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Archive for the 'General health' Category

Studies confirm the benefits of “yerba mate” tea on cholesterol

October 24th, 2007 by admin

University of Illinois scientist Elvira de Mejia conducted a study that showed that  mate tea drinkers increased the activity of enzymes that improve HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. “Yerba mate” is a traditional infusion drunk in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and regions of Chile and Brazil. “Ilex paraguayensis, the mate plant has been grown and consumed for centuries. Dr Mejia has signed a five-year agreement with La Universidad Nacional de Misiones (UNaM, national University of Misiones) to carry out a collaborative study to assess 84 genotypes of mate tea for their ability to provide benefits on cholesterol and other health factors. Both cultivated and wild varieties will be included in the study.

In the September issue of the specialized journal Planta Medica, Dr mejia said that their studies show that some of the most important antioxidant enzymes in the body experience induction by this mate herbal tea, and since Argentina has so many different mate varieties, they’ll perform more comparisons between the various genotypes. They’ll be also able to explore the benefits of cultivating under different conditions.

The aim is not only identifying the most beneficial genotypes of the herbal tea in terms of nutrition value, but also help Argentine producers to improve drying and processing of mate tea to achieve better extraction of the tea’s bioactive compounds.

“Food companies are very interested in adding tea extracts to juices, soda, and even beer to increase the nutritional value of their products,” she said.

Adapted from http://www.eurekalert.org/

Category: General health, Medicine, Nutrition, Ethnic medicine, Cholesterol | No Comments »

Vaccination: how is it possible?

September 27th, 2007 by admin

No one can deny the fact that infectious diseases vaccination has always been the most effective curable method that is used to combat such deadly diseases like Smallpox, Rabies, Hepatitis A and B, Mumps, Tuberculosis and other. But, anyway, how can alien cells (poisonous cells that ultimately destroy our bodies) prevent people from falling ill with these diseases and can create a certain immunity to combat these pests?

Long ago people understood that some diseases can be cured by the special chemical substances that contain some cells of the initial disease complex. How can this be possible? How can we be sure that ushering a limited portion of poisonous substance in a human body will prevent us from falling sick of the terrible diseases mentioned above? The doctors can explain this in the following statements: if we dose a poisonous substance over a period of time – our body will be struggling against the alien cells and will use all spare capacities to overcome the nidus of infection. That is why every doctor is absolutely convinced that, for example, Hepatitis vaccination, Meningitis vaccination and Diphtheria vaccination are to be conducted in the childhood when the human body is able to produce enough resistance cells to combat the small pestholes.

At the same time you may notice such headlines as: “Experimental AIDS vaccine doesn’t work; study halted” or “Intradermal Hepatitis B vaccine is worthless” and etc. Sure, all the diseases can not be prevented and much efforts are to be made in order to find at least painkillers for the most dreadful pests like AIDS and Cancer (though bladder cancer treatment is developing very fast) but one thing remains evident: there is a bunch of illnesses that can be averted if necessary vaccinations are being carried out, especially if you are travelling abroad - travel vaccinations is a must. Plan ahead your trip! Agree that travellers diarrhea is not a pleasant experience and special treatment is absolutely necessary. Millions of people that are in the risks-groups can be saved and that is our mission today.

Category: General health, Medicine, Immunization | No Comments »

The unique properties of Buah Merah

September 26th, 2007 by admin

It may seem surprising, but even the most sophisticated biochemistry and pharmacology industry cannot beat nature’s ability to provide efficient compounds and substances to cure and alleviate disease. Aboriginal tribes from all over the world are excellent sources of information when it comes to discovering natural compounds with curative properties. Such is the case of Buah Merah, a unique tropical fruit found in Papua. Papua people have known about the properties of Buah merah for centuries. They use it for food, craft materials and also as medicine for intestinal worms, skin disease, to prevent blindness and to increase energy.
However, ongoing research has shown that buah merah contains a myriad of natural compounds such as carotenes and other pigments and it is thought that its extracts could be used to cure and prevent many more diseases. Some claim that buah merah constitutes an efficient alternative cancer treatment, but also promising results have been reported when treating immune disorders, viral infections, hepatitis. There are even testimonials about progress on lung cancer and breast cancer. Experts who know buah merah say that with all the antioxidants, multivitamins,  minerals and antiviral compunds, the ability to defeat many different diseases is not at all surprising.
Buah Merah is another example of the power of nature and certainly more research needs to be done to uncover its full potential.
Source: http://www.redfruitoil.com

Category: General health, Medicine, Cancer, Ethnic medicine | No Comments »

XanGo

September 25th, 2007 by admin

“What is the mangosteen and what is all the excitement about?” There are some very important things that you, your family and your friends should know about this fascinating fruit.

XanGo Juice is a great tasting drink with naturally occurring nutrients. A healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats may reduce the risk of heart disease. XanGo Juice is free of saturated and trans fats. Xanthones (or catechins, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins) are a factor in the maintenance of good health and are a factor in normal growth and development.

XanGo L.L.C. launched XanGo Juice at the end of 2002 that the mangosteen fruit began to achieve worldwide recognition and acceptance in western markets.

Native people throughout Southeast Asia have historically used the fruit for its natural healing properties. It was when Europeans explored Southeast Asia that folklore related to the mangosteen fruit first spread to western culture.

In Asia, the mangosteen is known as “The Queen of Fruits”. The actual scientific name for it is Garcinia Mangostana but is usually called by its common name - mangosteen. What makes the mangosteen so remarkable is that it naturally contains many powerful phytonutrients. The most talked about nutrients are called Xanthones, and the mangosteen alone contains an incredible 43 Xanthones. More will be said about these “super-antioxidants” in tomorrow’s email.

About the size of a tangerine, the mangosteen has a smooth, dark purple rind, encasing a delicious snow-white fruit. Delicious? Yes! A healthful food that actually tastes good is a discovery to say the least, but it’s what science has to say about the mangosteen that’s turning so many heads. Those who haven’t yet heard about the mangosteen soon will. Consider yourself lucky to be a part of those who are finding out about it early on.If it’s this good, why doesn’t everyone know about it?

Chances are you probably have only heard a little about the mangosteen… or possibly nothing at all. It’s interesting that something like the mangosteen - with so many potential benefits - has remained in relative obscurity.

Although the mangosteen remains largely unknown in parts of the world, it has been utilized in Southeast Asia for many centuries. It has been transplanted into Central and South America, India, Southern China and the Caribbean. It has widespread use in all these countries.

If you look up the history of the mangosteen, you can learn all sorts of interesting things about its many traditional uses.

More recently, university scientists around the globe became curious about these traditional uses and began doing experiments and scientific studies on mangosteen and its active Xanthones. Subsequently, hundreds of scientific studies have been published and more studies are ongoing.

To help you further understand the history, terms and recent news coverage related to the mangosteen and XanGo Juice, you may click on the links below for more detailed information:

XanGo

Category: General health, Ethnic medicine | No Comments »

Hoodia

September 24th, 2007 by admin

Hoodia Gordonii looks very much like a cactus, it is actually a leafless succulent with cactus like spikes. Whenever the early African tribesmen traveled on long hunting expeditions, they used to consume the Hoodia Gordonii cactus to help stave-off hunger on their prolong trips. As its natural ability to safely curb the appetite has become well known in the recent past. Hoodia Gordonii’s popularity has exploded. A certified pure Hoodia Gordonii diet pills are available now in the market.

Hoodia Curbs Hunger and CravingsHoodia Gordonii, nature’s most effective appetite suppressant is now available. Hoodia helps you achieve weight loss by curbing your hunger and cravings. Hoodia is richly formulated with Royal Jelly, 5-HTP, B-12 and additional key nutrients which will enable you to take control of your eating habits and reach your slimming goals.

60 MINUTES on CBS news featured Hoodia, reporting “Hoodia is very different from other diet stimulants like Ephedra and Phenfen that are now banned because of dangerous side effects. Hoodia does not stimulate the body. In fact, scientists say it fools the brain by making you think you’re full, even if you’ve just eaten a morsel.”

What enables the San Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert of South Africa, one of the world’s oldest and most primitive tribes, to stave off hunger during long hunting trips?

They consume Hoodia Gordonii cactus! It is quickly becoming known as the greatest natural appetite suppressant of all time. This cactus has an incredible virtue. The Hoodia cactus contains the highly active molecules P-57 that directly influences the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls satiation or the sense of being completely full. P-57 extract ” misleads” the brain and body by allowing you to believe you have just eaten. Furthermore, It works by imitating the effect that glucose has on nerve cells in the brain, which is to fool the body into thinking it is full, even when it is not, thus curbing the appetite.

We have been involved in the health and wellness industry for a number of years. We are charter members of Goldshield Elite and supply cutting edge, scientifically backed nutritional products.

Hoodia Gordonii can hold back your appetite while boosting energy, helping you feel satisfied and full. It is the most effective way to control appetite, and is used when wishing to lose weight. If appetite suppression is a quality you desire in a weight loss supplement, Hoodia Gordonii is an excellent ingredient to look for.

The extract of the plant Hoodia Gordonii is emerging as the greatest weight-reducing diet pill with no known side effects. Hoodia Gordonii diet pill also has a natural feel-good quality. All studies performed to date show no ill effects among subjects supplementing their diet with Hoodia Product.

There are various species of hoodia, but the Gordonii variation is the only one that contains the all-natural appetite suppressant. Tbis type of hoodia contains a molecule that has similar effects on nerve cells as glucose, and tricks the brain into the sensation of fullness. Results of human clinical trials in Britain suggest that hoodia may reduce the appetite by hundreds of calories a day or more.

In a BBC interview, Phytopharm’s Dr. Richard Dixey explained how P57 works:

There is a part of your brain, the hypothalamus. Within that mid-brain there are nerve cells that sense glucose sugar. When you eat, blood sugar goes up because of the food, these cells start firing and now you are full. What the Hoodia seems to contain is a molecule that is about 10,000 times as active as glucose. It goes to the mid-brain and actually makes those nerve cells fire as if you were full. But you have not eaten. Nor do you want to.

Unlike anything that has been on the market before, Hoodia is not only an empty promise. Hoodia can help you to loose weight, and to keep it down in the long term.

For more information visit:

Hoodia

Category: Weightloss, General health, Obesity | No Comments »

Umbilical cord blood donations on the rise

September 20th, 2007 by admin

Use of stem cells from donated umbilical cord blood has been around for a while, but most people have been unaware about the chance of donate or preserve umbilical cord blood, probably due to the lack of public cord blood registries. But as the number of successful transplant cases increases, this simple and potentially life-saving treatment is getting slowly into the medical spotlight.

Nine-year-old Presley Nash, from Bowling Green, KY, received nine years ago a self transplant of cord blood with the hope of treating a rare genetic disorder that commonly results in premature death. Thanks to the stem cell transplant, Presley’s body was able to create an enzyme that it could not produce on its own. She is now disease-free life and does not require any further treatment. “I get to see all my teachers and friends and run and play,” Nash said

Martha Houchin is Nash’s grandmother and an O.B. teacher at the Bowling Green Medical Center. She became an active advocate and supporter of private cord blood banking. “Presley was close to death many times and I bargained and said I will educate the world about cord blood. She continued “cord blood transplants are also being used for… illnesses such as leukemia, Alzheimer’s and spinal cord injuries…[and] it takes a very small amount of blood from the umbilical cord to generate a whole new system in your body.”

Umbilical cord blood donation is very simple and painless. Parents-to-be can choose between free donation to a public registry for publis use, or make a private donation that allows access to their own stored cord blood in case of medical need.

Source:Cordplan

Category: General health, Medicine, Pregnancy | No Comments »

The Mangosteen Fruit and Juice

September 6th, 2007 by admin

About the size of a tangerine, the ripe Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) boasts a smooth, deep purple rind and a sweet, mild, angel-white fruit.

For hundreds, even thousands of years, the people of Southeast Asia have enjoyed the smooth, sweet taste of the mangosteen. At the same time, they’ve used the pericarp (rind) to treat a number of common health problems.

Grown primarily in the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, the mangosteen has been used traditionally to fight infection and contain fever. With such valued medicinal properties, most people would expect a fruit with an “acquired” (not-so-nice) flavor.

Not the Mangosteen. Heavenly from the first bite, the mangosteen fuses the best of both worlds–scientific benefits with blockbuster taste that earns the distinction, “Queen of Fruits.”

“XanGo is one terrific product! If you want an all-natural product that elevates energy and boosts every system in the body, you’ve got to get XanGo.” Scott R., Business Executive.

“I’ve seen XanGo work. I would never choose to live without it! XanGo is a remarkable, remarkable product!” Jody S., Homemaker.

“The Mangosteen preparation I use–and the only one I endorse–is XanGo.” J.
Frederic Templeman, MD

Ready to try XanGo for yourself?

Category: General health | No Comments »

XanGo

September 5th, 2007 by admin

XanGo. Sometimes change is gradual. Other times, it occurs with a sudden invention, a blast of creativity and innovation, an unexpected discovery. But most of the time, it’s a combination of the two approaches that yield the most dynamic results. When immediate change and sustained evolution join forces, the results can be incredible. Just look at the sweeping and complete effect of the internet over the past 10 years.

The same can be said for the nutrition industry. Words like aloe vera and gingko biloba were largely unknown; now they’re household standards. You’ll find them on a shelf at the corner supermarket.

And now it’s time for your introduction to the next paradigm-shifting explosion: the mangosteen fruit and the company that first brought it to market, XanGo.

While you surely enjoy a good chuckle as much as anyone, your health is no laughing matter. And you know that finding the perfect supplement can be a challenge. Some promise surprising health benefits but taste so terrible that you’d never want to try them out. Others taste fine, but are little more than watered down placebos.

That’s what makes XanGo Juice incredible. XanGo harnesses the bold nutritional value of the whole mangosteen fruit. You get supercharged antioxidants–known as xanthones–and at the same time, you treat your tastebuds to a tongue-waggling experience. And that’s a good reason for the buzz you might have heard about XanGo.

Category: General health, Ethnic medicine | No Comments »

XanGo Mangosteen Juice

September 5th, 2007 by admin

Native people throughout Southeast Asia have historically used the mangosteen fruit for its natural properties. In 599 AD, scribes in Southeast Asia first recorded the use of the Mangosteen fruit as a natural remedy and healing agent. More than a thousand years later, Laurens Garcin , studied the fruit, provided detailed diagrams, and determined that the mangosteen was helpful in treating various intestinal inflammations. In the following centuries, research and documentation multiplied. Today, you can visit the National Library of Medicine website and simply type the word: Mangosteen. You will get more than 30 documented results from the last 15 years alone. And each entry provides detailed research on the medicinal properties and health benefits of the mangosteen.

As you read through the scientific research and talk to people who know about XanGo Juice, they will mention the word: Xanthones. So let me take a minute to explain what they are talking about. You have heard of antioxidants; they are a common health-conscious buzzword. So let’s define xanthones this way: xanthones are some of the most powerful antioxidants ever found. Xanthones, are very stable and robust molecules, which show biological activity. The mangosteen fruit contains approximately 40 known xanthones and the majority of these are found in the highest concentration in the rind. In addition, there are two flavonoids in the mangosteen: catechins (found in green tea) and proanthcyandins (found in grape seeds). Many research institutions, such as The Mayo Clinic, The Linus Pauling Institute, UCLA Center for Human Nutrition and many others have studied flavonoids extensively. While science is still progressing in its attempt to validate the uses of mangosteen, the research of the mangosteens powerful phytonutrients thus far is quite promising.

XanGo Juice is a great tasting beverage with naturally occurring nutrients, such as xanthones and flavonoids. XanGo’s whole mangosteen fruit puree represents the next generation of powerful phytonutrients. What are phytonutrients? All-natural plant compounds offering health-protecting benefits that will change the future of dietary supplements. Now you can search far and wide for xanthones. But chances are, you will only find trace amounts in certain fruits and vegetables. However, the pericarp of the mangosteen is the premier source of these nutrients in concentrated amounts.

Category: General health, Medicine, Ethnic medicine | No Comments »

Travel medical insurance

September 3rd, 2007 by admin

The other day I received a postcard from mom and dad, they have been traveling abroad now for about 2 years. Their lifelong dream was to see the world, and once dad retired three years ago they set out to do just that. Today’s postcard brought a breathtaking picture from the Swiss Alps as well as news that they are off to Belgium in a few weeks!

We all dream of traveling when we retire. We work hard and save so that we can relax and enjoy ourselves in our golden years. Yet, the simple fact of the matter is as we get older our chances of needing medical care increase. We’re not as young we used to be when we swung from the neighbor’s tree! The unfortunate news is that even though we may have insurance that covers us fully here at home, those same policies may be worthless when traveling internationally.

I remember about three years ago dad talking about this before they left. He had come over to visit and brought along a copy of his travel medical insurance policy he just bought. He wanted me to keep it in a safe place as a backup copy. I asked him what this was all about – he already had insurance through his pension and retirement plan.

He told me that he had found out that the health insurance plan he had here provided extremely limited coverage to only a few very countries abroad. In a nutshell, it was pretty much worthless. He said he knew that him and mom were getting to that age in life when sometimes things need attention health-wise and the last thing he wanted to do was be stuck in a foreign land in dire need of vacation travel insurance without the means to afford it.

Sure enough, about a year ago, mom had some pains in her chest and they immediately went to a local hospital. The good news is it wasn’t a heart attack, but it was a condition where they wanted her to have regular checkups every 3 months. Now, no matter where she is, she makes an appointment with a local doctor to get her checkup and doesn’t worry about it.

I guess we can learn a lot from our parents, even though we may not want to admit it. When I join them for a holiday abroad next year you can bet I’ll be making sure I get myself travel insurance online – because you just never know what might go wrong.

Category: General health, Insurance, Travel health | No Comments »

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