Do spicy foods cause stomach ulcers? Here's the truth

Many believe people with gastric ulcers should avoid eating food with chilli in it when in fact it reduces the amount of stomach acid and lessens symptoms.

April 21, 2017

Eat away. Spicy dishes like this may not give you an ulcer but it is a touch more complex than that.

Do spicy foods cause stomach ulcers?

The short answer: no.

If you’ve ever had a stomach ulcer, you’ll know just how painful and uncomfortable it can be. According to Lisa Griffiths, a homeopath at The Round Clinic on Hong Kong Island, anyone suffering from a stomach ulcer will slowly experience progressively worsening symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux and burping, abdominal pain that is often burning, and changes in appetite and weight.

These symptoms may vary in intensity, and some may be worse than others, but almost all will be linked to the consumption of certain foods and liquids. It’s therefore common to find people with stomach ulcers avoiding certain foods – in particular, spicy foods – so as to not exacerbate the problem.

But spicy foods don’t cause stomach ulcers to develop, says Griffiths. In fact, they actually help the stomach lining because capsaicin – the active component of chilli peppers – has been proven to reduce stomach acid.

Spicy foods can, however, be quite rich. This can make an ulcer flare up because rich foods require more stomach acid to digest. “This increase in stomach acid attacks the already inflamed site of the ulceration, causing intense irritation of the stomach lining,” Griffiths explains. “It’s a bit like pouring vinegar on a cut – instant agony.”

The main causes of stomach ulcers are Helicobacter pylori bacteria and the excessive use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These can cause the interior lining of the digestive tract around the stomach to break down, creating open sores called ulcers. This interior lining is the stomach’s natural defence against the acid it produces to digest food.

Lifestyle factors such as stress and alcohol causes stomach ulcers. Spicy food may exacerbate the symptoms but not cause it.

“It has to be said that Helicobacter pylori bacteria are relatively common,” says Ines De Beer, an osteopath at The Round Clinic on Hong Kong Island. “The bacteria live in the stomach lining and an infection doesn’t necessarily cause symptoms, but in some people the bacteria can irritate the stomach lining, making it vulnerable to the stomach acid. The real reason why it affects some people and not others is not yet clear, but there’s a general consensus that lifestyle factors, such as stress, smoking and alcohol consumption, play a huge role.”

“So while spicy foods don’t cause stomach ulcers per se, they can certainly aggravate an existing condition if consumed in excess,” adds Griffiths. “If you suffer from this problem, you should get it investigated as soon as possible, rather than treat it on your own with antacids. You should never take antacids for an extended period, because they can lead to chronic kidney disease. They are fine for the occasional bout of heartburn, but if symptoms persist you should see your health practitioner to get your digestive health assessed.”

In addition to learning how to manage your stress and trying to achieve a balanced lifestyle, Griffiths recommends reducing, avoiding or eliminating all foods and substances that are likely to trigger uncomfortable reactions, such as cheese, rich foods, caffeine and alcohol, at least until the problem has been treated and your stomach lining has healed.

You should also increase your intake of foods like garlic, which can help keep levels of Helicobacter pylori in check; unprocessed honey, which kills harmful bacteria that can contribute to the development of ulcers; unripe bananas, which are thought to increase the production of mucous in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby forming a protective coating to help prevent and calm ulcers; and fermented foods, which supply good bacteria to the gut. – South China Morning Post/Sasha Gonzales

http://www.star2.com/health/wellness/2017/04/21/do-spicy-foods-cause-stomach-ulcers-heres-the-truth/

The super spice that beats cancer

August 21, 2014 | Carl Lowe

Healthwise

The cells that line your intestines continually encounter toxins that make them more liable to cancer. But you can help them fight back by eating a super spice that spurs their cancer resistance.

Laboratory analyses at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine show that the active  ingredient in hot chili peppers, the chemical that makes your mouth burn, produces a reaction on cell receptors in the intestines that shrinks your chances of developing colorectal cancer.

The specialized receptors, also called ion channels (and technically known as TRPV1) were initially revealed in neurons that sense acidity, heat and spicy chemicals.

“These (changes in the intestinal environment) are all potentially harmful stimuli to cells,” says researcher Eyal Raz, M.D. “Thus, TRPV1 was quickly described as a molecular ‘pain receptor.’ This can be considered to be its conventional function, which all takes place in the nervous system.”

But Raz and his fellow scientists discovered that TPRV1 isn’t just found in neurons, it is also present on the epithelial cells that line the intestinal tract. On the intestinal walls, TPRV1 is activated when it encounters a substance the body produces called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). EGFR stimulates the creation of new cells on the intestinal walls. The epithelial lining of those walls is replaced by the body every six days or less.

“A basic level of EGFR activity is required to maintain the normal cell turnover in the gut,” says resarcher Petrus de Jong, M.D. “However, if EGFR signaling is left unrestrained, the risk of sporadic tumor development increases.”

The researchers found that when EGFR activates TRPV1, eventually the activity of EGFR slows. That slowdown helps prevent out-of-control growth of intestinal cells that can lead to cancerous tumors.

“These results showed us that epithelial TRPV1 normally works as a tumor suppressor in the intestines,” says de Jong.

Because capsaicin, the spicy chemical in chili peppers, interacts with TRPV1, it stimulates activity that restrains the growth of epithelial cells and thereby fights off tumor growth.

“Our data suggest that individuals at high risk of developing recurrent intestinal tumors may benefit from chronic TRPV1 activation,” says Raz. “We have provided proof-of-principle.”

So if you can handle the tongue-numbing sensations of hot peppers, every swallow of spicy food may help you cool down your risk of colon cancer.

http://easyhealthoptions.com/super-spice-beats-cancer/


Go to Healthwise for more articles

The Benefits of Curcumin in Cancer Treatment

This Spice Can Destroy Cancer Cells, So Why Are Doctors Afraid to Use It?This natural ingredient has more evidence supporting its use against cancer than any other nutrient, and it can work for just about every type of cancer. Yet doctors are afraid to use it, even though it has a very similar effect as this pharmaceutical drug. Find out why.

March 02, 2014

Story at-a-glance

Curcumin—a derivative of turmeric, and the pigment that gives the curry spice turmeric its yellow-orange color—has been extensively researched

Curcumin appears to be universally useful for just about every type of cancer, and has the most evidence-based literature supporting its use against cancer of any nutrient

It has the ability to modulate genetic activity and expression, both by destroying cancer cells, and by promoting healthy cell function

Research has also shown that it works synergistically with certain chemotherapy drugs, enhancing the elimination of cancer cells

By Dr. Mercola

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death. What if there was a safe, natural herb that could work for nearly every type of cancer?  

According to Dr. William LaValley, who focuses most of his clinical work on the treatment of cancer, curcumin—a derivative of turmeric, and the pigment that gives the curry spice turmeric its yellow-orange color—may fit the bill. It's a natural compound that has been extensively researched, and has been found to have numerous health applications.

Like me, Dr. LaValley was trained in general medicine, but he's devoted a considerable amount of time to understanding the biochemical pathways that can support health nutritionally.

In 1982, he participated in an exchange program to the People's Republic of China, where he got first-hand experience with the ancient practices of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture.

"One of the important messages that I learned there was that natural products, natural molecules, from plants and animals that are already available in nature, have been used by the Chinese for at least hundreds, probably thousands of years. That deeply changed my perspective in the world of medicine," he says.

"I came back to medical school, and thereafter, looked at how I could integrate the perspective of conventional pharmaceutical administration as well as natural extract, natural product administration."

Curcumin Has Potent Anti-Cancer Activity

In 2005, he took a 75 percent sabbatical from clinical practice to immerse himself in the science of molecular biology, specifically the molecular biology of cancer. He also devoted approximately 9,000-9,500 hours building a relational database from the PubMed literature about the molecular biology of cancer.

One important lesson he learned through that venture is that the understanding of molecular biology can be applied across a range of diseases and symptoms described in the scientific literature. That knowledge can be applied by searching PubMed and other related databases, looking at the relevant molecular pathways involved.

"In learning the molecular biology of cancer pathways, and in learning that what the evidence actually shows for the effect of natural product extracts on various relevant molecular targets in various cancers, we see that there's actually quite a large amount of evidence that supports using various molecules, natural products, and pharmaceuticals that are already approved and that have been around for a long time to affect anti-cancer activity along that pathway at that target. That's called molecularly targeted anti-cancer treatment, and it's widely practiced in oncology today.

What's not widely practiced is the use of the natural products for the molecularly targeted anti-cancer activity. I provide that for my patients because the evidence base suggests and supports the use of these treatment recommendations."

Curcumin—A 'Universal' Cancer Treatment?

Interestingly, curcumin appears to be universally useful for just about every type of cancer, which is really odd since cancer consists of a wide variety of different molecular pathologies. You wouldn't necessarily suspect that there would be one herb that would work for most of them. Dr. LaValley explains how he came to this conclusion:

"I went back to the literature and looked at how I can support the decision-making process and the recommendations that I'm making for treatment from the scientific literature, including literature that goes from the treatment of humans with oral products like pharmaceuticals or natural products.

This is where I learned about this molecule called curcumin, all the way down to its use in animals and then its use in test tubes or petri dish... One of the amazing things about curcumin is that this molecule has some profound anti-inflammatory activity and has activity in many molecular targets.

There are molecules that are in the cells, and those molecules interact with each other along certain pathways or tracks. The traffic of that interaction, the signals that are transferred in that trafficking of information in the molecules, presents many different targets or molecular-specific complexes."

As explained by Dr. LaValley, whether the curcumin molecule causes an increase in traffic or activity of a particular molecular target, or a decrease/inhibition of activity, studies repeatedly show that the end result is a potent anti-cancer activity. Furthermore, curcumin does not adversely affect healthy cells, suggesting it selectively targets cancer cells. Research has also shown that it works synergistically with certain chemotherapy drugs, enhancing the elimination of cancer cells.

Curcumin Destroys Cancer in Multiple Ways

Curcumin has the most evidence-based literature1 supporting its use against cancer of any nutrient, including vitamin D, which also has a robust base. Interestingly, this also includes the metabolite of curcumin and its derivatives, which are also anti-cancerous.

Curcumin has the ability to modulate genetic activity and expression—both by destroying cancer cells and by promoting healthy cell function. It also promotes anti-angiogenesis, meaning it helps prevent the development of additional blood supply necessary for cancer cell growth. As for its effect on molecular pathways, curcumin can affect more than 100 of them, once it gets into the cell. More specifically, curcumin has been found to:

Inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells	Decrease inflammation
Inhibit the transformation of cells from normal to tumor	Inhibit the synthesis of a protein thought to be instrumental in tumor formation
Help your body destroy mutated cancer cells so they cannot spread throughout your body	Help prevent the development of additional blood supply necessary for cancer cell growth (angiogenesis)

Why Whole Turmeric Is Ineffective

Unfortunately, while there's some curcumin in whole turmeric, there's not enough in the regular spice to achieve clinically relevant results. The turmeric root itself contains only about three percent curcumin concentration. Another major limitation of curcumin as a therapeutic agent is that it is poorly absorbed. When taken in its raw form, you're only absorbing about one percent of the available curcumin.

"The natural product industry has developed a standard of a 95-percent concentration of curcumin," Dr. LaValley explains. "Initially, years ago, that was what we had available for patients. Even at that, taking a 95-percent concentration orally in a capsule, only one percent of that could be absorbed. In order to get amounts of curcumin in the bloodstream that are reasonable to have therapeutic effect, people had to take large amounts of curcumin...

In searching the literature, I found that a way to change that, to dramatically increase the bioavailability, is actually a very simple process of bringing water to a boil, putting those capsules or some dry powder (I use it by the teaspoon), and boiling it for 10 to 12 minutes. That increases the amount of curcumin dissolved in water from that one-percent amount up to 12 percent or so. That amount is a vast number of curcumin molecules that are now in a bioavailable or absorbable form."

However, while this is certainly doable, it's really inconvenient, and great care must be taken to prevent staining your clothes and kitchen surfaces. It's a significant enough problem to have been dubbed "yellow kitchen syndrome," as it's virtually impossible to get the stains out. Turmeric is in fact an excellent dyeing agent for fabrics, rendering them a yellow-orange color.

Convenience and efficiency has driven many of the changes in the forms of curcumin in later years. Because it's a fat-loving or lipophilic molecule, many newer preparations now include some sort of oil or fat, which improves its absorbability and bioavailability. Such preparations typically have seven to eight times higher absorption than the raw, unprocessed 95-percent-concentration of dry powder. There are also newer sustained release preparations, which Dr. LaValley prefers and recommends.

The Connection Between Cancer and Insulin Resistance

If you are overweight, or have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and/or diabetes, then in all likelihood insulin and leptin resistance is a factor. Insulin and leptin resistance is also a very common factor among cancer patients. From my perspective, a ketogenic diet (with or without intermittent fasting) would be a prudent treatment strategy to resolve that underlying problem. Once you've normalized your insulin and leptin, you don't necessarily need to maintain a ketogenic diet, if you find it too restrictive.

"I agree with you that a ketogenic diet is really appropriate in many cases, probably the significant majority of cases,"Dr. LaValley says. "It's been known for probably 80 years or longer that solid tumors, and some of the blood cancers, are sugar-loving. Another term is that they are addicted to sugar.

I use [a] PET scan to demonstrate to patients that here is objective proof that the tumors you have in your body are sugar-avid. They're taking up sugar at a rate much higher than the other regular healthy cells. I want to drive home that message, so that they are motivated to alter their diet to have a low, low carb intake, causing their body to generate additional nutrient supply molecules called ketones...

What that means is that we're trying to provide an anti-cancer antagonistic pressure on the cancer cells by reducing the amount of sugar that's readily available for uptake by reducing the easily available sugar in the diet and compensating for the nutrient reduction and sugar [reduction] by increasing healthy fats."

Cutting Down on Protein May Be Particularly Useful for Cancer Patients

It would also be prudent to assess your protein intake. Many Americans eat far more protein than required for optimal health. The reason for this is because your body can actually use excess protein (you do need some) to stimulate carbohydrate production. Excess protein also stimulates the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways, which are useful for building muscles but can be detrimental when treating cancer, as mTOR is a pathway that increases cellular proliferation. (Interestingly, the pharmaceutical drug Metformin, which has anti-cancer activity, also inhibits mTOR, and it turns out that curcumin has a very similar effect.)

The formula I recommend for assessing how much protein you might need in your diet is from Dr. Rosedale, which calls for one gram of high-quality protein per kilogram of lean body mass, or about half a gram per pound of lean body mass.

As an example, if your body fat mass is 20 percent, your lean mass is 80 percent of your total body weight. So, if your total weight is 200 pounds; you would then divide 160 by 2.2 to convert pounds to kilograms and come up with 72.7 grams of protein. If you are doing vigorous exercises or are pregnant, you can add up to another 25 percent or another 18 grams in this illustration to increase your total to 90 grams per day.

More Information

Dr. LaValley is available for consultation on a wide variety of health challenges, including cancer, and he's licensed to practice medicine in the US and Canada. His medical clinic is located in Chester, Nova Scotia, where he sees patients. Americans can fly there either through Chicago or Newark. His office number is 902-275-4555. He also spends time in Austin, Texas, where he conducts research. When there, he's available to consult for other physicians and their patients.

"For instance, if a patient has pancreatic cancer and the physician wants to implement one of the protocols that I provide, I will do a consultation with that physician's patient and then make recommendations to that physician for implementation,"  he explains. "In that way, patients are able to get it locally without having to travel to Nova Scotia...

It's a challenge right now because there's so much information that's not readily known by so many physicians that they become afraid. I think one of the biggest issues, certainly in US and Canada, is that when a physician wants to administer one of these natural products, or several of them, as well as some of the off-label pharmaceuticals for their anti-cancer usage, they are afraid of recriminations or disciplinary actions.

That is, I think, very unfortunate, because the evidence base does exist for it, and it's consistent with the way that other types of conventional medicine or practice using off-label pharmaceuticals as well. I think that the most important movement that needs to occur is for the patients to recognize their own value in the decision-making process and demand that they have access to these therapeutic choices because they're available, they're supported in the evidence base, and they have the right to ask for them rather than to just accept whatever the physician is otherwise offering in the conventional realm."

[+] Sources and References

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/03/02/curcumin-benefits.aspx

6 Foods That Stimulate Your Sex Life

Thursday, November 14th, 2013               

Spice Up Your Sex Life With These 6 Stimulating Super Foods


Schooled in the ancient secrets of the womanly arts, mothers wisely pass down to daughters what was so helpfully passed down to them: the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. As luck would have it, recent research seems to suggest that the same is true of women.

 

6 SEXUAL FOODS TO FIRE UP YOUR LIBIDO

While this discovery earns food science a unanimous eye roll from female chocoholics worldwide, it does provide hope for millions of confused and frustrated men still fumbling around in the sexual dark ages of flowers, flattery, and French maid uniforms. For these studies have revealed that the quickest way into a woman’s heart – and regions beyond – lay not in love letters or in lingerie. Rather, it may just lie in the local grocery store.

Food Aisle #1: Seafood

Fish, such as wild salmon and herring, are rich in both zinc and omega-3 fatty acids. While high-zinc foods are traditionally recommended for body fluid production and prostate function in men, they are also vital for women’s sexual health. Zinc is involved in the production of sex hormones and supports adrenal functions, which help combat stress and increase stamina.

Omega-3 fatty acids aide in cardiovascular health, decrease triglycerides, and have a hand in dopamine production, a feel-good chemical released in our brains. Ellen Kamhi, Ph.D., R.N., H.N.C., notes that the highly nutritive properties of mineral-rich seaweeds also support sexual function, such as kelp, nori, kombu, and dulce. As natural sources of iodine, they support thyroid function and thereby help to improves desire and sexual performance. So next time your partner is feeling a bit erotic, suggest some couples’ sushi rolling, feed each other some miso soup, or experiment with a little seaweed body wrapping.

 

Food Aisle # 2: Dark Chocolate

Women world-wide breathed a collective sigh when The Journal of Sexual Medicine reported that those who consumed one cube of dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) daily reported significantly improved sexual desire and function versus the control group (476-482). Rich in phenylethylamine, a chemical that stimulates the brain’s pleasure center, as well as flavanoids that improve circulation, chocolate could be just what the sexual therapist prescribes when you need a little provocative pick-me-up.

Food Aisle #3: Celery

Ava Cadell, Ph.D, reports that raw celery may contain a compound similar to androsterone, a male hormone that triggers female attraction when released from the sweat glands. Dr. M. Anderson and Dr. W. Gaman have dubbed this phallic finger food as “Vegetable Viagra”. Scrub, cut into sticks, tuck in some heart-healthy cashew butter, and indulge in this sexual snack on a sultry afternoon.

Food Aisle #4: Flaxseeds

Most potent in their freshly ground-up form, flax seeds are one of the richest sources of lignans, powerful phyto-estrogens that help to balance out female hormones, counteract the symptoms of menopause, and help prevent breast cancer. Increasing energy and stamina, flaxseeds are also abundant in magnesium, helping to soothe stressed nerve cell activity that may lead to headaches (in case you really did have one). Grind up a tablespoon of these potent seeds in a coffee grinder, and sprinkle on salads or a shared ice cream sundae.

Food Aisle #5: Pomegranates

MindLab International, at the University of Sussex, found an increase in sexual drive in both men and women after the consumption of pomegranate seeds.  These juicy jewels are rich in vitamin C, bioflavonoids and antioxidants, which support sperm motility, fertility, and significantly increase the sexual interest of both men and women, according to the study.  You can slowly tongue pomegranate seeds off of a bed of baby spinach. Or you can just spread a whole pomegranate wide open with reckless abandon and move in for a raw, juicy mouthful. To each their own preferences.

Food Aisle #6: Spicy foods

Chili peppers, curry, and other spicy foods contain a phytochemical called capsaicin, which can stimulate sexual arousal by triggering the release of feel-good endorphins and speeding up the heart rate. In fact, MindLab International found that men were even more sexually aroused by a spicy meal than they were after a passionate kiss from their partners. So skip the fine dining on your next romantic outing, and head over to the local Mexican food stand instead. Spoon feed each other from a bowl of hot Mexicana chili with a side of spicy enchiladas…the two of you may not make it to the next course….

http://www.belmarrahealth.com/general-health-2/6-foods-that-stimulate-your-sex-life/

Supercharge Your Health With Seven Medicinal Herbs & Spices

Underground Health Reporter

 

Medicinal herbs and spices have been used with great effectiveness from ancient times. Find out how these seven spices & herbs can make a huge impact on your daily health.

 

Seven Medicinal Herbs & Spices

1. Cloves – Found to have the highest antioxidant content of all spices an be used as a painkiller and has been used for centuries to treat tooth aches and gum pain. Eases cold and allergies, and oil of cloves is useful as antiseptic in mouthwash.
2. Oregano – 1/2 tsp has the same amount of antioxidants as a quarter cup of almonds and four times the antioxidant activity of blueberries…Go greek make a greek salad and sprinkle on the oregano! Oregano is rich in Vitamin K, iron, maganese, and kills e.coli, salmonella, and virtually all food-borne pathogens.
3. Ginger – Over 50 antioxidants have been found in ginger. It helps increase circulation, calms digestive problems. Ginger has also been used to treat food poisoning, shown to lower cholesterol, treat arthritis, reduce inflammation, and can be used to help increase insulin sensivity in diabetics.
4. Cinnamon – Plays an important role in regulating blood sugar in people with diabetes. Clinical studies have shown a consistent intake of cinnamon daily help reduce glucose, triglyceride, and LDL cholestrol with type II diabetics.
5. Tumeric – The bright neon yellow color comes from the phytochemical Curcumin and can eliminate cancer cells, help reduce obesity, and metabolic diseases. Scientists have found by creating a new molecule from curcumin, called CNB-001, this molecule triggers the mechanisms that safeguard and restore brain cells after a stroke.
6. Rosemary – Blocks HCAs or carcinogenic compounds found your favorite grilled meats. Rosemary oil can improve cognitive performance and fight off free radical’s that cause Alzheimer’s, stroke, and dementia.
7. Mustard – The compound AITC compound found in mustard seed is known to be an anti-cancer compound – this plant compound is also found in wasabi & horseradish. Studies show that AITC, stopped the growth of bladder cancer by 33%. 

 Now available the Seven Super Herbs & Spices in PDF format….print it out and take it with you grocery shopping!

You can view more health infographics at:

• The Health Benefits of Salt A Powerful Healer & Detoxifier
• Amazing Benefits of Cayenne Pepper

Further Related Reading:

• Amazing Benefits of Cayenne Pepper
• Salt Health Benefits: The Healing Powers of Salt
• Curcumin Benefits Help Repair Stroke Damage

http://undergroundhealthreporter.com/seven-medicinal-herbs-spices

Cinnamon compounds ... protection ... in Alzheimer's disease

Cinnamon compounds may protect against tau protein aggregation in Alzheimer's disease

June 21, 2013. The June, 2013 issue of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease published an article by Donald J. Graves and his associates at the University of California, Santa Barbara which describes how compounds in cinnamon reduce the aggregation of tau protein that occurs, along with amyloid-beta aggregation, in the brains of men and women with Alzheimer's disease.

Tau protein is responsible for the assembly of microtubules within the cell that form its structure. When tau does not effectively bind to the microtubules, it clumps together, forming tangled fibers. Previous research conducted by Dr Graves' team uncovered an ability of cinnamon extract to inhibit tau aggregation and dissociate tangles in brain tissue derived from Alzheimer's disease patients.

The current study revealed that the compounds cinnamaldehyde and the oxidized form of epicatechin derived from cinnamon extract inhibited tau aggregation in vitro by protecting the protein from oxidative stress. "Take, for example, sunburn, a form of oxidative damage," explained Dr Graves, who is an adjunct professor at the UC Santa Barbara's Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. "If you wore a hat, you could protect your face and head from the oxidation. In a sense this cinnamaldehyde is like a cap."

"Since tau is vulnerable to oxidative stress, this study then asks whether Alzheimer's disease could benefit from cinnamon, especially looking at the potential of small compounds," added lead author Roshni C. George. "Cell membranes that are oxidized also produce reactive derivatives, such as Acrolein, that can damage the cysteines. Epicatechin also sequesters those byproducts."

"Wouldn't it be interesting if a small molecule from a spice could help?" Dr Graves asked. However, he cautioned that they are "still a long way from knowing whether this will work in human beings."

http://www.lef.org/whatshot/2013_06.htm#Cinnamon-compounds-may-protect-against-tau-protein-aggregation-in-Alzheimers-disease

Ginger Cuts Your Prostate Cancer Risk in Half

This Delicious Spice Can Cut Your Prostate Cancer Risk in Half

July 14, 2013

Almost 240,000 men will get prostate cancer in 2013.1 It tends to develop in men over the age of fifty. By the time they hit 80, more than half of all American men have some cancer in their prostate glands.

Luckily, prostate cancer is not a death sentence. The survival rates are high. But it doesn’t always have noticeable symptoms. It can take 10, 20, even 30 years for a tumor to get big enough to cause problems.2 And when a doctor tries to treat that tumor…we’re talking pain, incontinence, impotence, and more. Even heart attacks.

You can help prevent prostate cancer by eating a diet high in antioxidants. The kind you get from vegetables and spices.

We’ve found one specific spice—a powerful antioxidant— that stops prostate cancer in its tracks.

This spice, popular in Asian cooking, makes cancer cells commit suicide. Even better…it keeps normal cells safe and doesn’t harm bone marrow tissue. That’s a far cry from chemo drugs. They destroy everything in their path including healthy cells.

This familiar spice cut cancerous tumors in half in just 8 weeks…

Ginger adds a zing to dishes and a natural painkiller. Ginger works just as well as NSAIDs in fighting inflammation and pain. The next time your arthritis is acting up or you’re sore from working out add a little ginger to your diet.

A new study shows ginger fights prostate cancer. It reduces tumors by 50 percent and slows their growth by over 60 percent.3

Researchers tested whole ginger extract. That’s key. Most studies focus on one compound in ginger at a time.

“I did a lot of background research, and found several published papers on ginger, but discovered that there was nothing much done on the whole extract, especially in prostate cancer,” said study author Vibhuti Sharma.

It’s not one single compound doing all the work. Ginger contains several compounds with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor properties.

Another study published in Nutrition and Cancer found that ginger’s phytochemicals work together to inhibit prostate cancer.4 It’s when they are all put together that they produce impressive results.

You can find fresh ginger in the produce section of your grocery store. You could steep it in boiling water to make ginger tea, or use it to flavor almost any meal.

And speaking of prostate health…if your doctor is pressuring you to get a PSA test—go here first. The PSA test has been labeled “one of the largest failures in modern medicine.” Before you think about going for the test, discover the nine natural secrets that can save your manhood from destruction.

References:
1 http://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/prost.html#survival
2 http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/screening/understanding-prostate-changes/page3
3 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21849094
4 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23441614

Related Articles:

• Eliminate Pain and Inflammation with a Little Spice
• The Once Forbidden Fruit that Keeps Cancer Away
• The Native American Healing Remedy That Kills Cancer
• Decrease Fatigue with This Everyday Mineral
• A Sweet and Natural Way to Prevent Colon Cancer

 http://institutefornaturalhealing.com/2013/07/this-delicious-spice-can-cut-your-prostate-cancer-risk-in-half/

Cinnamon - The ...Spice That Prevents Alzheimer’s

The Sweet and Savory Spice That Prevents Alzheimer’s

June 26, 2013           

The Greeks and Romans once prized it for its medicinal properties.

Now it’s proving to do more than just quell an upset stomach.

We now know that this sweet and savory spice may help protect your brain.

Alzheimer’s develops from a buildup of plaque and tangles (also known as beta-amyloid and tau). These are proteins that accumulate in the brain. Over time, their abundance causes neurons to die.

The result?  Communication in the brain shuts down.

And that’s where the spice comes into play. Two compounds in the spice actually prevent the development of tangles.  It keeps your brain healthy and memory intact.

Having diabetes puts you at a greater risk for developing Alzheimer’s. Cinnamon can help with that too. Cinnamon helps improve blood sugar levels. It has an “insulin-like effect” and stops sugar spikes. Just half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day can significantly reduce your blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

This sweet smelling spice is stopping the buildup of plaque and stopping Alzheimer’s disease in its tracks…

We’re talking about cinnamon. It contains two active compounds—cinnamaldehyde and epicatechin.

Cinnamaldehyde gives cinnamon its sweet smell. It prevents oxidative stress from reaching the tau proteins. Tau proteins are vital in keeping neurons functioning properly.  By blocking oxidative stress, cinnameldehyde helps keep neurons alive and healthy.

The other compound epicatechin is a powerful antioxidant. It also helps protect your brain from oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress is a major factor when it comes to Alzheimer’s and brain cells. If you can prevent oxidative stress and free radicals from destroying neurons, you can prevent or delay the onset of the disease. And that’s exactly what cinnamon is proving to do.

So far researchers have only conducted in vitro and mice studies using cinnamon. But you don’t have to wait to add this protective spice to your meals.

Cinnamon continues to show promise as well as other natural solutions we’ve discovered. In the October 2012 issue of INH’s Natural Health Dossier, we revealed the top three natural treatments that can not only prevent Alzheimer’s—but also reverse it. These are simple, natural ways to protect your brain and preserve your memory. But the time to start using them is now. To access this issue and our entire archives, join Natural Health Dossier today. It takes just a few minutes. It’s never too soon to start protecting your brain and memory.

References:
1 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23531502
2 http://physrev.physiology.org/content/84/2/361.full

Related Articles:

• The Vitamin Cocktail That Saves Your Mind and Wards off Dementia
• Shore Up Your Brain’s Defenses the Aftermath of Stroke
• The Scary Truth about Alzheimer’s
• Cut Your Risk of Heart Disease by 50% with This Food
• The Herb That’s Stronger Than Your Sweet Tooth

http://institutefornaturalhealing.com/2013/06/the-sweet-and-savory-spice-that-prevents-alzheimers/

Top 10 Spices with Health Benefits

Indian Spice ... Fenugreek ... Increases Male Libido Naturally

Indian Spice Works Wonders in the Bedroom to Increase Male Libido Naturally

 

Danica Collins

According to a new study, leaves from the fenugreek plant can increase male libido naturally.
Fenugreek is a strong herb that grows in the Mediterranean. It’s great for spicing up Indian curries and other items…including our sex lives.

Researchers found that men taking fenugreek can boost their sex drive by at least 25%. The study authors say that compounds called saponins inside the fenugreek seed stimulate production of male sex hormones, including testosterone.

The Washington Post reported on the study in June 2011:

Over the centuries, foods such as asparagus, almonds, and bananas have been called aphrodisiacs, but few have survived the rigors of clinical studies. Fenugreek can now boast it has.

In the study, 60 healthy men age 25 to 52 took an extract of the herb twice a day for 6 weeks, according to the Daily Mail. The men were required to answer a survey describing their level of libido and desire with a special scoring system to analyze changes.

By the end of the 6 weeks, the increase male libido levels had soared, of those men who had swallowed fenugreek. It went from an average of 16.1 to 20.6, a 28 per cent rise. Men taking dummy pills saw their scores fall.

Fenugreek isn’t just for men. It’s also been shown effective as a natural aphrodisiac, to increase female libido and lessen the effect of hot flashes, mood fluctuations, and other common symptoms of menopause and PMS.

In India and China, fenugreek is used for:

• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• To improve digestion
• To maintain a healthy metabolism
• Increase male libido naturally and male potency
• Skin problems (wounds, rashes and boils)
• Sore throat
• Acid reflux

Recent studies show fenugreek might help lower cholesterol. It’s also been shown to reduce blood glucose, which means it could be beneficial for both type 1 and 2 diabetes. The herb is currently being studied for its cardiovascular benefits. Plus, applied topically, it’s an effective treatment for hair loss.

That’s a long list of potent health benefits packed into one spicy plant!


Read more: http://undergroundhealthreporter.com/fenugreek-increase-male-libido-naturally

Eating right - Part 2

The food we eat

 

Steve Yap

 

Posted on 4 January 2010 - 08:40pm

Knowing what to consume and to avoid in our diet will do our heart a world of good

In my previous article which appeared in theSun on Dec 21, (see Eating right - Part 1 ) I talked about how certain fruits and vegetables can help control the onset of atherosclerosis and reduce risk from cardiovascular death. This article explores other types of foodstuff which may or may not be beneficial for the heart.

Nuts & seeds

Nuts, seeds, and vegetables rich in magnesium should feature prominently in diets of heart patients. Some studies confirmed that even drinking water or beverages rich in magnesium protects against ischemic heart disease (Rubenowitz et al 2000), and cardiovascular death (Marque et al 2003).

Whole grains

Sprouted grains contain lower levels of toxicity and higher levels of vitamins in addition to being more digestible (Jensen et al 2004).

 

Consuming too much refined grains such as white rice, white flour, and corn flour contributes to the onset of heart disease. The arteries of diabetic patients are known to clog much faster than those who are non-diabetic (even with higher blood cholesterol levels).

 

Recent research on the role of the hormone leptin suggests that refined starch or sugar should not form the bulk of food consumed on an empty stomach due to its adverse effect on the hormone insulin.

 

Nutritional therapists may recommend this order of food consumption: water-protein-vegetables-whole grains-berries/low fructose fruits.

Dairy products

These are not considered health foods in nutritional medicine and are, therefore, not recommended to those suffering from heart disease or related problems.

 

Allergies, thickening of blood, oxidised fats, mucous-formation and hormones are issues of concern.

 

For most adults, calcium from cow’s milk is poorly absorbed to form bones due to its lack of magnesium. Goat milk and soy milk are likely to be more healthful.

 

Compared to a diet rich in soy, a diet rich in milk products can raise total cholesterol by 20% and atherogenic index LDL/total cholesterol by 67% (Forsythe 1986).

Meat products

Intake of meat, meat products, cereals and alcohol has been associated with arterial blood pressure (Psaltopoulou et al 2004) whereas fish and seafood tend to have higher protein content than animal meat as well as possess lower inflammatory indices.

 

Red or organ meat in particular tends to be high in iron and it can raise serum ferritin, which is a strong marker of atherosclerosis.

 

Furthermore, the higher its iron content, the higher its level of oxidation. This leads to the body generating elevated level of artery-damaging free radicals.

Oily foods

Men with high intake of trans fats have 40% higher risk of dying from heart attack (Pientinen et al 1997). Women have an even higher risk at 50%.

 

Foods rich in trans fats include margarine, potato chips, bread, pastry, cookies, biscuits, pop corn, instant noodles, yee-mee, cakes and deep-fried foods.

 

Omega-3 unsaturated fats can lower both the risk of heart attack and death from such attack (Bucher et al 2002). These fats come from flax seed oil, walnut oil, hazelnut oil, and fish oil.

 

However, these fats are damaged by high temperature cooking, frying or micro-waving. It has been known that those who eat more oily fish are less likely to develop atherosclerosis.

 

In addition, its protective EPA/DHA fats thin the blood, lower triglycerides, raise good HDL cholesterol, reduce platelet aggregation, improve endothelial function, and lower hypertension.

 

Fats high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, although essential in small quantity, should be substantially reduced since they are easily oxidised by modern-day cooking. These fragile vegetable-based fats include corn oil, sunflower oil and soy oil.

 

Fat-based antioxidant-rich foods should be consumed when using these fats for cooking. Excess omega-6 is pro-inflammatory and it raises C-reactive protein, which is a marker of atherosclerosis.

 

Fats that can stand high temperature cooking include virgin coconut oil (medium-chain saturated fat), grape seed oil and, to some extent, palm oil.

Spices

Almost all spices are suitable for use by heart patients.

 

Curcumin in turmeric fights inflammation which is recognised as a major cause of atherosclerosis. Grounded black pepper improves absorption of curcumin.

 

Chilli improves blood circulation in the digestive tract. Ginger reduces intestinal bloating. Cinnamon lowers elevated blood sugar.

 

Rosemary lowers excess estrogen, which can be a contributing factor to heart attack in men.

Beverages

Water is the most important nutrient for the human body, which is made up of 75% water at birth. By age 50, many of us have just 50% or less water.

 

Acidic wastes promote free radical damage to arteries. Adequate water helps flush out these toxins from our blood stream.

 

Research suggests that drinking five or more glasses of plain water a day lowers risk of heart disease in men by some 54% and in women by 41% compared to drinking just two or fewer glasses of water (Chan et al 2002).

 

Clearly, heart disease is strongly associated with chronic dehydration.

Desserts

These are not recommended unless they take the form of fresh berries, citrus, cherries or fruits rich in enzymes and low in fructose.

 

http://www.thesundaily.my/node/147571