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Health Guide to the Aloe Vera Plant, Aloe Vera Gel & Aloe Vera Juice

Darren — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 15:02:04 +0000

Aloe vera or aloe is one of about 200 species and hybrids of perennial succulent plants that belong to the lily family, Liliaceous. They are commonly used as landscape plants in dry and frost-free areas and as sometimes cultivated as houseplants.

History of Aloe Vera

Most botanists agree to the historical evidences that the Aloe vera plant originated in the warm and dry climates of Africa. This plant has been in the records of early civilizations – from Persia and Egypt in the Middle East, Greece and Italy in Europe, to India and African continents. The plant is also very popular in Asia and the Pacific, and is present in the folklore of the Japanese, the Philippines and the Hawaiians. Aloe vera is also included in the history of medicine and medical thought. It was recorded that the Greek physician Dioscorides used it. Aloe vera was also used by the Spanish during their years of colonization and carried it with them to their conquests in South America and the Caribbean.

In Egypt, the plant was used as a burial gift to dead pharaohs as is depicted on their drawings and illustrations. The Papyrus ebers, an Egyptian document which was written B.C.E 1550, is probably the first document that detailed the discussion of Aloe Vera’s medicinal value. The document contains 12 formulas for mixing aloe with other agents to treat both internal and external human disorders.

It was Dioscorides who gave the first detailed description of the plant we call Aloe Vera and attributed to its juices “the power of binding, of inducing sleep.” He also said that it “loosens the belly, cleansing the stomach.” He also added that this “bitter” aloe (the sap) was a treatment for boils; that it eased hemorrhoids; aided in healing bruising; that it was good for the tonsils, the gums and all general mouth irritations, and it worked as a medicine for the eyes. Also, he observed that the whole leaf is pulverized; it could stop the bleeding of many wounds.

Plant Description

The most common aloe vera that you see in landscapes and households is characterized with fleshy, stiff and spiny leaves around the edges and are often crowded together in a rosette. Their flowers are usually reddish, produced on snowy spikes that may extend 6 m (20 ft) above the ground. There are also species of aloe vera that produce yellow, orange, or whitish-green flowers. Aloe vera is also known as aloe barbadensis. The word aloe vera comes from the Arabic word aloe, which means plant, vera, which means true or genuine.

Aloe Vera Barbadensis

This is the species of aloe known for its medicinal properties. It looks like a small agave plant, and when adult grows to about 60-70 cm. Small plants often have white dotted marks on the leaf, but will eventually disappear as the plant grows, making it give a shade of light to dark green in color. It is actually a succulent plant that has a fibrous root system producing long, tapering, stem less leaves.

Aloe vera plant may be grown from seed. It thrives in well-drained sunny locations, and prefers rough, gritty medium. It can also be grown in pots and needs little amount of water. When you want to grow them indoors, the offshoots of the plant can be removed and replanted in another pot.

Aloe vera is proven to be of great help in households. When this plant is present in your garden, you may cut the leaves, peel off the green skin and use the transparent aloe vera gel to aid burn skins, irritated skin and scalps. In most Asian countries such as the Philippines, this plant is popular with the mothers as they apply it to the hairs of their daughters along with coconut oil to prevent dandruff and lice infection of the hair. Another one of the many aloe vera uses is in removing lice eggs, when applied it makes the lice eggs easily slide off the hair.

Aloe vera gel and juices are extracted from the plant itself and is also known to aid various ailments. Its antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties make it a popular ingredient for making lotions; moisturizers and other skin care products. Aloe vera juice is also used as a laxative and is known to aid in weight loss while aloe vera gel benefits skin irritations, dry skin and other skin problems.

Other Names for Aloe Vera

In India, aloe vera is known as Korphad; in states of Rajasthan and Gujarat it is called as GwarPatha, and in Tamilnadu it is known as Katralai. In Pakistan, the aloe vera plant is known as Quargandal and is used in Unani (Greek-Islamic) medicine. In South America, it is known as Sabila, in Indonesia it is called Lidah Buaya and in Thailand, it is known as Crocodile Tail plant.

Aloe vera is widely distributed in the different continents, and for most people it is of great help when it comes to healing and first aid medicine applications.

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Anti Aging Vitamin Supplements

Darren — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 02:39:10 +0000

Anti Aging Vitamin Supplements

Explanations for the aging process and possible methods of retarding it have been a major source of scientific and amateur research for generations. So also has been the search for a magic cure for the aging process. No greater effort than that put into the discovery or the invention of anti aging vitamin supplements exists.

Indeed research into aging has advanced the concept of the body’s natural production of so-called “free radicals”. These substances are created naturally, and many feel that certain vitamins are effect in combating them. Among all such supplement, perhaps the greatest of anti aging vitamin supplements for the combat of free radicals is vitamin E.

Vitamin E is actually eight anti-oxidants of which only one is naturally stored in the fats of the body. Since this one type of Vitamin E is the only one to have nutritional value, it is the only one that is included in the USDA RDA (recommended daily allowance) of Vitamin E and is the only form commonly found as commercially prepared anti aging vitamin supplements.

Free radicals occur as a normal part of the body’s metabolic process. These free radicals attach portions of normal cells and can seriously damage them causing loss of resistance to early onset of various diseases especially in the elderly. But free radicals are neutralized by molecules of Vitamin E, and these attacks cause free radicals to lose all oxidizing capabilities. Conversely, Vitamin E molecules can be recharged to full anti-radical potency by the presence of Vitamin C. Good anti aging vitamin supplements include USDA recommended dosages of Vitamins C and E.

Vitamin E deficiency is not common among adults who are in relative good health. However it has been established that many people’s normal food intake does not contain the USDA RDA of Vitamin E, which is between ten and twelve mg daily. Accordingly, as a preventative measure, most adults should take anti aging vitamin supplements that add the minimum RDA of Vitamin E to their diet every day. Anti aging vitamin supplements that should be taken will include not only Vitamin E, but Vitamins C, D, A and K for a truly balanced approach to dietary supplements.

Anti aging vitamin supplements with Vitamin E have shown a positive link to helping prevent heart attacks and in both men and women and a lessened chance of dying of heart disease. While anti aging vitamin supplements containing Vitamin E may have made a significant contribution to the reduction in cardio-vascular disease in some cases, it must be stated that these improvements were not noted in test subjects who already were afflicted with cardiovascular disease and contributed to healthier living.

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2)What are Carotenoids?
3)Vitamin B Complex Liquid Supplements
4)Health Benefits of Carrots
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Can Now Foods Coq10 Help with Statin Medications?

Darren — Mon, 24 May 2010 17:16:04 +0000

Statin medications are used to help lower cholesterol in people with high cholesterol levels. Unfortunately the enzyme that is broken down with statins is the same enzyme which creates coq10 within our bodies.1 Recently the question has been asked, can coq10 help prevent the harmful side effects caused by this medication?

Coq10 is made within our bodies. We have a lot of it as babies, but as we get older our bodies produce less and less of it. Thankfully we are able to get some coq10 from our food, however it is much easier to obtain using supplements. Coq10 supplements are available in different forms included gelcaps and powders.

Some researchers think that coq10 can help reduce muscle damage. Others say that joint and muscle aches that are caused by statins can be reduced as well. At this point in time, there are not any large studies that have been able to confirm this theory.

On the other hand, there are some researchers that say if you take statin drugs for high cholesterol that coq10 is a must. Statin drugs lower the level of coq10 within the system. They say that coq10 is appropriate for those that have been suffering from a type of cardiovascular disease, cardiomyopathy, mitochondrial dysfunction, and heart attack. These researchers recommend a daily dosage of 100 to 200 mg. However those with mitochondrial dysfunction or heart failure may need more.2 Two examples of these may be Now Foods CoQ10 and Jarrow CoQ10.

Coq10 does not normally cause side effects for people. If there are any side effects, they are “minimal and usually short lived”. They can include loss of appetite, diarrhea, and nausea.3 It is recommended that you speak with your doctor to determine if coq10 is a good choice for you.

1. Taking a Look at the Unexpected Benefits of CoQ10

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Should I Try Goji Juice?

Darren — Fri, 14 May 2010 07:12:20 +0000

The goji berry, also commonly known as the wolfberry is known for its high levels of antioxidants and nutrients, and is the main ingredient in goji juice. Two woody perennial species; Lycium Barbarum and Lycium Chinese are the two species goji berries are collected from. They are found in Asia and southeastern Europe, and are expected to become a multi-billion dollar market in the near future as the berry has grown in popularity due to its rich antioxidants and healing abilities.

Goji juice is extracted from the goji berries, and is sold in many health food and vitamin stores. It has gained a large following with promises of clear skin, healthier libido, and protection from cancer as well as heart attacks. Celebrities like Mischa Barton and Liz Hurley have been said to use goji juice, and its popularity is still growing in Hollywood as more people discover the super fruit that until recently was only used in traditional Chinese medicine.

The great health benefits observed by those who incorporate goji juice into their daily diet are not just hype. They have to do with the rich supply of many important nutrients needed to support a healthy lifestyle. The berry contains high levels of beta-carotene which can help to prevent heart disease. It also contains high amounts of vitamin C and polysaccharides, both of which help boost the immune system. With 18 different amino acid types, the berry helps people to keep their muscles healthy, boost workout performance, process body fat more effectively, and increase brain performance.

Goji juice is an easier way to incorporate goji berries into a diet, and it is found in many health food stores. As it is an imported product, it is usually expensive, but the benefits are more than worth the added cost of goji berry juice. In several weeks, people who drink goji juice regularly will notice an increasingly healthy immune system, better skin complexion, and more productive workouts. As a supplement, goji juice can easily replace multivitamins, and there are no worries about the body absorbing the nutrients from a hard capsule.

Other than helping improve physical health, goji juice has been known to help improve sleeping habits and the overall mood of people who try it. It can sometimes aid anxiety and slight depression in people suffering from mild symptoms, though those who suffer from severe anxiety and depression should never rely solely on a supplement to cure their symptoms. Goji juice is a strong supplement capable of improving even the healthiest person’s mood as well as physical health. Anyone who tries the berry or juice will notice its positive effects, so there is no reason to hold off incorporating the goji berry in a healthy diet.

Vitamin B12: Pregnant Women, Nursing Women and Infants

Darren — Fri, 14 May 2010 03:24:11 +0000

It has long been established that pregnant women require increased levels of Vitamin B12 in their diets because much of the nutrient stored in their bodies is redirected to the fetus. In fact several studies have documented that once the B12 is transferred to the fetus; the mother can become deficient with all that this entails, like pernicious anemia and serious neurological disorders. In that this has been firmly established, most medical professionals advising pregnant women recommend that they take on supplementary amounts of the nutrient in order to offset any possibility of a deficiency developing. Often, this is in the form of a B12 shot.

After the child is born, he or she has virtually no natural stores of Vitamin B12 in their bodies and receive what they need from breast milk and/or any formula being used by the mother. Studies have shown that breast milk contains considerably higher levels of Vitamin B12 in the early weeks of nursing, allowing the infant to slowly build up its own reserves. The infant’s intake remains high for the first six months, but after this it begins to decrease, meaning that the infant is retaining as much of the nutrient as it can for the time being.

The real problem comes about during the weaning period. If weaned before six months – which is not uncommon – or if the infant is not given a replacement source of B12 in its new diet, serious neurological damage can occur that can leave the infant permanently retarded or even lead to death. A famous case study regarded the “Black Hebrews”, an American religious group that emigrated to Israel. This group maintained a strict vegan diet (no natural sources of Vitamin B12) and did not use fortified foods; further, they weaned their infants at three months. The result was massive vitamin B12 deficiencies among their infants, resulting in the death of some eight infants and severe deficiency in some twenty-five others.

Further studies have conclusively shown that vitamin B12 supplementation is very import for young infants, as well as mothers. Mothers very often opt to take B vitamin shots.The B12 transferred to the infant through breast milk does not come from the mother’s own personal reserves of the nutrient (unlike the B12 transferred to the fetus before birth), but instead depends on the mother’s regular intake of B12. Therefore failing to take supplementary B12 – regardless of ones own reserves – can still lead to a deficiency in a nursing infant.

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3)Vitamin B Complex Liquid Supplements
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Should You Use Resveratrol Supplements or Just Eat Grapes?

Darren — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:33:51 +0000

The health industry seems to be [ad#Resveratrol Caps, 100 mg 60 vegetarian capsules]looking for the one miracle cure for all diseases and conditions, at all times. First there was fish oil, that still is popular. It helps with everything and we all should be eating more of it. Then there is resveratrol, that is supposed to be the reason for the french being so healthy, even if they eat a diet that is traditionnally considered unhealthy, And today there is vitamin-D, but in this article I will tell you a little bit about the facts that surround resveratrol.

First of all the best source to get it is not in resveratrol supplements, but instead in grapes, especially the dark ones. The biggest problem with grapes is that they are usually filled up with pesticides as they tend not to survive very well without it – the crops would be really poor, the French wouldn’t get their red wine, and we wouldn’t get it either. So they are poisoning these fruits. and a very large percentage of all the grapes that are imported to the United States are never sold, because the amount of pesticides is too high. These pesticides go inside the seeds where most of the fat is located in this fruit, and for that reason you shouldn’t eat the oil that is sold either.

This is a really good reason to use resveratrol supplements instead of eating grapes if they don’t naturally grow somewhere you can see for yourself how much chemicals are used in growing them. These supplements are usually made out of seedless grapes, and they don’t have to have a completely intact surface – they don’t have to be aesthetically pleasing – so they don’t have to use so much poison to keep the insects away. Actually the thinner the skin and the darker the color, the more there is resveratrol to be gathered.

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Vitamin A Benefits

veronica — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 22:58:52 +0000

Vitamin A is an essential vitamin that is needed for a variety of important metabolic process in the body. For this reason a deficiency can result in a variety of different disorders such as immune system problems, poor skin health and night blindness among others. As an antioxidant vitamin A also protects our cells from oxidative damage.

Dietary vitamin A is found in both animal products and plant form. Animal products contain actual vitamin A (called retinol) while plant sources, especially specific vegetables, contain carotenoids that can be transformed by the liver into vitamin A. There are more than 600 known carotenoids found in plants, but only 4 of them can be turned into vitamin A: beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, gamma-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin. So these carotenes are also commonly referred to as ‘pro-vitamin A’. To learn more about carotenoids visit what are carotenoids?

Eye health Benefits of Vitamin A
“Eating carrots helps you see in the dark” is an age old belief that is now grounded in solid science. Carrots are abundant in pro-vitamin A carotenoids and vitamin A is essential for seeing in the dark. In fact vitamin A is essential for seeing, period! In the case of our eyes vitamin A is metabolized one step further into another chemical called rhodopsin. Rhodopsin is purple based plant pigment that absorbs light waves and is essential for the eye to see the colors black and white and therefore make sense of its environment in low light. So without rhodopsin we become night blind. Although now a rare condition in more affluent countries, night blindness can still effect people in impoverished regions where they have little access to vitamin A rich vegetables and meat.

Vitamin A benefits for Skin Health and Organs
An adequate supply of vitamin A in our diet is essential for the health and well being of our skin. Vitamin A is needed to create epithelial skin, the outer layer of the skin that we see and is exposed to the environment. Even a slightly inadequate intake of vitamin A can result in a dry flaky appearance of the skin. Also a powerful antioxidant, vitamin A can also protect the epithelial skin cells from harmful toxins in the environment.

[ad#Vitamin A - liquid] Vitamin A is also needed in the creation and maintenance of internal skin structures called epithelium. Epithelium is important for protecting our organs and is necessary for other functions. Epithelium cells in the small intestine are needed for absorbing nutrients from the food we eat. Epithelial cells in the kidney excrete waste products from the body while epithelial cells in the lungs help to remove dust particles and foreign bodies that we breathe in.

Vitamin A and the Immune System
Along with vitamin C and vitamin E, vitamin A is essential to the proper functioning of the immune system. Vitamin A enhances the functioning of certain white blood cells, improves the receptivity of antibodies to antigens and fights off viral infections.

Vitamin A food Sources
Animal: animal livers are one of the best sources of vitamin A because the liver is where carotenoids from plant foods are converted to vitamin A. Eggs, milk, cheese and butter are also good sources.

Plant: pro-vitamin A carotenoids are found abundantly in carrots, pumpkins, squash, kale, spinach and other leafy greens. It is important to note that carotenoids in plant sources are digested considerably more effectively by cooking or other processing methods like juicing. So carrot juice or steamed carrots are therefore a considerably better source of carotenoids than eating raw carrots. Because vitamin A is also a fat soluble vitamin, its digestion is also greatly improved by eating it along with fats or oils. Adding olive oil or avocados to vegetable salads has been shown to greatly enhance carotenoid digestion and absorption into the blood stream.

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What are Carotenoids?

veronica — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 03:31:03 +0000

Carotenoids are a family of over 600 naturally occurring organic chemicals found in plants and some fungus, bacteria and algae. They function as both antioxidants and plant pigments and put the wonderful red, orange and yellow hues in fruits and vegetables. As antioxidants, carotenoids are created by plants to protect themselves from the cell damaging oxidative effects of free radicals found in sunlight. Carotenoids actually separate into two distinct groups – carotenes and xanthophylls.

Carotenes
Carotenes are the orange colored members of the carotenoid family and put the orange hue in carrots, squash, cantaloupe melon as well as many other plants. In fact the colorings of carotenes are not limited to plants but also color animals, mammals and birds. The pink color of lesser Flamingos for example is generated by the abundant amount of beta-carotene rich shrimp in their diets. Flamingos are naturally white in color, and white mixed with orange = pink!

[ad#Carotene Blood Test]Beta-carotene is one of the most well known carotenes for its ability to be converted to vitamin A in the body. Alpha-carotene is also another carotene that can be converted (although less efficiently) into vitamin A. Carrots are one of the best known food sources of beta-carotene and alpha-carotene and is therefore often referred to as a vegetable ‘high in vitamin A’. Lycopene is another antioxidant that is a carotene but does not convert in vitamin A. However, all carotenes are considered potent disease fighting plant chemicals regardless of whether they convert to vitamin A or not.

Research that has studied the diets of tens of thousands of people show that those with the most carotenes in their diet are generally at a much lower risk of developing cancer than those who have the least in their diets. Alpha-carotene has been shown to be especially effective at protecting us from lung cancer while lycopene is effective at protecting men from prostate cancer.

Xanthophylls
Xanthophylls are the other branch of carotenoids and include lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-cryptoxanthin. Xanthophylls are yellow based pigments and contribute to the yellow color in leaves as well as the yellow in egg yolks and even the yellow hue in our own fat and skin.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are the only antioxidants that are found in the lens and retina of our eyes where they protect the eye from oxidative damage induced by blue light. This protection helps to delay the aging of the eyes and protect them against eye disease like cataracts and macular degeneration. For this reason lutein and zeaxanthin are a common ingredient in most eye care vitamins.

Beta-cryptoxanthin is the only carotenoid of the xanthophyll family that converts to vitamin A and is also strongly associated with a reduced risk in lung cancer. People with diets high in beta-cryptoxanthin are actually 25% less likely to develop lung cancer than those with a low intake.

Health Benefits of Carotenoids
The health benefits of carotenoids as an overall group relates to all degenerative diseases that result from oxidation. Carotenoids strongly defend our cells from free radicals (the unstable oxygen based molecules that produce oxidation) and as carotenoids are fat soluble they are effective at protecting fat cells in particular. LDL cholesterol (a fat based substance) in the blood stream greatly contributes to the development of atherosclerosis when it is oxidized. This explains why high levels of carotenoids in the blood is a great indicator that a person is at low risk of heart disease. Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of heart disease.

Free radical cell damage is also a well known cause of cancer; such cell damage can mutate the DNA code in cells and develop into tumours.

Food Sources of Carotenoids
Alpha-carotene: carrot juice and pumpkin are the two best sources. Other good sources include carrots (cooked are better than raw), plantains, tomatoes, collard greens and tangerines

Beta-carotene: carrot juice, pumpkin, spinach and sweet potatoes (cooked) are the best sources of beta-carotene. Carrots (cooked are better than raw), collard greens, kale, cantaloupe melon and are good sources.

Beta-cryptoxanthin: pumpkins (cooked) and papayas are great sources. Red bell peppers, oranges, carrots and nectarines are good sources.

Lutein and zeaxanthin: spinach, kale, turnip greens and [ad#Commission Junction-2]collard greens are exceptionally rich sources. Squash, brussel sprouts, broccoli and yellow corn are good sources. These vegetables are a better source when cooked or juiced. Egg yolks are a great source of highly bio-available lutein.

Lycopene: processed tomato products such as tomato paste, tomato puree, tomato juice and tomato soup are by far the best sources of lycopene. Raw tomatoes, watermelon and pink grapefruits are a fair source.

Carotenoids and Digestion
You will notice in the above list of carotenoid food sources that processed foods are actually a better source of carotenoids than their raw and whole counterparts. This can be a little counter intuitive as most nutrients in fruits and vegetables actually get destroyed in the cooking process. So what is the deal?

Carotenoids are deeply embedded in the fibers of the fruits and vegetable in which they are found. So to be more effectively released for digestion, carotenoid rich foods generally need to be processed to ‘break the carotenoids free’. So cooking, pasting and juicing greatly enhance the bioavailability of carotenoids. Carrot juice is a much better source of beta-carotene than raw carrot (although still good). Lycopene is the toughest of the group and tomatoes are by far the most abundant source of lycopene that we know of. Even so the difference in bioavailability of raw tomatoes and processed tomato products is astounding. For example – 1 cup of raw tomato delivers 4.6mg of lycopene, 1 cup of tomato juice provides 22mg of lycopene while 1 cup of tomato paste delivers a whopping 75mg of lycopene!

There is also another factor that greatly enhances the bioavailability of carotenoids and that is fat. Carotenoids are fat soluble compounds so they are digested more easily when consumed with fats or oils. This is one of the reasons that the bioavailability of lutein in egg yolks is much greater than the bioavailability of lutein in raw spinach and kale. Research has shown that adding health fats like olive oil or avocado to salads greatly enhances the amount of carotenoids we will digest from the vegetables in them. For this reason I like to mix a little oil into the fresh vegetable juices I make at home.

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Health Benefits of Carrots Nutrition Facts

veronica — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 21:51:01 +0000

Although famous for their ability to help us ‘see in the dark’ there are more health benefits to carrots provided by their wonderful plethora of vitamins, mineral, enzymes and phytochemicals.

Carotenoids
A group of phytochemicals called carotenoids are found more abundantly in carrots than any other vegetable or food source and as we can see they are actually named after carrots. Carotenoids are potent antioxidants created in vegetables to protect themselves from the oxidative effects of sunlight, especially the blue part of the light spectrum.

[ad#Carotene Blood Test] There are actually more than 600 known kinds of carotenoids of which three are found abundantly in carrots – alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin. Beta-carotene is more commonly known and is often called pro-vitamin A because it is converted by the body to vitamin A. Alpha-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin are also converted to vitamin A but half as effectively as beta-carotene. It takes 12mcg of beta-carotene to generate 1mcg of vitamin A, while it takes 24mcg of either alpha-carotene or beta-cryptoxanthin to produce 1mcg of vitamin A.

Carotenoids and Heart Health
A variety of studies have found that a diet rich in carotenoids is associated with a significant reduction in heart disease, especially in the form of atherosclerosis. Carotenoids are fat soluble and therefore travel within lipids in the blood such as LDL cholesterol. Their antioxidant actions also protects LDL cholesterol from oxidative damage and this protection is the basis of reducing the risk of atherosclerosis developing. Oxidized LDL cholesterol cells are bad news because they attach to the artery walls developing into a plaque that narrows and hardens the arteries, therefore creating atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis raises blood pressure and reduces blood flow to the heart and even the brain. This can lead to stroke or heart attacks.

One study which provided powerful evidence for the heart protective qualities of carotenoids was conducted with 1300 elderly people in Massachusetts. Researchers discovered that those who ate a daily serving of carotenoid rich foods (either carrots or squash in this instance) were 60% less likely to suffer a heart attack than those who ate less than a daily serving! That is a pretty astounding result!

Carotenoids and Cancer Prevention
There was a lot of controversy when a study revealed that beta-carotene supplementation actually increased the risk of lung cancer in smokers. However this negative effect only held true for beta-carotene in supplement form and the opposite is true for those whose diets are high in real food sources of beta-carotene such as carrots. Synthetic beta-carotene supplements are actually a little different in their chemical structure to beta-carotene in foods and their effect upon our cells is naturally different too. Large prospective studies that include tens of thousands of people always find that those who eat carrots daily are up to 50% less likely to develop lung cancer. In fact carrot consumption was not just limited to providing protection from lung cancer put also proved to be protective against cancers of the colon, larynx, esophagus, prostate, cervix and bladder.

Carotenoids and Digestion
When we eat raw carrots we are limited in the amount of carotenoids that we actually digest. Carotenoids are deeply entwined in the matrix of proteins and fibers of carrots (and other vegetables) and require some help to be released. Chewing does help to release the carotenoids on a very small scale but cooking carrots helps to loosen up the carotenoids more extensively and increases bioavailability. Juicing carrots is also another great way to improve the bioavailability of carotenoids. A juicing machine’s blade will ‘chew up’ the carrots extensively and research shows that carrot juice is a considerably better source of carotenoids than eating a raw carrot.

There is also another factor that greatly improves the digestibility of carotenoids and that is fat! Carotenoids are fat soluble so adding oil to salads or cooking greatly improves digestibility.

Vitamin A Benefits
As the carotenoids in carrots nutrition are transformed to vitamin A by the liver then carrots also provide us with the health benefits of carrots vitamin A content. Carrots are famous for ‘helping us see in the dark’ and this is no ‘old wives tale’ because vitamin A is essential for preventing night blindness. Vitamin A is converted in the eye to another chemical called rhodopsin, a purple based pigment that the eye needs to see at night. The antioxidant action of vitamin A also helps to protect eye cells from oxidative damage that can lead to premature aging of the eyes and increase the risk of developing eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

Providing healthy skin is another important health benefit of carrots vitamin A content. Vitamin A is needed in the creation of and the healthy maintenance of epithelial skin cells. Even a slight deficiency of vitamin A may lead to dry, cracked or rough looking skin (or all three!). The antioxidant actions of vitamin A also protects the epithelial skin cells from the oxidative effects of free radicals that are found in polluted air and smoke.

In partnership with the antioxidant vitamins C and E, vitamin A is also an essential member of the immune system.

Carrots Nutrition Facts
Besides being an excellent source of some carotenoids and vitamin A, carrots are also a good source of vitamins B1, B3, B6, folate, C and K, molybdenum, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous and dietary fiber.

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Health Benefits of Strawberries Nutrition

veronica — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 01:53:49 +0000

The delicious strawberry is the most popular type of berry in the world. There are actually more then 600 cultivars of strawberry in existence. Some are wild, some are domesticated and some are hybrids. The one that we see commonly in the supermarket are almost always hybrids. Besides its juicy sweet taste there are some amazing health benefits of juicing for strawberries nutrition.

Anti-Cancer Health Benefits of Strawberries
Strawberries are a great source of an antioxidant phytochemical called ellagic acid. Although research is limited with humans (but not obsolete) there has been a number of studies undertaken with animals and in test tubes that have all provided powerful evidence for the anti-cancer effects of ellagic acid. In fact the ellagic acid in strawberries benefits us in the fight against cancer in two ways. First of all, ellagic acid helps inhibit the growth of tumor cells by inhibiting carcinogenic chemicals that try to bind with our DNA. Second, the powerful antioxidant actions of ellagic acid prevents free radicals from damaging cells, such cell damage is a risk factor for cancer developing.

A prospective study conducted in Massachusetts is a strong case, and one of a very few studies, aimed at looking at a link between cancer and eating strawberries in humans. Researchers analyzed the diets of 1300 elderly people and found some pretty amazing results. Those that ate at least one strawberry per day were two thirds less likely to die of cancer than those who only ate one or no strawberries per week!

As free radical damage of our cells is now becoming a more and more well researched and accepted cause of cancer, then it is good to know that there are a variety of free radical fighting antioxidants in strawberries in addition to ellagic acid. These antioxidants include quercetin, ellagitannins, Kaempferol, anthocyanins and the famous vitamin C. A very impressive display of strawberry nutrition and the health benefits of juicing strawberries!

Heart Health Benefits of Strawberry
There are actually a number of important nutrients in strawberries that help protect us from developing the number one killer in the USA – heart disease. Strawberries are a rich source of vitamin C, one of the most powerful antioxidants for protecting LDL cholesterol from the oxidative damage inflicted by free radicals in the blood stream. This protection significantly helps us from developing arteriosclerosis, a condition that is the number one risk factor in the development of heart disease. If LDL cholesterol does become damaged by free radicals then it will attach to the artery wall and start forming into a plaque that hardens and narrows the artery walls – this is basically what arteriosclerosis is. Arteriosclerosis raises blood pressure and reduces blood flow to the heart which can result in angina and a possible heart attack.

Strawberries are also a good source of two minerals that are necessary for heart health – potassium and magnesium. Both these minerals are needed for the heart muscles and the muscles of our arteries to contract and relax in a healthy manner. This helps to maintain good blood pressure levels or lower blood pressure in those with hypertension. If potassium levels get too low in the body we are at risk of suffering a ‘low potassium heart attack’.

The high fiber content of strawberries is another ingredient in this fruit that helps with heart health. A high fiber diet rich in fruits and vegetables helps to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Fiber actually binds with cholesterol in the intestines and excretes it out in our feces. If we don’t have enough fiber in our diet then some of this cholesterol will get absorbed into the bloodstream instead.

Although not as abundant as blueberries, blackberries and red/purple grapes in heart healthy anthocyanins, strawberries can still claim a fair content of these antioxidants. Anthocyanins help us fight heart disease in two ways. First, as antioxidants, anthocyanins protect the artery walls from free radical damage that can cause inflammation that can lead to arteriosclerosis. Second, and most surprisingly, anthocyanins help to improve the structural integrity of our artery walls by strengthening collagen. This also helps to reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis from developing!

Load up on Strawberry Nutrition By Making Strawberry Juice
A great way to increase the amount of the nutrition that strawberries have to offer is to make strawberry juice recipes. Please note that when making strawberry juice to achieve the juicing benefits of strawberries (or any juice for that matter!), the insoluble fiber content is sacrificed so that we can achieve an abundance of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants instead. As fiber is important in our diets we should always use juicer recipes in addition to eating fruits and vegetables.