HEALTH BENEFITS OF GINGER

Health Benefits of Ginger

Ginger is a rhizome (underground stem) used as a spice and also as a medicine. It is a native of China and India. The color of the flesh depends upon the variety; it can be yellow, white or red.

Composition

Ginger contains the following Nutrients;

Potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, and vitamin B6 and small amount of calorie.

Historically, ginger has a long tradition of being very effective in alleviating symptoms of gastrointestinal distress. It also has anti-oxidation, anti bacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. Ginger is known to stimulate circulation which promotes the health of the kidney and lower cholesterol thereby preventing heart attack. It aids digestion, cleanses the colon and reduces cramps. Research has also shown that ginger can attack cancer cells. And moreover it known to boost the immune system.

Consumption; choose fresh ginger over processed ones, because fresh ones contain all the active compounds. Remover the peel, grind and add to juice, soup or salad. 

A 'wonder drug' that could kill ALL types of cancer

A breast cancer ‘wonder drug’ could be turned into a universal weapon against tumours, British scientists said last night.They have discovered a way of making a family of breast cancer pills effective against other cancers.

The finding could lead to new drugs that shrink many – or even all – types of tumour, the Newcastle University scientists said.

In addition, side-effects such as nausea and tiredness should  be minimal.

The excitement centres on a family of cancer drugs known as PARP inhibitors, which affect the way tumour cells repair themselves.

These target hereditary  forms of breast cancer, as well as ovarian prostate cancers and pancreatic tumours with the same rogue gene.

The drugs are of particular interest to doctors because they zero in on the tumour, and kill it without harming healthy cells.

This means patients suffer fewer side effects than they would with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, in which healthy cells are affected.

The drugs exploit the ‘Achilles’’ heel’ of hereditary forms of breast cancer. This is caused by a flaw in a gene called BRCA1, which limits the cells’ ability to repair damage to their DNA.

Healthy cells have two ways of patching up damage – which allows them to breed, grow and spread – but cells in BRCA tumours have only one.

PARP inhibitors block this remaining pathway, stopping the tumour cells from multiplying, eventually leading them to die. Some breast, ovarian and prostate tumours have flawed BRCA genes – but account for a small proportion of all cancers.

The research would allow the drugs to be used on tumours which do not have this genetic flaw, by effectively ‘recreating’ the defect.

In experiments on mice with lung tumours the researchers showed that blocking a molecule called Cdk1 also stopped DNA repair.

When the animals were given a PARP inhibitor, it successfully shrunk their cancer, the journal Nature Medicine reports.

Researcher Professor Nicola Curtin said: ‘Blocking Cdk1 compromises DNA repair in cancer cells, making them sensitive to PARP inhibitors.

‘We were also able to show  that this approach only targeted cancer cells.
‘Now we need to develop an effective drug that can block Cdk1, so more patients can benefit from treatment with PARP inhibitors. It could be widely applicable, possibly universally.

‘The very fact that the defect that makes cells vulnerable to PARP inhibitors can be recreated in lung cancer is pretty hopeful.

‘It is very early days but it is exciting.’

Dr Lesley Walker, from Cancer Research UK, which funded the research, said: ‘We could have  a powerful new tool to treat  cancer patients.’
DAILYMAIL

Foods to Get You Fit and Beautiful

If you’ve been filling up on doughnuts, soft drinks, and candy, it may be taking a toll on not just your health, but also your looks. Nutrient-rich foods can keep you fit and reduce your risk of heart disease and even some cancers. 

And research shows that some foods may enhance the radiance of your skin, hair, and give your metabolism a kick start. Here’s our list of beauty foods to keep you looking and feeling fit and beautiful this summer

1. StrawberriesDid you know that in addition to being a delicious fruit strawberries can also keep your skin looking gorgeous? The vitamin C in strawberries acts as an important building block of collagen—the underlying supporting structure of skin. Just 1 cup of strawberries contains over 100 percent of your daily vitamin C needs.

2. Chile PeppersEating even one meal that contains capsaicin—the compound that gives hot sauce and chile peppers their heat—not only reduces levels of hunger-causing ghrelin, but also raises GLP-1, an appetite-suppressing hormone, indicates research in the European Journal of Nutrition. Scientists also found that people who drank capsaicin-spiced tomato juice before each meal over the course of two days ingested 16% fewer calories than those who drank it plain.

3. Romaine LettuceJust six leaves of romaine lettuce provide more than 100 percent of your DV of vitamin A, which revitalizes skin by increasing cell turnover. Plus the mineral potassium in romaine gives skin a refreshing boost of nutrients and oxygen by improving circulation.

4. TomatoesEating red may help save your skin from turning red! Volunteers who consumed 5 tablespoons of high-in-lycopene tomato paste daily for 3 months had nearly 25% more protection against sunburn in one study.

5. ApplesQuercetin, an antioxidant in the peel of many varieties, provides some protection from the "burning" UVB rays that can trigger skin cancer. For the biggest quercetin concentration, look for Cortland, Golden Delicious, and Monroe varieties.

6. WalnutsWalnuts are storehouses of alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fat that's a key component of the lubricating layer that keeps skin moist and supple. A ½-ounce serving of walnuts provides 100% of the recommended daily intake of ALA. 

7. Olive OilThis healthy fat contains essential fatty acids that help skin resist UV damage, finds a Lancet Oncology study. EFAs are also part of the cell membranes that help hold in moisture. The body can't synthesize EFAs, so consume about 1 tablespoon of olive oil daily to keep skin supple.

8. WaterSkin cells contain mostly water, and if you're dehydrated, skin can look and feel parched. While the “8 glasses a day” rule is no longer valid, it’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking when you're thirsty.

9. TeaTea is rich in antioxidants that decrease inflammation and protect cell membranes. Some studies have shown that tea may also reduce the damage of sunburns and overexposure to ultraviolet light. Green tea is especially rich in a compound known as EGCG which may acts as a "fountain of youth" of sorts for skin by reactivating dying skin cells.

10. Banana Face Pack for Dry SkinTry applying some of mother nature’s benefits to your beauty routine. We found some of our favorite fruits and veggies do the body good, from the inside out, like with this dry-skin mask.
Mash half of a ripe banana; combine banana with ½ cup of plain yogurt and 1 tablespoon of honey. Apply this pack on face and neck and leave for 10 minutes; rinse thoroughly. This natural pairing helps moisturize dry skin.

11. Cucumber Face Pack for Smoother Skin
Gritty sugar and cooling cucumber work together in this natural face mask, giving you a smoother, fresher face.

Peel 1 cucumber and mash; place in a strainer to drain water. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar and mix well. Apply on your face and leave for 10 minutes, then wash with cold water.

12. Oatmeal Face and Body Pack for Sensitive SkinNo need to buy the latest beauty product on the shelves…you probably have what you need for this face remedy in your pantry.

Take 2 tablespoons oatmeal and 1 tablespoons baking soda and add water to make paste. Apply to face and all over the skin; rub gently and rinse.

FOXNEWS

Dieters told: Quality of food, not quantity, is what counts

It is the quality of the food you eat, not the quantity, that matters most when it comes to losing weight, a study has found.

Diet had more of an impact than physical activity, watching TV or sleep duration.

But focusing on calories alone was not the best way to stay slim, according to the scientists. The secret was to focus on the quality of foods, especially carbohydrates

Weight-watchers were advised to cut out sweetened drinks, potatoes and refined grain foods such as white bread, white rice and low-fibre breakfast cereals.

At the same time they were urged to eat more ‘natural’ foods, such as fruit and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and yoghurt, while avoiding anything processed.

Professor Frank Hu, a nutrition expert at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, U.S., said: ‘These findings underscore the importance of making wise food choices in preventing weight gain and obesity.

‘The idea that there are no “good” or “bad” foods is a myth that needs to be debunked.’

The findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, also showed that getting the right amount of sleep helped people maintain a healthy weight.

People who slept six to eight hours a night gained less weight than those who slept less than six or more than eight hours.

Prof Hu’s team analysed results from three large-scale studies of US health workers, the Nurses’ Health Study, the Nurses’ Health Study II, and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study.

Together the studies monitored the health of more than 100,000 individuals for up to 20 years.

All were initially free of chronic diseases and not obese.

Every four years, participants gained an average of 3.35 pounds, putting on almost 17 pounds over the full 20 year period.

Increased daily servings of certain foods were associated with the largest amount of weight gain per four year period. They included potato chips, which added 1.69 pounds of extra weight, and sugar-sweetened drinks, which added one pound.

Some foods were actually associated with a lowering of weight gain when their consumption was stepped up. They included nuts (minus 0.57 pounds per four years), vegetables (minus 0.22 pounds), whole grains (minus 0.37 pounds) and fruits (minus 0.49 pounds).

Physical activity reduced weight gain, while alcohol consumption added weight at the rate of 0.41 pounds per drink per day.

Co-author Dr Dariush Mozaffarian, also from the Harvard School of Public Health, said: 'An average adult gains about one pound per year. Because the weight gain is so gradual and occurs over many years, it has been difficult for scientists and for individuals themselves to understand the specific factors that may be responsible.

'Small dietary and other lifestyle changes can together make a big difference - for bad or good. This makes it easy to gain weight unintentionally, but also demonstrates the tremendous opportunity for prevention. A handful of the right lifestyle changes will go a long way.' dailymail.

Men twice as likely as women to die before 65 because of smoking and alcohol abuse

Smoking and drinking too much means men are twice as likely as women to die before the age of 65, a European Union study has revealed.

The report shows that every year 630,000 men of working age die compared with 300,000 female deaths across the European Union countries in this age group.

Dr Richard de Visser, from the University of Sussex, was a key author of the report, the summary of which was launched in the European Parliament last week.

Dr de Visser looked in particular at the effect of alcohol, drug use and sexual behavior on premature death.

He found that across Europe 63 per cent of men had smoked at some point compared to 45 per cent of women. It is estimated around one in seven deaths in the EU could be attributed to the habit.

Men are also more likely to abuse drink and drugs than women.

In 23 out of 31 countries the male death rate from chronic liver disease is at least double that of women. Meanwhile 82 per cent of heroin overdoses occur in men.

He said: 'Lifestyles are not simply the product of individual choice. Those who are in poor material and social conditions eat less healthily, exercise less and are more likely to smoke or misuse drugs.

'In the context of addressing premature mortality among men, there is a growing awareness of the need for lifestyle modification in early life among men engaged in damaging health behaviours.'

The full report with a national breakdown of figures will be published later this year.

The EU-commissioned report brings together official data from across all major disease areas from cancer and heart disease to mental health.

Lead author Professor Alan White of Leeds Metropolitan University, said: 'For the first time we have a clear picture of men's health across the EU.

'Previously we had a series of partial pictures by country or disease area. This now brings it all together so that policy-makers at all levels across Europe can see exactly what they're dealing with and learn from each other.'

Men are dying prematurely but the rates at which they do this vary enormously from country to country. While men in Iceland can expect to live to 80, Latvian men have a life expectancy of 66 years.

President of the European Men's Health Forum Dr Ian Banks says: 'This is not just about health. Premature male death undermines the economy, undermines families, undermines women and their health and undermines our social security and health services.

'Europe will have far fewer men of working age in the years to come so if we're to succeed economically we need them to be in decent health.'  dailymail.co.uk

Health benefits of Aloe Vera (The miracle plant)

Nature has provided us with numerous plants that can be used as natural remedies.  One of such plant is Aloe Vera.  Aloe Vera is stem-less succulent plant with thick spiny leaves.  It thrives in the warm. Aloe Vera contains

·        Water

·         20 minerals (Calcium, sodium, iron, potassium, copper, zinc, manganese, magnesium, chromium and more)

·         12 vitamins ( A,B1,B2,B6, B12,C,E and more)

·        18 amino acidsa

·        200 active plant compounds (phyto-nutrients)

·         Enzymes

·        monosaccharides and polysaccharides

·        lignins

·        salicylic acid

·        saponins

Aloe Vera can be applied externally and internally

Externally application includes; facilitate the healing of sunburn, wound or scald, it also applicable during blister, insect bites, rashes, sores, herpes,  fungus, vaginal infections, conjunctivitis. Aloe Vera speeds up the growth of hair and reduces dandruff.   During application the fresh plant is best; processing reduces the efficacy of the plant.

Internal Use Application

Aloe Vera is known to stimulate the immune system, thereby preventing bacterial, viral, and fungus infections. It fights the growth of cancer by activating the white blood cells. Studies have shown that it has an effect on lowering blood sugar levels in diabetics. Other conditions were it is applicable includes, liver problems, kidney and urinary infections, stomach ulcers, congestion. Aloe Vera is a general detoxifier that cleanses the system.  Using Aloe Vera should be with moderation.

For 100% benefit, Aloe Vera should used in its fresh and natural state in the form of juice mixed with honey. The taste might be a little bitter, but the truth is, natural bitters are good for the liver. The gel is extracted and blended to obtain the juice.  I prefer taking a cup of the juice before breakfast. Most of the vitamins found in Aloe Vera, cannot be stored in the body, therefore we need to we supplement it through our diet.

How your medicine could be draining vital nutrients from your body

Medication can do much to alleviate the symptoms that make your life miserable. But in most cases they don’t actually tackle the cause. There is also the risk of side-effects.
And as a new book suggests, they might be adding to your health woes by ‘stealing nutrients from your system or preventing their absorption’. As a result, you could end up feeling worse, or even being diagnosed with another condition.
The book, Drug Muggers: Which Medications Are Robbing Your Body Of Essential Nutrients, has been written by leading U.S. pharmacist Suzy Cohen.

‘If you run low on even one vital nutrient, you can experience a cascade of uncomfortable side effects,’ she claims.
These side effects — which she’s labelled ‘drug mugging symptoms’ — may not show up right away; some can occur months to years after taking a drug.
So could we counteract this nutrient loss by eating more healthily?
‘Even if you eat fresh fruits and vegetables every hour, you still get only a fraction of the essential nutrients you need from these foods — and if your medication is depleting them, you’ll need even more,’ says Cohen.
She suggests the solution is supplements, though you should take care.

‘Some can interact with your medication, other can interact with each other and some shouldn’t be taken at all, if you have kidney disease, for instance.
‘You must ask your doctor which nutrients are right for you. But when you’re given the go-ahead, it takes only a few weeks or months to replenish depleted nutrients.’
She advises that initially, supplements should be taken one at a time and, as far as dosages go, start low and go slow. ‘Then, if everything goes well, after a week or two bring in the next nutrient.’
Here, Cohen sets out the most common culprits, with supplements to counteract them . . .
STATINS
Statins do their work in the liver, suppressing the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which produces cholesterol.
But when you block that enzyme, you also block the production of CoQ10, say studies at Renmin Hospital in China. This is a nutrient involved in all aspects of energy production — including in the muscles. It’s also a powerful antioxidant which can penetrate every cell, including brain cells. 
Cholesterol is also required to synthesise vitamin D, which protects against cancer and helps keep bones strong. It also helps boost the immune system.
RISK: Fatigue, weakness, memory loss, shortness of breath, leg cramps, frequent infections.
PROTECTION PLAN: CoQ10 or its active form ubiquinol, 50mg to 200mg once or twice daily; vitamin D, 2,000 IU (international units) to 5,000 IU a day.

ANTIBIOTICS

These kill bad bacteria; some interrupt the chemical processes used to make bacterial cell walls, others stop them multiplying.
But they also kill good bacteria that produce B vitamins. These are involved in maintaining muscles, bones and heart, as well as helping keep the nervous system healthy.
RISK: Heart disease, increased risk of cancer, leg cramps, low thyroid, bone loss.
PROTECTION PLAN: Vitamin B7 (Biotin), 1,000 mcg to 5,000 mcg a day; probiotics, 10 billion CFU (Colony Forming Units) to  40 billion CFU, one to three times a day, four hours before or after taking the antibiotics.

PAINKILLERS

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) include ibuprofen and aspirin and work by tackling prostaglandins, chemicals in the body that trigger inflammation, pain and fever.
Prostaglandins also protect the lining of the stomach from damaging effects of acid. They raise the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding — leading to a loss of iron.
Another risk, says research by the University of Zagreb in Croatia, is that some NSAIDs (particularly ketoprofen, available as Orudis) latch on to and bind iron, rendering it useless.
Iron is essential in the making of haemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen over the body.
These painkillers have been shown to reduce the activity of folic acid, needed to reduce homocysteine, an inflammatory compound linked to heart disease.
RISK: Heart disease, depression, diarrhoea, mouth sores, anaemia.
PROTECTION PLAN: Folic acid, 400 mcg to 800 mcg, once or twice daily; iron, 20mg to 30mg iron daily for up to three months (no longer as it could have a toxic effect).

BLOOD PRESSURE PILLS

One treatment for high blood pressure is ACE inhibitors, drugs that dilate the blood vessels. Some of them — captopril (brand name, Capoten), enalapril,  lisinopril (Zestril), quinapril (Accupro), ramipril (Tritace), fosinopril — attach themselves to the mineral zinc.
But zinc in this ‘bound’ form is unable to replace the zinc the body needs for cell growth, utilising protein — important for hair growth — and boosting the immune system.
It’s also essential in the  manufacture of testosterone and has a protective effect on the prostate gland.
RISK: Loss of sex drive, prostate problems, hair loss and slow wound healing.
PROTECTION PLAN: Zinc, 15mg to 25mg a day.
ANTIDEPRESSANTS
The most common treatment is with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), thought to  work by boosting levels of brain chemicals linked to mood.
But these, such as paroxetine and fluoxetine (Prozac), may also lower the level of thyroid hormones vital for regulating metabolic rate, digestive functions and muscle control. They also help in mood and overall immune function.
As hormone levels drop, the body needs more iodine, essential to their production.
RISK: Hypothyroidism, depression, weight gain, lowered immunity.
PROTECTION PLAN: Iodine, 12.5mg to 25mg a day.

DIURETICS

Often used for treating hypertension, heart failure and oedema (swelling) by increasing the amount of urine the kidneys produce. But you also lose plenty of minerals and nutrients.
One important vitamin is vitamin C, which boosts immunity and is essential for the healing of wounds. There’s also a loss of calcium which, along with being important for bones and teeth, helps you to burn fat more efficiently.
RISK: Slow wound healing, depression, leg cramps, weight gain, brittle bones.
PROTECTION PLAN: Vitamin C, 300mg to 2,000 mg (divided into two or three doses); calcium, 600mg a day with food.

THE PILL AND HRT
These work on hormone levels, but also indirectly, to destroy good bacteria in the gut that synthesises nutrients such as vitamin B6. Those taking oral contraceptives lack this nutrients, studies have shown.
Vitamin B6 plays an integral role in heart health, sleep and mood. Zinc is also depleted.
RISK: Insomnia, memory loss, irritability, heart disease, increased risk of cancer.
PROTECTION PLAN: Probiotics, 10 billion CFU to 40 billion CFU, one to three times a day on an empty stomach, four hours before or after antibiotics; zinc, 15mg to 25mg a day; vitamin B6, 50mg, once or twice a day.
DIABETES DRUGS
This reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver, limits the amount of sugar absorbed from diet and makes insulin receptors more sensitive.
But some types of medication — metformin (Glucophage), metformin and sitagliptin (Janumet), glipizide (Glibenese, Minodiab) — also reduce levels of haemoglobin, which can lead to low levels of vitamin B12, says one study. The drugs also appear to reduce levels of succinate dehydrogenase, and in turn, CoQ10.
RISK: Anaemia, muscle cramps, fatigue, memory loss, irregular heartbeat.
PROTECTION PLAN: CoQ10, 50mg to 200mg once or twice a day; Vitamin B12, 500 mcg to 1,000 mcg a day.
Adapted from Drug Muggers: Which Medications Are Robbing Your Body Of Essential Nutrients by Suzy Cohen (Rodale Books, available from amazon.com)

 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1395028/How-medicine-draining-vital-nutrients-body.html#ixzz1P4zbXAcr

One portion of fish and chips a week could increase your risk of heart attack by 50%

Eating fish and chips just once a week could increase your risk of heart failure by almost 50 per cent, a study has found.
Researchers in the U.S. found that white fish - including cod and sole - were among the least effective at reducing heart risks.
And frying the fish not only canceled out any beneficial effects, but could even reverse them.
The study analysed the diet of 84,493 women aged between 50 and 79 over eight years.
Those who ate five or more portions of baked or boiled fish a week were found to reduce their risk of heart attack by 30 per cent.
But those who consumed just a single portion of fried fish saw their risk of heart failure rising as much as 48 per cent.
Dark fish - including salmon and mackerel - was found to be the best for reducing heart disease dangers.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article

Natural remedies: Frog and toad skin extracts could help treat more than 70 diseases

Researchers from Queen's University in Belfast have accidentally stumbled upon a potential treatment for up to 70 diseases including cancer, diabetes and strokes.
They were doing research on the little-known Waxy Monkey Frog from South America when they discovered some unusual properties in its skin's secretions.
The Giant Fire-bellied Toad, native to China and Vietnam, was also found to have the potential to treat an array of diseases.
Professor Shaw, who led the research said: 'The aim of our work at Queen's is to unlock the potential of the natural world - in this case the secretions found on frog and toad skins - to alleviate human suffering.
'We are absolutely convinced that the natural world holds the solutions to many of our problems.
'We just need to pose the right questions to find them.'

The team of researchers were testing a range of proteins taken from secretions from frogs and toads.
They soon realised proteins in the secretions - which the frogs and toads use as protection from predators - also control the growth of blood vessels - a process known as angiogenesis.
Professor Shaw said: 'The proteins that we have discovered have the ability to either stimulate or inhibit the growth of blood vessels.

'By switching off angiogenesis and inhibiting blood vessel growth, a protein from the waxy monkey frog has the potential to kill cancer tumours.
'Most cancer tumours can only grow to a certain size before they need blood vessels to grow into the tumour to supply it with vital oxygen and nutrients.
'Stopping the blood vessels from growing will make the tumour less likely to spread and may eventually kill it.
Professor Shaw said the discovery could allow surgeons to remove tumours, and that the protein from the frog could be used to stop remaining cancer cells from growing further.
He said: 'It wouldn't cure the cancer but it would stop it from developing any further and allow the person to live a normal life.'
Secretions from the Giant Firebellied Toad have the opposite effect. They stimulate blood vessel growth.
The Professor said: 'This has the potential to treat conditions that require blood vessels to repair quickly, such as wound healing, organ transplants, diabetic ulcers and damage caused by strokes or heart conditions.' ;dailymail.co.uk