Going as far back as ancient Greece & Rome, Valerian has been used as a natural sleep enhancer and muscle relaxer. This pink-flowered perennial, which has a strong smell is found in North America, Europe and Asia. It grows in both damp and dry places. When the root of Valerian is dried the plant acts on the body by increasing the amount of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter. This will then create a feeling of sedation.
When taking Valerian some people get immediate results while others take a few weeks. Fortunatlely, Valerian has few if any adverse effects. Insomnia is truly as national concern, a herbal remedy would be Valerian.
It’s pretty safe to say that sugars impact on the American culture has been devastating. Wherever you look sugar in food can be found. For the last several hundred years a plant from South America thats 300x sweeter than sugar has sweetened the taste buds of people in this region. Stevia is great for people with obesity, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. The leaves of the stevia plant contain several chemicals called glycosides, even though sweeter than sugar; there are no calories. Dozens of clinical studies have validated the safety of this particular plant.
In Japan the use of Stevia is quite diverse. Most people in the States use stevia in tea or coffee, however; in Japan stevia is used in Coca Cola and even pickles. When looking for a pleasant tasting alternative to sugar make sure stevia is given a chance to sweeten up your food or drink.
Recently the topic of High Fructose Corn Syrup, or HFCR for short has been coming to my attention on a regular basic. HFCR is a sweetener used in soda, jelly’s, ketchup and other foods commonly distributed throughout this country. Surprisingly this sweetener is used significantly more than table sugar. So lets take a look at this sweetener and find out more about it. Initially we start off with ordinary corn. This crop is a useful crop with high yields, states David Pimentel, a Cornell professor. Finding a less expense source seems to always be a initial objective, and corn is much cheaper than sugar cane to produce. First off, most of the corn used has been genetically modified, then a set of enzymes are reacted to the corn to change the corn starch to a fructose state. This is where we start to see problems. Between the liver and the pancreas, there is a incomplete breakdown of the fructose. This causes the release of fatty acids from the liver to the bloodstream, this is because fructose initiates the accumulation of triglycerides in the liver. Also during this process ordinarily the pancreas would release insulin in the presence of carbohydrates, however; with HFCS that is compromised and insulin which normally acts as a appetite suppressent does not in this case and we never get full. Could this be a reason why there is so much obesity in this country?
In conclusion, I would advise everyone reading this to check there food labels. Be aware of what your putting into your body and make sure its of sound value. I just question HFCS and it’s value in the American diet.
Are you aware that the average individual holds 2-4 pounds of bacteria in their intestines? Now don’t be too alarmed by this. It is a common belief that all bacteria is detrimental, but this is far from the case. In fact, many nutritionists believe friendly bacteria or probiotics (Latin “for life”) are one of the most important supplements available to us. The most common probiotic would be Lactobacillus Acidophilus. Before World War II most people had close to 85% good bacteria versus 25% bad bacteria in their gut. As a result of stress, chlorinated water, processed high-sugar foods, and the use of medication like antibiotics, most good bacteria have been unfortunately eliminated. This is why many people take L. Acidophilus between dosages on antibiotics.
Our ancestors who came from a whole host of different countries did not have modern conveniences as we do in this country. When they needed carrots or tomatoes they went to either the garden or the market. Often times the vegetables were still coated with soil. This is how many of the bacteria infiltrated our digestive systems. Back when we were primitive man, we got dirty and we were exposed to all sorts of microbes. Without exposure to certain germs in the soil our immune system would not be exposed to various intruders. Without exposure or an awareness of certain bacteria, our immune system may become overwhelmed and turn on itself; hence, “auto immune” diseases are born. Many of the bacteria that we house in our body are of great benefit to our immune system. In nature, these friendly bacteria assist plants by breaking nutrients into easier absorbed forms. In out bodies, these little buggers, after bypassing our stomach enter our intestinal tract and immediately start to go to work. They serve many benefits, and I’ll mention a few. As the friendly bacteria work under all the layers of undigested food or putrefaction, the friendly bacteria literally lodge themselves onto our intestinal tract. They then start to ward off the current inhabitants like yeast (candida), mold, fungus, and parasites, until there is a more conducive environment. These good bacteria also act as security guards in the selective admittance of molecules into the blood from the intestines. There are several strains of good bacteria that produce B vitamins; they also produce lactase which is an enzyme that breaks down lactose (milk sugar). These bacteria are of great benefit to those individuals who are lactose intolerant. Probiotics have been shown to be nature’s antibiotic, as they possess a broad-spectrum ability to ward off many common food-borne pathogens. A common immune stimulant used by Oncologists to fight cancer occurs naturally in our bodies. It is the production of alpha-interferon by the friendly bacteria in our intestines. At Britain’s school of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Dr. David Strachan conducted a study with children who played in the dirt and exposed themselves to resident soil organisms. As opposed to children who did not get in the dirt, the dirty group had a dramatically lower rate of asthma, hay fever, and eczema. “We need dirt” explains Dr. Strachan.
As a conclusion, unless we eat directly from the soil as our forefathers have, a good probiotic may be needed into everybody’s lifestyle. Starting as a toddler to a senior citizen, friendly bacteria is definitely a friend of the family.
Often I get asked the question, “What is your favorite product in the store?” and without hesitation the word Chlorella comes up. Two Billion years ago a single-celled freshwater algae began to spread through the waters of the world. This algae is much more complicated than the algae on your fish tank.
In the nutrition industry more and more people are becoming interested in whole food supplements, Chlorella would be considered my many as the Cadillac of whole food supplements. With 20 vitamins and minerals, and 19 amino acids not to mention omega 3 fatty acids, there would have to be a massive argument to over take this food. Chlorella is the only food I know which has the capacity to repair damaged RNA & DNA & and in theory stop the aging process. In Japan, Chlorella has been the number one selling supplement for years. It’s commonly sold to assist the body in the breakdown of heavy metals, and other toxins like PCB’s, DDT, Mercury, Cadmium and even Lead.
Chlorella is nature’s richest source of chlorophyll, a powerful cleanser & detoxifier for the body. Chlorophyll is the green blood of plants and if we were to look at chlorophyll at the molecular level we’d see a very similar chemical composition to our own blood. So humans and plants are closer that you may think.
Our bodies immune system is a very complex system and its first line of defense would be macrophages. These cells certainly don’t discriminate, anything foreign is destroyed right on the spot not questions asked. Chlorella has been proven to significantly stimulate the activity of macrophages.
When taking Chlorella it would be best to take with a small meal. Three grams a day is generally a good dose to take. Keep in mind it’s a whole food, and not a concentrate or extract, therefore you can not take too much of it. If you are concerned about taste, tablets are also provided.
Since the early 1900’s in the U.S, and the mid 1800’s in England Chlorine has been used to protect modern man from infectious disease. It would appear that Chlorine in our water would be of utmost importance, however; when we start to look at studies on Chlorine we start to see the benefits may not out weigh the risks. For starters Chlorine has been shown to have a direct correlation to eczema. By drinking chlorinated water we destroy certain essential fatty acids and vitamin E in the body while increasing free radicals in our body which increases the risk of disease. This might explain why certain supplements like vitamin E, selenium and vast others help significantally against eczema. Anybody who comes into my store knows how much of a advocate I am of probiotics (friendly bacteria) in fighting off many pathogens. Unfortanetely, chlorinated water destroys all the friendly bacteria. Time and time again people who stop drinking Chlorinated water show a complete recovery in skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, seborrhea and eczema.
Chlorinated water contains a chemical called Organochloride, this chemical sticks to our fatty tissues like glue. Organochlorides create mutations by altering DNA, this chemical also suppresses our immune system and interferes with natural cell growth. Several studies also link Chlorinated water to a greater incidence of bladder, breast, and bowel cancer as well as Malignant Melanoma. In 1992, the American Medical Association published information that stated “nearly 28% of all cancer of the intestinal tract and 18% of all cancer of the bladder were caused by drinking chlorinated water. “Chlorine is so dangerous”, according to biologist/chemist Dr. Herbert Schwartz, that it should be banned.
In conclusion, this article isn’t completely a lost cause as a siver lining could be on the horizon. Many municipalities are now using earation carbon filtration, ultraviolet light and ozone as safe alternatives to chemical disinfectant’s. Many filters are available to the public today which take out chlorine so it would be my advice to search out a alternative to Chlorinated water.
Over the last decade I’ve been fortunate to become aware of some of the strongest antioxidants known to man. One such antioxident which had a large impact on myself is Olive Leaf Extract. This herb had been researched to be stronger than either Green Tea or Grape Seed Extract as a antioxident. Using this herb is one of the main reasons I have not missed work in over ten years. So I guess the next question would be, “How does this herb work on the body?”
Olive Leaf Extract acts beneficially in several ways: First by destroying the cell wall around bacteria, then stopping the replication of a virus most colds and flu’s are destroyed before much harm is caused. In a study of those diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome those participants in the study showed a marked increase in energy over the course of the study. In another study, the active ingredient Oleuropein in Olive Leaf was proven the relax the blood vessels, thus lowering blood pressure. Last but not least Olive Leaf Ext has scientific backed reputation showing it reduces the stickiness of blood components called Platlets. Both Cholesterol and Platlets build up in arteries to form plaqes causing arteriosclerosis or “hardening of the arteries.” This supplement has been proven to help prevent this from happening.
The first medical mention of olive leaf occured about 150 years ago. In 1854, the Pharaceutical Journal carried a report by one Daniel Hanbury, he noted to boil a handful of olive leaves in a quart of water down to half it’s original volume. Then administer the liquid in the amount of a wine glass every 3 or 4 hours to relieve fever. According to Medical journalist & researcher, Dr. Morton Walker, rescent interest in this substance has been kindled not only because of its vast healing properties, but because many antibiotics have failed us.
So in conclusion considering we are now in cold and flu season it would be wise to keep a bottle of Olive Leaf Extract on hand. Mention add and receive 20% off your next bottle of Olive Leaf Extract at Essentials for Health.
Wine has a long history dating back about 8000 years to present day Iran. When reflecting on the history of wine my initial thought would be of ancient Greece or better yet when Cleopatra drank a glass of wine with Marc Anthony, dating at least 6500 years back in ancient Egypt. Since Roman times, wine was considered medicinal in small quantities. Infections of all sorts were no match against wine. If a Roman citizen was stricken by bad water or a food-borne illness, a glass of red wine was proven to kill off a variety of bacteria strains. It wasn’t until recently that scientific studies have validated all the previous history.
Could it be true that red wine has health benefits? For over the last 10 years dozens of studies have come to the forefront to confirm what was assumed to be true. In fact, in 1992 Harvard researchers concluded that moderate wine consumption lowered the risk of developing coronary heart disease. The study also confirmed a increase in HDL (good cholesterol) while there was a decrease in LDL (bad cholesterol). In 1980 a study out of Honolulu showed a 50% reduction in coronary heart disease. In must be noted that in most studies no more that two glasses of red wine were consumed daily.
So what is in red wine which makes it such a potent health benefit? The major antioxidant component in red wine is called resveratrol. Resveratrol is found exclusively in the skins and seeds of the red grape. In nature resveratrol protects the fruit against fungal infection, in the human body its action on the cardiovascular system would be preventing blood clots and reducing blood vessel damage caused by fat deposits.
In case you are not a wine drinker, relief is is sight as a 1999 study out of the University of Wisconsin showed that purple grape juice has similar effects on the body as wine does. The other option ,which may be the most logical of all options is to obtain the benefits of resveratrol by buying a Guaranteed Potency bottle of resveratrol in the capsule form. Each capsule has the nutritional benefit of 8-12 glasses of wine minus the alcohol. At Essentials for Health we keep several bottles of resveratrol on hand at all times. Keep this supplement in mind on your next trip to Essentials for Health.