Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Aloe Vera Juice Benefits You Need Now
More than 200 worldwide scientific research documents have been published on the effects of Aloe Vera. The three main categories of research include anti-inflammatory, anti- bacterial, and anti-viral actions of Aloe Vera. The juice is said to soothe digestive tract irritations such as colitis, ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. Aloe's ability to encourage the release of pepsin, a gastric juice enzyme necessary for digestion, when the stomach is full is a possible reason for its ulcer-healing effects. In one study, oral use of Aloe for six months helped mitigate asthma symptoms in almost half of the participants. Eleven of twenty-seven patients studied who drank Aloe reported feeling better at the end of the study. Researchers think that results might be due to stimulation of the immune system, as well as naturally occurring anti-inflammatory agents in Aloe Vera.
In 1994, the US Food and Drug Administration approved Aloe Vera juice for the treatment of HIV. On-going studies worldwide show that Aloe taken in highly concentrated doses can stimulate the production of white blood cells that may help fight viruses and also tumors.
Suggested Properties: Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and energy tonic
Indicated for: Digestive tract irritations such as colitis, ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome, cleansing stomach, liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder and colon, arthritis, asthma, bladder and kidney infections, cancer, constipation, diverticular disorders, hemorrhoids, heartburn, heart disease, HIV, immune stimulation, indigestion, insomnia, kidney disease, leg cramps, leukemia, skin health, stomach distress, tumors, Vaginitis, vaginal douche, viruses, white blood cell production and general health tonic.
Aloe Vera juice benefits contains protein, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamins A, B12 and E, essential fatty acids and is naturally rich in:
Vitamin C that helps maintain tone of blood vessels and promotes good circulation and is essential to the health of the adrenal gland which supports our body in times of stress.
Amino acids are chains of atoms that construct protein in our system.
Digestive enzymes, which are the life-principle in every live, organic atom and molecule of natural raw food, rejuvenate aged tissues and promote healthy skin.
Germanium, that is a mineral that some health authorities claim therapeutic benefits for: immunodeficiency, pain, cardiac disorders, circulatory disturbances and eye problems.
Aloe Vera juice benefits are stated to be one of the finest body cleansers, cleaning morbid matter from the stomach, liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, and is considered the finest, known colon cleanser. Studies have shown that it is healing and soothing in the relief of indigestion, stomach distress and ulcers. People claim relief from arthritis, bladder and kidney infections; leg cramps, constipation, hemorrhoids, insomnia, and for Vaginitis, it is said to be an fantasticvaginal douche. An excellent internal tonic for energy and well being Aloe juice may add greatly to the strength of the food fed, digestive tract, skin, and overall good health and happiness.
This is also used to lessen heartburn, ulcers, diverticular disorders, and other types of digestive upset. It is used as an anti-inflammatory and may be taken internally as a remedy for certain digestive complaints. European folk medicine calls for using Aloe Vera juice benefits to relieve heartburn and ulcers. Preliminary research has shown promising results. Clinical trials in Japan indicate that certain compounds in Aloe Vera reduce the secretion of stomach juices and also the formation of lesions.
Animal studies and anecdotal reports claim that drinking Aloe Vera juice or taking it as a tablet or capsule can reduce swelling and inflammation in arthritic joints. Drinking Aloe Vera juice benefits those asthmatic patients who are not dependent on corticosteroids.
In 1997, University of San Antonio investigator Jeremiah Herlihy, Ph.D., conducted a study to observe any negative effects of drinking Aloe daily. Rather than exhibiting bad effects, however, test animals receiving daily Aloe showed a remarkable reduction in leukemia, heart disease, and kidney disease. Dr. Herlihy concluded, "They found no indication of harm done to the rats even at high levels." In truth, the Aloe-drinking animals actually lived 25 percent longer than those in the control group.
There is no single ingredient that causes Aloe Vera potent and healthful. Researcher Robert Davis, Ph.D., an endocrinologist-biologist, explains that fifteen different compound groups of nutrients work together to make the plant effective. The following means that Aloe Vera's effects can not be synthesized easily in a laboratory. On the upside, this makes the plant useful across a wide spectrum of circumstances. And because the various components that make Aloe effective are nutrients rather than drug treatments, Aloe vera juice may complement medical treatments. In fact some cancer sufferers state that Aloe Vera seems to reduce nausea, increase energy, and may help to minimize low blood counts caused by chemotherapy or radiation.
Aloe Vera juice helps adults, children, and even pets receive more value from daily meals along with supplements.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Ginger - Medicine from the Kitchen
Unknowingly, there's more to ginger than just the popular and traditional health drink "salabat."
Ginger has been used medicinally in Asia for millennia. In China, for instance, a drink made with sliced ginger cooked in sweetened water or a cola is used as a folk medicine for common cold.
In India, ginger is applied as a paste to the temples to relieve headache.
The ancient Greeks welcomed the arrival of ginger and quickly put it to good use as a digestive aid. To lighten the load of a big meal placed on the digestive system, the Greeks would end an evening of fabulous fasting by eating some ginger wrapped in bread. Eventually, this practice evolved into the world's first cookie -- gingerbread.
In the United States, ginger is "generally recognized safe" by the Food and Drug Administration, though it is not approved for the treatment or cure of any disease and is sold as an unregulated dietary supplement.
Motion sickness can make even the most enthusiastic traveler miserable. A 1982 study revealed that people prone to motion sickness who took ginger lasted 57 percent longer in a computerized rocking chair than people who took over-the-counter remedies.
Another study showed that taking two to four capsules of dried ginger before traveling in a car, boat, plane, or trains prevented motion sickness in 90 percent of the people who participated in the study.
"To combat travel sickness, take a quarter of a teaspoon of powdered ginger or a one centimeter slice of fresh root ginger at least 20 minutes before you get in the car or board a ferry," suggests an article which appeared in Reader's Digest.
The Minnesota-based Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research recommends ginger for nausea and vomiting. It instructs, "To prevent nausea after surgery, ginger has been given as one gram by mouth one hour before surgery.
For chemotherapy-induced nausea, capsules of ginger root powder have been given orally one gram per day for five days, starting on the first day of chemotherapy.
Ginger does not prevent morning sickness but it may help ease some of the nausea experienced by pregnant women, Australian researchers reported in the April 2004 issue of "Obstetrics and Gynecology."
Researchers from the University of South Australia in Adelaide gave nearly 300 women either 350 milligrams of ginger or 25 milligrams of vitamin B6 three times per day for 3 weeks.
The researchers found that both ginger and vitamin B6, which is sometimes taken to counteract morning sickness, worked equally well at alleviating nausea symptoms.
Some sources warn against higher doses in pregnancy due to concerns about mutations or abortion.
"Supervision by a qualified healthcare professional is recommended for pregnant women considering the use of ginger," the Mayo Clinic reiterates.
Danish researchers report that a third of a teaspoon of fresh or powdered ginger, taken at the first sign of migraine, may reduce symptoms by blocking prostaglandins, chemicals that inflame blood vessels in the brain.
The same prostaglandins that contribute to migraine pain also cause joint swelling in people with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.
A study of 56 people found that ginger eased symptoms in 55 percent of people with osteoarthritis and 74 percent of those with rheumatoid arthritis.
Mounting evidence suggests that ginger has indeed natural anti-inflammatory properties. "And you don't have to use a lot," says Neal Barnard, M.D. author of "Foods That Fight Pain." "It works like ibuprofen, but without the side effects."
Thing is, you need some ginger every day to feel the results. Slice a half-teaspoon to a teaspoon of fresh ginger and use it to flavor your stir-fry vegetables or sauces, or mix it with some boiling water and let it cool down before drinking.
In recent years, ginger has been investigated as a potential weapon in the battle of the bulge, according to the 'International Journal of Obesity.'
Preliminary test-tube research shows that ginger boosts thermogenesis, or calorie burning. By measuring a complicated series of reactions in the tissue of rats, researchers found that ginger made the tissues use more energy than they would have normally.
Although it is much too early to tell if this will benefit those with heart disease, a few preliminary studies suggest that ginger may lower cholesterol and prevent the blood from clotting. A 1994 study conducted in India revealed that 5 grams of ginger a day significantly inhibits platelets' ability to clump, which in turn reduces the risk of clogged arteries in people with heart disease. Less blood clotting means less risk of a heart attack.
Now, here's a word of warning: Though generally recognized as safe, ginger can cause heartburn, bloating, gas, belching and nausea, particularly if taken in powdered form.
Allergic reactions to ginger generally result in a rash.
Individuals who have had ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease or blocked intestines may react badly to large quantities of fresh ginger.
Ginger should not be used by children under two years of age.
The editors of 'Super Life, Super Health' likewise cautions: "Talk to your doctor before using ginger if you have gallstones, take heart medicine (ginger may intensify the effects of heart drugs, which can be dangerous), and are scheduled for surgery (ginger may interfere with your blood's ability to clot). Ginger may also worsen problems in women who have high estrogen levels."
Curse of the Fat Gene
“Economic growth may one day turn out to be a curse rather than a good, and under not conditions can it either lead into freedom or constitute a proof of its existence.”
If she were correct — that economy and body processes can have something in common — how far off it may sound. Both, at certain levels, can either be blessings or curses.
Leptin (“thin” in Greek) is a major hormone created by fat cells. It is a biochemical messenger that informs the hypothalamus, the appetite center of the brain, on the degree of hunger inside the body.
As fat deposits increase, more leptin are produced, inducing the hypothalamus to stop hunger and increase energy burning.
However, when health problems occur due to biological factors, genetics and lifestyle, fat deposits increase more than the natural mechanism can take. The hunger suppression mechanism got overridden, more fat got stored and leptin levels increase.
Adipose tissue leptin and circulating leptin levels increase in obesity. The problem is this: Several clinical studies, from 1997 through 2006, showed that leptin induces the formation of toxic oxygen radicals, a cause for cell damage leading to the appearance of invasive cancer.
Leptin can also promote the growth of blood vessels (angiogenesis), which helps spread cancer cells throughout the body.
A recent trial found that leptin can propagate androgen-dependent cancer cells as it inhibits androgen-resistant cancer cells.
Both are in a dose-dependent way. The study involved 10 scientists, and funded by the Louisiana State University Health Science Center (New Orleans, Los Angeles), University of South Alabama Medical Center (Mobile, Alabama), Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center (New Orleans), and The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions (Baltimore, Maryland). Invincible
In the 2008 issue of the Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, lead researcher Dayanand Deo noted that a concentration of at least 100 nanogram (ng) leptin can stop the spread of androgen-dependent prostate cancer cells throughout the body.
Cancer cells from the uterus got stomped at a concentration of 200 ng leptin. Androgen-sensitive invasive cancer cells spread more at a concentration of 50 ng.
Dependent on fat deposits, leptin levels can only be controlled, given genetic and biological factors, through a disciplined dietary program and lifestyle modification. If your weight is considered as “obese,” you need a strong commitment to eat much less, and burn much more energy. Even a moderate intake can be too much.
An old Benjamin Franklin wisdom need not be forgotten here: “Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation” (The Autobiography).
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Juicers Explained
A juicer is a kitchen appliance, which is designed to extract juice from fruits and vegetables. Most juicers can also be used to make fruit drinks, and a high quality juicer can be a very useful addition to a kitchen. Many consumers engage in juicing because they believe that it will enhance their health by increasing the amount of vitamins and minerals that they consume. In addition, juicing is fast and relatively easy, especially if you keep fruits and veggies prepared, so it can provide a quick meal or snack.
There are three main types of juicers. They differ by how they extract and separate the juice from the pulp. Some juicers are better suited for fruit and some are better suited for vegetables. There is no single juicer that performs all juicing operations at the same level. One of the best sources of juicers is at Breville Juicers.xtz.cc.
A masticating juicer chews up the fruits and vegetables, which are pushed through it, extracting juice while retaining some fiber as well. Many masticating juicers can be used to make nut butters, pureed foods, and fruit sorbets as well. A masticating juicer tends to be slow, because it extracts as much usable material from the food being fed through it, and it will produce juice, rather than a blended drink like a smoothie. These juicers are suitable for making wheat grass and carrot juice, two popular dietary supplements. Some consumers maintain that the quality of juice is higher with a masticating juicer, although it takes longer.
A centrifugal juicer spins blades around at high speed. The blades often resemble a grater, and are designed to quickly extract juice while routing the pulp out the back of the juicer and into a waste container. Typically, the blades are covered by an enclosure, with a hole to feed fruits and vegetables through. Centrifugal juicers are more suited to whole fruits and vegetables, and do not work as well with leafy greens. The juice produced tends to be light and tasty, although it does not have as much fiber as juice from a masticating juicer.
The Centrifugal machine first grinds the fruit and vegetables then pushes them through the strainer by spinning at a very high rpm (similar to your washing machine on the spin cycle). This method usually yields a little more volume of juice. The Omega 1000 & 4000 and Juiceman II are centrifugal machines. Most juicers sold on the market are centrifugal). Optional citrus attachments are available for the Omega 1000 and Omega 4000 juicers that allow juicing of citrus fruits without peeling.
Single Gear (Masticating) Juicers use a single gear or auger that literally chews fruit and vegetable fibers and breaks up the plant cells, resulting in more fiber, enzymes, vitamins and trace minerals. Masticating juicers are very capable at juicing most fruits and vegetables, and they will also extract juice from wheat grass, spinach, and other leafy greens and herbs. Note: the Champion Juicer does not juice wheat grass or greens well).
The Triturating (twin gear) machine, which turns at a slower rpm, has a two-step process. The first step crushes the fruits and vegetables, while the second step presses the juice. This process gives you more fiber, enzymes, vitamins and trace minerals. These juicers also have magnetic and bio-ceramic technology that slows down the oxidation process, which is good if you want to make and store your juice. These juicers are excellent for juicing leafy greens, wheat grass, sprouts, root vegetables like beets and carrots and most water dense (non-pulpy) fruits. Juicing time is longer with twin gear juicers due to the slower juicing process, which gives you a higher quality juice.
But here's the really interesting part — you can replace the screen with a solid plate and instead of apple juice, get applesauce; or you can put in nuts and get nut butter. And when the peanut butter you've just made sticks to the roof of your mouth, you know what you can do? Wash it down with some freshly made Granny Smith apple juice. With a smidgen of imagination, you can turn your juicer into a one-stop snack bar — not a bad return on a couple of hundred bucks.
Juicers are a great addition to your raw food kitchen, but not all juicers are created equally. A centrifugal juicer (the common spinning basket type) adds lots of oxygen to your juice (thus detracting nutrients), is very wasteful, and cannot juice drier produce like parsley, wheat grass, or ginger very effectively. The best type of juicer to buy is a masticating or "homogenizing” juicer, such as a GreenLife. These juicers have slow moving parts (less heat) that "chew” up fruits and vegetables, extracting the maximum amount of juice from just about anything. Another advantage is that you can run nuts and seeds through these machines to make delicious nutmeats and nut butters. Masticating juicers are much more expensive than centrifugal juicers, but well worth the investment.
Twin gear juicers operate by pressing food between two interlocking roller gears. This juicing process yields a larger volume of juice and extracts more fiber, enzymes, vitamins and trace minerals. Twin gear juicers do more than just extract juice, they homogenize to make baby foods, nut butters, fruit sorbets and many have attachments for making pasta and rice cakes.
Quality of parts: The lowest priced juicers have more plastic than metal. Not only is metal a stronger material, but plastic also tends to stain over time especially with vegetables like carrots and fruits like tomatoes.
Wheat grass Juicers are made exclusively for extracting the juice from wheat grass and other leafy greens, as well as some soft fruits like grapes. Wheat grass juicers are not made for extracting juice from vegetables and most fruits. Wheat grass juicers are available in both electric and manual models.
When shopping for a citrus juicer, here are some popular features to consider. Many come with a large reservoir to catch the juice and pour directly from the container. Many have a variable pulp control so that the juice can be made to be more or less pulpy. Some electric models will spin the juicing cone in forward and reverse directions in order to get the most juice from the fruit. Some come with different sizes of juicing cone to accommodate different sizes of fruit such as small limes and large grapefruit. Citrus juicers can range in price from around $20 to over $100.
Vegetables have fibrous, "tough" cell walls, requiring more aggressive mechanical juicing action than fruit. If you want to juice MOSTLY vegetables and some fruits, the above listed centrifugal and centrifugal-ejection juicers are fast and easy to clean and do a good job with most vegetables as well as fruits. Where they have trouble is with wheat grass and leafy greens.
The Champion juicers can juice almost every type of vegetable efficiently. They do have some trouble with leafy vegetables and stringy vegetables like celery. By blocking off the juice spout (with the blank or solid plate), the Champion can be used as a homogenizer to make such foods as raw applesauce, tomato sauce and baby food. It can make peanut butter or other nut butters. It also makes wonderful ice cream-like desserts from raw frozen bananas and other fruits. By assembling the Champion without the blank or juicing screen, it can be used as a grater or to make shave ice. The Champion's do not juice wheat grass but do a better job with fruits than the single-auger and twin-gear juicers (which are better at leafy greens and also juice wheat grass). Noni Juice is very healthy for your immune system and also as a weight loss product.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Noni Has Many Benefits For You Today!
The Polynesian culture has long used Morinda to treat a wide variety of health problems ranging from respiratory problems, poor digestion, and high blood pressure to menstrual problems and immune deficiency. Rich in vitamin C, noni juice also contains amino acids, as well as naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, trace elements, enzymes, beneficial alkaloids, co-factors and plant sterols.
Health benefits of noni juice:
Depression - Morinda contains antidepressant compounds in the form of two sugars, inulin and nystose, as well as succinic acid, a compound which is created from simple sugars. It also contains xeronine, which brings about a feeling of well-being by opening brain receptor sites to receive more endorphin hormone.
Rheumatoid Arthritis - There is a promising evidence that Morinda helps reduce inflammatory conditions while strengthening bones and ligaments. Those people with rheumatoid arthritis reported relief from pain and swelling as well as an increase in mobility.
Menstrual Problems - Traditional Chinese medicine has prescribed Morinda for centuries to treat irregular menstrual cycles in women, especially if accompanied by pain in the lower back or pelvic area.
Other Benefits - The studies show that noni stimulates the immune system, regulating cell function and cellular regeneration of damaged cells. Noni is also been shown to increase stamina and endurance and is thought to be beneficial in treating impotence and infertility.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Noni Fruit Juice Health Benefits
Noni fruit is like any other fruit, it does have vitamins and yes, it is very nutritious. Other than that, noni juice which comes from the Morinda Citrifolia fruit seems no different than most other tropical fruits. Many people have claimed that it does help numerous areas of their health but no evidence can strongly support this.
The problem lies when people and marketing agencies make claims that noni juice cures things without proper and concrete proof of it doing so. There have been those people diagnosed with cancer and was told that noni juice could cure their cancer. Unfortunately, those people can't be here to state their testimonial that it does not cure such an illness because they are no longer with us. It is only a propaganda which we have been force-fed to believe and there are those who prey on vulnerable individuals who really want to believe that a simple juice could be such a cure.
A word to the wise, if you take a supplement, weigh out the risks involved, ask questions, and don't assume a single supplement will cure anything.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Noni Juice - Miracle Healer With Weight Loss
You'll be glad to know that noni juice is noni juice no matter where the noni fruit come from. The noni fruit is grown in tropical climates so Hawaii, Tahiti and the rest of the Polynesian islands are all great places for noni fruit and noni juice. However, there is a difference between quality and purity of noni juice made by different producers.
The Hawaiian noni juice is produced from noni fruit trees which was brought to Hawaii by Hawai'I Loa. It was one of twenty seven species of plants that he thought was essential for their new life in the Hawaiian Islands. The amount of rain and sunshine on the islands are just perfect for the noni tree. Hawaiian noni juice is made from these noni fruits which was ripened naturally in an open natural environment. A lot of noni juice producers even harvest the noni fruits by hand.
The best Hawaiian noni juice is made from the pulp of the noni fruit and not the bark of the tree, fallen fruit, leaves or seeds. Pure noni juice smells absolutely horrible and tastes even worse, so it is perfectly fine to mix it with fruit juices to make it palatable. You can even purchase Hawaiian noni juice already mixed with different fruit juices. Noni has many health benefits which you can read about here.