Grapes For Eyes, Vit C for Cancer, Dairy Fat, Fish Oil, Blood Thinners

 

Red grapes found to offer significant protection against AMD and blindness

The study compared the impact of a diet rich in antioxidants on vision in mice prone to developing retinal damage in old age in much the same way as humans do. Mice either received a grape-enriched diet, a diet with added lutein, or a normal diet. Researchers found that the diet enriched with grapes offered dramatic protection, as it was shown to protect against oxidative damage of the retina and prevent blindness. While a diet supplemented with lutein was also effective, grapes were found to offer significantly more protection.

Dr. Finnemann noted "The protective effect of the grapes in this study was remarkable, offering a benefit for vision at old age even if grapes were consumed only at young age." The result of this study determined that age-related vision loss is a result of cumulative, oxidative damage over time. A diet rich in antioxidants, especially those provided by lifelong consumption of red grapes are directly beneficial to retinal health and function.

This study showed that adding grapes to the diet prevented blindness in mice by significantly decreasing the build-up of lipofuscin and preventing the oxidative damage to the retina. Red grapes contain the powerful antioxidant, resveratrol that has been demonstrated to provide essential support for optimal brain function and heart health. Consuming several ounces of red grapes each day may provide an important key to prevent eye damage and blindness from AMD.

Vitamin C proven to help protect Fukushima victims from radiation poisoning and cancer

As reported in NaturalNews:  Pretreatment with intravenous vitamin C and other oral antioxidants has been demonstrated once again to provide significant protection against radiation poisoning and cancer. Dr. Atsuo Yanagisawa, M.D., Ph.D., from the Japanese College of IV Therapy recently conducted a study which found that Fukushima workers who underwent a high-dose vitamin C pretreatment prior to handling radioactive debris during cleanup efforts were protected against DNA damage and cancer.

The Orthomolecular Medicine News Service (OMNS) reports that Dr. Yanagisawa evaluated 16 men between the ages of 32 and 59 that worked between five and six weeks in a high-radiation area of Fukushima. Some of the men received 25,000 milligrams (mg) of intravenous vitamin C therapy along with oral intake of other powerful antioxidants like alpha-lipoic acid and vitamin E prior to entering the contaminated area, while the others received no pretreatment at all.

After taking blood samples from all the men and evaluating them for whole blood count and chemistry, as well as for plasma levels of free DNA and 47 cancer-related gene expressions, Dr. Yanagisawa and his team found that those who received the vitamin C therapy experienced no increase in cancer risk or change in free DNA. Those who did not receive the treatment, on the other hand, had significantly increased cancer risk.

Those who did not receive pretreatment, but that received a post-treatment intervention with the same regimen for two months, however, saw their heightened free DNA levels return to normal. Their overall cancer risk score also returned back to normal, illustrating the incredible power of vitamin C and other antioxidants to protect against, and even reverse, the damage caused by radiation.

"This important clinical demonstration confirms research done nearly 20 years ago showing that pretreatment with vitamin C, by oral intake or injection, increased sperm head survival after the injection of radioactive Iodine-131 in mice," says the OMNS report.

Vitamin C is one of the most powerful nutrients in protecting against cell-damaging free radicals. And while ascorbic acid, the popular isolated version of vitamin C, has its demonstrable therapeutic uses, the camu camu berry is one of the most powerful vitamin C-rich superfoods for gaining the same health benefits naturally. The acerola cherry is also another vitamin C-dense superfood with amazing radio-protective abilities.

My Comment:

Vitamin C has shown to be very promising in the treatment of cancer and other serious diseases. Intravenous Vitamin C treatment would be my first choice at the first sign of cancer for my own treatment.  But remember that not all vitamin C is equal.  The vitamin C that is found in 99.9% of all supplements is ascorbic acid which is only an isolated portion of the natural whole vitamin C compound.  One of the only supplements available that uses whole vitamin C in its natural form are those made by Standard Process, which I have often recommended in this newsletter.  The same situation exists for vitamin E and other vitamins which are typically offered only as isolated versions in most supplements.  If an isolated version is used then the body has to recreate the “whole” vitamin which means it has to rob other nutrients from your organs to reconstruct each vitamin.  This causes nutrient deficiencies that lead to additional health issues.  All of this can be avoided by taking the whole natural forms of vitamins from the beginning.  But given the low cost of isolated versions of vitamins I do not expect things to change any time soon.  

How dairy fats can make you smarter

We are often told what not to eat because it has too much fat or too much cholesterol. 
But these know-it-alls spewing all of their knowledge know very little about real health, because the very foods they're telling you NOT to eat will actually support higher brain function.

The brain itself is made up of a high percentage of fat and cholesterol, and it needs more of both to stay sharp.  But for the doubters out there, check out the International Dairy Journal, where a new study finds that people who eat the most dairy products -- y'know, products loaded with those supposedly evil saturated fats -- are sharper than people who don't.

The study of 972 people between the ages of 28 and 98 found that the regular dairy consumers had the highest scores on tests measuring visual-spatial ability, verbal memory, working memory, reasoning ability, and executive function.

That last one's a biggie. It's the ability to plan and organize, and it's one of the first things to go when dementia starts to sink in. If boosting it is as easy as eating a hunk of cheese each day -- the most common dairy product consumed by the participants in this study, by the way -- then go for it.

Of course, there's a flip side to this. If eating real dairy will make you smarter, it means replacing real dairy with soy "milk" and margarine will make you dumber.

These relacements don't taste very good, and the only reason anyone even bothers with it is because they've been told it's healthy.  It's not... so feel free to go back to the real stuff you never wanted to give up in the first place.

Along with boosting your brainpower, the fats and cholesterol in dairy (and red meats, for that matter) can actually PROTECT your heart, not hurt it.

I know that's not what you've heard, especially when it comes to cholesterol, but the truth is in the details and there is an enormous amount of data showing how important the right fat is in your diet.  And the same goes for cholesterol, your body needs it and bad things happen when it doesn’t get it.

Remember that whenever possible always use raw milk and cheese which is far healthier than the pasteurized (cooked) versions found at the store.

Fish oil for brain health

You don't have to be among the alternate-health faithful to believe in omega-3 fatty acids anymore. They're so mainstream now that even Big Pharma is selling them.

Don't overpay for their version, but do make sure you get yours from either a steady fish habit or a quality supplement -- because there's barely a part of the body that doesn't need those fatty acids, starting with your brain.

And as the latest research shows, people low in omega-3s tend to suffer mentally.

In one study, researchers measured the blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids in 1,575 dementia-free people with an average age of 67.  At least, they're dementia-free for the moment... because some of them are hurtling down the path towards cognitive decline, and they just so happened to be the ones with the lowest levels of omega-3 fatty acids.

MRIs, along with a host of mental tests, revealed that the people with the highest levels of DHA had more brain volume than those with the lowest. That's critical, because while all our brains shrink as we age, a faster shrink is usually a sign of dementia risk.

It makes sense, since of all the fats in your brain -- and your brain is more fat than anything else -- DHA is the most dominant, so of course less DHA = less brain.

Think size doesn't matter? The people with lowest overall omega-3 levels didn't just have the smallest brains... they had the weakest ones, scoring lower on tests measuring problem solving, multitasking, and abstract thinking.

Throw in the fact that omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent heart attacks, protect your bones, ward off gum disease, improve your vision... and taste great poached, grilled, fried, or baked... and I think you've got a keeper here.

Say Goodbye to Coumadin and Plavix - Say hello to five natural blood thinners that protect against strokes and blood clots

As reported in NaturalNews:  The November 2011 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine reports that most emergency hospital visits for the elderly are caused by side effects and overdosing from taking blood thinners to prevent strokes and blood clots. Conventional doctors wait until you're at risk of a stroke or have had your first stroke to prescribe blood thinners in hopes of preventing additional strokes. What they don't always warn you about are the serious possible side effects from these drugs including internal bleeding, stomach ulcers, muscle aches and pains, headaches with dizziness, kidney failure and a boat load of other negatives that can destroy your health.

However, there are several natural substances that possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties and also help to thin the blood. These herbs can also produce their own side effects and should not be taken in combination with pharmaceutical drugs. Don't take any unfamiliar medicinal herb unless supervised by a well-trained herbalist or natural health practitioner.

Turmeric

Used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years, the richly golden spice turmeric is hailed for it's ability to reduce pain and inflammation. Recent studies have revealed that its pain-killing properties compare with those of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs; however, turmeric does not cause the internal bleeding and digestive upset or toxicity to the liver that is found in some cases of individuals taking NSAIDs.

Bromelain

Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapples that also has anti-inflammatory properties and is especially helpful in reducing pain and stiffness associated with arthritis when taken on an empty stomach. Its action is enhanced when taken in combination with turmeric and ginger. Additionally, bromelain is a wonderful digestive enzyme when taken with meals and helps break down proteins, protecting against the formation of uric acid crystals, which are responsible for causing gout and certain types of kidney stones.

Ginger

Ginger is one of the royal ancient spices of India, China and Japan whose action works to reduce inflammation of the joints and muscles as well as strengthening the immune system and reducing digestive upsets and vomiting. Ginger has been used medicinally for thousands of years and is most effective when used raw in a hot tea; however, it is also helpful when taken in powdered supplements.

Garlic

A favorite spice for many people -- and a popular healing agent around the world -- garlic is not only a potent anti-inflammatory herb, but has proven antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Eating garlic raw or lightly cooked, or making garlic tea are several of the most effective methods for its medicinal use. Odorless, freeze-dried supplements are available for those who prefer to avoid the strong scent on their breath.

Water

Simple, plain and life's staple, water is perhaps one of the best blood thinners available. Allowing yourself to become dehydrated thickens the blood, causing it to clump together and form clots. Drinking enough clear, clean water (not tap water) each day helps keep the blood running smoothly through your circulatory and cardiovascular system, maintaining good health. The ideal daily intake for each individual is 1/2 ounce of water for each pound of body weight; in other words, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should ideally drink 75 ounces of water daily.

All of these substances have the power to thin the blood. There are other foods as well, such as vitamins B-6, D and E, omega-3 fatty acids, apple cider vinegar and strawberries that act as blood-thinning agents; and when used judiciously under the supervision of your health practitioner, may keep you healthy longer, prevent strokes and blood clots and help keep you off drugs and out of the hospital.

Until next time, stay healthy and happy,

JD Roma

The information on this blog is provided for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care, and medical advice and services are not being offered. If you have, or suspect you have, a health problem you should consult your physician (preferably a Naturopath).