Two of the main active components in hawthorn are the antioxidants Oligomeric Procyandins (OPC) and Quercetin.  Antioxidants are substances that destroy free radicals, or compounds which can damage cell membranes and tamper with DNA.  These OPC’s may help dilate vessels and improve blood blow, in turn;  strengthen the integrity of the vessels.

European studies have shown that this plant increases blood flow to the heart and brain, protects the heart from irregular beats, enhances the strength of the heart’s contractions, and mildly lowers blood pressure.  In a German clinical trial with 78 patients with congestive heart failure, hawthorn flowers and leaves increased heart working capacity, lowered blood pressure and improved fatigue and endurance while relieving difficulty breathing (Schmidt, et. at. 1994).  Another German trail with 18 healthy patients found that hawthorn lowered heart rate and blood pressure during exercise and maintained resting heart rate while elevations were noted in the control group (Hellenbrecht, et. al. 1990).

When taken to decrease symptoms of heart failure its recommended to take 160-900 mg/day for at least 6 weeks, standardized to 2-3% flavonoids or 18-20% OPC’S.  Hawthorn  in considered a safe herb, side effects are rare, but like many herbs it’s best to consult with your health care provider before using.

The avocado is very popular in vegetarian cuisine, due to its meaty consistency.  It’s usually seen as a substitute for meat  on sandwiches and salads because of its high fat content.  The fruit itself is actually creamy and smooth yetdistinctly flavored.  Many people may be familiar with guacamole, this avocado spread is popular on bread servred with salt and peppper.  William Jarosh, RD of C & J Nutrition states, “Avocados are versatile- you can substitiute a avocado for mayonnaise or use as a garnish on soups.  Avocados are also a great source of healthy fat, and one of the few fruits that also contain fiber.”  The average avocado contains about 600 calories and 14.5 grams of fat.  This fat content number is high, but nearly two-thirds of the fat is the health promoting monounsaturated fat.  This amazing fruit has 60% more potassium than bananas, and a great source of B vitamins, plus both vitamins E and K.

Research out of Ohio State has shown that haas avocado’s kill or stop the pre-cancerous cells that lead to oral cancer.  Steven M D’Ambrossio, lead author and member of the molecular carcinogenis and chemo prevention center states, “As far as we know, this is the first study of avocado’s and oral cancer.”

Next time your walking down the produce isle and a avocado pops into your view, think twice about buying one and use your own opinion and see what you think.

Although coconut water is new to the United States, people from all over the world have been drinking this beverage for generations.  In Brazil, the green coconut (not the popular brown) is the second best selling juice, right after orange juice.  The average age of the green coconut can’t exceed seven months as after this period the clear liquid then starts turning into the white meat consistency that many of us may be familiar with.  Coconut water contains more electrolytes than leading sports drinks and 15 times the potassium.  Potassium keeps your body hydrated properly and prevents cramping.

Coconut water contains a ingredient called Lauric Acic which has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties that protect the body against various infections and boost the immune system.  Other regular consumption benefits include boosted metabolism, reduced stress, and nervous and emotional imbalances.  In some developing countries where saline solution is unavailable, intravenous hydration is used using coconut water.  Coconut water is similar in composition to our own blood plasma.  One thing to note is coconut water is not coconut milk, as the water is part of the immature coconut.  Coconut water can be found in many health food stores all over the country (U.S.)

For thousand of years cultures have used peppermint for a variety of reasons.  Ancient Greeks and Romans used peppermint at their feasts and adorned their tables with its sprays, and ancient cooks flavored both their sauces and their wine with its essence.  It wasn’t until 1750,  in England that peppermint oil was grown commercially.  In 1846, growers in the U.S. began distilling this oil and today the U.S. produces 75% of the world’s peppermint oil.   When the oil is distilled out of the plant, peppermint oil has been shown to relax, and calm the intestinal smooth muscle. 

In Great Britain, peppermint oil is currently being prescribed for IBS by physicians.  In several studies done by the American Journal of Gastroenterology the research has shown that peppermint oil is superior to a placebo in improvement of symptoms of IBS.  In 2007, Italian investigators reported that 75% of patients in their study who took peppermint oil for four weeks had a major reduction in IBS, compared to 38% of those who took a placebo.   Because of rapid oral absorption,  enteric coated peppermint oil is recommended so absorption occurs in the intestines rather than the stomach.  In the enteric coated form, the recommended dose would be 0.6 ml/day.

Typically, to use a neti pot you’d mix 16 ounces of lukewarm water with 1 teaspoon of a solution.  In many cases salt is used (minus the iodine).  Once you’ve filled the neti pot, tilt your head over the sink at about a 45 degree angle.  Place the spout into your top nostril, and gently pour the solution into that nostril.

The fluid will flow through your nasal cavity and into the other nostril.  If the fluid runs down you throat, just spit it out.  After the neti pot is emptied, blow your nose to get rid of any remaining liquid, then repeat the process on the other side.

According to Dr. David Rabage, MD who’s the assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, “The basic explanation of how the neti pot works is that it thins the mucus to help flush it out of the nasal passages.”  Dr. Rabage is the leading researcher on nasal irrigation.  He also states, ” The tiny, hair-like structures called cilia that line the inside of the nasal cavities work by moving in a wave like fashion back and forth to push mucus either to the back of the throat where it can be swallowed, or to the nose to be blown out.” 

In studies, people with very severe sinus problems found relief from using the neti pot daily, but three times a week was often enough to subside symptoms.  Research has also found neti pots to be safe, with only 10% of regular users experiencing mild side effects such as nasal irritation and stinging.  Neti pots can be purchased for around $20 at your local health food store.

Selenium is a powerful trace mineral critical for good health.  Selenium is found in organ meats and many tree nuts like brazil nuts and also found in significant numbers in sunflower seeds, oatmeal and rice.  In the body, selenium is converted into a protein called selenoprotein.  This protein is of utmost importance due to its antioxidant capacity.  This antioxidant is believed by many to be near the top of the antioxidant list.  Antioxidants help prevent cellular damage from free radicals.  These antioxidants from the selenoprotein may help prevent certain diseases like cancer and heart disease.  Other selenoproteins work to regulate the thyroid and support the immune system.

In the U.S., most cases of selenium deficiency are associated with severe gastrointestinal problems, such as Crohn’s Disease or Colitis.  These and other digestive disorders can severely impair absorption. 

Researchers with Vitamins Et Meneraux Antiocydants out of France, set up a study to determine the effect of vitamins and mineral supplements on chronic disease.  What they found was a direct relationship between selenium deficiency and goiters, which is a enlargement of the thyroid.  So there appears to be a protective effect of selenium and thyroid health.  Other studies indicate high blood levels of selenium may lower mortality from lung, colorectal and prostate cancers.  Also in areas of the U.S. where there are lower concentrations of selenium in the soil, there appears to be a higher concentration on non melanoma skin cancer.  The U.S. recommended Dietary Allowance for adults is 80-200 mg/day.

The active chemical in this plant produces what are called pentacyclic alkaloids.  This particular chemical appears to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.  Many herbalists use cat’s claw to treat intestinal ailments such as crohn’s disease, gastric ulcers, tumors, parasites, colitis, gastritis, diverticulitis, and leaky bowel syndrome.  The anti-inflammatory effects of  cat’s claw have proven beneficial in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, bursitis, and gout.  As a antioxidant, it helps protect cells from damage caused be free radicals.  It’s beneficial effects in treating arthritis pain may also be due in part, to its ability to cleanse the digestive tract and aid in removing toxins from the body.

According to Newsweek, “This rainforest herb has long been used to treat asthma, ulcers, and cancer.”  In a article in New Life, “This herb was described as having so many therapeutic uses that it far surpasses such well known botanicals as echinacea, golden seal, astragalus, siberian ginseng, as well as reishi and shiitake mushrooms.”   Dr.  Brent Davis worked with a group of 150 patients between 1988-1992 and he states, “Cat’s claw has the ability to break through severe intestinal derangement’s that no other available product can touch.”  He refers to this herb as “The opener of the way” because of its remarkable ability to cleanse the entire intestinal tract and help patients suffering from many different stomach and bowel disorders including leaky bowel syndrome.

With such a long history of health benefits it would appear that cat’s claw would be a true player in  the natural food industry.  Hopefully over time more people will become aware this valuable herb.

As popular as peanuts are, almonds are making a real surge in nut-butter sales.  Jennifer Barney, owner of Barney Butter states, “Almond butter is the most nutritious nut butter you can eat.  With each serving  providing an excellent source of the powerful antioxidant Vitamin E and magnesium, more calcium than a one-fourth cup of milk, as much protein as an egg, 14% daily fiber and less than half the saturated fat of peanut butter.”   According to a Tufts University study in 1996, almonds were shown to be a nutrient dense form of vitamin E, manganese, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, fiber, B-2 and protein.  This study also showed almonds were a great part of a weight loss program.  

This blog is not designed to discourage shoppers from peanut butter, but to encourage shoppers to explore the other nut options instead of peanut butter.  Almond butter shows a lot of promise as a healthy alternative to one’s diet.

Dr. Theodore Friedman, MD states, “If a woman in her 30s, 40s, or 50s experiences new-onset fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, high cholesterol- or even just two of those symptoms, I think those are good reasons to have the thyroid tested by a doctor.”

From a supplement standpoint there are several options to assist the body in repairing the thyroid.  First is the mineral selenium.  Selenium has antioxidant properties, decreasing the free radicals that interfere with the conversion of T4 to T3.  Next is the trace element Iodine, this is a naturally occurring element found in some soil.  This mineral is needed for the formation of T4.  A iodine deficiency can lead to enlargement of the thyroid gland, called a goiter.  Finally, the amino acid L-tyrosine is considered by some doctors to be the backbone of the thyroid system as it is a precursor to T4, L-tyrosine is also needed for other horomone processes.

Having a proper functioning thyroid is very important.  If the medical route isn’t taken; there are several natural supplements which could assist the thyroid to proper health.

After all the starch is removed from a cereal grain, a sticky protein remains called gluten.  Around this protein is a  enzyme resistant molecule that is undigestable for many individuals.  With lack of proper digestion this protein creates a whole host of digestive problems.  Diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and malabsorption are just a few of the symptoms. 

Along the small intestine are hundreds if not thousands of microscopic finger-like projections called villi.  These villi are important because they help us absorb nutrients in the body.  With someone with a gluten intolerence these villi get destroyed.

If you suspect gluten intolerance (Celiac Disease) a simple blood test should help you determine if gluten is truly a culprit.