Nr 333 Inspiration for craftsmen/women (and save money ) ;-)

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Nr 331 Not taking Turmeric yet? Think about it.... ;-)

Turmeric is often deemed as some kind of ‘miracle’ spice, which is reinforced by more than 600 confirmed benefits which have been found through experimentation and thorough testing.

This fact is largely attributed to curcumin as the primary source of this, but did you know the whole turmeric could actually help with brain regeneration?

Aromatic-turmerone is a fat-soluble component of turmeric which has been tested on adult rats and for its effects on neural stem cells. Their findings in the petri dish were that the neural stem cells (NSCs) increased in number by up to 80% when they were exposed to ar-turmerone, which signified that there was a dramatic healing effect taking place.

When this was administered to rats, the subjects began forming healthy new brain cells in the subventricular zone and the hippocampus – which is the area of the brain where new neurons are formed. They also noticed an increase in size in both of these areas.

Alone, aromatic-turmerone is a powerful re-generator which is known to aid NSCs in brain development, and could eventually lead to aiding degenerative diseases like stroke’s or Alzheimer’s.

The biggest draw of aromatic-turmerone in the brain is that rather than just promoting stem cell proliferation, it also separates stem cells into neurons, which is a major objective of the existing types of regenerative medicine

Scientists also discovered that curcumin can help to improve the memory of Alzheimer’s patients. Although, the research sourced in this article is comprised of studies where scientists have conducted their tests on rats as opposed to the human brain, yet the information is nonetheless transferable.

So What Does This Mean Exactly?

Some of these remedies are only supported by initial studies with either a non-human subject like rats or mice or a small group of human subjects.

While scientists investigate further into supporting these remedies, you can talk with your health professional regarding the use of one or possibly even several of these natural options as an alternative to higher risk, pharmaceutical-orientated methods.

However, this is not to say that you should disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking  treatment because of something you have read here. Many of these tricks have been passed down from generation to generation, and continue to be based on many success stories after using these forms of treatment.

Many people think that using a curcumin extract on its own is enough to reap the benefits, but using the whole turmeric offers a range of therapeutic compounds they might miss out on.

For instance, for colonic inflammation or polyps, it is better to use the whole plant over an extract because the extract can likely be absorbed by the small intestine before ever getting to the large intestine where it’s needed most.

The effects of the brain using aromatic-turmerone are still relatively new and fairly unknown, but this recent study proves that there is definitely a regenerative factor contained in this remedy. So go ahead, add a pinch to your smoothie or curry next time and you’ll thank yourself for it in the future!

Healing plants are often composed of hundreds of beneficial compounds, so it would be wrong to assume that one in particular is responsible for all the healing powers.

Although curcumin and aromatic-turmerone have been found to have substantial positive benefits to the body and mind, using turmeric in its whole, raw state will surely bring around the best healing statistics and success rates.

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Nr 330 Magnesium and heart

Magnesium Benefits

Researchers at Zhejiang University and Zhengzhou University in China found that more than 1 million people across nine countries who consumed the most magnesium tested out with a 10 percent lower risk of coronary heart disease, a 12 percent lower stroke risk and a 26 percent lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

Regarding the new research, which was published in Biomed Central, lead study author Fudi Wang, Ph.D., explains:Wang said in a Medical Xpress news release3 that although current guidelines recommend that men take about 300 mg of magnesium a day, and women 270 mg per day, deficiencies in this mineral are still common, affecting anywhere between 1.5 percent to 15 percent of the population.

The researchers hope this new information serves to not just encourage people to make sure they’re getting adequate magnesium, but to prompt policy makers to change dietary guidelines, which could diminish the number of magnesiumdeficiency-related diseases.

Heart Issues Linked to Low Magnesium, but Science Takes a ‘Wrong Turn’

In 2013, the upshot of a “groundbreaking” review covering what was known about cardiovascular disease from as early as 1937 found that low magnesium levels —not high cholesterol or consumption of too much saturated fat —are the leading cause of many aspects of heart disease.The 10-year review, conducted by research scientist and author Andrea Rosanoff, Ph.D., was based on the earlier research of Dr. Mildred Seelig, who studied the relationship between magnesium and cardiovascular disease for more than 40 years. As early as 1957, Rosanoff says, it was very clear that low magnesium was “strongly, convincingly, a cause of atherogenesis and the calcification of soft tissues. But this research was widely and immediately ignored as cholesterol and the high saturated-fat diet became the culprits to fight.”

The “wrong turn” scientists took when the research was so clear, Rosanoff asserts, created a trajectory in the way heart disease and other cardiovascular issues have been dealt with across the board. This had resulted in entire populations failing to balance their magnesium intake with their calcium intake, and it’s getting worse.

Studies continue to show that when calcium and magnesium intake aren’t on an even keel, Rosanoff asserts, the risk of heart disease increases.

Evidence ‘Much Too Compelling to Ignore’

Medical and naturopathic doctor Carolyn Dean, a member of the Nutritional Magnesium Association’s Medical Advisory Board, asserts that it’s obvious that cholesterol isn’t the cause because statins have been the answer doctors have turned to for their patients for two decades, but heart disease is still the No. 1 killer in America.

Although there are many other medical conditions that can be attributed to low magnesium levels, Dean listed six of the most debilitating:

• hypertesnion
• type 2 diabetes
• problems optimizing cholesterol levels
• heart arrhythmia
• angina
• heart attack

Celebrity dietician Ashley Koff, also a member of Prevention magazine’s advisory board, noted that magnesium has rightfully received increased attention as a critical nutrient in relation to optimal health. Further, she believes that correcting levels of magnesium intake recommendations is one of the most critical health issues today.

“There are many challenges to achieving adequate intake of magnesium in the modern diet; thus I consider magnesium part of the essential nutrients to supplement daily and — in light of this review, specifically — crucial to preventing cardiovascular disease across patient populations.”5

In one study, scientists found in a March 2017 study that hypertension was inversely associated with magnesium in children living in higher altitude areas of Argentina.6

Another three-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study revealed that magnesium supplementation improved the metabolic status of obese and pre-diabetic patients with mild cases of chronic kidney disease.7

What Makes Magnesium Intake so Important?

Dr. Mehmet Oz, host of the nationally syndicated and Emmy Award-winning Dr. Oz Show, as well as vice-chair and professor of surgery at Columbia University, says magnesium is essential for helping regulate metabolism, and it helps lower blood pressure and dilate arteries.

Additionally, Oz asserts, arguably 3 of every 4 people in the U.S. fail to get the amount of magnesium they need, which means they’re magnesium deficient.

While the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 400 mg to 500 mg of calcium, Dean advises a 1-to-1 balance with magnesium, with calcium consumed through your diet and adding vitamin D doses along with vitamin K2, “and all of these measures combined will protect your bones as well as your heart.”

Wang’s research analyzed data from 40 epidemiological studies from 1999 to 2016, looking at the associations between dietary magnesium and different diseases. All the studies used self-reporting food frequency questionnaires from 24-hour dietary recall to determine magnesium levels, and they varied widely.

Biological, lifestyle, gender and study location factors were also taken into account. Afterward, he explained, the researchers performed a dose-response analysis for the effect of each 100 mg-per-day increase of dietary magnesium.

The conclusion of the study reinforced the study conclusion that increased consumption of magnesium-rich foods could be beneficial for overall health. Wang’s press release noted:

“Magnesium is vital for human health and normal biological functions including glucose metabolism, protein production and synthesis of nucleic acids such as DNA. Diet is the main source of magnesium as the element can be found in foods such as spices, nuts, beans, cocoa … and green leafy vegetables.”

Magnesium Rich Foods: How to Naturally Combat Heart-Related Disease

Magnesium is the fourth-most abundant mineral in your body, and more than 300 enzymes rely on it to carry out normal muscle and nerve function related to energy, relaxed blood vessels, good teeth and bone formation and the regulation of insulin and blood sugar levels.8

Magnesium helps your body detox from toxins and helps synthesize glutathione. It also plays a vital role in your body’s mitochondrial performance, and in improving your energy level. One very positive aspect of this mineral is that when your body has taken in the optimal amount, it simply flushes the rest away.

Dean, in her book “The Magnesium Miracle,” recommends taking 200 mg per day, but parsed out in two or three doses, as it can have a laxative effect. Other scientists recommend taking almost twice that amount, but age and sex are factors to consider. Foods containing magnesium include:

• spinach
• collard greens
• swiss chard
• turnip greens
• beet greens
• broccoli
• brussels sprouts
• kale
• bok choy
• romaine lettuce
• raw cacao
• avocados
• nuts and seeds
• fruits and berries
• squash

Fatty fish (wild-caught Alaskan salmon), seeds, including pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds, nuts, including cashews, almonds and Brazil nuts, and herbs and spices, including chives, coriander, cumin, parsley, mustard seeds, fennel, basil and cloves, also contain high amounts of magnesium, so as you can see, it’s easy to include it in your diet.

Sources:

Dr.Mercola

Nr 329 Rheumatoid Arthritis (Recipes)

Understand that proper nutrition is vital, even if you are in optimal health. If you are seeking medical attention for your RA symptoms, discuss your plans to include a juicing regimen with your doctor before you begin. 

If you are new to juicing and do not own a juicer, DO NOT be overwhelmed by all of the choices. First, decide if you want a centrifugal (most common, high-speed juicer, creates heat which weakens the quality of the juice, quick cleanup, effectively juices wide range of produce except wheatgrass) or a masticating juicer (slower speed, higher quality juice, juices wheatgrass, quieter motor, additional attachments for smoothies, nut butters). 

Once you have your juicer – clear out some space in your fridge for produce. I suggest you make the space by getting rid of foods that are highly processed and high in sugar. You may even want to try an elimination diet.

An Elimination Diet is just like it sounds. You remove certain foods from your diet for 3-4 weeks and then slowly begin to introduce the foods back, one at a time. The ones that aggravate your RA or your gut, you know to avoid. Start removing foods that are known to cause inflammation: dairy, red meat, gluten, soy, corn and nightshade vegetables (tomato, potato, mushrooms, eggplants, peppers).

Toxins in our environment and in our food supply can also increase inflammation and it is best to go organic when available. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

Benefits of juicing can be noticed immediately. More energy, heightened sense of awareness and mental clarity, digestive regularity, just to name a few. Inflammation and relief from pain associated with RA can take upwards of 6 weeks before you begin to feel noticeable differences. Be patient and be consistent!

READY… SET… JUICE!

The following are recipes that are high in antioxidants, Vitamin C and Beta Carotene. They are proven to help your body decrease inflammation and make you feel awesome! An extra bonus – juicing daily helps to rehydrate skin, making you look younger, brighter and more refreshed. If that doesn’t sell you alone, then keep reading!

• HOLY BASIL WATER

Author: Caroline Cosgrove

Ingredients

• Basil - 3 sprigs
• Blueberries - 1.5 cups
• Lime - ½
• Cayenne Pepper - 1 dash
• Watermelon - 5 cups

Instructions

1. Prepare everything.
2. Add every ingredient into the blender.
3. Transfer to a clean, glass container.
4. Drink and enjoy!

Notes

Watermelon is an anti-inflammatory powerhouse because of its high content of beta carotene and vitamin C. Add the antioxidants in the superfood, blueberries and you have a “mocktail” that is sure to get you feeling and looking your best in no time.

• TURMERIC SUNRISE

IngredientsAuthor: Caroline Cosgrove

• Apple - 2
• Celery - 3 stalks
• Carrot - 3
• Lemon - 2 peeled
• Ginger Root - 1 inch knob, peeled
• Pear - 2
• Turmeric Root - 4 inch, fresh root

Instructions

1. Prepare every ingredient.
2. Add everything into the juicer. (Note: Peeling is not needed when using organic produce)
3. Add everything to the juicer, extracting the juices properly.
4. Transfer to a clean, glass container.
5. Drink and enjoy!

Notes

Unlike the tequila sunrise, this is one you can drink and feel good about in the morning! Ginger is a well known anti-inflammatory, as is turmeric. But so is pear. Combine the effects of Vitamin C and Beta Carotene, this concoction will have you running off into the sunset, feeling like a million bucks!

• BEGINNER'S GREEN

IngredientsAuthor: Caroline Cosgrove

• Apples - 3
• Celery - 4 stalks
• Ginger - ¼ inch knob, peeled
• Lemon (with rind)
• Orange - 1 peeled
• Spinach - 5 handfuls

Instructions

1. Prepare every ingredient.
2. Add everything into the juicer. (Note: Peeling is not needed when using organic produce)
3. Add everything to the juicer, extracting the juices properly.
4. Transfer to a clean, glass container.
5. Drink and enjoy!

Notes

Delicious blend of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory goodness in every drop. This drink is perfect for newbies who are looking for baby steps.

• MINT APPLEBERRY

Author: Caroline Cogrove

Ingredients

• Blueberries - 1 cup
• Kiwifruit - 2 cups
• Peppermint - 30 leaves
• Strawberry - 1 cup

Instructions

1. Prepare everything.
2. Add every ingredient into the blender.
3. Transfer to a clean, glass container.
4. Drink and enjoy!

Notes

Not only is this drink the perfect thing for an afternoon in the sun, the antioxidant power of blueberries combines with Anthocyanidin, a flavonoid in strawberries, which is a very powerful protector against inflammation.

• THE FOG CUTTER

Author: Caroline Cosgrove

Ingredients

• Apples - 2
• Red cabbage - 2 ¼ head
• Carrots - 4
• Ginger Root - ½ inch knob, peeled
• Lemon - 1
• Spinach - 4 handfuls

Instructions

1. Wash and prep all ingredients; feed into your juicer and enjoy!

Notes

What makes this the perfect juice is the combination of anti-inflammatory power of ginger, the Vitamin C in lemon, Beta Carotene in carrots and the high-alkalinity property of spinach. It also juices to a beautiful hue of magenta.


*Adding a high, quality blend of Omega 3 Fatty Acids, such as fish oil, to the above juices will add an extra punch of support against inflammation. Look for high quality blends that contain 3 grams of both DHA and EPA. There are vegan formulas, which are also highly effective if you require a plant-based diet.

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