tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-245105492024-03-07T14:47:13.592-08:00Foods That HealNatural Options of HealingFood That Healhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766756797708624868noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24510549.post-24460662567590868562007-02-11T10:56:00.000-08:002007-04-29T21:36:23.454-07:00Want to lose weight? Eat what our ancestors ate<p align="justify">Ever wondering what will happen to our health if we turned away refrigerator-foods, and only eat diet our ape-like ancestors once ate, in the hunter-gatherer style ?<br />BBC has an interesting <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/6248975.stm">article</a> about how 9 volunteers ate an ape-like diet for a couple weeks.</p><p align="justify">"<em>They set up home in a tented enclosure at Paignton Zoo, Devon, next to the ape house, in an experiment filmed for TV. The idea, says Jill Fullerton-Smith, who helped organise the trial, was that modern diets, often dominated by processed foods and saturated fats, cause costly health problems</em>". </p><p align="justify">They ate what is described as "<em>a three-day rotating menu of fruit, vegetables, nuts and honey</em>" and you've probably already guessed the results. They were just fine. In fact, they were better than fine. Here's how it breaks down: </p><p align="justify">"<em>Overall, the cholesterol levels dropped <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">23%</span></strong>, an amount usually achieved only through anti-cholesterol drugs statins. The group's average blood pressure fell from a level of 140/83 - almost hypertensive - to <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">122/76</span></strong>. Though it was not intended to be a weight loss diet, they dropped 4.4kg (<strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">9.7lbs</span></strong>), on average. At the same time, they increased the soluble fibre which binds cholesterol in the gut, so that it is expelled, and increased the intake of plant sterols - which help to lower cholesterol</em>". </p><p align="justify">And, some of the participants were so full from the abundant vegetables in their diet that they weren't able to finish their daily allotments. No matter, they reportedly had excellent energy levels and were in a good mood. </p>Food That Healhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766756797708624868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24510549.post-1168753555393130982007-01-13T20:37:00.000-08:002007-04-29T21:36:04.954-07:00Foods to help you fight high cholesterol<div align="justify"><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_Ls3hrPD7Qyw/Ra0mH-F5vwI/AAAAAAAAAAM/X9pUqmS8Lio/s1600-h/Food_Heal1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_Ls3hrPD7Qyw/Ra0mH-F5vwI/AAAAAAAAAAM/X9pUqmS8Lio/s400/Food_Heal1.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="justify">To reduce cholesterol level, most people either eat foods with zero/low contents of cholesterol, or taking drugs (such as statin drug). But there are natural options out there as I blogged before (<a href="http://foodheal.blogspot.com/2006/07/eating-to-lower-cholesterol-1-viscous.html">part1</a>, <a href="http://foodheal.blogspot.com/2006/07/eating-to-lower-cholesterol-2-plant.html">part2</a>, <a href="http://foodheal.blogspot.com/2006/07/eating-to-lower-cholesterol-3-nuts.html">part3</a>). Yesterday one of my friend pointed me to an <a href="http://www.fightcholesterol.org/nutrition/10-top-foods-to-help-you-fight-high-cholesterol.html">article</a> which summarized 10 top foods which can help fighting high cholesterol. Below are those 10 foods: </div><div align="justify"><em>1. Shitake Mushrooms; </em><em>2. Walnuts; </em><em>3. Uncooked Soy; </em><em>4. Blueberries; </em><em>5. Salmon; </em><em>6. Garlic; </em><em>7. Avocado; </em><em>8. Black Beans; </em><em>9. Apples; </em><em>10. Dark Green, Leafy Vegetables </em></div><div align="justify">On this article, the comment made on the No.1 food (Shitake Mushrooms) is "... <em>has been found to lower cholesterol levels in animal studies</em>". I like to see some human studies before I get too excited about Shitake Mushrooms. All other foods are consistent with what I have known.</div>Food That Healhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766756797708624868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24510549.post-1167587566342712832007-01-12T09:51:00.000-08:002007-04-29T21:35:47.276-07:00Ginger root, home-grown remedie for cold<div align="justify">In this cold season, friends, family, and co-workers will likely offer their tried-and-true remedies for warding off an impending cold. But how many of these home-grown remedies actually work? Last month, my boss at work recommend Echinacea when I got a cold. This herb has a long history of being used to fight colds and flu. <a href="http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/alt/echinacea.htm">Some studies </a>have found that Echinacea lessened the duration of symptoms when taken at the first sign of a cold. The home-grown remedie I have been using for many years is Ginger root soup (add a lot of honey). My mother used it on me when I was a kid, and I think it works for me quite well, especially if used in the early stage of cold/flu. </div>Food That Healhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766756797708624868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24510549.post-1165098484469944842006-12-02T13:44:00.000-08:002007-04-29T21:35:28.175-07:00Five anti-aging foods for holidays<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/803/2542/1024/949950/foodthatheal19.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: all; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/803/2542/400/258612/foodthatheal19.jpg" border="0" /></a>During this holiday season, you may should give following foods a high priority on your eating (or recipe) list: <div align="justify"><strong>Sunflower Seeds<br /></strong>These salty wonders have the highest natural vitamin E content of any food around. Everyone wants looking younger, and Vitamin E is one of the most important nutrients at fighting the aging effects of free radicals.</div><div align="justify"><strong>Spinach and Beans<br /></strong>Researchers in Australia, Indonesia and Sweden studied the diets of 400 elderly men and women, and found that those who ate the most leafy green vegetables and beans had the fewest wrinkles. The reason? Spinach and beans are full of compounds that help prevent and repair wear and tear on your skin cells as you get older.<br /><strong>Grape Juice<br /></strong>We all know drinking wine are good for youyr heart; by the same mechanism, grape juice can protect you from heart attack, stroke, as well as keep your middle-aged skin from sagging. Grapes are filled with antioxidant polyphenols that help to keep your skin flexible and elastic.</div><div align="justify"><strong>Sweet Potatoes</strong><br />Overexposure to the sun is one of the primary reasons men age prematurely. But sweet potatoes may help to fight sun damage. European researchers recently found that pigments from beta-carotene-rich foods - like sweet potatoes and carrots - can build up in your skin, helping to prevent damage from ultraviolet rays.<br /><strong>Cheese</strong></div><div align="justify">Cheese is prbably one of the best foods you can eat for your teeth. It's a good source of calcium to keep your teeth strong. Plus, eating cheese can lower the levels of bacteria in your mouth and keep your teeth clean and cavity-free.</div>Food That Healhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766756797708624868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24510549.post-1164000195514185312006-11-19T20:44:00.000-08:002007-04-29T21:34:43.318-07:00Enriched cocoa snack bars cut cholesterol<div align="justify"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/803/2542/1024/foodthatheal17.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: all; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/803/2542/400/foodthatheal17.jpg" border="0" /></a><em>CocoaVia Crunch</em> is a chocolate-based "<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/06/AR2005070602007.html">heart-healthy" snack line </a>marketed by Masterfoods USA since Oct. 2005. This kind of snack bar is enriched with plant-derived compounds called phytosterols<strong>.</strong> Phytosterols are plant-derived compounds that are structurally similar to the cholesterol found in mammals. Foods (such as margarine spreads) containing phytosterols have been shown to help cut cholesterol. </div><div align="justify">A latest study has concluded that eating <em>CocoaVia Crunch</em> snack bar can reduce people's bad cholesterol by <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><strong><a href="http://www.adajournal.org/article/PIIS0002822306018360/abstract">6%</a></strong></span>. </div><div align="justify">Considering CocoaVia's great chocolate taste (it comes from the makers of DOVE brand), it's richness in naturally occurring flavanols (which improve blood flow - similar to grape juice, red wine and green tea), I don't think I will eat chocolate bar of any other kind.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div>Food That Healhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766756797708624868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24510549.post-1154165402082118232006-11-10T18:27:00.000-08:002007-04-29T21:39:03.446-07:00Light Drinking Cuts Risk for Death, Heart Attack<div align="justify"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/803/2542/1024/Foodthatheal2.0.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: all; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/803/2542/400/Foodthatheal2.0.jpg" border="0" /></a>It has been know for years that moderate drinking are good for heart. Here is another study adds to the growing evidence that a drink each day helps <a href="http://health.msn.com/centers/cardio/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100141328&GT1=8452">lower heart risks and extend life span</a>. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">The study follows adults in their 70s found that those who regularly had one to seven drinks per week were <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>30%</strong></span> less likely to develop heart disease over six years. They were also less likely to die of any cause.<br />The findings add to evidence that modest alcohol intake benefits the cardiovascular system. However, the researchers found no evidence that the anti-inflammatory effects of alcohol deserved the credit, as some experts have suspected.<br />Whatever the reason, this study confirms a protective effect of light alcohol drinking.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Still, researches are quick point out that heavy drinking is a health hazard, and even moderate drinking does not have the same benefits for everyone. In their study, light drinking showed the strongest benefits in men with high levels of a protein called interleukin-6, which is associated with an elevated heart disease risk. There was also no clear benefit among women.</div>Food That Healhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766756797708624868noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24510549.post-1159678493063370092006-11-02T21:54:00.000-08:002007-04-29T21:32:26.984-07:00Juice consumption reduced risk of Alzheimer's<div align="justify">Here is a story made my day - according to recent <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16945610&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;am">study</a> conducted by Dr. Qi Dai, assistant professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease was dramatically reduced for older people who drank fruit or vegetable juices regularly.<br />The incidence of Alzheimer's was <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>76%</strong></span> lower for those who drank juice three or more times a week than for those who drank juice less than once a week. It was 16% lower for those drinking juice once or twice a week, according to the report.<br />It's not the general kind of antioxidants in fruit juices that produce the benefit, according this study. Rather, researcher attributed the effect to polyphenols, a particularly strong antioxidant. Polyphenols are typically found in the outer sections of fruits and vegetables, only in the peel or skin. When you process the whole fruit, they go into the juice. </div><div align="justify">Studies of the biochemistry of Alzheimer's disease have focused on deposits of beta-amyloid proteins that form in the brain and the potential for antioxidants in the diet to prevent those deposits. Since studies looking at antioxidants such as beta-carotene have been disappointing, so Dr. Qi Dai and the research team turned their attention to polyphenols in fruit juice.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Next time when you drink O.J or apple cider, say Cheers !</div>Food That Healhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766756797708624868noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24510549.post-1148262995072791522006-10-25T18:40:00.000-07:002007-04-29T21:34:21.967-07:00The miracle of green Tea<div align="justify"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/803/2542/640/foodthatheal10.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: all; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/803/2542/320/foodthatheal10.jpg" border="0" /></a>I am a firm believer of the Ancient Chinese Proverb: "Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one." From the ancient times (4,000 years ago), the Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea that treat everything from headaches to depression. Modern scientific research have demonstrated that the drink has been effective against many kind of diseases, including cancer and cardiac conditions. </div><div align="justify">Vast amount of literatures exist on the health benefits of green tea. Listed below are few I rememebered (but sorry I can't find original links).</div><div align="justify">1) in 1994, the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published an article indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly 60%.</div><div align="justify">2) University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. </div><div align="justify">3) there is also research indicating that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol.<br />What makes green tea so special? The secret of green tea lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. The latter takes on added importance when you consider that thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke.<br />In addition, the great news also hold for dieters. In November, 1999, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study at the University of Geneva in Switzerland. Researchers found that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo. Green tea can even help prevent tooth decay. Just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can help prevent food poisoning, it can also kill the bacteria that causes dental plaque. Meanwhile, skin preparations containing green tea - from deodorants to creams - are starting to appear on the market.</div>Food That Healhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766756797708624868noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24510549.post-1147927152436502932006-10-17T21:38:00.000-07:002007-04-29T21:32:03.708-07:00Coffee as medicine<div align="justify">I found an excellent <a href="http://www.webmd.com/content/Article/80/96454.htm?pagenumber=1">summary</a> about the coffee being far more healthful than being harmful. Allow me to write down some excerts from this article. On the side effects of coffee drinking, the author notes:<br />"It's clear that coffee isn't for everyone. Its legendary jolt in excess doses -- that is, more than whatever your individual body can tolerate -- can increase nervousness, hand trembling, and cause rapid heartbeat. Coffee may also raise cholesterol levels in some people and may contribute to artery clogging".<br />"pregnant women, heart patients, and those at risk for osteoporosis may still be advised to limit or avoid coffee".<br />Like many people, I don't drink coffee in the evening - it can cost me a good night sleep. On the health benefits of coffee drinking, the author writes:<br />"Could lower your risk of diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and colon cancer".<br />"People who smoke and are heavy drinkers have less heart disease and liver damage when they regularly consume large amounts of coffee compared to those who don't".<br />"There's also some evidence that coffee may help manage asthma and even control attacks when medication is unavailable, stop a headache, boost mood, and even prevent cavities".<br />On the effect coffee on children -<br />"In fact, no studies show that coffee in reasonable amounts is in any way harmful to children."<br />Overall, the author writes that coffee -<br />"show no significant adverse affects on most healthy people". "For most people, very little bad comes from drinking it, but a lot of good".<br />Coffee is one of the great blessings of humanity. I raise my coffee cup to all you readers and wish you a long, health life.</div>Food That Healhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766756797708624868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24510549.post-1160939978848035722006-10-15T12:18:00.000-07:002007-04-29T21:31:29.741-07:00Why Green Tea Helps to Lose WeightRecent studies show that green tea can help greatly in the process of losing weight. It does it by increasing the body's metabolism. If consumed regularly, it can help you burn as much as eighty calories extra. In a year, that’s about 8 pounds; you lose that much just by drinking, even without diet and exercise.To further enlighten you as to how green tea works, read on below:<br />Green tea slows down the absorption of fats and regulates glucose. The same substance, cathechin polyphenol, restrains the transition of glucose into fats. By doing that, experts believe that green tea is an effective glucose regulator. It effectively prevents insulin spikes and slows the rise of blood sugar after every meal. Insulin, as specialists agreed upon, promotes the storage of fats as it deals with the body’s blood sugar.<br />Green tea has the ability to reduce appetite. Because green teas have regulating effects on the blood sugar, people who drink it are observed to eat food as much as 60 percent lesser than usual. This particular hypothesis was proven when green tea was injected into laboratory rats for experimentation. Researchers believe that it has the same effects on humans.<br />Green tea is a good alternative to coffee. If you drink tea instead of coffee in the morning or throughout the day, your body gets fewer calories in the long run. The sugar and the cream included in your daily cappuccinos add inches and bulges to the waistline. But with green tea, instead of accumulating fats, you are actually reducing its build up.<br />Green tea affects the bodily systems positively. A parallel research about green tea brings forward its overall effects in the body. The systems benefiting from it include cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory, nervous, urogenital, immune, lymphatic, and musculoskelatal systems. With this, green tea shows to have a very broad effect on the body. Only a few types of food can boast of this characteristic.Food That Healhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766756797708624868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24510549.post-1145418845559969872006-10-10T04:57:00.000-07:002007-04-29T21:30:30.113-07:00Sage help with Alzheimer's disease<div align="justify"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/803/2542/640/foodthatheal14.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: all; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/803/2542/320/foodthatheal14.jpg" border="0" /></a>No herb garden would be complete without sage. As a herb, sage do well outdoors in milder climates, and considered by many as one of the culinary basics. Sage has received many scientific scrutiny over the years: it improved both mood and cognitive functioning in a 2005 study, reported researchers in <a href="http://www.nature.com/npp/index.html">Neuropsychopharmacology</a>. </div><div align="justify">Patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease who were given sage extract scored significantly better on cognitive tests than a comparison group given a placebo, according to a study published in 2003 in the <a href="http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/journal.asp?ref=0269-4727&site=1">Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics</a>.</div>Food That Healhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766756797708624868noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24510549.post-1146460865018764782006-10-02T06:01:00.000-07:002007-04-29T21:30:05.365-07:00Calendula treats local skin problems<div align="justify"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/803/2542/640/foodthatheal12.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: all; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/803/2542/320/foodthatheal12.jpg" border="0" /></a>Calendula (or pot marigold) is an annual with beautiful, edible yellow or orange flowers. Although dried flowers can be used to make herb teas, more often people toss Calendula flowers into salads.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">The real forte of Calendula is for treating local skin problems. It may be used safely wherever there is an inflammation on the skin, whether due to infection or physical damage. It soothes chapped lips, scratched hands and any other irritated skin. It will also be of benefit in slow-healing wounds and skin ulcers. It is ideal for first aid treatmentof minor burns and scalds. The German Commission E (considered the world authority on herbal remedies) has approved calendula for healing cuts and burns. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Calendula has been long used throughout Europe for wound healing and ulcer treatments. Part of its healing power appears to be based on the presence of terpenes. A triterpene glycosidecalled calendulozide B exerts a marked anti-ulcerous and sedative action. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">People can make Calendula into herbal cream easily. Calendula cream was more effective than steroid cream in reducing "skin toxicity", a dry, itchy, painful skin inflammation in breast cancer patients, reported the <a href="http://www.jco.org/">Journal of Clinical Oncology </a>in 2004. </div><div align="justify">Here is the <a href="http://www.cpcis.net/Users/alix/calendula.html#SGROBJ7D0113027123021">Calendula cream recipe</a>.</div>Food That Healhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766756797708624868noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24510549.post-1159244677129312452006-09-25T21:23:00.000-07:002007-04-29T21:28:45.783-07:00Spinach is good for your eye<div align="justify">Spinach is known for its high fiber content and its abundance of antioxidants and vitamins that studies have shown might decrease the risk of stroke and developing cataracts. <a href="http://www.irishhealth.com/index.html?level=4&id=10276">Recent studies </a>by researchers at the University of Manchester shown this leafy green might also promote super-sharp eyesight.<br />Green vegetables like spinach, kale and broccoli are particularly rich in two antioxidants called lutein and zeaxanthin, which produce a substance which scientists think helps protect the eyes against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of irreversible blindness in Western societies. AMD primarily affects elderly people, and sufferers slowly lose their central vision, which makes day-to-day activities difficult.</div><div align="justify">When lutein and zeaxanthin (found in high concentrations in spinach) combine, they form a yellow oil, called a macular pigment. The pigment coats the macula, a small area of the retina that is responsible for distinguishing details and colors in central vision, and is thought to prevent the destruction of retinal cells by excess light and oxidation. </div>Food That Healhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766756797708624868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24510549.post-1159071638401223722006-09-23T21:12:00.000-07:002007-04-29T21:27:54.015-07:00Oily fish may help prevent spread of prostate cancer<div align="justify">Scientists are exploring the possible uses of Omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish, in preventing the spread of prostate cancer, according to study published in the <a href="http://www.nature.com/bjc/journal/v94/n6/abs/6603030a.html">British Journal of Cancer</a> earlier this year. A recent <a href="http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=healthNews&storyID=2006-03-21T180544Z_01_L20566025_RTRIDST_0_HEALTH-CANCER-PROSTATE-DC.XML">Reuters</a> article cited the study's chief researcher, Dr. Mick Brown, saying that while Omega-3s seemed to stop the spread of prostate cancer in its early stages, Omega-6 fatty acids, found in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, "increased the spread of tumor cells into bone marrow." Omega-6s are still widely thought to have many health benefits and Brown stressed that it is possible to strike a "healthy balance" of the two healthful fats. </div><div align="justify">Like many food nutritional studies, that larger studies are required before the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids can be proven.</div>Food That Healhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766756797708624868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24510549.post-1156641896223139582006-09-20T18:12:00.000-07:002007-04-29T21:27:29.326-07:00Could mushrooms have cure for depression?<div align="justify"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/803/2542/1024/foodthatheal7.0.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: all; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/803/2542/400/foodthatheal7.0.jpg" border="0" /></a>Could mushrooms hold a key for<strong> treating</strong> <strong>depression</strong>? A study recently published in the journal <a href="http://www.springerlink.com/content/v2175688r1w4862x/fulltext.html">Psychopharmacology</a> (volume 187, number 3 - August, 2006) shows that the active ingredient in a genus of mushrooms (Psilocybe) - a plant alkaloid called psilocybin - can cause mystical experiences. The experience can also prompt positive changes in attitude and behavior that may last for months. More than 60% of subjects who took the drug said they had full-on mystical experiences - one third said it was the most spiritually meaningful experience of their lives, another third reported significant fear or paranoia. Two months after they took the drug, nearly 80% of the subjects reported moderately or greatly increased well-being and satisfaction with their lives. The researchers hope their research will lead to a <strong>therapy for depression</strong>.</div>Food That Healhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766756797708624868noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24510549.post-1156306153833009892006-08-26T09:03:00.000-07:002007-04-29T21:27:09.489-07:00Curry spice inhibit Alzheimer's disease<div align="justify"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/803/2542/1024/foodthatheal6.0.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: all; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/803/2542/400/foodthatheal6.0.jpg" border="0" /></a>Here is another research demonstrated that curcumin, a staple ingredient in curry, is <a href="http://foodheal.blogspot.com/2006/06/curry-preserve-brain-function.html">good for the brain</a>. Tze-Pin Ng and colleagues at the National University of Singapore have discovered that <a href="http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/kwj267v1">curry eating seems to boost brain power in elderly people</a>.<br />Tze-Pin Ng's reports have suggested that curcumin, an antioxidant, inhibits the build-up of amyloid plaques in people with Alzheimer's. Researcher looked at the curry-eating habits of 1010 Asian people unaffected by Alzheimer's and aged between 60 and 93, and compared their performance in a standard test of cognitive function, the Mini Mental State Examination. Those people who consumed curry "occasionally" (once or more in 6 months but less than once a month) and "often" (more than once a month) had better MMSE results than those who only ate curry "never or rarely".</div><div align="justify">What is remarkable is that apparently one needs only to consume curry once in a while for the better cognitive performance to be evidenced.</div>Food That Healhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766756797708624868noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24510549.post-1155700501412506842006-08-21T20:46:00.000-07:002007-04-29T21:26:26.639-07:00What are functional foods (phoods)?<div align="justify"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/803/2542/1024/foodthatheal5.0.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: all; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/803/2542/400/foodthatheal5.0.jpg" border="0" /></a>All whole foods have functional health components - carrots contain beta-carotene, grains have fiber-but some products have been manipulated to become "functional foods" (or phoods): a combination of foods and pharmaceuticals. They are ordinary foods spiked with a nutrient that has specific health properties.</div><div align="justify">Iodized salt is one of the earliest examples of a functional food. In the 1920s, iodine was added to salt to help prevent goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland). As another example, in recent years, manufacturers add calcium to OJ, thus transformed the juice into a liquid delivery system for the bone-strengthening mineral.</div><div align="justify">Some other functional foods currently in markets are:</div><div align="justify">1) Eggs (from <a href="http://organicvalley.coop/">Organic Valley</a>) laid by hens which are fed with omega-rich flaxseed. These eggs are rich in Omega-3 fatty acid, good for people with high blood cholesterol levels. Omega-3 fatty acid can also boost joint health and ease arthritis.</div><div align="justify">2) Yogurt(from <a href="http://www.dannon.com/">Dannon</a>) which are mixed with Probiotics such as lactobacilli & bifidobacteria). Probiotics improve human gastrointestinal health.</div><div align="justify">3) Margarine (from <a href="http://www.benecol.com/index.jhtml">Benecol</a>) mixed with plant sterol and stanol esters. Plant sterol lowers LDL and total blood cholesterol levels.</div><div align="justify">4) Prune juice (from <a href="http://www.sunsweet.com/">Sunsweet</a>) spiked with lutein. Lutein is a vitamin found in green vegetables and egg yolks, may help strengthen vision.</div><div align="justify"></div>Food That Healhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766756797708624868noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24510549.post-1154922470398222992006-08-09T20:45:00.000-07:002007-04-29T21:25:57.903-07:00Coffee cure cellulite<div align="justify"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/803/2542/1024/foodthatheal4.1.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: all; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/803/2542/400/foodthatheal4.1.jpg" border="0" /></a>Cellulite is big business. $96.9 million was spent on products that claim to remove it. Recently, scientists at an Austrian lingerie manufacturer (<a href="http://www.palmers.at/index_palmers.aspx">Palmers</a>) have hit upon an easier way to burn off the unsightly fatty deposits all day long: tights impregnated with microcapsules of caffeine.</div><div align="justify">As with other brands of tights that can contain skin products such as aloe vera, red algae, or seaweed, the caffeine-laced fabric is activated by body heat. The small drops of liquid, which last for four washes, boost metabolism, burn fat, improve the appearance of cellulite.</div><div align="justify">Caffeine-laced cream also works pretty well to against cellulite.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Right now, <a href="http://www.tightsplease.co.uk/epages/tightsplease.storefront">Tightsplease.com </a>is the sole distributor of the caffeine tights. The initial response from customers are phenomenal.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">So ladies, for your cellulite, skip gyms and grab a pair of caffeine tights.</div><div align="justify"></div>Food That Healhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766756797708624868noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24510549.post-1154403371311473722006-08-06T20:33:00.000-07:002007-04-29T21:42:56.921-07:00Camel milk help diabetes patients<div align="justify"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/803/2542/1024/foodthatheal3.0.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: all; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/803/2542/400/foodthatheal3.0.jpg" border="0" /></a>Although carmel's milk have been consumed for thousands of years in Africa and the Middle East, it's <a href="http://www.vitalcamelmilk.com/health.html">medical benefits </a>toward modern diseases were not known until recently. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">In 1986, an insulin-like protein has been detected in camel milk. Following clinical trials in human diabetes type 1 have shown that the daily consumption of 0.5 litre camel milk reduces the need for insulin medication by an average of <strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">30%</span></strong>. The anti-diabetic properties of camel milk have been demonstrated in several other studies. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Camel milk has positive effects in controlling high blood pressure and helps in the management of Arteriosclerosis and Osteoporosis. Research has demonstrated the presence of potent anti-bacterial and anti-viral factors in camel milk. Clinical trials showed that recovery from infectious disease (e.g. Tuberculosis) was significantly faster in patients consuming camel milk regularly.</div><div align="justify">Think about it, nature designed camel's milk to help baby camels grow up in some of the world's roughest environments - deserts and steppes. That helps explain why it is 3 times as rich in Vitamin C, 10 times as rich in iron as cow's milk, as well as containing many medicinal compounds.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Few years ago, I got a chance to taste a small piece of cheese made of camel milk. It didn't taste good for sure, quite salty. Now a Austria entrepreneur called <a href="http://www.despardes.com/food/news/camel-chocolates-mar16.html">Johann Hochleitner </a>is developing camel's milk chocolates. Yogurt and butter are also in the work. </div><div align="justify">With 20 million camels in the world, dairy experts at the <a href="http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2006/1000275/index.html">United nation's Food and Agriculture Organization</a> predict $10 billion in annual sales in 2016 for camel's milk due to strong demand.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div>Food That Healhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766756797708624868noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24510549.post-1153825644838562372006-07-29T04:01:00.000-07:002007-04-29T21:24:29.536-07:00Licorice Root for Ulcers<div align="justify"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/803/2542/1024/Foodthatheal1.1.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: all; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/803/2542/400/Foodthatheal1.1.jpg" border="0" /></a>A friend of mine tell me that she suffer from frequent bouts of gastritis and a history of ulcers. She take Tagamet but it makes her feel tired all day. I tell her to try an herbal remedy, such as <a href="http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsHerbs/Licoricech.html">extract of licorice root</a>.<br />First we've learned that a bacteria called H. pylori is implicated in many cases of ulcers once thought to be due to stress or excess stomach acid. The presence of this bacteria can usually be determined with a simple blood test, and antibiotics can cure the condition.<br />In cases where H. pylori is not present, or where symptoms are mild, the use of an herbal remedy, an extract of licorice root called DGL, can be effective. This form is deglycyrrhizined, which means that a component with a potent cortisone-like effect is removed. DGL, therefore, does not cause side-effects such as high-blood pressure, which regular licorice can trigger. I have seen long standing stomach problems clear up completely with this herb. It works by increasing mucus production in the stomach, thus protecting the lining. It is also anti-inflammatory.<br />Two other plant medicines are helpful as well. Ginger root is known to increase mucus production, and aloe vera juice is a great healer, soothing the entire gastrointestinal tract when it is taken daily.<br />Licorice Root (Glandular) has a long history of use by cultures throughout the world. Licorice was so valued in ancient Egypt that even King Tutankhamen was buried with a supply. Licorice is included in most Chinese herb combinations to balance the other herbs and to promote vitality. It is widely used as a flavoring, not only for candy (although most modern licorice candies are flavored with anise) but also in cough drops, syrups, tonics and laxatives. It flavors certain kinds of beer, frozen dairy desserts, gelatins, puddings and meat products. The sweet root can be chewed as a special treat.</div>Food That Healhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766756797708624868noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24510549.post-1153071004086011292006-07-24T10:19:00.000-07:002007-04-29T21:24:09.681-07:00Eating to lower cholesterol (3) -- Nuts<div align="justify">The 3rd categories of cholesterol-lowering foods are nuts. Nuts rich in a compound called monounsaturated fat, which can lower the bad LDL cholesterol and modestly raise the good HDL cholesterol. (Nuts contains some viscous fiber, plant sterols as well.) Monounsaturated fats are also rich in seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, etc.), avocados and various oils, such as vegetable, olive, safflower, sunflower and canola.</div><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/83/3/582?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&author1=david+jenkins&andorexactfulltext=and&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&sortspec=relevance&resourcetype=HWCIT">Studies</a> have shown that people who ate about a handful of almonds a day (or 1 ounce) lowered LDL cholesterol by <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>4%</strong></span>; those who ate two handful lowered it by <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>9%</strong></span>. </p><p align="justify">How to do it ? Eat a variety of nuts, including walnuts, which pack in the most omega-3 fatty acids. Snack on nuts instead of pretzels or chips; toss chopped nuts into your oatmeal, salads and stir-fries. Remember foods rich in fats are also calorie heavy, so limit your serving size - eat no more than an ounce of nuts at one sitting. </p>Food That Healhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766756797708624868noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24510549.post-1153066111864331442006-07-16T09:07:00.000-07:002007-04-29T21:38:08.169-07:00Eating to lower cholesterol (2) -- Plant sterols<div align="justify">The 2nd categories of cholesterol-lowering foods are food rich in plant sterols, such soybeans or certain vegetables. Plant sterols are compounds so similar in structure to cholesterol that they <strong>compete</strong> in our intestines. That means less of the real cholesterol is absorbed.<br />Also based on the recent <a href="http://www.ajcn.org/">American Journal of Clinical Nutrition </a>(Vol. 83, No. 3, 582-591, March 2006) <a href="http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/83/3/582?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&author1=david+jenkins&andorexactfulltext=and&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&sortspec=relevance&resourcetype=HWCIT">report</a>, eating 2 grams of plant each day can lower LDL cholesterol by about <strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">10%</span></strong>. But you need to consume them every day for the cholesterol-controlling benefits to continue.</div><div align="justify"><strong>How to do it ?</strong> Look for plant sterols-fortified product since plant sterols are typically extracted from soybeans or certain vegetables. Use margarine-type of spreads (<a href="http://www.benecol.com/home2.jhtml">Benecol</a>, <a href="http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/columnnn/nn001226.html">Take Control </a>and <a href="http://www.smartbalance.com.au/">Smart Balance</a>). Some brand of orange juice, yogurt, cheese, salad dressings,granola bars and chocolate are also rich in plant sterols. You can also directly eat soy products for intake of plant sterols - soy milk, soy nuts, soy ice cream and cereals, crackers and chips made with soy protein. </div>Food That Healhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766756797708624868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24510549.post-1153065348672761832006-07-16T08:55:00.000-07:002007-04-29T21:23:46.122-07:00Eating to lower cholesterol (1) -- Viscous fiber<div align="justify">There are 3 categories of cholesterol-lowering foods. One of them is viscous fiber - the 'sticky' type of soluble fiber found in oats, barley and beans, and certain vegetables such as okra and eggplant. Viscous fibers help <strong>binding</strong> the cholesterol in your digestive tract and sweep it out of your body. In another word, soluble fiber act as a sponge, absorbing cholesterol and carrying it out of your system. People at less-developed countries (such as China) are less prone to having high blood cholesterol because their diet are high on viscous fiber.<br />According to the recent <a href="http://www.ajcn.org/">American Journal of Clinical Nutrition </a>(Vol. 83, No. 3, 582-591, March 2006) <a href="http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/83/3/582?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&author1=david+jenkins&andorexactfulltext=and&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&sortspec=relevance&resourcetype=HWCIT">report</a>, eating 1.5 cups of cooked oatmeal a day typically produces cholesterol-lowering results. Including 10 grams of viscous fiber a day has been shown to decrease LDL cholesterol by about <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>5%</strong></span>.<br /><strong>How to do it ?</strong> Start the day with oatmeal or psylliu-enriched cereal (I always add a bit of sugar to it). Try bean and barley-based soups, marinated bean salad, hummus sandwiches, black bean burritos and roasted eggplant. Flax is good, too. Not only does it have soluble fiber, but it's high in omega-3 fatty acids and lignans-also good for cholesterol. </div>Food That Healhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766756797708624868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24510549.post-1153084576650034312006-07-15T13:24:00.000-07:002007-04-29T21:23:16.293-07:00Eating to lower cholesterol - research note<div align="justify">1) recent research indicated that culprits of high blood cholesterol, in terms of food intake, are saturated and trans fat; Cholesterol we eat is not the greatest influence on the cholesterol in our blood. </div><div align="justify">2) recent studies have shown that eating up to one egg a day didn't raise cholesterol levels or increase the risk of heart disease in healthy people. If you already have elevated cholesterol levels, 3-4 eggs per week are generally allowed. Eggs may be high in dietary cholesterol, but they don't contain much saturated fat. That also true for cholesterol-laden shrimp and other shellfish, which typically are OK in moderation as long as they're not soaked in butter or deep-fried. It looks like to me that nature has its way to<strong> package</strong> dietary cholesterol existing in eggs or shrimps, so it get digested easily by human without any harm.</div><div align="justify">3) a new <a href="http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/83/3/582?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&author1=david+jenkins&andorexactfulltext=and&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&sortspec=relevance&resourcetype=HWCIT">study</a> found that adding a specific combination of heart-healthy foods brought down cholesterol levels as much as first-generation statin drugs - <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>20%</strong></span> or more. This experiments shown that if a "portfolio" of foods (<a href="http://foodheal.blogspot.com/2006_07_16_foodheal_archive.html">rich in viscous fiber, plant sterols, monounsaturated fat</a>, see my previous three posts) - each with its own minor cholesterol-lowering benefits - could have a larger effect when eaten together. </div><p align="justify"><br /></p>Food That Healhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766756797708624868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24510549.post-1150519119687199322006-07-02T09:38:00.000-07:002007-04-29T21:22:19.487-07:00Functional beer for menopausal women<div align="justify"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/803/2542/640/foodthatheal16.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: all; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/803/2542/320/foodthatheal16.jpg" border="0" /></a>Czech Republic's national per capita beer consumption is the world's largest. Recently scientists at the country's <a href="http://www.beerresearch.cz/vupsENG.htm" target="_blank">Research Institute for Brewing and Malting</a> have created a non-alcoholic beer with 10 times the normal amount of the hormone phytoestrogen that they hope will help menopausal women keep their hormone levels up, thus easing the transition into post-reproductive life. The new drink is considered a breakthrough in the thriving field of "functional beer". </div>Food That Healhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766756797708624868noreply@blogger.com4