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 Click To Tweet
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.
Herbal remedy ginkgo biloba ‘can help stroke recovery’
Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest living tree species
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.
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Moringa: Why is it called The Miracle Tree?
MORINGA is a valuable source of protein, calcium, beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium and many more.
Moringa salad bowl
EMANUEL CHIBESAKUNDA, Lusaka
MORINGA Oleifera originally comes from India, it has established well in Zambia and other countries in the Southern African region. It grows well in most ecological regions countrywide and many different parts in Africa and the world. It is a fast-growing tree whose leaves are uniquely imputed by nature with nutritional and medicinal benefits. It has often times been referred to as the “miracle tree,” “drumstick tree,” or “horseradish tree,” has small, rounded leaves that are packed with an incredible amount of nutritional value. Growing Moringa
Moringa trees grow easily from seeds or cuttings. They grow quickly even in poor soil and bloom within eight months after planting. Moringa seeds have no dormancy periods and can be planted as soon as they are mature. In the ground, it is best to plant the seeds directly where the tree is intended to grow and not to transplant the seedling. The young seedlings are fragile and often cannot survive transplanting. Grow Moringa from Cuttings
To grow Moringa from a cutting, simply cut the trees that have stopped producing fruits each year. It is important that branches are cut off so that fresh growth may take place. These branches are excellent for growing new trees. Make a cutting at least 1” (2.5cm) in diameter and at least six feet (1.8m) long, dig a hole 3 ft. (1m) x 3 ft. (1m) and 3 ft. (1m) deep, place the cutting in the hole and fill with a mixture of soil, sand and composted manure. Fill firmly around the base of the cutting. Form a slight dome or cone shape, sloping down away from the cutting as this it is desirable that water not touch the stem of the new tree and thereafter water generously, but do not drown the cutting in water. Moringa Growing Environment
Moringa is a resilient tree. It can survive in a variety of climates and substandard soils. It is as fast-growing as it is hearty. Normal growth ranges from 3-5 meters per year if left un-cropped. It is one of the fastest growing biomasses on the planet when properly nourished. There are some varieties known to grow seven meters in one year if left unchecked. A fully mature Moringa tree can grow to as much as 35 feet (Moringa Tree Care and growing Moringa; Susan Patterson). Moringa Out- and Indoor Tree
Moringa is also an ideal plant to grow indoors or, depending on where one lives, including in one’s own backyard. Once mature, fresh Moringa, leaves harvested from one’s tree make a delicious addition to a household salad. The leaves are also great for making tea, as well as an ingredient in a variety of chicken, meat and vegetable dishes. Moringa Multiple Benefits
Growing a moringa miracle tree is a great way to help rural communities improve their livelihood. Moringa trees are also interesting to simply have around as they attract multiple pollinating insects. It is for these amazing multiple benefits contained by moringa tree that it is often referred to as the moringa miracle tree. This tree contains more vitamin C than an orange, more vitamin A than a carrot, more calcium than milk and more potassium than a banana. It contains about four times as much calcium as that contained in milk, three times the amount of potassium that can be obtained from bananas. It is, therefore, a natural gift to humankind that can practically empower rural communities with a nutritional bank and ecological incentive (Moringa farms, Inc).
Moringa is also rich in minerals, vitamins, essential amino acids, phytochemicals, vegetable proteins, anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and carbohydrates. Technical Synopsis & Nutritional benefits
Moringa is a valuable source of protein, calcium, betacarotene, vitamin C, potassium and many more. Parts of the tree, such as leaves, flowers, and seeds, are edible and provides important source of protein, calcium, iron, carotenoids, and phytochemicals, and it is employed for several applications for nutritional purposes. This product is reputable for improving health and nutrition of people and livestock as it significantly boost their health and nutritional state. As an example, carrots only have 25 percent of the vitamin A that can be obtained from the same amount of Moringa Oleifera.
Previous studies have observed that it is also an interesting source of milk clotting enzyme and reported to offer caseinolytic and milk-clotting activities of M. oleifera flowers using azocasein and skim milk as substrates, respectively. M. oleifera seed extract was also used as a milk-clotting agent and the resulting curd was white and firm. Moringa Harvested All Year Round
The fact that Moringa grows rapidly and easily makes it especially appealing and adaptable to many ecological areas and one of the fastest plant-based investment to successfully contribute to nutritional intake as well as support ecological balance. In these areas, Moringa may be the most nutritious food locally available, and it can be harvested all year round.
Recommended uptake of two capsules twice per day, or about one bottle per month directly replace traditional vitamins and can help to eliminate the worry of one’s life where one get the right vitamins and minerals into dietary food uptake only. Moringa in tea bags, which makes it quite convenient to get your daily dose of the supplement simply by steeping a tea bag during your morning routine. Livelihood & Rural Development Opportunity
Moringa oleifera offers a unique opportunity as it stimulates nutritional and rural economic empowerment. It is an energising product that helps with healing and medical prevention as well. It can be used to redress skin disorder treatment, diabetes, sleep improvement, relief for anxiety and depression. It can give consumers a significant boost in energy, it has the ability to even out your blood sugar levels, and it can even help you recover more quickly after a workout. Moringa Soil Requirements
The trees have the resilience to flourish even in areas where it is dry and sandy and does not easily die off due to insufficient water or poor soil. It offers farmers with a good market for their seed, people benefit from cheaper, good quality cooking oil and the mills bring employment. Moringa oil has been used in skin preparations and ointments since Egyptian times. The bright yellow oil with a pleasant taste has been compared in quality with olive oil. The kernel contains 35-40% by weight of oil. Zambia – Plant A Million
The Plant – A – Million Initiative is a tree planting movement with the expanse and ambition to become Africa’s premier example of a ‘Tree-based economy’. The vision of the initiative is to create a ‘Tree-based Economy’ which will enable to mitigate climate change with economic benefits for Zambia. Growing Money from Trees!
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When it comes to then growing list of superfoods, moringa always seems to be top of the pile.
Native to northern India, moringa oleifera
has quickly become a favorite supplement among health enthusiasts. They
often use it in the form of a powder, capsule, oil or tea. Unlike most
plants, all parts of the moringa tree are used – the seeds, leaves and
pods. While the seeds are often roasted and consumed like nuts, the
leaves actually contain more nutrients. These nutrients include folate,
antioxidants like phytonutrients, vitamin A, B vitamins, fiber, iron, calcium and zinc.
Aside from its nutritional value, moringa
is also important for a earth-friendly standpoint. The plant has been
used to not only filter water but also to improve soil fertility and
conjunction with forest restoration efforts (1).
Also, moringa can grow in virtually any
climate, making it accessible to individuals all over the world. In
fact, the National Institute of Health once referred to it as the plant
of the year in 2008 (2).
With such a rich nutritious value, one
has to wonder the potential health benefits that moringa can have on the
body. If that’s the case, read on to find out exactly why it could be
this year’s top superfood.
Moringa health benefits
Anti – cancer properties
It seems that moringa seeds contain properties that might prevent the growth of cancer cells.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules revealed how a protein found in moringa seeds can decelerate the growth of liver cancer in both human and animal cells. Aside from chewing on the seeds, try these 7 tips to help reduce your breast cancer risk.
Did you know Moringa is highly beneficial for your skin and hair? This video explains some of the beautiful benefits to be gained from using high-quality moringa for hair growth!
Boosts heart health
In regards to cardiovascular health,
moderate levels of cholesterol are important. This means levels of LDL
(bad) cholesterol which levels of HDL (good) cholesterol remain
elevated.
According to a study published in the journal Frontier in Pharmacology, the
monounsaturated fats found in moringa can help to lower high levels of
LDL cholesterol. if you’re looking to boost your levels of HDL
cholesterol, try eating these foods.
Maintains healthy skin and hair
Moringa contains both antioxidants and
protein. This not only prevents premature aging of the skin but it also
helps to strengthen both skin and hair cells.
As a beauty ingredient, it is touted for its ability to kill bacteria, reduce odor and moisturizes the skin.
Reduces elevated blood sugar levels
In regards to diabetes, high blood sugar is the biggest risk factor for this chronic disease.
Moringa contains a compound called chlorogenic acid and animal studies have revealed how this compound helped to lower blood sugar levels in diabetic rats (3). In regards to human studies, a piece published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology revealed how the daily consumption of a teaspoon of the leaf powder over a three-month period also reduced blood sugar levels.
Bottom Line
Whether you’re drying the leaves to use as a powder, drinking the tea or chewing on its seeds – moringa is rich in antioxidants and thus it could potentially be the next big superfood.
Wine Me Dine Me: Moringa is the next big thing in health food!
Health food, introducing moringa, your next “superfood” powder, which, while it seems to be all over the place on health food sites and even Amazon, I first encountered last week on a trip to Belize.
While most people might go to the beaches and caves of this small country, when my husband, JimmyChiv, and I go to Belize, we stay in San Ignacio in the jungle, about 5 miles from the Guatemalan border. We like the bird-watching opportunities, the many Mayan ruins and cities from the past and the flora. Of course, I’m mostly interested in the health food and drink – how they make the tortillas or use coconut for example, or which fruit juice is best with my 3 Barrel Rum.
One of my first stops is the big farmers market in town where we can buy tomatoes, plantains, and tropical fruits along with meat and fish. We pick up snacks like salty squash seeds and dried banana. On our most recent trip, we found an expat selling his own brand of peanut butter, Red Parrot, made with just peanuts and sea salt as well as granola bars with Belizean made cacao nibs and honey. He also had little baggies of herbs and spices, including chia, turmeric and this new green powder I hadn’t heard of before, moringa. He was a bit taken aback that I hadn’t heard of it before, and so was I after I looked into it more. How did I not know about this? So I snatched some up to try out. Click To Tweet
In the past, I’ve told you all about matcha, that bright green tea powder from Japan which, in the U.S. and other Western countries, we’ve identified as a “superfood.” For a while there, I was frothing up matcha just about daily and ordering matcha lattes and shakes when I could find them. Next came turmeric, dark orangy-brown, aromatic and suddenly also ubiquitous in lattes and cooking of all kinds – even cocktails.So now I know about moringa, another ancient plant that’s been marketed as a superfood. Click To Tweet
There are quite a few species of the tree (a.k.a. the miracle tree or drumstick tree), but the one that’s cultivated the most is Moringa oleifera, found in India at the foothills of the Himalayas. Other species are found throughout Africa and Asia and since it grows well in the tropics, in Belize, too. Roots, leaves, flowers, pods, and seeds – you can use it all Click To Tweet. The roots taste a bit like horseradish I was told.
As you can imagine, every part of the tree is packed with nutrients. It’s not a “superfood” without them, right? High in vitamin C and iron, moringa leaves also have four times the vitamin A found in carrots, seven times the vitamin D found in oranges, three times the amount of potassium of a banana, three times the amount of calcium found in milk and twice the protein of yogurt. As with any great nutritional plant or tree, it also has medicinal uses. It’s said to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory uses as well as uses as an anti-diabetic and anti-cholesterol agent and so many more. Click To Tweet
Like matcha or turmeric, you can use it in many ways. You can find the powder online and in health food stores and the leaves, dried or fresh, at Asian or Indian markets. You can sometimes find the pods there, too, which taste a bit like green beans. Use the earthy tasting powder in smoothies and lattes, of course, but also use the leaves sprinkled atop your avocado toast or salad or used as a spinach substitute. In Africa, the powder is also used to make sauces. I made a tea from the dried leaves I bought and it was quite delicious. Click To Tweet
Moringa Smoothie Recipe
2 to 4 kale leaves
1 banana
1 T. almond butter
1 date
¾ c. coconut water
1 T. cacao powder
½ t. moringa leaf powder
1 cup ice
Place all smoothie ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.
The Dish:
Chef Gaby Velez has opened La Casita at the Kittery Circle (the projected date is 2/3/2018 so check the website to make sure since things do get delayed in the restaurant world). Gaby has been a health food chef in the area for years including at Brazo in Portsmouth and at La Casita. He’ll bring his Puerto Rican and Cuban cuisine to Maine with rice and beans bowls and sandwiches including a Cubano. It’s one of those create your own bowl spots with a choice of protein and vegetables, the type of beans you want and then sauce. Check out the menu here and be on the lookout for their opening which might have already happened. Visit lacasitaonthecircle.com
How the drumstick tree is fighting climate change in the Maghreb
In the fight against water scarcity and desertification, the Acacias for All project is working to raise awareness amongst farmers of new and profitable ways of improving soil quality. One such method is the cultivation of the moringa tree, an Asian acacia.
“Basically, the ground had deteriorated and there were no more shrubs. The soil had become impoverished due to conventional agricultural methods,” explains Hosn El Oujoud Tborski, head of communications at Acacias for All. Although the acacia moringa is not an officially registered Tunisian tree, this enterprise is in the process of changing the Maghreb’s agricultural landscape thanks to this magical plant. With an almost negligible thirst for water and leaves that can be reduced to powder and sold at a high price on the European market, this tree is helping the local community respond to issues of both water scarcity and poverty in the region.
This project was originally launched by Sarah Toumi; the granddaughter of a farmer who believes that Tunisia has fallen into a vicious circle. While the country is being confronted with the effects of climate change and increasingly frequent droughts, the selection of Tunisian crops being cultivated has not changed and chosen crops continue to consume vast quantities of water. When speaking with the farmers, Toumi found that there was a general sense of passivity towards these issues. For her, the situation is serious, especially since desertification is slowly eroding the crops.
It all began on her grandfather’s land, which sits in the agricultural Hencha region to the north of Sfax. As is often seen in Tunisia, water has been lacking in this area for several years. “In this arid climate, people do not adapt!” states Sarah. Therefore, to get the ball rolling, she started working in a 50-year-old olive grove planting natural acacia – or, more precisely, acacia moringa.
Little known by Tunisians, this tree came to the country from the Indian sub-continent and flourished thanks to its properties that are perfectly adapted to an arid environment. Its deep roots allow it to draw water from 60 metres underground, which also provides the secondary benefit of limiting irrigation and creating a natural barrier against erosion. The canopy of the acacia moringa’s leaves protects the soil and even restores it through nitrogen fixing, which basically helps to revive soil that has become arid and lacking in nutrients.
Restoring the ecosystem and creating income
In 2012 the pilot project against desertification was launched in the village of Bir-Salah, near El Hencha. With the support of the young team at Ashoka Venture, Sarah Toumi established a demonstration centre for her tree nursery that could be used for “sustainable agricultural practices.” Fourteen regions took part in this reforestation campaign, mainly in the southern regions of Gabès and El Omrane. Hosn El Oujoud Tborski, head of communications, explains that the company relies on “ambassadors set up as cooperatives who carry out the work,” before adding: “our organisation then takes part in re-buying the produce, which comprises of things like herbal tea, honey, powdered leaves.”
To give the farmers’ traditional production methods a necessary shake-up, Sarah started working in rural areas, often with women, around the village of Bir-Salah. For the most part, the women had their own small plots of land and very little access to scientific information or to potential markets. Sarah noted that these women were much more receptive to ideas of change and innovation, and when she proposed them her project, very few refused to take part. They quickly saw how the cultivation of the acacia could become an important source of income.
Put simply, Acacias for All supplies the seeds, and when the tree is big enough, the female volunteers cut the branches, dry the leaves and reduce them to a powder. Rich in vitamins and minerals, this powder is transformed into food supplements, honey and herbal teas that are then sold on the European market.
All of this work is completed by the women on their own land as part of the ‘cooperative’ framework. Each woman pays a small fee and is given the opportunity to learn about business techniques and how to market her produce for herself.
Maghreb on the horizon
Since it first began, the project has successfully expanded: around 50,000 trees have now been planted. Sarah’s ambition is to plant one million trees by 2018 and spread the company’s activities throughout Maghreb. Since it covers the likes of Algeria and Morocco, the agricultural problems present there are very similar to those found in Tunisia. A large portion of the population of this area is employed by the agricultural sector (around 40% in Morocco, 11% in Algeria and 16% in Tunisia) despite the fact that arable land is becoming more and more scarce. In these semi-arid zones, farmers are still growing olive and almond trees, which are two highly water-greedy species, and the region is facing the same scarcity of water sources.
However, Sarah is aware that replicating her winning cooperative formula throughout Maghreb is an ambitious step. In order to take her project to three different countries, she needs to find local allies on whom she can rely. Without a doubt, the young Tunisian hopes that her successful career so far will inspire others, and that other woman especially will feel strong enough to shake the deeply anchored roots of these traditional agricultural practices.
http://www.acaciasforall.org/
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