A Repost From NaturalNews

This Overlooked Trace Mineral Nutrient could Wipe Out the Diabetes Epidemic

Friday, November 05, 2010 by: Tony Isaacs, citizen journalist
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(NaturalNews) Our bodies are designed to utilize a very large number of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients; however, some nutrients can play such important roles in good health that they should perhaps be recognized as the "master nutrients". In the first of what will be a continuing series of articles, we will take a look at a vital, yet largely overlooked, mineral nutrient and how it could almost single handedly wipe out the growing epidemic of diabetes: GTF chromium.

A healthy diet and regular physical activity have been rightly identified as keys to preventing and controlling diabetes. However, what has not been recognized is that regular consumption of the correct form of chromium could, along with sensible eating and being modestly active, virtually eliminate diabetes. Thanks to our unhealthy SADS diet and mineral depleting soils, each decade is bringing us more chromium deficiency. The deficiency has now reached a crisis state, with 90 percent of us estimated to be deficient in chromium.

More than 50 years ago the trace element chromium was identified as an essential nutrient at the National Institutes of Health by Dr. Klaus Schwartz due to its role in blood sugar metabolism. A molecule named Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF) was found to be primarily composed of chromium. Dr. Walter Mertz, an assistant to Dr. Schwartz at the time, noted in 1959: "Type II diabetes is not a disease. It is the lack of a natural ingredient, known as GTF chromium."

More than 30 years ago, Columbia and Yale graduate and Dartmouth University medical school professor Dr. Henry Alfred Schroeder wrote that "the typical American diet, with about 60 percent of its calories from refined sugar, refined flour and fat . . . was apparently designed not only to provide as little chromium as feasible, but to cause depletion of body stores of chromium."

Chromium works together with insulin in providing sugar to the cells for energy. If chromium levels decrease there is a corresponding decrease in sugar delivery from insulin. Modern medical terms such as "insulin resistance" and "insulin sensitivity" should be more accurately replaced with "gross chromium deficiency".

As health historian Christopher C. Barr explained, insulin is a transport mechanism. It is like a truck that transports glucose to be unloaded at the cells insulin receptors. Chromium rich GTF molecules are like dock workers which assist in getting the sugar (glucose) to the insulin receptors. If there are less and less GTF "dock workers" then the work of providing sugar to the cells becomes unproductive. A traffic jam of insulin "trucks" in the blood stream results in higher and higher blood sugar levels as the problems of chromium deficiency increase over time.

Although we do see chromium supplement promoted for various health areas, we hear very little about GTF chromium. A major reason is likely because the vast majority of medical research is oriented towards finding new patented medicines. Another might be due to the US government owning a patent on a different, much less effective but more highly promoted, form of chromium - chromium picolinate.

The right form of chromium is whole foods grown GTF chromium, and the right daily amount is about 100 micrograms taken three times daily. If every American took 100 per cent whole food GTF chromium, ate reasonably healthily and got modest regular physical activity, it would virtually wipe out diabetes. In addition, at a time when the Obama administration is asking agencies to find $100 billion in health care savings, universal use of GTF chromium would save at least $100 billion annually from the $218 billion annual costs of treating diabetes.

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A Repost From NaturalNews

Watermelons lower blood pressure as good as statins and provide many other benefits

Thursday, November 04, 2010 by: Tony Isaacs, citizen journalist
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(NaturalNews) Elevated blood pressure (hypertension) is common for many of us from time to time and it has often been the practice of doctors to treat high blood pressure by prescribing dangerous statin drugs. Now, researchers have found that healthy watermelons can do just as good of a job without all the nasty side effects which have been linked to statin drugs.

In a study just published in the American Journal of Hypertension, food scientists at Florida State University found that consumption of six grams of L-citrulline extract from watermelon extract for six weeks normalized the blood pressure of all nine adults in the study who previously had elevated blood pressure.

"We are the first to document improved aortic hemodynamics in pre-hypertensive but otherwise healthy middle-aged men and women receiving therapeutic doses of watermelon," said Dr. Arturo Figueroa, lead researcher of the new study. "These findings suggest that this 'functional food' has a vasodilatory effect, and one that may prevent prehypertension from progressing to full-blown hypertension, a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes," added Figueroa

The large watermelon fruit is the richest edible source of the amino acid L-citrulline, which regulates healthy blood pressure. L-citrulline is converted to another amino acid, L-arginine, once in the body. However, taking L-arginine as a dietary supplement can cause nausea, gastrointestinal problems and diarrhea, especially among adults who already suffer from raised blood pressure.

"Individuals with increased blood pressure and arterial stiffness - especially those who are older and those with chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes - would benefit from L-citrulline in either the synthetic or natural (watermelon) form," Figueroa said.

Helping lower and control blood pressure is just one of many health benefits for the large summertime favorite. Watermelons have the highest water content of any fruit and, in addition to being a supreme thirst quencher, are excellent sources of several vitamins: vitamin A, an antioxidant which helps maintain eye health; vitamin C, which strengthens immunity, heals wounds, prevents cell damage, and promotes healthy teeth and gums; and vitamin B6, which helps brain function and helps convert protein to energy.

Tomatoes have been highly advertised as a great source for lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps fight heart disease and several types of cancer, especially prostate cancer. Watermelon, however, has the highest concentrations of lycopene of any fresh fruit or vegetable.

Watermelons also have plenty of thiamine, magnesium, and potassium which are all vital for optimal health. Thus if your children, or perhaps yourself, are reluctant to dig into spinach, other dark green leafy vegetables or lima beans on a regular basis, servings of watermelon would be a very healthy substitute - and would make a healthy addition at any rate.

Watermelons help muscle and nerve function and help maintain the body's proper electrolyte and acid-base balance. They also reduce the risk of colon cancer, asthma, heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Watermelons are also excellent for kidney health as it can both flush the kidneys and dissolve kidney stones. One of the most popular and effective natural remedies for kidney stones is a tea made from watermelon seeds, though often the juice alone in plentiful quantities will do the trick.

A good one way to cleanse both the colon and the kidneys is to go an entire day consuming nothing but watermelon. Besides flushing the kidneys it will also usually clean out the colon as well - so well, in fact, that a good piece of advice is to not stray too far from available toilet facilities from about mid-afternoon on when doing a watermelon flush.

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A Repost From NaturalNews

Daffodil compound fights brain cancer

Wednesday, November 03, 2010 by: Ethan A. Huff, staff writer

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(NaturalNews) Daffodils are a beautiful addition to any home garden, but new research shows they just might make an even better addition to the arsenal of natural cancer treatments. According to a new study published in the FASEB Journal, a compound in daffodils known as narciclasine is a powerful fighter against brain cancers.

Narciclasine is found in the bulbs of daffodils. And according to a report from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), ancient Greek physicians used to use narciclasine as a cancer treatment, cultivating a certain type of daffodil that contained high levels of the compound.

"Scientists have been digging in odd corners to find effective treatments for brain cancer for decades, and now they've found one in daffodils," explained Gerald Weissman, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of the FASEB Journal. "It doesn't mean that you should eat daisies or daffodils for what ails you, but that modern medicinal chemistry can pluck new chemicals from stuff that grows in the garden."

Dr. Robert Kiss and his colleagues from the Laboratory of Toxicology at the Institute of Pharmacy at the Universite Libre de Bruxelles in Brussels, Belgium, observed that when narciclasine was injected in the brains of mice with brain cancer, the compound visibly targeted the cancer cells and prevented them from multiplying and spreading. Narciclasine-treated mice ended up living a lot longer than untreated mice.

The team hopes the compound will soon be used to treat human brain cancers, including gliomas and metastases. Kiss explained that he and his team are planning to conduct a clinical trial on a derivative of narciclasine, which could make it ready for use within three to four years.

Though the study focuses on a chemical derivative of narciclasine, it is likely that the compound in its whole form provides the same therapeutic benefits.

Editor's Note: NaturalNews is strongly against the use of all forms of animal testing. We fully support the implementation of humane medical experimentation that promotes the health and well-being of all living creatures.

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A Repost From NaturalNews

Amino acids are latest in growing list of nutrients shown to extend life span Wednesday, November 03, 2010 by: S. L. Baker, features writer

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(NaturalNews) Researchers are zeroing in on specific nutrients and natural therapies that not only can prevent and heal disease but promote longevity. For example, as NaturalNews previously reported, a research team from Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc., and LifeGen Technologies found that Cordyceps sinensis (Cs-4), a traditional Chinese mushroom, is a powerful anti-aging food that could lengthen lifespan (http://www.naturalnews.com/030008_c...). And University at Buffalo endocrinologists recently documented for the first time that resveratrol, a phytochemical found in red grapes, grape juice and red wine, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in humans and may promote human longevity, too (http://www.naturalnews.com/029449_r...).

Now comes word from Italian scientists that they've discovered a mix of amino acids is a life extender in animals -- and may well be a longevity aid for humans, too. But perhaps the most interesting aspect of this study, which was just published in the October issue of the journal Cell Metabolism, is a statement made by lead researcher Enzo Nisoli of Milan University in Italy which suggests nutritional therapies are being taken very seriously in the world of scientific research. The new study showing the life extending power of amino acids, Nisoli stated, supports a "general philosophy of a nutritional approach to disease, aging, and problems of energy status."

The Italian research team gave middle-aged, male mice drinking water laced with an extra mix of amino acids -- leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), found in protein, are considered essential amino acids because human beings cannot survive unless these amino acids are present in the diet. Animals that were given the extra amino acids over a period of months had their normal life span increased by 12 percent -- from about 774 to 869 days.

What's more, the mice who received the extra amino acids were found to have an increase in mitochondria (cellular components known as the "power factories" inside cells) in cardiac and skeletal muscles. There was also increased activity of SIRT1, a well-known longevity gene, in the rodents who drank the leucine, isoleucine, and valine-laced water. The animals were better able to fend off free radicals, too, and so showed fewer signs of oxidative damage.

And the benefits didn't stop there. The amino acid supplemented mice also had better motor coordination and exercise endurance. Overall, the benefits of the amino acids were similar to those found in previous experiments using calorie restriction.

In a statement to the media, Nisoli pointed out that consuming amino acid supplements is different from consuming proteins containing those amino acids because the amino acids don't have to be digested; they enter the bloodstream immediately. So, he added, BCAA nutritional supplements may turn out to be especially helpful for people with heart failure, the muscle-wasting condition known as sarcopenia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or other conditions marked by energy defects.

Although there are already a few small studies in human that support that idea that BCAA supplements could help people with various chronic health problems, Nisoli stated that convincing doctors that amino acid supplements might benefit patients is a challenge. The reason? A large clinical trial involving humans is needed to provide more hard data -- but there's little incentive for companies to spend money on research for inexpensive dietary supplements as opposed to drugs, Nisoli said.

Reposted From NaturalNews

A Repost From NaturalNews

Olive oil halts growth of breast cancer tumors

Tuesday, November 02, 2010 by: David Gutierrez, staff writer

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(NaturalNews) Olive oil may help prevent and even fight breast cancer, according to a study conducted by researchers from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain, and published in the journal Carcinogenesis.

The researchers found that olive oil appeared to protect rat DNA from the damage that can lead to cancer. Furthermore, it seemed to deactivate key proteins required for the continued survival of breast cancer cells.

Because the benefits were only seen in rats who consumed olive oil over the long term, researcher Eduard Escrich recommends that everyone consume 50 milliliters (10 teaspoons) of high-quality, extra-virgin olive oil each day.

Previous studies have linked olive oil to a lowered risk of certain kinds of cancer. Olive oil is also a critical component of the Mediterranean diet, which is associated with a lower risk of not only cancer, but also heart disease and degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

In another study, conducted by researchers from Barcelona's Insitut Municial d'Investigacion Medica and published in the journal FASEB, olive oil was found to hamper the activity of genes associated with the hardening of arteries characteristic of heart disease.

"Knowing which genes can be modulated by diet in a healthy way can help people select healthy foods," researcher Maria Isabel Covas said.

"This study is ground-breaking because it shows that olive oil and a Mediterranean diet affect our bodies in a far more significant way than previously believed," said Gerald Weissmann, editor-in-chief of "FASEB."

The Mediterranean diet is high in fruit, vegetables, fish, whole grains, and fats from nuts and olive oil. It is low in red meat and dairy, and alcohol (especially red wine) is consumed in moderation. Researchers believe that the healthy fats and antioxidants found in these foods may play a crucial role in the diet's benefits.

Another classic Mediterranean ingredient, garlic, has been found to destroy breast cancer cells in the laboratory.

Reposted From NaturalNews

A Repost From NaturalNews

Magnesium slashes risk of sudden cardiac death and naturally lowers blood sugar

Monday, November 01, 2010 by: John Phillip, citizen journalist
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(NaturalNews) Magnesium is one of the most common elemental minerals in the human body, yet experts believe that more than 90% of adults are deficient, placing them at extreme risk of sudden death from a heart attack and of developing diabetes. Hundreds of biochemical functions that drive energy metabolism and DNA repair are fueled by magnesium. We rely on eating vegetables and other natural foods grown in magnesium rich soils as our source of this vital mineral. Most people don`t eat enough fresh vegetables to supply adequate magnesium while poor farming practices have depleted the mineral from most commercially grown crops. You can ensure that you receive magnesium though diet and supplementation to stave off heart disease and metabolic dysfunction.

Magnesium Deficiency Linked with Diabetes
Magnesium is used by hundreds of enzymes in our body to regulate blood sugar metabolism. The mineral is known to dampen the flames of inflammation that interferes with healthy blood sugar and that can lead to insulin resistance. The results of a study published in the journal Biologic Trace Elements Research shows that as magnesium levels in the blood increase, the risk of Type II diabetes declines in a corresponding fashion. By boosting levels of fat storage hormones such as adiponectin, magnesium plays a critical role in protecting metabolic function and lowering risk of diabetes.

Magnesium Protects Against Sudden Cardiac Death
Sudden cardiac death is a leading cause of heart-related deaths among those 40 and older. More than 250,000 people die each year from this preventable condition. Research that was part of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study demonstrates that those individuals with the highest magnesium in blood circulation had a 40% lower risk of dying from a heart attack as those with the lowest levels.

Magnesium is necessary to relax blood vessels and arteries while maintaining normal blood pressure. Further research has demonstrated the effect of magnesium on dangerous plaque formation. Low levels of magnesium are associated with the development of foamy plaque on the inner lining of the coronary arteries as well as thickening of the artery walls. High levels of magnesium were shown to decrease arterial wall thickness by 42%.

Magnesium from Diet or Supplements
The typical diet of refined foods does not supply sufficient amounts of magnesium to counteract disease. Manufacturers process out most of the nutrients necessary for health, and this diet is a poor choice to optimize health. Good sources of magnesium are nuts, seeds and beans in their natural state as well as organically grown vegetables and leafy greens. Most people will need to supplement to reach the daily intake of 400 mg. recommended by experts.

Magnesium levels are grossly deficient due to mineral depletion from soils and a diet of synthetically produced foods. It`s no coincidence that humans have evolved to be reliant on a natural mineral to prevent heart disease and metabolic dysfunction. Magnesium has been plentiful in our food for generations, and it must be consumed as part of a natural diet or through supplementation to ensure optimal health.

Reposted From NaturalNews