NEW SHOW – brought you by gotKushTV. In the midst of the Health Revolution, we bring you the highest calibre Health practitioners in the world. In this episode, we feature Ankh Rah Supplements, giving a live tutorial for making your very own Superfood SmoothIE, with the assistance of their high power products.
The Brain Fog of Menopause
‘Menopause-related cognitive impairment happens to women in their 40s and 50s, women in the prime of life who suddenly have the rug pulled out from under them,’ an expert says.
Dr. Gayatri Devi’s patient, a 55-year-old former headmistress, had good reason to be distraught. The woman had a yearlong history of progressive memory loss and behavioural problems and was referred to Dr. Devi, a neurologist, with a possible diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia.
As Dr. Devi recounted in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, the woman’s once prodigious memory had seriously deteriorated and she’d become increasingly irritable. She had difficulty organizing tasks, keeping track of belongings, setting goals, making plans and seeing them through. Yet the results of medical and neurological tests and brain scans were normal.
With a likely diagnosis of menopause-related cognitive impairment, the doctor prescribed hormone-replacement therapy. Within 15 months, the woman’s behavioural symptoms had disappeared and her learning ability and memory were back to normal. She was able to complete a demanding graduate program and assume a new leadership position in education.
Menopause-related cognitive symptoms are very similar to “chemo brain,” a common complaint among women treated for breast cancer and in some men treated for prostate cancer. Treatment of both diseases often results in an abrupt drop in estrogen levels.
People with so-called brain fog following cancer treatment “have trouble with short-term memory, multitasking, coming up with words and putting cogent thoughts together,” said Dr. Devi, an attending neurologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York and clinical professor of neurology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn.
Dr. Devi chose to publish her report in the obstetric journal because many women in midlife use their gynaecologist as their primary care physician “and I want them to know this condition exists and often responds to short-term treatment with estrogen to tide the brain over.”
In an accompanying editorial, Pauline M. Maki, a professor of psychiatry and psychology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, noted that “not only do women more frequently report cognitive difficulties as they transition from premenopause to perimenopause to postmenopause, but they also perform more poorly on standardized neuropsychological tests, particularly tests of verbal memory, aspects of executive function, and processing speed.”
Barbara explains how she used a series of natural nutritional supplements and remedies that helped to improve her health issues such as menopause
A six-year study of 1,903 women who were at midlife found that menopause-related symptoms like depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance and hot flashes did not account for declines in memory, learning and how fast the brain processes information during the menopause transition.
“The most helpful thing we can do is to normalize these experiences for women who are transitioning through the menopause and let them know that women’s brains are sensitive to fluctuating levels of estrogen, both in terms of cognitive ability and mood,” Dr. Maki said.
In a study Dr. Greendale directed that followed 2,362 women for four years, declines in memory and learning ability that characterized their transition through menopause rebounded postmenopausally, “suggesting that menopause transition-related cognitive difficulties may be time-limited,” she and colleagues concluded.
“The brain fog when women’s brains seem not to be hitting on all eight cylinders is temporary,” Dr. Greendale said in an interview. The Brain Fog of Menopause Share on X
However, for women unwilling or unable to ride out the transition, Dr. Maki said treatment options, in addition to hormone replacement, include following a Mediterranean diet, brisk walking and minimizing alcohol consumption. Those who can safely take estrogen should know that participants in the Women’s Health Initiative, a large government study of postmenopausal women, who were randomized to take hormone replacements starting in their 50s had a lower mortality rate and were less likely to die of Alzheimer’s disease during an 18-year follow-up.
The critical message, Dr. Maki said, is that menopause-related cognitive issues “need not compromise a woman’s quality of life,” though women may have to be proactive for the condition to be properly diagnosed and treated
Can Red Marine Algae Help Boost Your Immune System?
Many naturalistic practitioners use red marine algae to treat patients with chronic fatigue. It has also been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic and gastro-protective properties, as well as a few other uses that may surprise you.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoid antioxidants that may prevent macular degeneration because they are concentrated in the macula and make up the macular pigment. They function both as an antioxidant and as blue-light filters to protect against damage.
Results of the study found that the Mediterranean red algae Laurencia obtuse contains significant pain-killing and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also known for its gastro-protective ability in that it is able to inhibit a gastric ulcer by as much as 81.3 percent when taken in the amount of 50 milligrams per kilogram.
Lower Cholesterol
Algae is a rich source of a plant sterol called fucosterol, which has been shown to naturally lower cholesterol, among many other health-related benefits. What’s more, algae are a good source of phytosterols, which have been shown to reduce “bad” or LDL cholesterol levels when taken in supplemental form by lowering intestinal cholesterol absorption.
Antioxidants play an important role in boosting immune system health by neutralising free radicals and moving toxins out of the body. They are also naturally detoxifying and may assist in heavy metal detoxification, weight loss and restoring blood pH levels to an alkaline status.
According to a 2015 study, sulphated polysaccharides “have several important properties, such as anticoagulant and/or antithrombotic, immunomodulatory ability, antitumor and cancer preventive, antilipidemic and hypoglycaemic, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, making them promising bioactive products and biomaterials with a wide range of applications.”
Whole-Food Nutrition & Supplementations | Red Algae | Blog #3
Red Algae or Rhodophyta
The history and use of seaweed and specifically Rhodophyta are very old. Ancient Asian cultures have been using and realizing the benefits for thousands of years, but it’s been just since the 1970’s that Chinese and Japanese scientists have been studying red algae.
Red algae, almost exclusively found in the ocean. They commonly live below the kelp forest because they can survive with less light than brown algae.
Red Algae are consumed by humans, representing a rich source of fiber, protein, and minerals. The mineral content can be 20 times higher than plants growing in the ground. They retain both their gelatinous nature and color even when cooked.
Benefits of Red Algae or Rhodophytes
Studied Health Claims:
Weight Loss
Lowers Cholesterol
Lowers Inflammation
Cardiovascular Health
Studies claim that red algae are Cancer Fighting
UTI treatment
Another critical benefit is that rhodophytes are a potent antioxidant and help to counter the cellular damage done by free radicals. Free radicals are common by-products of normal internal reactions. Furthermore, pollution, UV radiation, and strenuous aerobic exercise have been connected to free radical formation.
They are also a good source of vitamin K, an important fat-soluble vitamin which plays vital roles in building your bones, protecting your heart, helping your blood to clot properly, and optimizing your insulin levels. Symptoms of a deficiency in vitamin K include hemorrhage, prolonged clotting time, and excessive bleeding.
Algae used in Food Products
According to the University of California at Los Angeles, a type of algae called carrageenan is commonly added to dairy products to give them a denser consistency. The most common algae containing products are sour cream, chocolate milk, and cheese.
The Hawaii Department of Education says algae is often added to liquids to make them thicker. For example, algae are put in shakes and malts to thicken them. It’s also an ingredient in mayonnaise to prevent it from becoming runny. Alginic acid contained in algae acts as a stabilizer or emulsifier.
The green paper-like substance used to wrap sushi rolls is algae. The green paper is a particular “leafy” variety of algae grown on farms in Asia and shipped throughout the world. The green algae are grown on strings then dried in the sun. This types of algae are exceptionally high in vitamins and nutrients.
Gelatin contains a type of algae called agar. It can solidify just about anything that comes in a liquid form. Agar was first used in China in the 17th century and is found in hundreds of foods sold in grocery stores, such as pie crusts, pumpkin pie filling, and flavored gelatin.
Non-Food Products with Algae
Algae is used in a lot of non-food products, most notable is toothpaste, without algae, toothpaste would be a runny liquid. Algae make toothpaste into a semi-solid that then dissolves with the brushing action of cleaning teeth.
Conclusion
It’s clear that algae and red algae are important in our lives, but when consuming algae or algae-based products, it’s important that the algae are from the ocean because algae coming from the ocean contains the highest level of vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients.
Among all the health benefits of calcium, the most important ones are that it aids in maintaining bone and dental health, as well as helps in the prevention of colon cancer and the reduction of obesity. We need it from birth all the way until we reach old age. In our infant days, it is required for proper bone and tooth growth; during adolescence, as the bones develop, calcium is again essential to support the growth.
Finally, when we get older, our bones tend to get porous and weak, thereby requiring ample calcium intake. With so many fancy diets around us, we often tend to avoid calcium-rich foods like whole food groups, including dairy products. This avoidance often results in its deficiency.
Reports say that calcium deficiency conditions are continuously rising, particularly in women who are on low-calorie diets to get slim and are, therefore, confronted with the threat of osteoporosis. Thus, it is extremely important to consume enough calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, and K2 throughout your life.
Calcium forms 2% of the total body weight in an adult. It is found in the bones and teeth in high volumes. Traces of the mineral are also present in the circulatory system, which prevent life-threatening haemorrhages.
Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency
Recognizing the deficiency of calcium in the body is quite easy.It has some very obvious symptoms, including the following:
Muscles ache and twitch
Cramps and spasms
Palpitations
High blood pressure
Osteoporosis
Loose teeth
Gum diseases
Insomnia
Premenstrual cramps
Tetany
Hypertension
Arthritis
Often, children who haven’t been nourished with calcium since birth, suffer from rickets, in which the bones become weak and flexible, as a result, they have bowed legs, sunken chest, and beaded ribs. Thus, a regular supply of calcium is very important in growing children and teenagers as it can substantially reduce the risks of osteoporosis in old age. Osteoarthritis is a common ailment in one out of every three women and in one man in every 12, above 50 years of age.
Dietary Sources
There are many sources of calcium, these include the following:
It is a popular idea that milk is the greatest source of the mineral, but this is not so; broccoli can increase its levels in your diet the quickest. It is also worth noting that semi-skimmed and whole milk have very similar calcium contents.
Health Benefits
It is an essential mineral for healthy bones, gums, and teeth. Doctors often recommend women to take calcium supplements, particularly those who show early signs of bone problems such as osteoporosis or osteopenia.[2]
Strengthens Bones
Calcium strengthens the backbone, helps alleviate the presence of back pain, and keeps the bones in their proper shape. It also prevents arthritis and osteoporosis, which could hamper your freedom of movement and be extremely painful.[3]
Weight Loss
Calcium efficiently helps in maintaining optimal body weight in both males and females. If there is any deficiency of the mineral in your diet, the body will tend to release parathyroid hormone, which in turn stimulates the bones to release it into your bloodstream. This maintains the balance. On the other side, the parathyroid hormone also stimulates the production of fat and prevents its break down, which can subsequently make you obese. Basically, make sure that you are taking the right amount of calcium so that obesity does not creep in.
Protects Cardiac Muscles
It protects your heart muscles.[4] Sufficient amounts of this essential mineral can help cardiac muscles contract and relax properly. It also helps the nervous system maintain a proper pressure in your arteries. If there is a calcium drop, a hormone called calcitriol is released, which contracts the smooth muscles of the arteries, thereby increasing the blood pressure. Cardiac muscles need extracellular calcium ions for contraction. When the intracellular concentration of calcium increases, the ions gather together on the protein troponin. This stimulates the secretion of extracellular fluid and the intracellular stores, including that of the skeletal muscle, which is only activated by calcium stored in the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
Prevents Colon Cancer
Dr. Ulrike Peters, Dr. Katherine McGlynn et al, published a report in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, that states that an adequate amount of calcium prevents the overall risk of colon cancer.[5] It suppresses the growth of polyps, which has the potential to lead to cancer. Its supplementation reduces the risk of adenomas as well as nonmalignant tumors of the colon. This is actually a precursor to colon cancer, but it’s still not known if calcium intake minimizes the cancer risk completely.
Reduces Premenstrual Depression
Adequate amounts of calcium lessen the symptoms of a premenstrual syndrome like dizziness, mood swings, hypertension, and many others. Low levels of the mineral might trigger the release of the hormones that are responsible for premenstrual mood swings including irritability and depression.
Prevents Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are actually crystallized deposits of calcium and other minerals in the human urinary tract.[6] The most common form of kidney stones is oxalate stones. Previously, it was thought that a high intake or high absorption of the minerals develop kidney stones, but the latest studies show that a high dietary calcium intake decreases the risk of kidney stones considerably. Other factors like high oxalate consumption from leafy vegetables like kale and spinach, as well as reduced fluid consumption, can also prove to be a big cause for kidney stones.
Controls Alkaline pH Level
Junk food, excess sugars, and preserved food items contribute to forming acidity in the body, which, according to a report published in BMJ Open journal, could give rise to kidney stones, hypertension and sometimes even cancer.[7] Calcium helps maintain a healthy pH level, thereby improving your vitality and overall health.
Regulates Blood Pressure
Research has stated that a vegetarian diet with high amounts of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and fiber will result in a regulated blood pressure. While other researchers concluded that increased intake results in hypertension. Later, it was seen that the reason for such assorted results was because these studies tested the effect of single nutrients rather than the food sources having that nutritional content. The National Institutes of Health conducted a research study called “Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)”.[8] The “typical American” diet was compared with two altered diets that were rich in fruits and vegetables and a combo “DASH” diet stuffed with fruits, vegetables, and calcium. The results showed a decreased blood pressure.
To help test the combined effect of nutrients including calcium from food on blood pressure, a study was conducted to investigate the impact of various eating patterns on blood pressure. This study examined the effects of three different diets on high blood pressure and found that the combined effects of various foods still showed it to be beneficial in terms of blood pressure.
Dental Care
Calcium protects your teeth by keeping the jaw bone strong and sturdy throughout your life, which in turn ensures tight fitting teeth where bacteria cannot thrive. Thus, before your teeth and gums start giving you any trouble, be sure to maintain a calcium-rich diet. Its intake should be high, especially at young ages, so that children can grow up with strong teeth.
Transportation of Nutrients
It helps in the easy movement of nutrients across cell membranes.
Summary
Calcium, being the most important mineral, tends to get neglected the most. Children usually fuss about having milk and eventually stop drinking milk altogether. It should be widely known that such deficiencies can result in many diseases over the long term. If milk and dairy products are not desirable, try to combine these ingredients with other cereals and make recipes that involve milk and dairy products. However, all dietary supplement stores and pharmacists have supplements in their stores, though it’s always advisable to take a physician’s advice before starting any medicinal treatment.
The herbal remedy, available in health food shops and some pharmacies in the UK, is used in China to aid memory and fight depression.
In a trial of 330 stroke patients over six months in China, the supplement was linked with better cognitive skill scores on tests.
Experts say the evidence for ginkgo is too weak to recommend it.
Those behind the small study – published in the online journal Stroke & Vascular Neurology – admit that larger, longer and more robust trials are needed.
It was carried out by Nanjing University Medical School, with patients from five Chinese hospitals.
All 330 participants began the trial within a week of having an ischaemic stroke. The average age of the patients was 64.
Roughly half of them were given 450mg of ginkgo biloba daily, in addition to 100mg of aspirin, while the remainder were given only the aspirin.
During a stroke, the blood supplying vital parts of the brain is interrupted, often leading to impaired memory and a decline in organisational and reasoning skills among stroke survivors.
Researchers wanted to see if combining ginkgo biloba with aspirin might help lessen or halt the cognitive decline.
Previous experimental studies in animals have suggested that ginkgo biloba protects against the nerve cell death associated with blood clots in the brain, possibly by increasing blood flow in the cerebral arteries.
Strokes – the definitions
Transient ischaemic attacks (also known as mini-strokes) – symptoms resolve within 24 hours but the majority resolve within 10-60 minutes.
Minor stroke – symptoms last more than 24 hours but often resolve within a few days – and are usually relatively mild
Major stroke – usually taken to mean some permanent symptoms remain
Source: Peter Rothwell, University of Oxford
All the participants took a neuropsychological test (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) at the start of the trial, and then 12, 30, 90 and 180 days later, to check for any cognitive impairment.
Speech problems and muscle strength also improved more rapidly, with indications of improved functional capacity 12 and 30 days after the start of treatment. However, both the clinicians and the patients knew which treatment they had been assigned to, which may have skewed the results, and the monitoring period was not very long.
Researchers say the extract used in the study contained more protective, and fewer harmful, chemicals than the extract typically used in previous studies.
Few side-effects were reported during the trial.
The participants were subsequently monitored for nearly two years, with little difference in the vascular health of the two groups: 16 people in the combined treatment group, and 20 in the aspirin group had further problems, including recurrent stroke and aneurysm.
However, longer term studies looking at stroke severity are necessary, before any more definitive conclusions can be reached.
Dr David Reynolds, Chief Scientific Officer of Alzheimer’s Research UK, criticised the methodology used in the trial: “The researchers were able to tell which participants received the ginkgo biloba extract and which didn’t – a set up that can strongly influence results.
“There have been extensive trials investigating the effects of this herbal extract in people with dementia and they have not shown convincing evidence of a benefit.”
Ginkgo biloba or maidenhair is a tree native to China. It has been used as a source of food and in traditional medicine. It is a popular supplement and one of the top selling herbal medicines that are associated with several health claims and uses, most of which focus on brain function and blood circulation.
The nuts and leaves of the tree have been known to have high nutrient content which has positive effects on the brain and nervous system. Ginkgo biloba extract is collected from the dried green leaves of the plant and is available as liquid extracts, capsules, and tablets.
Due to its therapeutic properties, the plant is used for a variety of health issues such as memory problems, blood disorders, improve eye health, enhancement of cardiovascular function, dizziness, tinnitus, glaucoma, diabetes, eye problems, sexual dysfunction, headache, vertigo, anxiety, multiple sclerosis, and premenstrual syndrome.
Despite this plant’s numerous benefits to our health, one should refrain from using it on self-medication, particularly for severe symptoms. It is important to first consult a health expert or a licensed herbalist before taking ginkgo biloba or any other herbal remedy.
Ginkgo Biloba Against The Effects Of Ischemic Stroke
According to a study from Nanjing University in China, ginkgo biloba may assist in stroke recovery and prevention of brain cell death.
For the study which was led by Dr. Yun Xu from the Department of Neurology at the university, 348 participants suffering from ischemic stroke were involved. Each of them was given either a 450-milligram ginkgo biloba extract in three doses plus 100 milligrams of aspirin (179 people in total) or 100 milligrams of aspirin alone (169 in the control group). One week after being admitted to the hospital due to stroke, the dosage was prescribed every day for six months.
Researchers made their assessments on the 12th, 30th, 90th, and 180th days of the trial using a test that measured attention, memory, and language skills. At the end of the study, better test scores were obtained by those participants who took ginkgo biloba together with aspirin. This combination had helped lessen cognitive and neurological deficits after an acute ischemic stroke without increasing the occurrence of negative vascular effects.
Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke. It is caused by a blood clot that blocks or plugs a blood vessel in the brain. This keeps blood from flowing to the brain. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. It can also be caused by stenosis, or narrowing of the arteries in the neck or in the head which happens because of atherosclerosis, a disease wherein plaque builds up in the arteries. This type of stroke has two types: Thrombotic and embolic. In a thrombotic stroke, damaged arteries are blocked by blood clots within the brain. Meanwhile, an embolic stroke is caused by a clot which was formed outside of the brain.
Here are some of the early warning signs of stroke before it happens:
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg (especially on one side of the body)
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
82-Year-Old Woman With Dementia Gets Her Memory Back After Changing Her Diet
Recently, an 82-year-old woman who
suffered from dementia, who couldn’t recognize her own son has
miraculously got her memory back after changing her diet.
When his mother’s condition became so severe that for her own safety
she had to be kept in the hospital, Mark Hatzer almost came to terms
with losing another parent.
Sylvia had lost her memory and parts of
her mind, she had even phoned the police once accusing the nurse who
were caring for her of kidnap.
A change in diet, which was comprised of
high amounts of blueberries and walnuts, has proven to have had a strong
impact on Sylvia’s condition that her recipes are now being shared by
the Alzheimer’s Society.
Sylvia also began incorporating other health foods, including broccoli, kale, spinach, sunflower seeds, green tea, oats, sweet potatoes and even dark chocolate with a high percentage of cacao. All of these foods are known to be beneficial for brain health.
Mark and Sylvia devised to diet together after deciding that the medication on it’s own was not enough, they looked into the research showing that rates of dementia are much lower in Mediterranean countries and copied a lot of their eating habits.
Mark, whose brother Brent also died in 1977, said: “When my mum
was in hospital she thought it was a hotel – but the worst one she had
ever been in.
“She didn’t recognise me and phoned the police as she thought she’d been kidnapped.
“Since my dad and brother died we
have always been a very close little family unit, just me and my mum, so
for her to not know who I was was devastating.
“We were a double act that went everywhere together. I despaired and never felt so alone as I had no other family to turn to.
“Overnight we went from a happy family to one in crisis.
“When she left hospital, instead of prescribed medication we thought we’d perhaps try alternative treatment.
“In certain countries Alzheimer’s is virtually unheard of because of their diet.
“Everyone knows about fish but there
is also blueberries, strawberries, Brazil nuts and walnuts – these are
apparently shaped like a brain to give us a sign that they are good for
the brain.”
There were also some cognitive
exercises that Mark and his mother would do together like jigsaw puzzles
crosswords and meeting people in social situations, Sylvia would also
exercise by using a pedaling device outfitted for her chair.
Mark said,
“It wasn’t an overnight miracle, but after a couple of months she began
remembering things like birthdays and was becoming her old self again,
more alert, more engaged..
“People think that once you get a
diagnosis your life is at an end. You will have good and bad days, but
it doesn’t have to be the end. For an 82-year-old she does very well,
she looks 10 years younger and if you met her you would not know she had
gone through all of this.
“She had to have help with all sorts of things, now she is
turning it round. We are living to the older age in this country, but we
are not necessarily living healthier.”
The Body’s Ability To Heal Is Greater Than Anyone Has Permitted You To Believe
This story just goes to show how
resilient our bodies really are if given the right environment. Most of
these types of diseases are often related to diet in the first place so
that means that they can indeed be reversed with a proper diet. Sure,
some of them are genetic and you might be a carrier of the gene, but
that is not a guarantee that it will become active, there are things you
can do to minimize the risk. Our health is our greatest wealth. We have
to realize that we do have a say in our lives and what our fate is.
We have covered the topic before of how aluminum build up in the brain is directly related to dementia and more specifically Alzheimer’s disease, being able to identify this as a cause is important because recognizing this means we can do our part to limit the exposure and to also detoxify our brains and bodies from this damaging heavy metal.
“We already know that the
aluminium content of brain tissue in late-onset or sporadic Alzheimer’s
disease is significantly higher than is found in age-matched controls.
So, individuals who develop Alzheimer’s disease in their late sixties
and older also accumulate more aluminium in their brain tissue than
individuals of the same age without the disease.
Even higher levels of
aluminium have been found in the brains of individuals, diagnosed with
an early-onset form of sporadic (usually late onset) Alzheimer’s
disease, who have experienced an unusually high exposure to aluminium
through the environment (e.g. Camelford) or through their workplace.
This means that Alzheimer’s disease has a much earlier age of onset, for
example, fifties or early sixties, in individuals who have been exposed
to unusually high levels of aluminium in their everyday lives.”
His most recent study, published by the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology in December 2016, titled: Aluminium in brain tissue in familial Alzheimer’s disease, is one of the many studies that he and his team have conducted on the subject of aluminum over the years. However, this study in particular is believed to be of significant value, because it is the first time that scientists have measured the level of aluminum in the brain tissue of individuals diagnosed with familial Alzheimer’s disease. (Alzheimer’s disease or AD is considered to be familial if two or more people in a family suffer from the disease.)
According to their paper, the
concentrations of aluminum found in brain tissue donated by individuals
who died with a diagnosis of familial AD, was the highest level ever
measured in human brain tissue.
Professor Exley wrote:
“We now show that some of the
highest levels of aluminium ever measured in human brain tissue are
found in individuals who have died with a diagnosis of familial
Alzheimer’s disease.
The levels of aluminium in
brain tissue from individuals with familial Alzheimer’s disease are
similar to those recorded in individuals who died of an
aluminium-induced encephalopathy while undergoing renal dialysis.”
He explained that:
“Familial Alzheimer’s disease
is an early-onset form of the disease with first symptoms occurring as
early as 30 or 40 years of age. It is extremely rare, perhaps 2-3% of
all cases of Alzheimer’s disease. Its bases are genetic mutations
associated with a protein called amyloid-beta, a protein which has been
heavily linked with the cause of all forms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Individuals with familial
Alzheimer’s disease produce more amyloid beta and the onset of the
symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are much earlier in life.”
The First Step Towards Change Is By Raising Awareness
As more and more awareness grows
involving the true causes of these neurodegenerative brain disorders,
the more we can do our part to prevent and even treat them and
hopefully, eventually eliminate things such as aluminum and other
chemicals in our foods to prevent this disease from happening
altogether.
Please share this article with anyone you know who knows someone who is suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Moringa Oleifera has multiple health benefits. It is gaining more and more popularity in the recent days as a ‘superfood.’ What is moringa good for? Well, the list of benefits you derive from moringa can be literally long. Here is the list of 10 powerful benefits of drinking moringa leaves powder every day.
If you have a moringa tree in your home means you can easily get the adequate nutrients. Moringa leaves are packed with nutrients. It makes an excellent source of calcium, minerals, micro-nutrients and vitamins. Especially, it is one of the richest sources of iron.
50 grams of moringa leaves contain 8 X more calcium than milk and 12 times more iron than spinach.
The beta carotene properties are 10X more than when you get from carrots.
It contains zinc, potassium, and Vitamin B.
It also contains a higher amount of protein than eggs. A cup of moringa has 4X more protein than an egg. It makes the complete protein due to the presence of amino acids. So, if you have the question, what is moringa good for, this is the answer. Moringa is for its nutritional values.
Oxidative damage not only happens externally but also affects the organs. Drinking moringa every day helps to reduce and to regulate the oxidative stress to various organs.
3. Helps Lowering Blood Sugar Level:
Moringa leaves powder benefits diabetic patients on many levels. Packed with nutrients, it gives you all essential nutrients and improves your metabolism.
As stated above, moringa is one of the richest sources of calcium. Calcium is the core nutrient required for healthy bones.
Bone health tends to deteriorate in the 30s. In the past few years, many new health conditions piled up, associated with poor bone health. For instance, osteoporosis – porous bones; bone degeneration; severe back pain (associated with weak bones); knee and joint pain; etc.
As a part treatment in HIV positive patients, moringa leaves gained an important place. It is used as a herbal supplement in the therapies.
6. Moringa is an Anti-Cancer Ingredient:
Isn’t it impressive to know that moringa has anti-cancer properties? This specific benefit of drinking moringa everyday acts as a collective of all benefits and nutritious properties.
The ability to fight against free radicals keeps the cells and tissues healthy.
Prevents the cellular level damage due to free radicals which indicates a growth of cancer cells.
It contains the antioxidants like kaempferol, rhamnetin, Quercetin etc which keep the cells and tissues healthy, free from oxidation.
Moringa contains a high proportion of polyphenols in leaves, flowers, and even the seeds. It slowly eliminates toxins and oxidation damage to the liver.
What is Moringa Good for?
Reduces liver damage
Reverses the liver oxidation
Enhance the protein in the liver
Stimulate liver enzymes
Support blood detoxification
8. Moringa Boosts Brain Health:
The antioxidant ability of the moringa leaves powder benefits your brain health. It supports the healthy functioning of your brain and enhances the cognitive function.
Anti-inflammatory effect reduces the swelling in and out
The diuretic properties eliminate excess water and prevent water retention
Insulin regulation helps the prevention of fat accumulation
Strong liver support enables fat metabolism
High fibre reduces fat accumulation in the gut
Helps to treat constipation
10. Reduces and Eliminates Inflammation:
Inflammation happens in two ways. It is the immunity’s response to an injury or infection. It is a protective mechanism. On the other hand, inflammation grows as an indication of a prolonged health issue. Sustained inflammation leads to chronic health issues.
We have seen the moringa leaves benefits. Here is a brief outlook on how to use moringa.
You can use moringa in two ways, moringa leaves powder drink and moringa leaves.
Many cultures used Moringa leaves for its medicinal and health benefits. It only takes a little time to cook the leaves in the form of stir-fry, leaves boiled with lentils, etc.
Moringa leaves powder is available in abundance. So, to get all the moringa leaves benefits, it is ideal to use moringa as a drink every day.
How to Use Moringa Leaves Powder?
You can make a cup of delicious tea which energizes you. Here is the recipe for moringa drink.
Add 1 teaspoon moringa powder to a cup of hot water
Squeeze half a lemon and mix well
If you have a sweet tooth, add honey
If you do not want a sweet drink, add salt and pepper and drink it warm.
It is easy to make this moringa drink every morning. You can drink this twice a day.
Originally hailing from northern India and the Himalayas, the fast-growing, drought-resistant tree is now cultivated from West Africa to Mexico for communities that struggle for food resources. The seeds can also be pressed to make a moisturizing, anti-inflammatory oil that’s becoming a staple for vitamin-rich face balms, shampoos, and deodorants.
But moringa is making the most noise at the table. Its vegetal taste is a little like spinach mixed with matcha; in the U.S., it’s mostly found in powdered form because the leaves are too delicate to transport long distances. Chefs can use it in dishes to add protein. At Lalito in downtown Manhattan, the powder is sprinkled into $15 chickpea guacamole; uptown, at the Senegalese cafe Teranga, it features in a $5 latte. Health-minded chain Vitality Bowls adds moringa to its VB blend, a key ingredient in the Warrior açai bowl, which also includes granola, bananas, and broccoli.
“I’ve seen it explode over the last four years,” says Jed Fahey, assistant professor at the School of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University. He came across moringa in the late 1990s and thought the tropical tree could help support low-income communities.
A fast-growing supplier is Kuli Kuli Inc. of Oakland, Calif. Founder Lisa Curtis was introduced to moringa as a Peace Corps volunteer in Niger a decade ago when she was a vegetarian without a lot of protein options. The food not only energized Curtis, but it also gave her a business idea: In 2014 she started the company with $53,000 via a crowdfunding campaign. In 2018, Kuli Kuli’s sales topped $5 million. The company, which has planted the trees in Haiti, offers assorted-size packages of powdered moringa, as well as power bars and energy shots. In February, Kuli Kuli closed $5 million in Series B funding led by Griffith Foods and the Kellogg Co.’s venture capital fund Eighteen94 Capital LLC.
Neil Zevnik, a private chef whose clients have included Reese Witherspoon and Charlize Theron, has become a moringa fan partly because of its human impact: Besides being good for you, it’s a sustainable business in sub-Saharan Africa and elsewhere. “I especially like the social aspect of it,” he says. “And that’s become important to the people I cook for,” Zevnik adds it to cold soups and pestos, as well as fruit smoothies to cut the sweetness. Recently he was surprised to find fresh moringa produce at the Hollywood Farmers Market from Thao Family Farm, a favourite supplier to buzzy L.A. restaurants such as Night + Market and République.
It’s a far cry from the first time Johns Hopkins’s Fahey encountered it in Ghana. “It turned out to be in rat stew,” he says. “That’s one application I don’t need to see again.”
Tropical “Super” Smoothie made with moringa.
Courtesy of Neil Zevnik
Tropical Super Smoothie
Recipe adapted from chef Neil Zevnik
In a blender, combine 1 ripe medium banana, ½ cup chopped pineapple, ½ cup chopped mango, ⅓ cup light coconut milk, ¼ cup dairy or nut milk, 1 ½ tbsp moringa powder, 1 tbsp honey, ¼ tsp turmeric, and a handful of ice cubes. Puree until smooth and serve in cold glasses. Makes two 8-ounce smoothies.
12 Amazing Health Benefits Of Moringa!
Moringa Super Nutritional Benefits You Should Know
If Ade knew the power of Moringa, he would have had a great first night with his wife.
Ade had talked Eny, now his wife, into believing he was good in bed while their relationship blossomed (before they got married).
She had waited patiently for that one night after their wedding to get to the climax she had only reached during intercourse with her imagination.
That night came after they had said I do to each other and her hope was deflated like a balloon.
What happened? His sexual drive had failed him when he needed it most.
He was not aware of the leaf of Moringa in front of his home held the solution to the satisfaction he craved for.
Moringa is used in managing anaemia, arthritis and rheumatism (an illness affecting joints-where bones or muscles are joined and they swell and become stiff and painful).
In addition to asthma, cancer, constipation, diabetes, epilepsy, headache, heart problems, high blood pressure, stomach pain, stomach and intestinal ulcers, kidney stones, fluid retention and thyroid disorders.
It lowers inflammation, kindle sex drive (as an aphrodisiac), and enhance the immune process and breast milk formation. Several others use it as a dietary supplement or stimulant.
When applied directly to the skin moringa serves as a germ-killer or drying agent (astringent). It is furthermore used for the treatment of athlete’s foot, dandruff, and gingivitis which is the inflammation of the gum, snakebites, warts, and injuries.
Oil from moringa seeds is used in preparing foods, perfume, and hair care products, and also as a machine lubricant.
This miracle tree is a vital food source in some parts of the globe.
The undeveloped green pods called drumsticks are used in the same way as green beans, but the seeds from the more mature pods are removed and cooked like peas or roasted like nuts.
WHAT IS MORINGA LEAF POWDER?
Even though the whole moringa tree is suitable for eating, one of the most valuable parts are the leaves. Today, the best way to use moringa leaves is through is leaf powder.
The green leaves are dried and ground to a fine consistency. The powder is sieved before being packaged. Moringa powder produced from the naturally dried leaf of the moringa tree is likely one of the most nutrient-dense raw whole foods on the planet.
HOW TO MAKE MORINGA TEA
The tea is really a convenient way to get many Moringa benefits.
Simply follow these three steps:
For a single cup, use between ½ to 1 teaspoon of moringa powder.
Add warm water.
Mix up with a little honey and fresh ginger (optional) to taste.
SIDE EFFECTS & PROTECTION
Moringa, when taken by mouth and used properly is not a problem to health.
The leaves, fruit, and seeds may be safe when eaten as food. Nevertheless, it’s most important to restrict consuming the root and its juice because they may have a toxic substance that can trigger paralysis and even death.
There isn’t adequate information to know if moringa is safe when used in medicinal amounts.
INDIVIDUAL SAFETY MEASURES & NOTIFICATION:
Moringa and Pregnancy: It’s very risky to make use of the root, bark or flowers of this plant in case you are pregnant. Chemical substances in the root, bark, and flowers can make the uterus contract, and this could cause a miscarriage.
There is not adequate information on hand in regards to the protection of making use of different parts of this plant during pregnancy. So be on the safe side and avoid using.
According to the Ayurveda, the leaves of the tree can effectively treat over 300 health issues as the leaves are a rich source of nutrition and natural energy boosters.
The moringa contains over 90 nutrients, and provides seven times the vitamin C of oranges, four times the calcium of milk and the vitamin A of carrots, three times the potassium of bananas, and two times the protein of yoghurt.
Headache relief
In traditional Indian medicine commonly used Moringa leaves to soothe pain, and fight migraines and headaches.
Arthritis relief
Thanks to its potent anti-inflammatory properties that fight inflammation, and the high calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and copper content prevents strengthens the locomotor system and prevents diseases.
Moringa leaves treat eye and ear infections, catarrh, and scurvy
The high nutrients content of Moringa fights and prevents anemia.
Lowers Cholesterol
According to studies done on animals, the effects of this plant can be compared with the ones of the drug simvastatin in the treatment of high cholesterol levels.
Moringa treats acid reflux and prevents the formation of stomach ulcers.
On the other hand, you have ginger root, which is a powerful remedy against diseases, like colds, diabetes, stomach issues, diarrhoea, and coughs.
It is especially beneficial in the case of various types of “stomach problems,” like nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, motion sickness, morning sickness, colic, gas, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea due to cancer treatment, nausea caused by HIV/AIDS treatment, appetite loss, and nausea and vomiting after surgery.
Here are some of its health benefits:
Dizziness and nausea
Ginger is excellent in fighting nausea and dizziness, as well as motion sickness. That’s why experts recommend taking ginger at least 3 hours before boarding on a boat, car, or a place. If your trip lasts longer, drink some ginger-infused water half an hour before too.
Prevents ulcers
Being a powerful antibacterial agent and being able to balance the production of juices in the stomach, ginger will prevent the formation of ulcers.
Pregnancy
A teaspoon of ginger dried root in a glass of water and drink it several times daily to reduce morning sickness and dizziness during the pregnancy. However, this treatment should not last for more than 2 months.
Chemotherapy Treatment
It will prevent vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Prevents the side-effects of drugs
Ginger will help you prevent the dangerous side-effects of drugs used in surgeries. Take it a day before the surgery, but always after a consultation with the doctor.
Ginger is also of great help in the treatment of menstrual pain, coughs, diabetes, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pain, osteoarthritis, bronchitis, stomach pain, upper respiratory tract infections, chest pain, respiratory problems, and anorexia.
Ingredients:
85 g fresh ginger
10 pretty green moringa leaves
4 cups of water
A teaspoon of honey (optional)
Preparation:
Start by washing the ginger well, and cut it into slices. Add the slices to water, and boil them for 10 minutes. Next, remove the pot from heat, and add the moringa leaves. Cover the pot and leave it aside for 5 minutes. Strain, and sweeten with honey.
Use:
Drink a cup of the moringa and ginger infusion twice daily, once in the morning and once again in the evening, before bedtime.
Moringa and Ginger To Fight Several Deadly Diseases
There is this incredible duo that is known to promote better health and longevity, it is none other than the combination of moringa and ginger. This combination has been in use for several centuries to treat numerous health conditions and also due to its ability to get into the root of an issue and fix it. People have been using moringa as a natural remedy and it is a completely safe remedy to use and comes without any side effects.
Health benefits of moringa
The nutritious leaves of moringa contain potent antioxidants. When these leaves are kept in hot water for sometime, they release an abundance of nutrients and antioxidants into the hot water. This liquid is now full of beneficial compounds that promote energy and wellness. Increasing the consumption of ginger helps in decreasing the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and overall mortality. It can put an end to several issues like digestive problems, nausea, loss of appetite, motion sickness and pain.
Several studies have suggested that moringa can diminish cancerous cells as it contains benzyl isothiocyanate. This is often recommended for patients who have undergone chemotherapy. The plant compounds of ginger provide radio-protective effects to healthy tissues and prevent the concerns of toxicity in the patients.
3. Reduces Cholesterol:
Moringa has been proven to be successful in reducing the cholesterol levels and also helps the body to stay healthy and operative. Where as, ginger helps in reducing inflammation and is beneficial for the heart. Hence it helps in reducing the cholesterol levels. This makes this recipe, one of the best to treat cholesterol.
Moringa contains high anti-ulcer properties that help with dealing with gut and stomach issues. Moringa also helps in fixing gut and stomach problems. Ginger is also known for its ability to soothe the stomach and prevent morning sickness. Hence, this recipe is the best thing you can opt for to drink in the morning.
Being a treasure trove of nutrients, it helps in treating anaemia well. It contains high amounts of significant minerals, vitamins, proteins and also improves the blood texture significantly. Consuming drinks with ginger in the morning helps in obtaining relief from anaemia. Hence this recipe is considered the best for treating anaemia as well.
Moringa And Ginger Recipe:
Ingredients:
85 g fresh ginger 10 green moringa leaves One spoon honey 4 cups of water Array Direction: Wash the ginger root and cut it into slices. Boil it with water for 10 minutes and set it aside. Put the moringa leaves into it and let it remain for sometime. Add honey to taste. This remedy can be taken in the morning and before going to bed, one cup every time. If you don’t have moringa leaves, boil the ginger by itself and add a teaspoon of moringa powder in the cup.
Oxidants in the body can cause a chemical reaction called oxidation which produces free radicals. This can cause a lot of damage to our cells. The leaf of the Moringa plant is full of antioxidants which can prevent this from happening. Consuming an extract from the leaf or even taking it in powder form can increase the levels of antioxidants in your blood.
Various studies have shown that the isothiocyanates present in the Moringa leaf can reduce the level of blood sugar in the body thereby reducing the risk of getting diabetes and all its complications. Consuming Moringa can also reduce the level of cholesterol in the body and consequently bring down your chances of suffering from cardiac problems.
Most of us are heavily exposed to arsenic as most of what we eat and drink is contaminated in one way or the other. In the long run this could lead to the growth of cancerous tumours and cause various cardiac issues. Researchers working with animals have seen that the leaf of the Moringa plant as well as the seeds are effective in reducing the risk of developing these problems but this has not been studied in humans.
Moringa Oleifera can be consumed in various ways. For example, you can blitz it into healthy shakes in powder form or use it like tea. However, like everything else this should be eaten in moderation or it can cause indigestion.
Fluoride levels in 493 villages are exceptionally high.
Fluorosis Se Jung aims to help residents protect themselves from its effects.
Soumya Mathew
In August, Palak Ramesh showed no hesitation when the teacher at her government school in Haryana’s Khedli Khurd village asked her to spell out her name. But the next moment, when the 13-year-old student was asked to demonstrate a few stretching exercises, her confidence ebbed. When Ramesh tries to touch her ankles or stretch her arms, her joints, back and shoulders ache.
That pain seemed bearable. A more agonising wave of embarrassment swept over Ramesh and the quiet group of teenagers who had gathered around her when they smiled – they were conscious of their yellowing teeth. It’s not that they had ignored good dental-health practices. “Hum har din brush karte hai,” protested Ramesh’s friend Arseena Vakeel. We brush every day.
They are among the thousands of people in the region who suffer from dental fluorosis, or mottling of teeth, one of the most common effects of drinking fluoride-contaminated water. In March, the fluoride level in the groundwater of their village was recorded as 14 mg/litre of water. A level of 1mg or less is considered normal.
Khedli Khurd is one of the 439 villages in Haryana’s Mewat district that has to deal with excessive flouride in its groundwater. Over the years, NGOs have attempted to make villagers aware of the problem and to install water filteration plants to help remedy it. In August, Alfaz-E-Mewat FM 107.8, a popular community radio station in Mewat, launched what is perhaps the most innovative effort to keep residents healthy. It kicked off a show titled Fluorosis Se Jung, or Battle with Fluorosis. This eight-episode series includes dramas and question and answer sessions with doctors.
The station has also handed out 8,500 moringa, or drumstick, plants, a species that is believed to help to reduce the effects of fluorosis. According to a study published by the Journal of Industrial Pollution Control in 2007, moringa is an effective “defluoridating agent” Share on X. It recommended that both Moringa pod as well as the leaves should be part of the diet of people living in fluorotic areas.
How it started
The idea for the initiative struck Faakat Hussain, a radio jockey at Alfaz-E-Mewat who hosts a question and answer show Tere Mere Man Ki Baat in March, when he received an on-air call from a shepherd from Khedli Khurd. The caller’s 40-year-old wife was finding it increasingly difficult to carry out her daily chores. When she worked in the fields or collected grass from the nearby forest, both tasks involved a lot of walking, her knees hurt.
During the course of that conversation, Hussain realised it was a problem faced by many women in Khedli Khurd. Shortly after, he visited the village with Dr Rizwan Khan, the district consultant appointed in Mewat under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis. They took a water sample from the village and Khan had it examined it in a laboratory at Al-Afiya General Hospital, Mewat. The water was found unfit for consumption.
(Left to right) Pritam Singh, a teacher at the government middle school in Khedli Khurd, Faakat Hussain, a radio jockey at Alfaz-E-Mewat and Sohrab Khan, a teacher at the school.
Since there was no awareness about fluorosis in the village, Hussain and his team decided to use the radio – the most common medium of entertainment and information in the district – to talk about the medical condition. The 20-minute sessions, hosted by Hussain, with Khan and Sanjeet Panesar, assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at Shaheed Hasan Khan Mewati Government Medical College, are brodcast every Tuesday at 10.50 am. The show is repeated at 9.35 pm the same day.
Among the segments it has featured is a play on Fluorosis Se Jung, with
a man talking to his friends about how his wife struggles with swollen, aching joints. His friends advise him to head to the Alfaz-E-Mewat station and pick up some moringa plants to help his wife. The plays and songs are aired twice or thrice every day.
“A lot of them still don’t know what fluorosis is, so we try to communicate in ways they understand,” said Hussain. For them, their knees and ankles swelling translates to ‘ghutno mei hawa bharna’ or air getting filled in their joints. So we tell them the plant [moringa] is a good cure for that [problem] and eventually explain fluorosis to them.
Alfaz-E-Mewat was established in 2012 by the Sehgal Foundation, a charitable trust that is conducting research on flourosis. Lalit Mohan Sharma of the foundation says that the spread of the disease has its origins in region’s depleting groundwater levels. As residents dig borewells that are ever deeper, they are reaching water contaminated by fluoride-rich rocks.
The deeper the borewell, the greater the fluoride levels in the groundwater. Photo credit: ABHIJEET / Wikimedia Commons [CC Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported].
On August 7, Alfaz-E-Mewat invited several villagers, including children, to the community radio’s centre at Ghaghas village for a session conducted by Sharma, Khan and Panesar. They explained to the villagers that swollen joints were more than just a case of “hawa bharna” or air getting filled in their joints. Within two weeks after the session, Hussain says, the first batch of moringa plants was almost over.
The future
Mewat was added to the list of endemic regions by the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis in 2011-’12. But, according to Khan, the government is yet to supply alternative sources of drinking water or reverse osmosis facilitators to most villages. As a result, villages like Khedli Khurd continue to depend on groundwater sucked out through borewells.
Faizan.
“Should we die thirsty instead?” asked 53-year-old Faizan, a resident of Khedli Khurd. Her son Jafruddin, 35, was diagnosed earlier this year with avascular necrosis, a condition in which the blood supply to the bones is obstructed. “I was in Gujarat for about 10 days after my doctor asked me to move out of Mewat for a while,” said Jafruddin. “I felt considerably better there, even without taking medicines. Now that I have come back, I will have to depend on the medicines again to move around.” When Jafruddin tried to squat on the floor, his teeth clenched in pain.
Sohrab Khan, who has been teaching at the government school for the past six years, feels he is losing his agility, even though he does not stay in the village. “I can sense stiffness in my joints,” he said. “Since I am here for most part of the day, I end up drinking the water at the school.” Sohrab Khan is among those who took a moringa plant from Alfaz-E-Mewat, hoping it would stave off the symptoms of ageing he is facing in his 30s.
Jafruddin.
Hussain is unsure what direction the fluorosis-awareness programme will take once the radio series ends. But the change in the villagers’ approach towards the condition has been heartening. “When they had come for the session in early August, many of them thought their problems were just a part of ageing,” he said. “Now many are careful. At least, that’s what their eagerness to grow moringa in their houses shows.”
![The deeper the borewell, the greater the fluoride levels in the groundwater. Photo credit: ABHIJEET / Wikimedia Commons [CC Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported].](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bore_well_water_pump_Chinawal.jpg "The deeper the borewell, the greater the fluoride levels in the groundwater. Photo credit: ABHIJEET / Wikimedia Commons [CC Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported].")
