal of Medical Sciences in 2009, also noted that participants experienced less pain, with pain levels dropping by an average of 26%.

Some things to consider

Considering that our body’s need for collagen goes far beyond skin deep, adding a supplement seems to be an easy decision to make.

Collagen powders and pills are especially popular now. But vegetarians and vegans should note that these supplements are usually made from bones or skin of cows, or scales of fish.

There are also several other considerations, such as efficiency in absorption, and cost.

There is a common misconception of how collagen gets absorbed.

Food or supplements you take don’t reach the intended targets in the original form it was in before being swallowed. It has to go through the digestive process, and most of it gets broken down by stomach juices and biochemical processes.

So the claims that collagen directly benefits our skin, for example, may not be entirely solid.

Types 1 and 3 collagen is more likely to be broken down by our gut’s digestive enzymes and acids, the type found in most collagen peptide powders. Meanwhile, Type 2 collagen may be able to slip past the digestive process without losing its chemical structure.

One possible theory on why collagen intake seems to be beneficial to our skin and joints is that it reduces inflammation, rather than adding to our body’s overall collagen supply.

Whether or not you choose to take a supplement, it’s no wasted effort in maximising your body’s own collagen output.

Your diet will need to incorporate high quality protein, which is easily obtained from bone and tendon broth, egg whites, meat, poultry, fish and plant proteins, such as beans, nuts, seeds and grains.

Other non-meat foods to increase collagen include legumes, like soybeans; spirulina, which can be added to smoothies or fruit juices; and agar, which is cheap and easy to make. These foods are sources of proline and glycine, two of the main amino acids in collagen that can help your body to boost its own production.

Apart from eating collagen-rich foods, you can maximise the absorption. Certain nutrients can kick-start the body’s production of natural collagen and optimise the effects of food and supplements.

Nutrients like vitamin C and iron are both essential for collagen production, and omega-3 fatty acids will protect the body’s collagen stores from damage.

For athletes or fitness enthusiasts, taking collagen protein within an hour after exercise may improve performance, as you may be able to use collagen more efficiently, right after a workout.

Collagen supplements

Supplements now come in pill or powder form, and they are often costly.

The recommendation is that you should pick a supplement that contains hydrolysed collagen, or collagen peptides, as it contains a complete amino acid profile. (Hydrolysed means that amino acids chains have been broken, allowing them to dissolve in liquids of any temperature.)

The high dose of hydrolysed collagen entering our bloodstream on a regular basis triggers our body’s “wound repair” response – a process that identifies and repairs damaged collagen in the dermis by stimulating the growth of new collagen.

Four main sources of hydrolysed collagen found in supplements are bovine (cow), poultry, marine (fish), and also pork.

Research on the benefits of collagen continues to grow, especially in identifying how the types of collagen peptides work in different conditions.

But because health authorities like the US Food and Drug Administration do not currently regulate collagen supplements, be sure to choose a supplement that is certified by a third-party quality-testing company, like NSF International or United States Pharmacopeia (USP).

Otherwise, testing out a supplement for two to three months should be fairly safe and may even bring benefits.

https://www.star2.com/health/2018/07/14/collagen-supplement-claims/

5 life-extending benefits of resveratrol

The most familiar connection to red wine is the “French Paradox.” Researchers have discovered that in regions of France where the population enjoys a high-fat diet but consumes a lot of red wine with meals, the incidence of heart attacks is considerably lower than in other parts of the world.

They now believe that the benefits of red wine — that is the resveratrol found in the red wine — extends to brain health, cancer protection and longevity, in addition to being cardio-protective.

We can get the resveratrol compound from several foods, with grapes and wine being the most abundant sources. But resveratrol can also be found in seeds as well as skin and fruit of vaccinium berries such as bilberries, raspberries, blueberries and cranberries.

Here are 5 benefits of resveratrol that can help you lead a longer, healthier life:

1. It protects your heart

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the silent killer. It is the most common form of cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States.

But cardiovascular disease is preventable and, in many cases, reversible — and diet plays an important role.

The most important use of resveratrol is related to the protection of the blood vessels and heart, which lies in its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and blood flow properties.

Resveratrol helps prevent damage to blood vessels, reduces “bad” cholesterol and prevents blood clots. For example, according to a study from the European Journal of Pharmacology, resveratrol helps protect you from atherosclerosis, or plaque build up in the arteries.

2. It helps you look younger

In an effort to look our best, we spend a fortune on facial creams, special soaps and other treatments designed to improve our appearance. But one of the most effective ways to look younger, researchers say, is to eat the foods that support the health of your skin.

A study at Newcastle University in England demonstrates that nutrients in certain foods can help facial skin cells help fight aging. The most potent of these natural chemicals are antioxidants that support mitochondria (cellular structures that produce energy) such as resveratrol found in red wine.

It may also slow the growth of the bacteria that lead to skin blemishes.

3. It prevents or inhibits some cancers

You may already know that calorie restriction turns on a certain set of genes called “sirtuins” that help you live linger.

Those same sirtuins can also help you survive – and protect you against – breast cancer.

Resveratrol is the compound that turns on sirtuins. So if you want to give yourself an epigenetic advantage against cancer, it might be a wise idea to add red huckleberries, cranberries, lingonberries and blueberries to your diet.

Several studies have also noted that resveratrol makes tumor cells more susceptible to chemotherapy and radiation treatment, increasing the chances of a full recovery from all types of cancer, including aggressive tumors.

4. It protects the brain

Inflammation is a major problem for people with Alzheimer’s. In fact, it’s what causes the brain damage that leads to the life-altering memory loss, confusion and personality changes that make the disease so scary.

But the good news is, if you know a disease is caused primarily by inflammation, it’s easier to figure out a solution.

And, unsurprisingly, the most promising solution for Alzheimer’s may be a potent anti-inflammatory compound… one that’s been revered for its health-giving properties for over a decade now… resveratrol.

So raise a glass of wine when you next dine on a delicious dinner from the brain-healthy list of foods (below), toast your good health, good fortune and youthful brain — and enjoy a modest serving of dessert if you want.

5. It boosts insulin sensitivity

There’s a nutrient that you already know has tremendous benefits for your heart and brain. It’s even anti-aging, but can also increase insulin sensitivity (improve insulin function) and lower blood sugar — naturally. It’s resveratrol.

In one study, 19 men with type 2 diabetes took a placebo or 5 mg of resveratrol (the antioxidant polyphenol) twice per day. Researchers asked the men not to eat foods with high amounts of resveratrol, such as red wine and grapes, peanuts and berries.

After four weeks, while the placebo group had not improved, men who had taken resveratrol had far fewer signs of oxidative stress, and much higher levels of a protein that helps cells absorb and use glucose. Doctors said this is the first study in humans to show that resveratrol improves insulin sensitivity.

How much is enough?

With supplementation of a nutrient, it’s important to know how much and what to take.

First thing to remember with resveratrol is that there are three, not two forms. There’s trans, cis and dihydro-resveratrol. All have health-enhancing properties, but the most studied and powerful for insulin function is the trans form.

Inexpensive resveratrol supplements will be in the cis-form. Even trans-resveratrol will turn into cis if stored improperly. This is why high-quality trans-resveratrol supplements cost a bit more.

Second, you want to take a high enough dose that it will have a positive effect on your whole body. That means not falling for the cheap 500 mg “resveratrol” pills and instead opting for at least 40 mg of pure trans-resveratrol each day.

https://easyhealthoptions.com/5-life-extending-benefits-resveratrol/

Perfumes and Artificial Fragrances can Damage your Health

The scents all around us can trigger headaches and skin conditions 

From the inescapable cologne on a fellow train passenger to the diffuser sticks in our bathrooms and bedrooms, fragrances are all around us. They’re used to make us more attractive, to set a certain mood, and to mask natural odours - and they could be making us sick, according to a new book.

Friday 29 September 2017 

As many as one in three people experience symptoms including headaches, asthma and rashes due to a sensitivity to fragrances, according to research cited in The Case Against Fragrance by author Kate Grenville. A separate study in 2014 found that three quarters of women with migraines caused by odours said perfume was the lead cause. 

In the book, Grenville recalls how she was mesmerised by her mother’s perfumes as a child. But she was inspired to investigate the effects that artificials smells have on our health when she taped over the cracks in her hotel room doors to block the smell of diffusers in the corridor, fearing it would trigger a migraine.

What surprised her the most while researching the book was that almost all modern perfumes and scents are made using artificial chemicals, she told The Guardian in a recent interview. Perfume manufactures also don’t need to declare their ingredients as they are considered a trade secret: a minefield for those with allergies. 

In addition, the problems caused by natural essential oils that are the basis of many fragrances have toxic effects that have only recently been recognised, including how the properties which enable scents to travel can stimulate immune reactions, according to Ian Musgrave, a senior lecturer in pharmacology at the University of Adelaide writing for The Conversation.

B-damascenone, for instance, is a compound in rose essential oils and Kentucky bourbon which can cause allergic reactions in quantities larger than the average person would use, while  1,8-cineol - which gives eucalyptus its smell - can cause liver damage in vast quantities. 

“Read The Case Against Fragrance and you will never think about fragrance in the same way again. If you have been suffering fragrance in silence, you will know you are not alone,” writes Musgrave.

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/perfumes-artificial-fragrances-damage-health-headaches-breathing-kate-grenville-book-a7973491.html

The truth about 10 sun safety myths

AS we move into the warmer weather and start thinking about summer, it's also time to start thinking about how to protect ourselves from sunburn. Barbecues with friends, walks in the park, even driving to work ... we need to think about protecting our skin during day-to-day activities and not just when on vacation.

Posted on 14 May 2017 - 03:46am

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Apply sunscreen regularly is one way to help protect yourself from sunburn. — AFP Relaxnews

This week marks Sun Awareness Week in the UK, with one of the country's leading cancer charities, Cancer Research UK this year providing insight into 10 sun safety myths to help us all stay safe in the sun all year long.

Myth 1: 'The sun is strongest when it's hottest'

The heat of the sun doesn't come from its skin-damaging UV rays. UV rays are strongest when the sun is highest in the sky. If you want to head outside and enjoy the good weather best to do it when the sun's rays are lower, and the risk of burning won't be as high.

Myth 2: 'You can only burn in the middle of summer'

The sun can be strong enough to burn at other times of the year too. The UV Index can tell you how strong the sun is where you are today, and you can find it on weather forecasts and online. If the UV Index is 3 or above think about protecting your skin.

Myth 3: 'Sun damage always looks red and peely'

Skin doesn't necessarily peel, but if it has turned red or pink in the sun, that's sunburn, and it's dangerous due to the damage the UV rays cause to DNA inside cells. If your skin goes pink but then a tan develops that still counts as a burn. However, you can't always see the damage. Those with naturally darker skin might just feel irritated, tender or itchy skin rather than see a colour change.

Myth 4: 'The occasional sunburn doesn't make much difference'

Getting a sunburn doesn't mean you will definitely go on to develop skin cancer, but even one every 2 years can triple the risk of melanoma. If you have been sunburnt in the past, think about what you can do to protect your skin next time.

Myth 5: 'Higher SPF sunscreens are much better than lower SPF ones'

No sunscreen is 100% effective and choosing a higher SPFs doesn't add much extra protection. In fact, it might even encourage you to spend longer in the sun than you should. Choose a minimum of SPF 15 and make sure your sunscreen has 4 stars or more for UVA protection.

Myth 6: 'A 'base tan' will protect me on holiday'

Some people think getting a tan before they go on holiday, from the sun or a sunbed, will protect them from burning once they arrive at their destination. However, a tan offers very little protection against the sun. Some studies have found that tans only offer protection equivalent to using factor 3 sunscreen, and tans from sunbeds could be as low as SPF 1. So make sure you apply minimum SPF 15 sunscreen.

Myth 7: 'Putting sunscreen on once is enough'

Once is not enough, even if it says once-a-day on the label. All sunscreens should be re-applied regularly, and some products rub, wash or sweat off more easily than others. It's also really easy to miss parts of your body so put plenty on; regular applications will help ensure you've got everywhere covered.

Myth 8: 'Sunbeds are a safer way to tan'

There is no such thing as a safe tan, and the evidence is clear: sunbeds cause skin cancer. A tan is a sign that your body is trying to repair the damage caused by UV rays.

Myth 9: 'Sunscreen lasts forever'

Nearly all of us hang on to bottles of sunscreen left over from previous holidays, but when you're packing for your next one check if it is still safe to use, as most sunscreens go out of date. To check look out for a small open jar icon on the bottle, which will show the number of months the product can be used for after opening. And if you do need to replace your sunscreen don't worry about buying the most expensive -- it's the SPF and star rating that is important, not the price.

Myth 10: 'You can't get sun damage through glass'

Being indoors means you are mostly protected from sunburn, but some UV rays can get through glass. If you spend lots of time driving or sitting in a conservatory when the sun is strong, then long-term you might be at risk of damage from UVA rays. If sitting by a window you can protect your skin with clothes and sunscreen with 4 or more stars. — AFP Relaxnews

http://www.thesundaily.my/news/2017/05/14/truth-about-10-sun-safety-myths