Natural Cures Blog

Green Tea for Energy, Better Mental Function

2009-08-13T22:17:00.000-07:00

Among the many benefits of drinking green tea are increase energy and better mental function. The key to these benefits is EGCG, or epigallocatechin gallate, an antioxidant that prevents free radical damage to your cells. Unlike other teas, green tea leaves are steamed instead of fermented, which keeps the delicate chemicals in tea leaves intact and better able to protect your body.

Studies have shown that green tea boosts your metabolism by 33%. The rate of thermogenesis, or calorie burning, increased significantly after taking green tea extract. Weight watchers can take advantage of this effect by drinking green tea as an extra boost in addition to daily exercise.

With half the caffeine found in a cup of coffee, green tea provides a more gentle boost to your energy levels. Drinking it throughout the day can help you maintain consistent energy levels and bathe your body with protective antioxidants.

Other Green Tea Benefits

Green tea also protects you from cancer, arthritis, heart disease, and high cholesterol levels.

From the Rainforests of Brazil: Açai Fruit

2009-08-06T18:45:00.000-07:00

Açai fruit is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, fiber, B vitamins, minerals, and anthocyanins. These anthocyanins are a type of antioxidant that like xanthones and tannins found in mangosteens and pomegranates are great at protecting your body from free radical damage. The berry itself deteriorates rapidly once harvested so it is mainly available as juice or frozen outside of the Amazon. Açai juice tastes like a combination of chocolate and blueberries and even look like blueberries.

As Dr. Perricone describes, "The fatty acid content in açaí resembles that of olive oil, and is rich in monounsaturated oleic acid. Oleic acid is important for a number of reasons. It helps omega-3 fish oils penetrate the cell membrane; together they help make cell membranes more supple. By keeping the cell membrane supple, all hormones, neurotransmitter and insulin receptors function more efficiently. This is particularly important because high insulin levels create an inflammatory state, and we know, inflammation causes aging." The açai fruit is a cornucopia of different healthful nutrients.

However, many açai products are combined with guarana, which contains caffeine, so if you're trying to avoid caffeine in your diet, stay away from those types of products. Supermarkets like Whole Foods and other health food stores are good places to look for a wide range of açai products.

Pomegranate Juice

2009-07-25T18:23:00.000-07:00

Pomegranate juice has a long history. It has been used in Iranian and Indian cuisine and is even found in grenadine syrup, which is used in cocktail mixes. The health benefits derive mainly from the high polyphenol concentration in pomegranates. Polyphenols like tannins are responsible for the color of plants like the color of leaves in autumn. They can also be found in tea, olive oil, and red wine. Like xanthones found in mangosteen juice, polyphenols have antioxidant properties. Studies have shone that pomegranate juice may also have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects and may help protect against prostate cancer.

It's important to make sure that the manufacturer is reputable though since like many other supposed health foods there are many disreputable marketing claims made. POM Wonderful seems like a good brand and can be found widely in supermarkets.

Eat More Tomatoes to Prevent Prostate Cancer

2009-07-13T19:43:00.000-07:00

From ketchup to salsa to spaghetti sauce, the humble tomato has about as many uses as peanuts. It also has a pigment called lycopene that gives it its distinctive red color. Lycopenes are also found in watermelon, pink grapefruit, and other reddish fruits and vegetables. Now, lycopenes are part of a class of molecules called carotenoids, and they have antioxidant activity, which helps prevent cell damage.

Several studies indicate that lycopene can help prevent prostate cancer. Other nutrients that may be helpful include selenium, Vitamin E, and soy products. Unlike garlic which is best eaten raw, tomatoes are best eaten cooked like in spaghetti sauce or on a pizza. The cooking process increases the bioavailability of lycopenes to the body since the heat and mechanical stress loosen lycopene from the fibers it is bound to. Two or more servings a week have been recommended so that a high enough lycopene concentration can be maintained in the body.

Are Goji Berries the Ultimate Superfood?

2009-07-03T16:49:00.000-07:00

Goji berries are found in the mountainous terrain of Tibet and thought to have unique healing properties. They may protect against cancer, be helpful in weight loss, and protect liver function.

Tibetan Goji's are wonderful and delicious tonic fruits used as a blood tonic, to nurture the heart, they have been used to relieve heart palpitation, insomnia, forgetfulness and anxiety associated with blood and chi deficiency. The berries have a high content of iron, about 20 times that of grapes and 15 times that of spinach. Many Tibetan formulas include these berries with other ingredients and offered in a well built formula with tonic herbs, astringent herbs, herbs to strengthen essence, nourish internal organs and build blood.
Tibetan Goji berry has been undergoing intense scrutiny as a cancer drug in Mongolia and Japan. These berries can kill many kinds of cancer cells in vitro and contains 124 ppm of organic Germanium. Germanium has been demonstrated to have anti-cancer activity. Japanese studies indicate that organic Germanium is effective in treating liver cancer, lung cancer, uterine cancer, cervical cancer, and testicular cancer when combined with other drugs. Germanium possesses the power to take over the hydrogen ion from cancer cells. Losing hydrogen ions can cause depression and even death to cancer cells.
....
This berry not only contains superoxide dismutase, phenylpropaniods, anti cancer inhibiting factors and anti senility factors, but it also has a high concentration of the branched-chain amino acid L-Ieucine. This amino acid forms the building block of a very unique compound called HMB (Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate) through the phenylpropabiod activity, this berry converts leucine into HMB. HMB lowers total and LDL cholesterol levels in blood and helps strengthen the immune system while building muscle tissue and burning body fat.

They are also incredibly high in antioxidant power, more powerful than blueberries and pomegranates.

If you want to try them out, Goji berries can be found dried or processed into juice. Even without the supposed health benefits, they have a unique taste and make a good snack.

Figure source: gojiberries.us

Traineo: A Site to Monitor Your Weight Loss Program

2009-07-02T14:45:00.000-07:00

Traineo is a new website that allows you to track your weight loss progress. The neat thing about it is that it connects you with up to four of your friends or family so that they are kept up to speed on your progress. It also keeps you motivated since you know they'll be looking in. You can also see how many calories you burned while working out and track your diet and exercise through easy to understand graphs.

To create an account, you just enter in your weight, height, and gender and your goal weight. You even get your own email account.
This is an excellent resource for those of us watching our weight.

Traineo / Traineo Forums

Spices: Garlic's Cholesterol Lowering Effects

2009-07-01T17:00:00.000-07:00

Garlic is known for both its flavorful and mythical properties. Commonly found in Mediterranean and Indian cooking, it also has use in warding off vampires in popular lore. Modern medicinal uses include lowering LDL cholesterol and homocysteine levels.

Garlic contains a potent antibiotic called allicin that is formed when a garlic clove is crushed or otherwise damaged. Allicin is the cause of the burning sensation when biting into a raw garlic clove, but it rapidly degrades. Cooking destroys it so you might want to place some chopped garlic on top of cooked food to get most of its benefits. Diallyl sufides are also present in garlic and also degrade when cooked. They may be helpful for blood circulation and lowering cholesterol levels.

There are also compounds formed when garlic is chopped with salad oil to make macerate of garlic called ajoenes and dithiins. Ajoenes have anticlotting and antitumor activity, and dithiins have antibiotic properties.

Note: Raw garlic should not be consumed alone since it could damage the digestive tract.

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Red Wine Helps Lose Weight, Prevent Diabetes

2009-07-01T12:58:00.000-07:00

Nature, the respected journal, has reported that red wine may help people lose weight and prevent early onset of diabetes. Red wine is shown to have a substance called resveratrol and it mimics the effects of calorie restriction - the only established way of slowing the aging process.

A substance in red wine previously shown to slow aging in several animal species may help prevent adult-onset diabetes and block other deleterious effects of fattening diets, according to a mouse study published online today by the journal Nature.

While not showing that the compound, resveratrol, had antiaging effects in mice, the study suggested that it mimics some of the effects of calorie restriction, or CR -- the only established way to slow the aging process.

The substance can also increase longevity by 30-40% according to the study.

CR entails cutting normal calorie intake by a third or so to slow aging. Discovered in the 1930s, it has been shown to extend longevity by 30% to 40% in animals. Monkey and human studies suggest it probably also can extend human longevity. But few people can take its hunger pangs. Thus, drugs that mimic its ability to lower the risk of many diseases of aging -- and potentially to extend human life span -- are considered the best bet to bring its benefits to the masses.

The new study indicated that resveratrol-based drugs may yield at least some of those benefits, regardless of whether it mimics CR. Besides warding off various ill effects of high-calorie diets in mice, resveratrol gave the animals a major survival advantage over undosed control animals. The mortality reduction observed so far closely tracks a study on calorie-restricted mice that ultimately had a 20% lifespan extension, according to the study, which was conducted by researchers at Harvard Medical School and the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health.

The animals in the stuyd received doses of resveratrol in much higher doses than those in red wine - equivalent to 100 glasses per day.

Although resveratrol is found in red wine, and is also available in over-the-counter dietary supplement pills, the doses used in the mouse study were far higher than those available from these options. Resveratrol pills haven't been tested in large clinical trials, so their efficacy isn't proven, nor is it clear what dose would yield desired effects.

Mangosteen: Queen of Fruits?

2009-06-30T19:34:00.000-07:00

Mangosteen juice seems more credible than noni juice as far health claims are concerned. The juice companies actually name the compounds they believe to be responsible for the health benefits. Companies like Xango claim that the xanthones found in mangosteens have antioxidant properties, meaning they help prevent free radical damage. Free radicals are electron-deficient molecules that scavenge electrons from whatever sources are at hand (like your DNA molecules or proteins), which damages your body. This, at least, is a claim that can be analyzed directly and refuted if false. Whether xanthones "may help maintain intestinal health, strengthen the immune system, ..., help support cartilage and joint function, and promote a healthy seasonal respiratory system" is a different matter though.

Xanthones have the formula C13H8O2. One found in mangosteen has been called mangostin and is being investigated for anti-bacterial and anti-cancer properties. Research groups have found it to be effective in preventing oxidation of LDL and antibacterial effects as well. The studies seem free from bias. Many were also performed long before companies started marketing mangosteen juice so that adds to the credibility.

Bottom Line

Mangosteen juice might actually be good for your health, but you have make sure that the manufacturer is actually trustworthy.

Preventing Osteoporosis

2009-06-30T16:36:00.000-07:00

What it is

Osteoporosis results in fragile bones that break easily. It is a painless process so you don't notice it until a bone breaks, most likely in the hip, spine, or wrist. Hip or spinal fractures are very serious and require hospitalization. They might prevent you from walking or cause a permanent disability. Women are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men.

Treatments

Bisphosphonates are a class of drugs, including Fosamax or Actonel, that are used to treat osteoporosis. They have been shown to increase bone density and lower the incidences of hip, spinal, and other fractures. Additional supplementation with calcium in the form of calcium citrate and Vitamin D is also effective in increasing bone mass. Calcium hydroxyapatite may be more effective than calcium in its other forms (like calcium carbonate), however, because it contains ratios of minerals found in bones that are in physiologic proportions. Some recommend phytoestrogens derived from plants like soy, but they have not been shown to be effective.

TV Language Interpreter Service Hits Hospitals

2009-06-30T12:34:00.000-07:00

Hospitals are now offering video interpretations services to patients who speak limited amounts of English.

Charles Vialotti recalls the Korean cancer patient who was referred to Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, N.J., after refusing surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy elsewhere.

Communication was a problem, but he was able to converse with Holy Name Hospital doctors through an interpreter who appeared on a television screen. Doctors learned that the man hadn't understood the nature of his illness or the consequences of refusing treatment.

The services cost $2-3 per minute which is quite expensive but for some patients it is necessary.

Video interpretation can help patients and medical personnel communicate quickly, accurately and around the clock, according to companies offering such services and their hospital clients.

At roughly $2 or $3 a minute for what may amount to only a few minutes of conversation, video interpretation can save hospitals the cost of paying $100 or more an hour to an onsite interpreter who may remain at the hospital all day just to provide those few minutes of conversation.

Holy Name helped develop its service with Language Line Services. The 25-year-old global interpretation company, owned by ABRY Partners LLC, has long specialized in over-the-phone audio translation. At least a dozen hospitals use Language Line's video service, and the Monterey, Calif., company plans an expansion to its major customers, said Louis Provenzano, the company's president and chief operating officer.

Networks offer over a hundred languages and are partnering with pharmacies as well as hospitals.

Molecule of the Year: Nitric Oxide

2009-06-29T16:40:00.000-07:00

Nitric oxide (NO) was proclaimed the molecule of the year by "Science" in 1992. Why? Because it controls everything from the dilation of blood vessels to the flashing of fireflies. It's even responsible for penile erection (Viagra increases the amount of NO in your body to increase blood flow to the penis) though it's better known for causing smog over cities like LA.

The discovery of NO's effects elucidated the function of nitroglycerin pills that had been prescribed for treating anginas. How? This simple two-atom molecule is released by the endothelial cells lining the arteries and is thought to prevent red blood cells from sticking together and to the lining of arteries. It also triggers the dilation of blood vessels which increases the flow of blood to the heart. These two functions contribute greatly to heart health and the prevention of heart disease.

Eating more antioxidants like vitamins C and E can help prevent the breakdown of nitric oxide in your body, but there are also commercial products that claim to boost NO levels, even one promoted by a Nobel Prize winner. A good way to boost NO production in your body is to take L-arginine supplements, which are converted to NO by the endothelial cells.

Why Vitamin C?

2009-06-29T16:15:00.000-07:00

Vitamin C is a vital nutrient. Without it, sailors up until the 18th century in the British navy suffered from scurvy. Why? Vitamin C is responsible for the formation of collagen, which makes up the structure of connective tissues. Without collagen, tissues begin to break down, and the gums start to bleed. When the navy started to bring limes and other citrus fruits on their voyages, scurvy disappeared as a major cause of death.

It is also useful as an antioxidant, protecting the body from free radical damage. Eating large amounts of vitamin C hasn't been found to be that helpful, but it is not too dangerous since vitamin C is water soluble so it passes through the body easily. Birth control pills and aspirin have been found to lower levels of vitamin C though so more might need to be taken when on those medications.

Food Sources

Drink orange juice or eat oranges (70-75 mg) or strawberries (82 mg) for your daily dose of Vitamin C. Vitamin supplements are also a good source. The Linus Pauling Institute recommends a daily minimum dose of 400 mg for young, healthy adults. Linus Pauling was well known for advising large doses of vitamin C to combat the common cold, but little evidence for its efficacy has been established.

Spit is 6 Times More Powerful Than Morphine

2009-06-29T06:04:00.000-07:00

A new painkilling substance has been discovered that is up to six times more potent than morphine when tested in rats -- and it's produced naturally by the human body and found in saliva. Natural painkillers are very rare, and researchers hope that this recent find might be harnessed as a clinical treatment.

The compound, dubbed opiorphin, seems to work by prolonging the body's own defences against pain, explain Catherine Rougeot of the Pasteur Institute in Paris, France, and her colleagues, who report the discovery in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences1. It does so by preventing the breakdown of chemicals called enkephalins, which in turn activate opiate receptors that block pain signals from reaching the brain.

However, scientists haven't found a way to replicate it.

Opiorphin seems to work on pain induced by both chemical and physical means. When it was given to rats that had been given a painful injection, they exhibited diminished pain responses, such as licking the injected paw. It also reduced acute pain when the rats walked across a pin-covered surface, Rougeot and her colleagues report.

Researchers have previously tried to make synthetic compounds to perform the same function of protecting enkephalins, with little success. "Inhibiting this enzyme would be a good target for drugs. But nobody has looked for a natural inhibitor," Rougeot says.

Perhaps that's why a kiss is so powerful and helps ease the pain when you are wounded.

Diabetes: A Manageable Disease

2009-06-25T17:45:00.000-07:00

Diabetes is a unique disease because it is widespread, but also manageable. It is quite possible to live a normal live while diabetic. About 20 million people have diabetes, but only about 15 million have been diagnosed. This is a very important statistic since it means that 5 million people are sick and don't even know it. The American Diabetes Association has a helpful diabetes risk test that can help you identify risk factors.

There are two types of diabetes. Type 1, or juvenile, diabetes results from the body's failure to produce insulin while type 2, or adult onset, diabetes results from insulin resistance. Symptoms include frequent urination, extreme hunger, very dry skin, excessive thirst, and unexplained weight loss. Risk factors for type 2 include older age, family history, and obesity. For type 1, genetic or autoimmune factors may be important.

To treat diabetes, one may practice healthy eating, do physical activity, and take insulin injections. The prevalence of soft drinks and highly sugared juices means that both kids and adults are prone to developing type 2 diabetes. Healthy eating means eating whole grains, getting enough fiber in your diet, and avoiding high fat foods. Exercising is an important component since it tones your body and helps burn extra calories. Glucose monitors may be used to check blood glucose levels and some can automatically dispense insulin, which helps with appropriately dispensing insulin.

Islet cell transplantation and artificial pancreas development. are experimental methods for curing diabetes that may one day prove successful. Islet cells can be encapsulated so that they do not provoke an immune reaction, and tiny holes in the polymer shells can let in glucose so blood sugar levels can be regulated.

How to Prevent Acne and Get Clear Skin

2009-06-20T18:40:00.000-07:00

What causes acne?

Oil buildup in your skin, shedding of dead skin cells, and buildup of bacteria can cause acne.
The hormonal changes associated with puberty are associated with acne.
Oily substances like makeup or even food that is applied or left on your face may also be responsible.
Pregnant women are also susceptible.

What can I do about acne?

Contrary to popular belief, there is no evidence that diet is effective in controlling acne. However, certain medications can be effective. Many topical treatments use benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or sulfur as their main ingredient. They work to clear dead cells away from pores and to clean away excess oil. However, your skin is delicate so you want to be careful in using these washes or creams. Too much and your skin will get dried out, which will increase your chances for a repeat breakout. The good thing is that these can be found easily in drug stores or places like Target or Wal-Mart so you can try them out and see what works for you.

More serious cases may be treated with antiobiotics or Accutane, which is effective but also associated with birth defects. Some oral contraceptives have also been shown to be effective, but have other side effects. These, of course, need prescription, and you should definitely see a doctor before using them.

A last tip: Skin irritation can also cause acne so try to wear loose clothes and don't touch your face too much.

Acne.org is a good resource if you need more information with a comprehensive treatment strategy with videos and a message board.

Tea's Curative Effects

2009-06-11T15:10:00.000-07:00

The classic form of tea that you're likely to drink is iced, black tea with a little lemon and sugar. There are two others that have in recent years become popular: green and white teas.

First, though, what is tea? It is the dried and processed leaves of a plant called camellia sinensis. Its health effects accrue from polyphenols, specifically catechins, found in tea. Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants that retard free radical activity. Some research shows that tea may reduce the risk of heart disease and many types of cancer.

The Types of Tea

Black tea is fully oxidized tea, which gives it its characteristic black color. This is the most common type of tea and often used in restaurants. It also has the most caffeine.

Green tea is rarer and has not been oxidized. It has more antioxidant activity than black tea and has become very popular because of studies touting its health benefits. Green tea, surprisingly, also has about the same amount of Vitamin C as a lemon.

White tea is probably not familiar to you, but it may be the healthiest. It has been processed the least and contains the least caffeine but the most antioxidants. Its name comes from the fact that it gives a very pale liquid.

Trivia: Tea actually contains a trace amount of fluoride since the plants absorb it from rain and the soil. This might be an issue if you drink too much tea since fluoride increases bone density but also makes bone more brittle.

Spices: The Benefits of Cinnamon

2009-05-29T18:08:00.000-07:00

First, a quick lesson on two types of cinnamon: true cinnamon and cassia. True cinnamon is rare in North America and has a more subtle flavor than cassia. It is also more expensive. Cassia is what you find marketed as "cinnamon" in supermarkets, but luckily it is also the type of cinnamon that has been found to have properties helpful for diabetes treatment.

The journal Diabetes Care published an article citing the benefits of cinnamon (cassia) for people with diabetes. Their conclusion: "The results of this study demonstrate thatintake of 1, 3, or 6 g of cinnamon per day reduces serum glucose,triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol in peoplewith type 2 diabetes and suggest that the inclusion of cinnamonin the diet of people with type 2 diabetes will reduce riskfactors associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases." It appears that cinnamon may be a useful aid along with traditional diabetic medications in managing diabetes.

There's more though. Cinnamon has also been found to have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties so non-diabetics may also benefit. Plus, it also tastes good.

How to Stay Thin or Lose Weight

2009-05-28T19:10:00.000-07:00

Obesity is a big problem in America and increasingly affects children. A lot of it results from lack of self control on the part of consumers and a food industry that is focused on churning out unhealthy foods full of fat, oil, and sugar, all of which taste good and make us feel good at least temporarily.

How to Eat Healthy

If you eat healthy, you automatically cut your chances of developing heart disease and even cancer. A lot of popular cooking techniques contribute to bad health. Staying away from charred or burnt food cooked over grills or over a fire will help you avoid eating cancer-causing substances that are formed at high temperatures. Those grill marks may look pretty, but they are deadly to your health. Steaming your food reduces the chance of producing those carcinogenic compounds since you are cooking at a low temperature.

Stay away from "white" foods like white bread, pasta, and regular dairy products. Go with whole grains, whch make you feel fuller so you eat less and are healthier for you. They also have more fiber.

Go with fresh fish like salmon which are high in omega-3 fatty acids and are less fattening than steaks or hamburgers.

Try cooking your own food instead of going to McDonald's or Burger King. It't healthier, and even if you are busy, you can find ways to pre-cook large batches of whole-wheat pasta or fish and then add some sauce for a quick healthy meal.

Stay away from sodas, which are full of sugar and contain no nutritional value. Soy milk or reduced fat milk and juice are better alternatives.

Eat plenty of vegetables which are full of vitamins and fiber. Tomatoes, peppers, and green vegetables are particularly good.

Spices: Turmeric

2009-05-26T17:15:00.000-07:00

Turmeric is a yellowish colored spice that is found in curry powders and used to color products like mustard. Why is it special? Because it contains curcumin, an active ingredient that has been found to be effective in suppressing the growth of tumor cells and even help in Alzheimer's patients by dissolving the amyloid plaques that build up. There has also been widespread anecdotal evidence of health benefits in the Indian population where curry is widely used. Turmeric has been cited as being effective in many other diseases like irritable bowel sydrome and multiple schlerosis, so many that it seems to be almost a miracle cure, which makes me suspicious of the claims. Such studies have been done only in petri dishes and in animals like mice so it remains to be seen whether they really work in humans.

Even so, turmeric doesn't seem toxic in even large doses and provides an interesting flavor to otherwise bland foods like steamed rice or tofu. So the next time you eat a hot dog with mustard, you might feel better knowing that there's a little turmeric that might be protecting you from the nitrates in your franks.

7 Miracle Foods You Should Eat

2009-05-15T06:35:00.000-07:00

1 - Blueberries
Blueberries are on every health food lover's list of miracle foods. Research shows that they're brain food -- feeding blueberries to rats actually slows their age-related mental decline. Blueberries contain pterostilbene, a plant compound recently shown to have cholesterol-lowering properties. Their ORAC value (antioxidant rating) is the highest of any fruit. And blueberries are rich in fiber. Tip: Try them frozen. They taste like sherbet!

2 - Guava
Among the super foods of the world, guava is a sleeper. With a taste that's been described as "part strawberry and part pear," one low-calorie cup of this vitamin rich fruit contains a whopping 8 grams of fiber. And in one widely used test of antioxidant power, guava scored only second to blueberries, right behind kale. Guava also contains cancer-fighting lycopene.

3 - Kale
Kale is a member of the brassica family -- vegetable royalty that boasts cabbage and broccoli among its relatives. It's rich in potent cancer-fighting substances called indoles, and loaded with bone-building vitamin K. Kale has the highest antioxidant rating of any vegetable and is ridiculously low in calories. Try it tossed with olive oil, a few dried cranberries and some pine nuts.

4 - Sardines
The best kept secret in the world when it comes to health foods and the secret weapon of travelers looking for a cheap, portable, easily available source of protein. Sardines are rich in omega-3 fats, and one of the least contaminated of any seafood since they rank so low on the food chain. Eat them out of the can or throw them on some salad.

5 - Coconut Oil
This superb oil has been long neglected as a healthy oil because it contains saturated fat. But not to worry: the saturated fat in coconut is a very healthy kind called MCT (medium chain triglyecerides) which is easily burned by the body for energy. Coconut oil also contains lauric acid, a natural anti-viral and anti-microbal. And today's excellent virgin coconut oil -- unlike the inferior products of a few decades ago -- doesn't contain trans fats.

6 - Green Tea
A superstar beverage if there ever was one, green tea helps with weight loss and helps fight against cancer. It contains EGCG, a catechin (plant compound) which stimulates metabolism and has anti-cancer properties to boot. Green tea also contains theanine, a natural relaxant which helps explain why the caffeine in green tea doesn't make you nearly as jittery as coffee.

7 - Flaxseeds
Flaxseed oil is one of the only plant sources of omega-3 fats, but the flaxseeds themselves provide the added benefit of fiber along with omega-3. Flaxseeds can be thrown on salads, tossed into smoothies, or sprinkled on vegetables. They also contain lignans, a group of plant nutrients that have been studied by the National Cancer Institute for their cancer preventive properties.

Food Industry Set Ad Guidelines To Fight Obesity

2009-05-14T13:46:00.000-07:00

Food marketers are setting new guidelines on advertising to children.

Amid an epidemic of childhood obesity and mounting negative press, marketers today said they have significantly strengthened their efforts to self-regulate food and beverage ads targeting kids under age 12. The Council of Better Business Bureaus and the National Advertising Review Council have established the Children's Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative, a voluntary program with 10 major companies as charter members. The initiative is designed to shift the focus of advertising messages to children and encourage healthier dietary choices and healthy lifestyles. The participating companies are Cadbury Schweppes, Campbell Soup, Coca-Cola, General Mills, Hershey, Kellogg, Kraft, McDonald's, PepsiCo and Unilever. All told, those companies account for approximately two-thirds of all food and beverage TV ads aimed at kids. Opponents said the initiatives disclosed today do not go far enough and will yield no meaningful change.

Under the terms of the new initiative, participating companies will devote at least half of their kid-directed advertising to promote healthier dietary choices and to similarly limit products shown in interactive games. They pledged not to advertise in elementary schools nor engage in product placement in editorial and entertainment content. The companies also said they would curtail the use of third-party licensed characters.

5 Ways to Care for Your Skin and Start Looking Beautiful

2009-05-08T11:51:00.000-07:00

1) Cellulite Massage
What it does: Makes "grapefruit" skin less noticeable.
How it works: Applying caffeine-infused products in long, flowing strokes "encourages the body to release excess fluid," says Clarins therapist Lynn Fischer. The caffeine firms skin; results fade about a week after final treatment (our tester had three). (Redefining Body treatment, $125)

2) Eyelashes in a Tube
What it does: Quickly gives the look of fake lashes without requiring messy glues -- or a steady hand.
How it works: After one coat of regular mascara, apply a layer of white, brush-on polyester fibers to wet lashes. The product adheres to and lengthens hair shafts. A final layer of mascara completes the look. (Fast Lash, $14)

3) Spray-In Waves

What it does: Provides texture for stick-straight hair, as if you'd been swimming and sunning at the beach all day.
How it works: Saturate hair with this spray-on solution, then scrunch handfuls of hair together and blow-dry from underneath using a diffuser, says N.Y.C. stylist Gigi Hale. (John Frieda Beach Blonde Ocean Waves, $6.50)

4) Blue Eyedrops
What it does: Neutralizes redness in irritated eyes.
How it works: This formula contains a soothing ingredient that removes red, while the tint makes whites look whiter. "It's great for photos," says Sharon Cohanim of Larchmont Beauty Center in L.A. "We also sell a lot to brides." (Mavala Eye-Lite Redness Reliever eyedrops, $16.50)

5) Rosacea Camouflage
What it does: Masks the redness of rosacea, a common skin ailment notoriously difficult to minimize.
How it works: Sold as sunscreen, this formula's secret is naturally tinted micronized titanium dioxide, an opaque sun-block that provides extra covering power. (Dermalogica Ultra Sensitive Face Block SPF 25, $23O)

6 Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating

2009-05-04T14:35:00.000-07:00

6 Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating

The holiday season brings parties, dinners and baking. Try our 6 tips for healthy holiday eating and keep your fitness goals on track.

1. Never go to a party hungry
We often eat faster and consume more when we are hungry. Consider having a snack or light meal before you go out to a party.
2. Watch your portions
Moderation is always the key. Go ahead and treat yourself to a nice drink or dessert without feeling guilty but select a smaller portion size.
3. Try other versions of alcohol
Instead of beer, Bailey's and Kahlua, try a dry wine, Bloody Mary or spirit. Pair with diet mixers for fewer calories.
4. Drink plenty of water
Alcohol and coffee can dehydrate your body.
5. Physical activity
Do not take a holiday from your exercise routine. Take long brisk walks with your loved ones and enjoy their company this holiday season.
6. Limit high fat foods by using recipe substitutions

Lower the fat content in your cooking by using a lower fat option.

Item	Substitution
1 whole egg	2 egg whites
Sour cream	Low fat plain yogurt or low fat sour cream
Milk	Skim or 1% milk
Ice cream	Frozen yogurt
Whipped cream	Chilled evaporated skim milk or other low fat whipped topping
Heavy cream	2 tablespoons flour whisked into 2 cups skim milk
Cheese	Low-fat cheese (Fat-free cheese does not melt well)

More on How to Lose Weight

2009-04-28T19:23:00.000-07:00

First: Eat less. Eat fewer calories every day to lose weight. That means watching out for ice cream, cheese, and other dairy products. That means avoiding sugary foods like donuts or a soda. It might take time and self-control to get yourself to eat less, but gradually your body will get used to it.

Tip: Eat slowly to give the nerves in your stomach time to inform your brain that your stomach is filling up. That prevents overeating.

Next: Preventing weight regain. Exercise. Exercise. Exercise. I write that three times because that is key. Physical activity burns off those extra calories, but be careful since you tend to want to eat a lot after exercising. Have a healthy snack like yogurt or granola lying around so you don't go looking for a soda or pizza after all that hard work.

Try to exercise somewhere without direct exposure to damaging solar rays from sunlight. Swimming is particularly good since it exercises many of the major muscle groups in your body. Plus, it allows you to do fun flips and twirls you couldn't do while running or lifting weights.

Don't exercise too much. You want to tone your body, not destroy it. Your muscles can only take so much. This probably won't be a problem since too little exercise is usually the problem.

Heart Health: Keeping Cholesterol Down

2009-04-25T17:22:00.000-07:00

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among Americans. Fried foods like fried chicken and donuts are widely available along with high fat and cholesterol foods like cheesecake and steak. It isn't surprising that Americans get progressively less healthy as they age.

One way to prevent the onset of heart disease is to watch cholesterol levels. Your body produces all the cholesterol it needs via the liver so consuming high cholesterol animal products like eggs, dairy, and meats leads to excess cholesterol concentration. Saturated and trans fats are a main source of this excess cholersterol. The American Heart Association has a section on tips for avoiding cholesterol when dining out that is very helpful. Yes, it seems like healthy food must taste bad, but oftentimes a light meal can be quite tasty when appropriately seasoned. Plus, you probably won't get that bloated sensation from eating fried or fattening foods.

We've all heard that there are two types of cholesterol: HDL good cholesterol and LDL bad cholesterol. LDL is low-density lipoprotein and like HDL transports cholesterol in the blood. If too much is present though, it builds up on the walls of arteries, forming a plaque, and can cause a heart attack. HDL is high density lipoprotein and transports cholesterol away from the arteries to the liver, where it exits the body so a high HDL concentration is considered a good sign. Some drugs like statins and resins can lower your LDL cholesterol levels and are often more effective than simply controlling your diet. Statins slow down the production of cholesterol in the body and remove buildup on artery walls. Resins also help lower LDL levels. Niacin is a B vitamin that can also be helpful in raising HDL levels and is sometimes used in conjunction with statins.

Oral Health, or How to Avoid a Trip to the Dentist's

2009-03-25T16:50:00.000-07:00

A trip to the dentist's office is among life's more harrowing experiences. Sharp picks and drills descend into your teeth and gums seeking out plaque and stains. To avoid this fate, or at least limit it to a twice yearly visit, look out for your oral hygiene.

Food particles get lodged in every crevice in your teeth and between teeth and gums where bacteria feast on them and multiply, resulting in a noxious mess that can be smelled across the room. Unless you brush your teeth and floss every day. There are a variety of toothbrushes and toothpastes out there. Some antibacterial agents along with fluoride, and others tout their all natural ingredients. Electric toothbrushes are also handy for those whose hands get tired from brushing.

But the benefits of oral health do not stop only at avoiding cavities or root canals. Oral health is also linked to heart disease. A 2001 ADA symposium on "Taking Oral Health to Heart" discussed the relationship between periodontal disease and increased risk of myocardial infarct, stroke, and other systemic conditions. While a causal link between oral health and cardiovascular disease has not been proven, there is evidence of a connection. So brush your teeth before you go to sleep tonight. And floss!

Substance Abuse Series: Alcoholism

2009-02-25T16:19:00.000-08:00

Alcohol is one of the most widely abused substances because it is easy to ingest and easy to find. Alcoholism is associated with a craving or a need to drink, loss of control once one drink has been taken, physical dependence along with withdrawal symptoms, and tolerance as one needs to drink more to achieve the same "high".

Risk factors

There is some evidence that alcoholism can be inherited.

Treatment options

Medication can be used to treat alcohol. Benzodiazepines like Valium and Librium are used in the first few days to control withdrawal symptoms. Afterwards, naltrexone, or ReVia, can be used to reduce cravings and prevent recidivism. Disulfiram, or Antabuse, is another medication that makes a person feel sick if he or she ingests alcohol.

There are also non-medicinal ways to treat alcoholism. Many different substance abuse programs and treatment centers are available to people with alcohol problems. Alcoholics Anonymous is one of the most famous with over 2 million members and a 12 step program to stay sober. More specialized services are also offered, but are expensive.

Related links:
NIAAA-National Institute onAlcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information

Prostate Cancer

2009-02-24T14:30:00.000-08:00

The Prostate

The prostate is a gland in men located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It can become enlarged as a result of a condition call benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and block the flow of urine. These symptoms are similar to those that result from prostate cancer.

Statistics

According to the American Cancer Society, "during 2006 about 234,460 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the United States. About 1 man in 6 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime, but only 1 man in 34 will die of it."

Risk Factors

Certain risk factors for prostate cancer include genetic inheritance and exposure to radiation or mutagens. A gene called HPC1 (Hereditary Prostate Cancer Gene 1) may be involved in increased risk of developing prostate cancer.

Detection of Prostate Cancer

There are a variety of detection methods. A digital rectal exam involves the insertion of a gloved finger into the rectum to check for unusual bumps in the prostate. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures the amount of PSA in the blood, which is a chemical that is found in increased levels in men with prostate cancer. A more invasive technique like transrectal biopsy may also be performed and involves removing tissue from the prostate using a needle inserted through the rectum.

Treatment of Prostate Cancer

Surgery may involve the removal of the entire prostate gland and the seminal vesicles. It depends on the stage of the disease the patient is in. If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, it may be too late.

Radiation therapy may involve external or internal methods. External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) like Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) first pinpoints the location of the cancer and then places the patient in a plastic mold so the patient does not shift during the procedure. Then radiation is carefully aimed at the site of the cancer. Brachytherapy (Internal Radiation Therapy) uses small seeds of radioactive pellets placed into the prostate. It is usually used for early stage cases of cancer. This method should minimize damage to healthy tissue, only targeting the cancerous cells.

Prevention of Prostate Cancer

Eating cooked tomatoes or tomato products rich in antioxidant lycopenes have been found to help prevent DNA damage and lower the risk of developing prostate cancer. Vitamins like vitamin E and selenium may also be helpful. A drug called finasteride inhibits the production of male hormones and is used for cases of benign prostate enlargement.

Resources:
Prostate Cancer Home Page - National Cancer Institute
MedlinePlus: Prostate Cancer
ACS :: Detailed Guide: Prostate Cancer