Beetroot and Blood Pressure

Beetroot 'may cut blood pressure'[Image]Root vegetable, and potential lifesaver?Drinking 500ml of beetroot juice a day can significantly reduce blood pressure, UK research suggests.The key beneficial ingredient appears to be nitrate, which is also found in green, leafy vegetables.The researchers found that in healthy volunteers blood pressure was reduced within an hour of drinking the juice.The study, by Barts and the London School of Medicine and the Peninsula Medical School, could suggest a low-cost way to treat hypertension.[Image][Image] Drinking beetroot juice, or consuming other nitrate-rich vegetables, might be a simple way to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system [Image]
Professor Amrita Ahluwalia
Barts and The London School of MedicinePreviously the protective effects of vegetable-rich diets have been attributed to their antioxidant vitamin content.While it took less than an hour to note a reduction in blood pressure in the beetroot juice tests, it was more pronounced after three to four hours and a degree of reduction continued to be observed for up to 24 hours, the report published on the online journal Hypertension said.Saliva breakdownThe researchers showed that nitrate in the juice is converted in saliva, by bacteria on the tongue, into nitrite.This nitrite-containing saliva is swallowed, and in the acidic environment of the stomach is either converted into nitric oxide or re-enters the circulation as nitrite.The peak time of reduction in blood pressure correlated with the appearance and peak levels of nitrite in the circulation.No such drop in blood pressure was recorded in a second group of volunteers, who did not swallow their saliva while drinking beetroot juice, or for three hours afterwards.More than 25% of the world's adult population are hypertensive, and it has been estimated that this figure will increase to 29% by 2025.Hypertension causes around 50% of coronary heart disease, and approximately 75% of strokes.In total, cardiovascular disease kills over 110,000 people in England every year.Researcher Professor Amrita Ahluwalia said: "Our research suggests that drinking beetroot juice, or consuming other nitrate-rich vegetables, might be a simple way to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system, and might also be an additional approach that one could take in the modern day battle against rising blood pressure."Professor Graham McGregor, of the British Hypertension Society, described the research as "interesting".He said: "This shows that beetroot juice lowers blood pressure in the short term in volunteers with normal blood pressure."What we need now is research to see whether it has an effect on people with high blood pressure over a much longer period of time."Professor McGregor said there was a growing body of work showing that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables had a beneficial impact on hypertension.But he said previous research had suggested that potassium may be the key mineral.Victoria Taylor, of the British Heart Foundation, said: "Whilst beetroot juice was used in this study, it is unlikely that people will be able to - or wish to - consume it in the quantities used in the research."Although we know that eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables as part of a well balanced diet is beneficial to heart health, we do not know yet whether there are certain fruits or vegetables that are more helpful than others and so for now, people should continue to choose a wide variety in achieving their five a day."

Turmeric

Turmeric (Curcuma longa [Latin]), also known as curcuma, produces a root that is used to produce the vibrant yellow spice used as a culinary spice so often used in curry dishes. Turmeric is native to India and parts of Asia, and is a relative of cardamom and ginger.

Today's herbalists and naturopaths consider turmeric to be one of nature's most potent anti-inflammatories and antioxidants. Turmeric may help treat a variety of conditions related to inflammation and antioxidant damage, including cataracts, arthritis, cancer, and heart disease. It is also used to treatment of scabies and digestive disorders, promote wound healing, and strengthen the immune system. Western medicine only recently began to study turmeric. However, this spice has long been used in Indian ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine to treat infection, gallbladder problems, dysentery, arthritis, and liver disorders.

Several studies performed by Indian scientists have supported many of tumeric's traditional use to fight inflammation, indigestion, and liver and heart disease. Turmeric contains curcumin and curcuminoids, which are powerful anti-inflammatory phytochemicals that act as natural cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors in the body, and inhibit the production of the prostaglandins that cause inflammation and swelling. Indian researchers found that tumeric relieved joint pain and swelling in people with arthritis as well as prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) without side effects such as abdominal bleeding or stomach upset. Turmeric is a natural antioxidant, and thus protects the body from oxidative damage.

Laboratory studies have found that tumeric inhibits the development of cataracts, breast cancer, colon cancer, and lymphoma. In one study, smokers that took just 1 teaspoon of tumeric a day for 30 days had lower levels of cancer-causing mutagens. In another study, just 500 milligrams of curcumin each day significantly reduced participants' cholesterol levels in as little as 10 days. Some studies indicate that turmeric's ability to lower cholesterol may provide the same heart-protective benefits as its close relative ginger, including blood clot prevention and reduced blood pressure. Turmeric helps detoxify the body, and protects the liver from the damaging effects of alcohol, toxic chemicals, and even some pharmaceutical drugs.

Turmeric stimulates the production of bile, which is needed to digest fat. Turmeric also guards the stomach by killing salmonella bacteria and protozoa that can cause diarrhea. Turmeric is available in the familiar powder form used in cooking, as well as commercial capsules and tinctures. The usual dosage is 445 milligrams in capsules or 1 teaspoon of extract three times a day, or 1 teaspoon of tumeric powder in warm milk as a digestive aid. Curcumin supplements are also available, and are more effective for treatment of arthritis. No toxic side effects have been linked to the use of turmeric, but consuming large amounts of it may cause stomach upset. People taking blood thinners should not use this herb medicinally, as it may increase the action of these medications. ALL POST ARE BROUGHT TO YOU BY www.thebeautypillow.com

Foods To Help In The Anti Aging Process

by Paul Johnson

For thousands of years, individuals have been in search for the elusive fountain of youth. One such famous search was conducted by Ponce de Leon in the early 1500's. The mythical legend spoke of miraculous waters and those that drank from this fountain would never age but would maintain the beauty of youth. The water was never found and so the fountain of youth remained only a legend.

Despite the fact that this miraculous water was never located, the quest for a miraculous anti aging elixir that would maintain our youthfulness has not been quenched. Today, many products and procedures claim to reverse or slow down the aging process. These products and procedures include natural remedies, creams, injections and plastic surgery.

However, the most natural of all substances may be found in the foods that we eat. These foods may be the natural solution to help in the anti aging process. These foods can be broken down into two basic categories. Those categories include fruits and vegetables.

Fruits

Certain fruits have shown promising results in the anti aging process. Those fruits include apples, strawberries, grapes and raspberries. Researchers have discovered that these particular fruit products contain ellagic acid. Ellagic acid is a nature's natural insect repellent found in various plants

Through the benefits of a daily diet of these fruits, this specific acid has demonstrated the capacity to hinder the growth of tumors within the body. This hindrance of tumor growth is accomplished by the ability of the acid to minimize the enzymes, within the body, that are utilized by mutated cancer cells.

Other fruits that contain valuable anti aging ingredients are cantaloupe, peaches and apricots. These fruits contain antioxidant properties known as lycopene. These antioxidants guard the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally these fruits have demonstrated their effectiveness in protecting certain organs of the body. These organs include the heart, bladder and skin.

Additionally, a fruit that can aid in the anti aging process of the skin is the apple. Initial testing has indicated that apples stimulate the production of collagen. The production of collagen is necessary for the skin to maintain its elasticity which can minimize the wrinkling of the skin.

Vegetables

Some vegetables have also demonstrated their ability to fight the anti aging process. Vegetables such as carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes have also demonstrated antioxidant capabilities.

One other group of vegetables, when eaten, that has demonstrated their effectiveness in blocking the production of particular enzymes. These anti aging vegetables include soybeans and alfalfa sprouts. The substance found in these vegetables is known as genistein. Genistein inhibits the production of enzymes that have been identified as stimulants that activate the cancer genes.

Paul Johnson became interested in antiaging when he reached 30, wanting to preserve youth as long as possible. Visit his anti aging website to learn more secrets.

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Startling New Evidence: You Can Slow the Aging Process

By David Kern

What if you could actually slow your rate of aging, and live healthier longer, simply by eating certain foods? U.S. Government scientists now say it’s possible.

Floyd P. Horn, then Administrator of the scientific research arm of the USDA, broke the exciting news in February 1999.

“Young and middle-aged people,” said Horn, “may be able to reduce risk of diseases of aging -- including senility -- simply by adding high-ORAC foods to their diets.”

I don’t know about you, but I find that statement tremendously exciting: “simply by adding high-ORAC foods.”

Buddy, Can You Spare Some ORAC?

Unfortunately, most Americans have no idea that there may be a simple solution to preventing- or at least postponing- the ravages of decline, disease, and feeble old age.

ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity. It’s a test developed by the USDA and Tufts University to measure the antioxidant speed and power of foods and supplements. The ORAC test is quickly becoming the accepted standard for comparing antioxidant capacity.

And as you may know, oxidative stress, or free-radical damage, is implicated in all diseases associated with aging, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes- a short list of the 5 major killers of Americans.

She Told You So

An easier way to understand ORAC is to look at particular foods. Let’s take spinach, for example. We all know spinach is good for us. Mom said so. And Popeye.

When USDA scientists tested spinach, they found it has an ORAC value of 1260 units per serving. So spinach qualifies as a “high-ORAC food,” which may help slow the aging process.

It turns out Mom was right. She knew it would keep you healthier. But she probably never told you that spinach may keep you younger- to actually help you age more slowly.

Sound the Alarm

We have an epidemic of age-related disease in America. The statistics are shocking. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) in Atlanta now says that 80% of elderly Americans have at least one chronic disease. And 50% have two or more!

And the ORAC tests help explain these terrible numbers. The truth is, our diets are woefully deficient in nutrient-dense, high-ORAC foods.

USDA researchers estimate that you need somewhere around 5,000 ORAC units in your diet every day to get the ORAC benefits that slow aging and prevent disease.

But they also estimate that the average American gets only 1,200 ORAC units a day. This means that most of us are eating our way to one or more of the chronic diseases of aging.

Is it any wonder, then, that the diseases of aging are out of control? The average American gets less than the antioxidant (ORAC) value of one serving of spinach every day.

So what do you do if you hate spinach? No worries! There are many foods that rank high on the ORAC scale. Many delicious fruits and vegetables have high ORAC values: prunes, raisins, blueberries, blackberries, kale, alfalfa sprouts, and Brussels sprouts are all rich in ORAC. Just find the ones you like, and eat more of them.

Vitamin C, a common health supplement, scores 1,890 units per gram. (For comparison, spinach delivers 12.6 units per gram) And that’s another very good reason to supplement your diet with antioxidant vitamins.

But if you want to get serious about a true anti-aging diet, there are specialty food ingredients available that deliver far higher ORAC values than ordinary foods and vitamins.

The Next Level of ORAC

Scientists are now testing “superfood” antioxidants that can give you astonishing ORAC protection- much higher than ordinary foods and vitamins.

One of these new generation ORAC foods, derived from the skin of immature apples, tests as high as 13,000 per gram on the scale- over 1000 times more powerful than spinach!

Anti-aging enthusiasts are now using these super-antioxidant ORAC foods to get maximum protection for aging and related physical and mental decline.

Why? Because high-ORAC foods may slow aging. And the next-generation ORAC food ingredients are showing remarkable health benefits in human and animal studies, against the same diseases associated with aging- heart disease, cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s.

So let me ask you:

If you are growing older

If 80% of older Americans have at least one chronic disease

If the USDA says that high-ORAC foods may slow aging

Isn’t it time that you consider adding a lot more high-ORAC foods to your diet?

Or maybe, you didn’t get the memo.

David L. Kern is a health researcher and specialist in anti-aging nutrition. “There is now solid scientific proof,” he asserts, “that we can actually slow the aging process.” Discover the latest breakthroughs in high-ORAC anti-aging nutrition at http://www.applepoly.com/anti-aging.

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Anti Aging Tips & Techniques

By Balaji B

Aging occurs due to the growth of the tissues and other elements in side the body. Even the cells grow and die as time passes "there was nothing to stop these changes" but this sentences is no more existing. Man has found ways to slow stop and even reverse the growth of human bodies. Anti aging is a process in which a person can stay young for a long time.

Anti aging techniques slows down the aging process so that the person stays young and fit. The main part of the anti aging techniques is the nutrition that is taken by a person in his lifetime. Healthy food habits are the key to anti aging techniques.

Creams have become the widely used products among the products used for anti aging. There are sub types in the creams they are natural creams, artificial creams and the last important one is herbal creams. Herbal creams are basically preferred by some people because every one believes that herbal will not give any side effects. But be careful that before using the treatment consult with your doctor or with your beautician so that it doesn’t give negative results. There are separate treatments for every individual. As both men and women are equally interested in this anti aging treatment we should be able to carefully differentiate the treatments.

We should also be careful in using these treatments because supervision is a must for several treatments. And in some cases diagnosis is needed to know the condition of the patient. Only by knowing the condition treatments are started because there are separate treatments for every individual depending upon their health. If you follow all these safety measures you will lead a very good young and energetic life as you have lived in your youth.

Nowadays people are interested in using natural anti aging treatment. A mixture of collagen cream and the active ingredients from plants is a familiar natural anti aging treatment that works perfect on wrinkles in the skin. There is another one eating good vitamins rich food is a very well known anti aging treatment. As we have seen many treatments about the anti aging we should not get confused about using these treatments. These treatments are helping us to grow younger.

There are many types in anti aging treatment. One type is anti aging medicine it includes improving the skin texture and moisture of our body. The anti aging treatment can increase energy levels, sexual performance, immune system vigilance and they also work on the age related growth factors. The anti aging treatment also helps to re-contour the body, restore muscle tone, and reduce the fat in body. The results through the anti aging treatment are wonderful changes in biochemistry which enables the look and make you feel that you have got back your youth.

If you need more information about anti aging pls visit : http://www.natural-treatment-guide.com/antiaging/antiaging-intro.htmlTo learn more about various treatments for anti aging, kindly visit: http://www.natural-treatment-guide.com/antiaging/antiaging-treatments.htm

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Eleven Benefits of Green Tea

By David Chandler

Green tea is known to provide 10-40mg of polyphenols and has antioxidant activity greater than a serving of spinach, broccoli, carrots, or strawberries. Studies show that green tea contains antioxidants, polyphenols, theanine, as well as a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. Green tea is definitely good for your body.

Enhances Health

Tea is known for its incredible power to prolong life. In recent research into green tea, results show its power in preventing disease as well.

Prevents Cancer

The death rate from cancer is known to be significantly lower for both women & men in Japan. Why is this you may ask? As much as 5-6 cups daily are consumed in areas that produce green tea, making it the main beverage to drink. This suggests that the main ingredients of green tea (tannin, catechin); in sufficient amounts lower the standard mortality rates for stomach cancer.

Restricts Blood Cholesterol

There are two types of cholesterol, one is "bad" cholesterol (LDL), and heavy accumulation of these in tissues can lead to atherosclerosis. The other is good cholesterol (HDL) that prevents accumulation of excessive "bad" cholesterol. It has been proven and demonstrated that green tea catechin restricts the excessive buildup of cholesterol.

Controls High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a serious burden on the vascular system and is known to cause heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. Green tea is known for lowering blood pressure.

Lowers Blood Sugar

Green teas given to diabetes patients cause a decrease in the blood glucose levels. Green Tea has the capability of lowering blood sugar. The sugars and carbohydrates in our food are digested mainly in the duodenum, where it is converted to glucose and then absorbed into the blood stream.

The agent that regulates the intake of blood sugar into tissues is insulin. Diabetes is characterized by lack of insulin or not the body not using insulin properly, which does not allow proper absorption of glucose into tissues and leads to a high blood sugar level that must eventually be excreted into urine. If this high concentration of blood sugar continues for a long period, it will affect the vascular system and cause serious diseases including arteriosclerosis and retinal hemorrhages.

Suppresses Aging

Oxygen plays a key role in metabolism, but can also be an unhealthful agent. As a free radical, oxygen in the body can corrode cell membranes, which will damage DNA and the fats. This then leads to diseases such as cancer, cardio-vascular disease and diabetes. Lipid peroxide created by fats combined with oxygen tends to build up in the body and create aging.

Consumption of antioxidants such as vitamins E and C promises longer life, and we already know that green teas are rich in those two vitamins.

Refreshes the Body

Green tea caffeine taken in proper quantity stimulates every organ in the body and clears your mind. The small amount of caffeine (about 9 mgs of caffeine) present in a normal serving of green tea can stimulate the skeletal muscles and smooth the progress of muscular contraction.

Deters Food Poisoning

It has long been known that green tea has the ability to kill bacteria and is known to deter food poisoning. Treating diarrhea with consumption of strong green tea. Green tea is a powerful sterilizing instrument for all sorts of bacteria that cause food poisoning.

Prevents and Treats Skin Disease

Soaking in green tea has been successful as a treatment for athlete's foot. Bedsores and skin disease can be prevented or healed by using a green tea bath.

Stops Cavities

Green tea contains natural fluorine and is thought to aid in the reduction of cavities in schoolchildren. It has been known for some time that small amounts of fluorine can strengthen teeth and help prevent cavities.

Fights Viruses

Green tea catechin and theaflavin, which are both present in black tea, have a strong effect on the flu virus. It is also thought that the anti viral capability of green tea catechin may have some beneficial effect on the AIDS virus.
Additional Information

• Green Tea drinkers appear to enjoy better health.
• Catechin is 100 times more potent than vitamin C and 25 times more potent than vitamin E.
• Green Tea drinkers have half the risk of fatal heart attacks. Compounds in the tea called flavonoids stop blood platelets from forming clots, much like aspirin does.

For more information, visit http://www.TeaInfoCenter.com

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Slow The Aging Process By Watching What You Think

By Beverly Marshall

How to stop the old aging process is the ultimate age old question. Overtime, the cells of our body grow and die. There is nothing that can stop this process totally, but we are finding out so much more about the body and aging that we can slow down the ravages of time. So much of anti aging is a mind body connection. If you want to keep as young as you can in your body, you should stay young in your mind as well. Energy will follow what you focus on with your mind; so if you are worrying about how tired you are feeling, or how stiff your body is, or you are counting the wrinkles or gray hairs on your head, your energy and the energy around you will give you more of what you are focusing on. I propose to you that one of the first tips for anti aging is to stop thinking about aging; and start focusing on healthy you are, how good you feel and how great you look.

Another easy tip for anti aging is looking at the foods you eat. I remember when I was a kid in the 50’s and 60’s and there was almost no fast food or processed foods in the grocery stores. I remember when there were no TV dinners and you couldn’t find a box of Meat Helper anywhere. It was also rare for us to be overweight too. I didn’t have any friends that were overweight and you probably didn’t either. Eating too fast, and not eating enough of the good unprocessed foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables is one reason we are more unhealthy and age quicker than years past. If you aren’t getting enough vitamins in your diet, you might consider taking supplements. There are a host of vitamins on the market today so ask your pharmacist what brand is recommended and trusted for potency.

We women are looking for the magic wrinkle cream or body lotion that will erase wrinkles. If you find one that erases those wrinkles will you let me know? Some creams are better than others and some have natural herbs in them. Some doctors tout clearing up brown spots and reducing the signs of aging with retinoids. These retinoids are the most documented of the anti agers. It all goes back to prevention and sunscreen instead of trying to clear up the skin damage when it is already done.

It is also well known that stress will make you sicker and age you more quickly than just about anything. You have heard the expression “I just aged 5 years from that experience” or “I just lost 5 years of my life”. What can you do to live a more stress free life? If you can’t pick up and move to the country like I did, you have to find ways with exercise, meditation, leaving the work at the office, listen to classical music on the commute and so on to de-stress. Here again, stop a moment when it is quiet and focus on how relaxed and de-stressed you are. See yourself very calm and happy and everything is happening just as it should. If you have never tried doing that, I suggest you try just slowing down for a brief moment and see how good that feels. “Stop and smell the roses” as the saying goes. Sleep is also critical so don’t try to be super anything and take care of yourself first. If you aren’t taken care of, how can you possibly give back something you don’t have?

If you really want to slow the aging process, focus your attention on health, your family, friends, and how good it is to be alive. Be grateful for what you have in life and wake everyday knowing everything is playing out exactly as it is supposed to. Try not to “sweat the small stuff” and monitor your reactions to things. It usually isn’t the event that stresses us; it is how we react to the event. If you don’t let the event take control you will remain calm and your body won’t get thrown into a fight or flight mode. Whenever you can keep your blood pressure normal you are ahead of the game of life.

Beverly Marshall is a successful freelance writer, certified Aromatherapist and Feng Shui consultant. Her many articles offer guidance, suggestions and common sense ideas to change your life. If you are interested in products and information regarding alternative medicine, vitamins, osteoporosis, menopause, essential oils, insomnia, anti aging, dry skin and more; her many articles can be found at http://www.alternative-medicine-4u.com

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