Scientists call resveratrol a 'miracle molecule'

A recent study presented at the National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS) has found that resveratrol, a nutrient compound found in grape skins, blueberries, and red wine, can improve motor coordination and help prevent falls among the elderly. And in presenting the findings, researchers dubbed resveratrol a "miracle molecule," presumably because of its many other known health benefits.

Conducted by Jane Cavanaugh, an assistant professor of pharmacology at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and her colleague, the study found that laboratory mice given resveratrol as part of their normal diet maintained better movement coordination as they aged compared to other mice. The resveratrol mice also experienced less degradation in their nerve tissues compared to other mice, which helped them effectively thwart many of the negative effects of aging.

Cavanaugh's assistant Erika Allen, a graduate student, fed both young and old mice a diet containing resveratrol for eight weeks. She also compared each mouse's ability, both before and after the resveratrol regimen, to cross a steel mesh balance beam, reportedly documenting and analyzing each stumble or misstep along the way.

By the fourth week, she and Cavanaugh began observing that older mice who had trouble crossing the balance beam at the start of the study were experiencing dramatic improvements as a result of taking resveratrol. These older mice, in fact, were already effectively able to keep up with the younger mice a mere halfway into the study, a remarkable observation.

Additionally, mice taking resveratrol experienced less neural cell death than other mice, indicating that resveratrol somehow blocks the cell death that is normally induced by the neurotransmitter dopamine as a result of stress. Taking resveratrol, in other words, has the potential to block stress-induced aging, as well as protect nerve cells from being damaged or killed.

"We believe that resveratrol is either removing the byproducts of dopamine metabolism, which are harmful to neural cells, or increasing resistance in the cells themselves," said Cavanaugh to Wine Spectator about her findings, noting that the dose of resveratrol needed in humans to potentially achieve similar results would be the equivalent of drinking roughly 700 glasses of red wine a day.

Resveratrol shown to treat, cure diabetes

In another amazing study recently published in the journal Nutrition Research, researchers out of India found that resveratrol also helps fight and even cure type-2 diabetes by normalizing hemoglobin levels in the blood. Compared to diabetics receiving only oral hypoglycemic drugs, diabetics taking 250 milligrams (mg) daily of a specific brand of resveratrol for three months experienced dramatically improved blood sugar levels.

These same trial patients reportedly experienced both lowered blood pressure levels and improved blood cholesterol levels as a result of taking resveratrol, which confirms what numerous other studies in years past have found concerning the nutrient's incredible ability to fight chronic inflammation; improve cognitive function; promote longevity; boost heart health; and target disease-causing free radicals, among other benefits.

"Oral supplementation of resveratrol is thus found to be effective in improving glycemic control and may possibly provide a potential adjuvant for the treatment and management of diabetes," wrote the authors of the Indian study in their review.

Most Recommended Resveratrol Products:

Country Life, Gluten Free, Resveratrol Plus, 120 Veggie Caps

Life Extension, Optimized Resveratrol with Synergistic Grape-Berry Actives, 250 mg, 60 Veggie Caps

Oregano is a healing herb and natural anti-biotic

Oregano is a wonderful, aromatic herb that is native to the Mediterranean. It is thought to have originated in the mountainous regions of Greece, Turkey and Italy. It was named by the Ancient Greeks "Mountain Joy." Oregano is one of the most powerful healing herbs and natural anti-biotics ever studied.

Oregano has a warming and aromatic flavor to it. It can be very hot and bitter at times when it is picked fresh. The bite usually wanes as it is dried. Oregano became a staple of Italian-American foods. American soldiers who were stationed in Europe during World War II brought oregano back as the "pizza herb." It was soon used in more popularity in pastas, grilled/roasted veggies, meat & fish. It is also popularly used in meat marinates and salad dressings.

Oregano Oil is an extraordinarily powerful natural anti-biotic. Oregano has been found in a recent study to be significantly better than all of the 18 currently used anti-biotics in the treatment of MRSA staph infections. The strong phenol anti-oxidants destroy pathogenic bacteria, viruses and yeasts.

Incredible anti-oxidant capacity

This super herb is very rich in anti-oxidant phytochemical flavonoids and phenolic acids. It is the third highest herb in oxygen radical absorbancy capacity (ORAC) with an impressive score of 200,129. Oregano is one of the world's greatest sources of the powerful phenol component thymol. Thymol is great for improving digestive function as well as destroying harmful microbes.

The USDA ranks oregano's antioxidant capacity anywhere from 3 to 20 times higher than any other herb. Oregano has four times the antioxidant power of blueberries, 12 times that of oranges and 42 times greater than apples.

Oregano oil has been classically used as a disinfectant, an aid for ear, nose, & throat/respiratory infections, candida, and any sort of bacterial or viral conditions. Additionally, it works to suppress inflammatory mediators and cancer cell production. Oregano oil is more potent than the dried herb; however, the dried version still contains many powerful health benefits.

Studies have shown that carvacrol, a phenol anti-oxidant within oregano has powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activity when applied to food or taken in supplement form. Oregano also contains rosmarinic acid which has very strong cancer fighting properties.

Use dried oregano on vegetables, meat dishes and salads. Oregano oil can be used as an aromatic essential oil and/or as a medicinal. Simply put a dash behind your ear and a dash on your neck. Strong oregano oil may burn a little but will wear down in a few seconds. One could also ingest oregano oil - 1-5 small drops in a glass of water as it is particularly strong.

Most Recommended Oregano Products:

North American Herb & Spice Co., Oreganol P73, .45 fl oz (13.5 ml)

Now Foods, Oregano Oil, 90 Softgels

Study Shows Red Yeast Rice and Fish Oil Reduce Cholesterol

A combination of fish oil, red yeast rice and lifestyle changes can produce as great a decrease in cholesterol levels as prescription drugs, according to a study conducted by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania Health System and published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

"These results are intriguing and show a potential benefit of an alternative, or naturopathic, approach to a common medical condition," researcher David Becker said.

Researchers gave 74 people with high cholesterol a daily dose of either 40 milligrams of simvastatin (a generic cholesterol drug also marketed as Zocor) or a combination of fish oil, red yeast rice and a number of cardiovascular positive lifestyle changes. The fish oil contained 2,106 milligrams of EPA and 1,680 milligrams of DHA, while the red yeast rice contained 5.3 milligrams of monacolin, including 2.53 milligrams of monacolin K.

Monacolin K, also known as lovastatin, is the naturally occurring fungal compound from which the statin drugs were first derived.

After 12 weeks, levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol decreased significantly in both groups. There was no significant difference between the groups, indicating that the yeast and fish oil combination was just as effective as the pharmaceutical drugs. In addition, the fish oil and red yeast rice decreased triglyceride levels by 29 percent, while the statins did not lead to any significant decrease.

"Lifestyle changes combined with ingestion of red yeast rice and fish oil reduced LDL-C in proportions similar to standard therapy with simvastatin," the researchers wrote. "Pending confirmation in larger trials, this multifactorial, alternative approach to lipid lowering has promise for a subset of patients unwilling or unable to take statins."

The researchers noted that due to the small size and short duration of the current study, it was not possible to determine if red yeast rice and fish oil can actually decrease rates of illness and death, "which is clearly the most important outcome." They called for larger, long-term studies to make sure.

Sources for this story include: foodnavigator-usa.com.

Most Recommended Products:

Healthy Origins, HPF, Cholestene, 120 Capsules

Nordic Naturals, Ultimate Omega, Lemon, 1000 mg, 120 Soft Gels

Lutein boosts eye health, preventing cataracts and macular degeneration

Fruits and vegetables have yet another disease-fighting weapon to offer you: Lutein. Studies show this carotenoid prevents and, to some extent, reverses vision loss, immune system problems, cancer and cardiovascular disease. With that in mind, load up your plate with foods high in lutein -- carrots, corn, kale, spinach, Swiss chard, collard, mustard greens, red peppers, dill, parsley, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes and red, blue and purple fruits -- and read all about what this amazing plant nutrient will do for your body.

Is your vision blurry? I know mine is after sitting in front of the computer for a while. In that case, you and I need to eat more lutein-rich foods, according to Drs. Michael R. and Marc R. Rose. In their book, Save Your Sight, they write, "A few weeks after consuming more lutein-rich foods or lutein supplements, some normal-sighted people report less glare, improved color vision and sharper vision." Theory suggests that lutein and its companion carotenoid zeaxanthin may save our sight by acting "as a shield or filter that helps to absorb harmful UVB light and dangerous free-radical molecules, both of which threaten the retinal tissue," according to Life Extension Foundation's Disease Prevention and Treatment.

Though everyone's sight could benefit from a diet high in lutein, it can literally save the sight of those who have family histories of macular degeneration and other vision loss problems. If someone in your family has experienced loss of sight in old age, then your high-lutein diet should start long before you reach middle age. In a Harvard University-based study, women with diets high in lutein and zeaxanthin experienced a 22 percent reduced risk of cataracts, while men reduced their risk by 19 percent, according to Reader's Digest's Fight Back with Food.

Based on a study described by Laurie Deutsch Mozian in her book, Foods that Fight Disease, a dietary intake of only six milligrams of lutein per day decreases your chances of developing age-related macular degeneration by 43 percent. For that reason, in Bill Gottlieb's Alternative Cures, Dr. Mark Grossman of the Integral Health Center in Rye and New Paltz, New York, advises, "Everyone over the age of 50 should be taking lutein supplements." However, if you are already experiencing macular degeneration or other vision problems, a high-lutein diet can still help you save your sight by increasing the density of your macular pigment. "Macular degeneration may be stabilized or reversed with nutritional intervention," says Dr. Grossman. He later goes on to say, "By far, it's (lutein) the number one nutritional treatment for the disease."

Not only will lutein save your sight, it may also boost your immune system and, accordingly, prevent cancer. "Healthy people seeking to boost overall immune function should consider consuming 5,000 IU of beta-carotene daily, along with other carotenoids, such as lycopene and lutein," writes the Life Extension Foundation. By boosting your immunity, lutein decreases your chances of getting cancer, since development of cancer as a disease is associated with immune system impairment. I know you've probably heard this a million times, but just in case you haven't, I'll say it again: We all have cancer cells. Cancer cells develop in our bodies all the time, but our immune systems normally remove the malignant cells before they can develop into the symptoms we call cancer. In addition to boosting your immune system, lutein may also fight cancer by both protecting your cells from free radical damage and increasing cell-to-cell communication, thus preventing them from turning malignant.

However lutein prevents cancer, we know it works. According to Professor Ralph Moss' book, Antioxidants against Cancer, more than 250 scientific papers demonstrate lutein's potential as an anti-cancer agent. In a study described in Mark Stengler's Natural Physician's Healing Therapies, people with high-lutein diets at any age decreased their chances of developing colon cancer by 17 percent; furthermore, young people with high-lutein diets decreased their chances by 34 percent. Studies show that a diet high in lutein will also decrease your chances of other cancers, including cancers of the lung and breast. According to a study reported in Disease Prevention and Treatment, women who have low levels of lutein have a 2.08-fold increased risk of breast cancer, so not eating enough lutein-rich foods can actually harm you.

In this age of fast food and junk food, cardiovascular disease is more prevalent than ever. Instead of eating french fries as our vegetables, we should be eating more lutein-rich foods. The Life Extension Foundation reports the results in one study, in which participants with the highest blood levels of lutein showed virtually no arterial wall thickening. "This was a good sign that the bad LDL cholesterol had not oxidized inside them and formed the dangerous plaque that can lead to heart attacks," the editors of FC&A Medical Publishing conclude from the results of the same study. High-lutein diets can even decrease smokers' odds of developing cardiovascular disease, according to a study Selena Yeager describes in her book, New Foods For Healing. In this study of 1,900 men, smokers with high lutein levels in their blood experienced 25 percent fewer heart attacks than those with low lutein levels.

It's easy to add more lutein to your diet because it's found in so many foods. Just refer back to the list you read above. Moreover, "lutein is five times more readily available from vegetables than beta-carotene," writes Professor Moss. Just adding a few more fruits and vegetables to your plate each day may save your sight, boost your immune system, prevent you from developing cancer and reduce your chances of having a heart attack. It's so easy to be so healthy.

The experts speak on lutein and its health benefits:

Other useful nutrients for ensuring vision health are the carotenoids lutein, lycopene, and zeaxanthin. Food sources of lutein: kale, collard and mustard greens, spinach, Swiss chard, red peppers, parsley, romaine lettuce, dill, celery, carrots, corn, tomatoes, potatoes, and red, blue, and purple fruits...
Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 946

… Even though cooking any food reduces the amount of lutein … will absorb more of that protective substance if you add a little bit of fat when cooking. … use olive oil instead of animal fats.
Eat and Heal by the Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing, page 229
Lutein and vision-health benefits

A few weeks after consuming more lutein-rich foods or lutein supplements, some normal-sighted people report less glare, improved color vision, and sharper vision.
Save Your Sight by Marc R Rose MD and Michael R Rose MD, page 73

A study conducted by researchers at Harvard University showed that women with the highest intake of dietary lutein (and its companion carotenoid, zeaxanthin) had a 22% reduced risk for cataracts, while men reduced their risk by 19%.
Fight Back With Food by Readers Digest, page 73

… The study showed that a daily intake of 6 milligrams of lutein was associated with a 43-percent lower incidence of age-related macular degeneration.
Foods That Fight Disease by Laurie Deutsch Mozian MS RD, page 122

"Everyone over the age of 50 should be taking lutein supplements," Dr. Grossman says. That's because many scientific studies have shown that regular intake of the nutrient, which is a pigment found in leafy green vegetables such as kale, collard greens, and spinach, can prevent macular degeneration, he says.
Alternative Cures by Bill Gottlieb, page 428

… "Macular degeneration may be stabilized or reversed with nutritional intervention," says Marc Grossman, O.D., an optometrist, licensed acupuncturist, and codirector of the Integral Health Center in Rye and New Paltz, New York. And the single most important nutrient to prevent or treat it is lutein.
Alternative Cures by Bill Gottlieb, page 428

Besides preventing the condition, lutein may be able to stop or even reverse existing macular degeneration by increasing the density of the macula pigment. "By far, it's the number one nutritional treatment for the disease," Dr. Grossman says.
Alternative Cures by Bill Gottlieb, page 428

lutein … WithZeaxanthin forms eye macular pigment in the retina cavity, protects against Aging Macular Degeneration of the eye (AMD), the main cause of blindness after age 40 (usewithBilberry).
Anti-Aging Manual by Joseph B Marion, page 50

… lutein … zeaxanthin … Together, these two carotenoids help protect various delicate tissues from free radical damage. lutein even beats beta-carotene at protecting fats inside eye cells from such damage.
Antioxidants Against Cancer by Ralph Moss PhD, page 36

… The fact that lutein and zeaxanthin are particularly concentrated in these parts of the eye suggests that they may act as a shield or filter that helps to absorb harmful UVB light and dangerous free-radical molecules, both of which threaten the retinal tissue …
Disease Prevention And Treatment by Life Extension Foundation, page 1368
Lutein and immune system function in general

… Healthy people seeking to boost overall immune function should consider consuming 5000 IU of beta-carotene daily, along with other carotenoids, such as lycopene and lutein.
Disease Prevention And Treatment by Life Extension Foundation, page 901

… When plasma levels were measured for all antioxidant micronutrients in persons with HIV and in controls, it was observed that these patients showed a significant depletion of all carotenoids (lutein, lycopene, alpha-carotene, etc.) and vitamin C. …
Disease Prevention And Treatment by Life Extension Foundation, page 901
Lutein as an anti-cancer agent

… A family of nutrients called lutein and zeaxanthin…. They're antioxidants, which means that they have the ability to neutralize harmful free radicals. In this way, antioxidants safeguard the maculae against free-radical damage.
Blended Medicine by Michael Castleman, page 19

… lutein in spinach prevents normal cells from converting to abnormal cells by improving cell-to-cell communication. …
The Origin Diet by Elizabeth Somer, page 71

"Lutein and lycopene possess exceptionally high antioxidant capacity compared to other carotenoids and may be useful in preventing cancer," said Dr. Fred Khachik, a chemist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. lutein promotes healthy immunity and decreases the growth of cancer. There are already over 250 scientific papers referring to lutein's potential as an anticancer agent. And lutein is five times more readily available from vegetables than beta-carotene.
Antioxidants Against Cancer by Ralph Moss PhD, page 36

A recent study showed that high-lutein diets were associated with a 17 percent decrease in colon cancer risk, and young people with a diet high in lutein had a 34 percent lower risk of colon cancer.
Natural Physicians Healing Therapies by Mark Stengler ND, page 91

… Eating a lutein-rich diet cut colon cancer risk by 17%. …Theory: lutein protects colon cells from damage caused by highly reactive compounds called free radicals. Good sources of lutein include tomatoes, carrots, oranges, broccoli, kale, Romaine lettuce and spinach.
Bottom Line Yearbook 2002 by Bottom Line Personnel, page 305

At Japan's National Cancer Center Research Institute in Tokyo, scientists showed that lutein protects against the formation of colon cancer, as measured by the number of pre-cancers per mouse. (203,308)
Antioxidants Against Cancer by Ralph Moss PhD, page 36

…Selenium, lycopene, lutein, and glutathione have been associated with a reduced risk of lung cancer. …
Prescription For Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A Balch CNC and James F Balch MD, page 258

… The risk of breast cancer associated with low levels of other carotenoids was similar, that is, a 2.08-fold increased risk if lutein is deficient … Analysis showed that lycopene was associated with decreased breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women, but in premenopausal women, lutein offered greater protection (Hulten et al. 2001).
Disease Prevention And Treatment by Life Extension Foundation, page 220

Lutein has many beneficial effects in experimental animals. It increases the time until the tumor appears, suppresses the growth of breast tumors, and also enhances the growth of normal white blood cells. (340) What was particularly exciting was that very low amounts of lutein, comprising no more than two-thousands of the overall diet by weight, "can efficiently decrease mammary [breast] tumor development and growth in mice." (341)
Antioxidants Against Cancer by Ralph Moss PhD, page 36
Lutein and cardiovascular health

For example, individuals participating in the Toulouse study who had higher blood levels of lutein also had a lower incidence of coronary artery disease … Participants with the highest blood levels of lutein showed virtually no artery wall thickening, while those with the lowest lutein levels showed increased arterial thickness. In addition, lutein reduces the oxidation of LDL cholesterol…
Disease Prevention And Treatment by Life Extension Foundation, page 466

The study followed 480 middle-aged men and women for 18 months. During that time, those who had the most lutein in their bloodstream had almost no increase in the thickness of their carotid (neck) arteries. This was a good sign that the bad LDL cholesterol had not oxidized inside them and formed the dangerous plaque that can lead to heart attacks. Results of two other parts of the study, one done in the lab with human tissue and the other with mice, supported the findings of the first.
The Folk Remedy Encyclopedia by the Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing, page 184

In a study of almost 1,900 men, Dr. Morris and his colleagues found that men who had the most carotenoids in their blood—not just beta-carotene but also such things as lutein and zeaxanthin—had 72 percent fewer heart attacks than those with the lowest levels. Even smokers, …who got the most of these protective compounds had 25 percent fewer heart attacks than those who got the least.
New Foods For Healing by Selene Yeager, page 517

Dr. James Dwyer, who led this research, recommends eating plenty of lutein-rich foods to keep your arteries clear. "A diet rich in vegetables, including the dark green leafy variety," he says, "will provide sufficient lutein to achieve the levels of persons in our study."
The Folk Remedy Encyclopedia by the Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing, page 184

Lutein may also offer protection against lung infections and osteoarthritis

… Thirdly, certain plant alcohols in the leaves (notably xanthophyll or lutein) disinfect the lungs, making it much harder for the bacilli to remain there.
Heinerman's Encyclopedia of Healing Juices by John Heinerman, page 117

Other antioxidants — beta cryptoxanthine, lutein, and lycopene — appeared to lower the chances of getting OA of the knee by 30 to 40 percent, Jordan says. These phytochemicals, which are common in orange and green vegetables and tomatoes, put you ahead of the game when it comes to arthritis protection.
The Folk Remedy Encyclopedia by the Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing, page 256

Most Recommeded Lutein Products:

Jarrow Formulas, Lutein, 20 mg, 60 Softgels

Doctor's Best, Best Free Lutein, 20 mg, 60 Softgels

Digestive enzymes enhance nutrient absorption, gut health and longevity

A survey of holistic practitioners by Ed McCabe, author of Flood Your Body with Oxygen, for the order of nutrients' importance consensus was: Oxygen, water, enzymes, minerals, and vitamins.

Jon Barron, author of Lessons from the Miracle Doctors, presented the essence of the late Dr. Edward Howell's message: "A person's life span is directly related to the exhaustion of their enzyme potential. The use of food enzymes decreases that rate of exhaustion, and thus results in a longer, healthier, and more vital life."

That's a clear and important concept. But it's not widely appreciated. Enzymes are energized, active protein compounds that are involved with every aspect of digestion and all cellular metabolism throughout our bodies. Without enzymes, food, minerals, and vitamins are useless.

In fact, every activity in our body from creating cellular energy to building bone and muscle to hormonal production and distribution, and even thinking are governed by enzymes.

How enzyme potential is exhausted

There are three basic types of enzymes: Metabolic, digestive, and food. Metabolic enzymes patrol the blood stream to perform all the processes of cellular metabolism needed for life. Some come in with raw food, while most are created in the pancreas.

Organic raw foods contain the enzymes necessary for their digestion. The more raw foods eaten, the less one overworks the pancreas, which produces enzymes that are injected into the small intestines to extract food nutrients.

Before that, chewing releases enzymes in our saliva that begin the digestive process. If our food is not cooked and its enzymes are intact, this process of pre-digestion accounts for more than half of breaking down consumed food into absorbable nutrients.

That process is interrupted when the acid digestive juices of our stomach are initiated, usually in around an hour, but picked up again in the small intestines where the pancreas comes into action.

The pancreas gets overworked if not enough enzymes come in with our food. Many enzymes are eliminated from cooking and processing foods. Not chewing food well minimizes saliva enzymatic production.

This forces the body to depend more on pancreatic proteolytic enzymes for digestion. The pancreas' proteolytic enzymes are needed to break down waste products and inflammatory scar tissue from immune system activities in our bloodstream.

This increases the burden on the pancreas and depletes or inflames the pancreas, resulting in lower protease or proteolytic enzymes, triggering a cascade of disease and aging symptoms. This is what is meant by exhausting our enzyme potential.

How to recover maximum enzyme potential

Chew food more than usual. Increase your consumption of raw, unprocessed foods. Try to enjoy your meals without stressing.

Even if you eat organically produced meats, the complete proteins of cooked meat are harder to break down, forcing the pancreas to work harder producing proteolytic enzymes.

Supplement enzymes with each meal. Enzyme supplements should contain papain for breaking down complete proteins, amylase for starches and carbohydrates, lipase for fats, lactase for dairy, and cellulose for fibers.

But there are enzyme supplements that should be taken away from meals to go directly into the bloodstream and eat up normally resistive waste products, scar tissue, and even cancer cells. Bromelain and serrapeptase are two such easily purchased proteolytic enzymes.

Texas dentist William Donald Kelley cured his terminal pancreatic cancer with powerful, hybrid pancreatic juice protease, and then he proceeded to cure several other cancer patients before running into problems with the Medical Mafia.

Now MD Nicholas Gonzalez in NYC courageously continues refining Dr. Kelley's pancreatic juice breakthrough. Karen DeFelice, author of three books on enzyme therapy, helped her autistic son with enzymes. She offers a pdf report (below) on treating neurological issues with enzymes.

Sources for this article include:

Karen DeFelice pdf Report http://www.enzymedica.co

http://www.jonbarron.org

http://www.yourbodycanheal.com/enzymes.html

Most Recommended Enzyme Products:

Enzymedica, Digest, Complete Enzyme Formula, 180 Capsules

Natural Factors, Multi Enzyme High Potency, Vegetarian Formula, 120 Capsules