The prostate gland is a small organ, located just below the bladder, which surrounds the urethra. Only men have prostate glands. In a young man, the prostate is about the size of a walnut. However, as a man ages the prostate enlarges. The two functions of the prostate are: help control urination and assist in sexual function. As the gland enlarges, both of these functions are hindered.

What is Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH)?

BPH is the medical buzz word for an enlarged prostate gland. By age 40, 10% of men exhibit prostate enlargement to some degree. By age 50, that number increases to 50%. As the prostate grows, it pinches off the urethra and makes it difficult for a man to urinate forcefully enough to totally empty his bladder. Because the bladder does not totally empty, he may feel a need to urinate more frequently. The telltale symptom of BPH is getting up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. However, do not self diagnose. If you suspect that you may have an enlarged prostate, see your doctor to rule out prostate cancer before trying any home remedies.

What are the causes?

Though some would say that this is a natural part of aging for all men, those from more developed regions have a higher incidence of BPH than their counterparts in other parts of the world. Although experts believe that changing hormone levels (that come from aging) is the main contributing factor, other things can cause flair ups of prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate). The most frequent cause is stress. Others include unhealthy diet, sitting for prolonged periods, alcohol, caffeine, sedentary lifestyle, or sexually transmitted disease.

Do herbal remedies help?

Over a decade ago, noted herbalist and retired ethnobotanist for the USDA James A. Duke, made a public declaration in front of members of the FDA and the National Institutes of Health that he would bet his own prostate gland that his herbal treatment would produce the same results as the newly approved pharmaceutical Proscar. The recipe for his Prosnut Butter is below.

Dietary treatments

In her book, Family Herbal, Rosemary Gladstar recommends the following foods and supplements for a healthy prostate:

• Pumpkin seeds (1/4 to ½ cup or more daily)
• Cucumbers (2 to 3 daily)
• Calcium/magnesium (600 mg combined daily)
• Vitamin E (400 units daily)
• Zinc (20 to 50 mg daily)

She also recommends blending watermelon, with the seeds, and unsalted pumpkin seeds for a cleansing drink.

In addition to these recommendations, you may want to eliminate saturated and hydrogenated fats, sugar, processed foods, alcohol, and caffeine.

Herbal remedies

• Stinging nettles is a wonderful anti-inflammatory and diuretic that gives direct results for an enlarged prostate. Drink 3-4 cups of nettles tea daily.
• Saw palmetto is the herb of choice for the prostate. Take 320 milligrams of a standardized extract with 80-95% fatty acids each day.
• If you like to make your own remedies, mix equal parts nettles and saw palmetto for a tincture.
• James Duke’s Prosnut Butter: Mix in blender about ½ cup pumpkin seeds, the contents of one saw palmetto capsule and a few drops of licorice extract, until a smooth paste. Spread on crackers; eating a few tablespoons each day.
• Take 160 to 200 milligrams daily of a standardized extract of Pygeum. Look for one with 13% sterols.

In addition to these recommendations, many commercially prepared herbal formulas are available at your local health food store.

Sources:

Duke, P. J. (2000). The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook. Rodale Books.

Gladstar, R. (2001). Family Herbal. North Adams, Mass.: Storey Books.

Photo by Arty Smokes (deaf mute)

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Pilates is a relatively new form of exercise in comparison to yoga; however, pilates has many benefits in its own right and might be a more suitable form of exercise for some people than yoga. It can be practiced by nearly everyone, no matter how old or young you are; in fact, many people who practice pilates are able to remain active for a longer period in life.

History of Pilates

The practice of pilates was founded by Joseph H. Pilates during World War I (1914 – 1918). Joseph Pilates was a German national who suffered from ill health as a child; however, this did not stop him from becoming an athlete, as he worked to strengthen his body. During World War I, he designed a series of exercises and equipment to help mobilize injured soldiers; this led to the eventual design of over 500 exercises known as the Pilates Method.

After the war Joseph Pilates moved to New York where he opened a studio to teach the Pilates Method; many dancers were the original followers of this form of exercise (source).  Joseph Pilates believed in the concept that both physical and mental health were closely entwined.

Pilates vs. Yoga

Although both pilates and yoga focus on physical and mental well-being, pilates is more of a resistance exercise than yoga; pilates focuses on improving body strength, flexibility and body awareness. Pilates also uses specially-designed exercise equipment, although it is also possible to carry out pilates with mat work and the use of resistance bands and exercise balls at home. Both yoga and pilates concentrate on breathing work, energy flows and control.

Benefits of Pilates

Pilates has a number of benefits; Christine Binnendyk, in Ageless Pilates, states that you can improve your body with pilates practice in as little as 15 minutes a day. Age is not a barrier to the practice of pilates. Benefits of pilates include:

• help with pain

• reduce stress levels

• increases flexibility

• increases range of functions

• low impact exercise

• aims to build core strength and endurance.

As pilates is a relatively “new” form of exercise, compared to the centuries-old practice of yoga, few studies have been done to scientifically prove the actual benefits of pilates, but many people feel that pilates does improve their health on one level or another.

Types of Pilates

Although the original vision of Joseph Pilates was to work with specially-adapted equipment to carry out exercises, one of the most popular ways to practice yoga today is through mat exercises. Mat exercises may incorporate the use of an exercise ball and/or resistance bands, similar to those use in physical therapy rehabilitation. It is also possible to combine the practice of yoga and pilates – yoga pilates.

Where to Practice Pilates

You can find pilates classes in most towns and cities, although it is more common to find pilates classes that concentrate on mat exercises than those that use specially-adapted equipment. You can also practice pilates in your own home; all you need is a yoga mat, a bit of space and a basic understanding of the exercises. Wear comfortable clothing such as leggings, sweatpants, shorts, tank tops and T-shirts. Like yoga, pilates is practiced in bare feet. Many women like to practice pilates because it is good for toning the body without making you too bulky (source).

Cautions for Practicing Pilates

Consult your doctor before practicing pilates if you have a medical condition, are pregnant, a child or elderly; although there is no reason why people with these conditions might not be able to practice some form of pilates, each individual is different. If you want to try something other than yoga, but don’t want to lose some of the benefits of yoga, give pilates a try. It might just be the exercise for you!

Photo by Roo Reynolds

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Every holiday season in Jamaica, a certain type of drink makes an appearance. The main ingredient comes from the sorrel plant. Sorrel is a perennial herb that also goes by the names Narrow-leaved Dock or Spinach Dock. Sorrel tea can be consumed either hot or cold. Sorrel is also used as a dried herb in meals. The taste is a bit sour, and it’s customary to add flavorings to it, such as ginger or cinnamon to sweeten it. In addition to being a great drink for the holidays, the health benefits of sorrel are many. Sorrel is not at all common in America, but it’s popularity is sure to grow, the more people learn about it’s benefits. Sorrel is most prominent in France, Greece, Egypt, Rome, and the Caribbean.

Disease Prevention

The sorrel plant contains nutraceleuticals, which are said to be helpful to people’s health. Nutraceleuticals can help prevent and treat several diseases including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and cancer. A group of compounds known as flavonoids are present in red sorrel, which are known to be anti-oxidants. The flavonoids are also what makes is a good deterrent against specific types of cancer. The immune system is also enhanced due to the flavonoids. Sorrel contains high amounts of vitamin C, vitamin A, magnesium, calcium, and potassium.

The anti-oxidant properties in the sorrel plant can help fight the signs of aging. It can help protect against free radical damage that can leave the skin looking aged and wrinkled. Free radicals also have a hand in causing stroke and Alzheimer’s disease, along with many other problems.

When used as a dried herb, the leaves of the sorrel plant can be used to treat itchy skin, fever, scurvy, and ringworm. Sorrel can be cut thinly and sprinkled over soups and salads to help relieve these ailments. Even if you don’t suffer from these issues, sorrel makes a great addition to a meal. Sorrel can be incorporated into meals as a sauce, that can go over fish or chicken dishes.

When taken in the form of a tea, this herb is helpful in treating jaundice and kidney stones. The liquid that comes out of the leaves can be used to help certain rashes. When the leaves are consumed dry and fresh, it acts as a diuretic and can clear out the body’s system. As a result of this “cleansing” the prostate benefits and can work more efficiently. Sorrel has also been used to treat hemorrhages when combined with the seeds and roots of the plant.

Tea Recipe

As stated earlier, Jamaicans drink sorrel tea during the holiday season. They combine six ounces of dried sorrel with two tablespoons of dried ginger, and an eighth of a teaspoon of ground allspice. When you mix these ingredients into hot water, it makes a warm and inviting tea. If it’s too bitter for your taste, it’s OK to add sugar to make it a little sweeter. For best results, boil the water for about 10 minutes with the ingredients in the water. It’s best to use a tea strainer when you pour it into a cup, to avoid getting leaves and other residue in your drink. You can either drink it hot right away, or put it in the refrigerator for later. If you pour it over ice, it creates a great iced tea beverage.

Sorrel is much more that a holiday beverage. There are quite a few health benefits of sorrel. Because sorrel is a natural laxative, only a small amount should be used at any one time. It could cause the stomach to react badly. However, medical studies have been performed, showing that this herb can help improve a person’s quality of life and help to maintain the health and function of the whole body.

Photo by Eatwell.in

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Whether you’re for or against taking supplements, sometimes they are necessary. If you track your food intake and track certain nutrients, you can figure out what you’re lacking. Not getting enough calcium? Take a calcium supplement. Not getting enough iron in your diet? There are iron supplements available to help with that. But what about energy supplements? Or supplements that can improve memory function and provide a more restful sleep? There is a supplement that can provide these benefits as well as other advantages. It’s called Juvenon. But does does Juvenon work?

What Is Juvenon?

Juvenon is a supplement pill that contains alpha lipoic acid (ALA) and acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC). These two nutrients have been proven to slow aging on a cellular level and also to boost levels of mitrochondria in the body. Higher levels of michochondria means cells in the body have more energy. In Juvenon, the ALC and ALA nutrients are specifically balanced to provide certain benefits.

What Does Juvenon Do?

According to the Juvenon website, it states that the supplement can boost your energy, improve your memory and concentration, and improve your skin tone. Juvenon also protects against harmful oxidants.

What Are The Benefits Of Juvenon?

Some of the benefits that this supplement can provide include the following:

• An increase in energy
• Improvement in memory
• Sharper mind
• More restful sleep
• Improvements in blood pressure
• Younger looking skin
• Shinier hair

What Are the Juvenon Ingredients?

Each tablet contains the following ingredients:

*Biotin (100 micrograms) – Biotin is vitamin B7 and is found in the yolks of eggs.
*Calcium (77 milligrams)
*Acetyl-L-Carnitine (500 milligrams) – ALC is an anti-oxidant ingredient.
*Alpha Lipoic Acid (200 milligrams) – ALA is another anti ingredient.
*Dicalcium phosphate – A packaging agent.
*Microcrystalline cellulose – Another packaging agent.
*Stearic acid – Packaging agent made from saturated animal fat.
*Silicon dioxide – A mineral packaging agent.
*Magnesium stearate – What binds the pill together.
*Hypromellose – A thickening agent.
*Croscarmellose sodium – A pill additive.
*Polydexterose – An artificial sweetener.
*Titanium dioxide – A pill coloring agent.
*Maltodextrin – Another sweetener.
*Talc – A tablet processing lubricant.
*Medium chain triglycerides – Vegetable oils.
*Peppermint oil – A masking agent to make the pill taste better.

This long list of ingredients is mainly made up of filler ingredients, lubricants, and preservatives. However, the bottle claims that Juvenon does not contain any preservatives or artificial colors. On the positive side the pills do not contain common allergens, dairy, or soy. Note it says “common allergens”, so there may still be a possibility of an allergic reaction. It’s recommended that a user take two tablets each day.

What Are The Cons Of Juvenon?

According to Dr. Ray Saheilian, Juvenon may actually cause harmful side effects. He states, “I have not seen any human studies that taking Juvenon or high dosages of acetyl-L-carnitine or alpha lipoic acid prolongs lifespan.” He goes on to say, “In my experience, high dosages of alpha lipoic acid and acetyl-L-carnitine can disrupt sleep and ALA may even cause heart rhythm disturbances.” Dr. Saheilian also says that excessive amounts of ALC and ALA can cause insomnia and over-stimulation. Insomnia can result in the lack of deep sleep. A lack of deep sleep can actually speed up the aging process.

There are some other things to be aware of when it comes to Juvenon. There’s a warning label on the bottle in reference to sustaining energy level, promoting brain cell function, and supporting metabolic efficiency. The warning label states the following: “These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease”.

Does Juvenon Work?

Juvenon may work for a short time period. But, it may not be the best thing to use over an extended period. If you suffer from low energy or problems with sleep patterns, you may want to seek medical advice rather than taking Juvenon. However, Juvenon may be an option if you don’t normally have these issues and you just need a boost of energy for the day.

Based on what we uncovered in the ingredient list of Juvenon, it’s sort of hard to tell what to believe. It claims no artificial colors are added, yet it lists titanium dioxide which is a coloring agent. It also says it has no preservatives, yet we see packaging agents listed, such as silicon dioxide and dicalcium phosphate. We get conflicting statements, such as Juvenon providing a more restful sleep. According to Dr. Saheilian high levels of ALC and ALA can cause insomnia.

Ultimately, it’s up to the individual to decide whether to take a supplement or not. It holds true that what works for one person may not work for another. If an energy supplement such as Juvenon works for you, great! However, based on the conflicting information, it may make you want to think twice about taking it.

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This article is written by John Smith from NursingUniforms.net. This nursing scrubs website is your one stop online shop for branded lab coats for women, scrub tops and all kind of medical uniforms.

The concept of the Fountain of Youth dates back hundreds of years. Although it’s only a legend, the simple truth is humans have always been interested in preserving their youth. From exercising to avoiding excessive sunlight to taking anti-aging supplements, almost everyone is doing something to stay young, but most people overlook one of the most effective tools for slowing the aging process: food.

The foods we eat absolutely affect how we look and the way our body functions. By eating the right foods, you can look better, feel younger, and have a stronger, healthier mind. What are the best foods for keeping you young? Read on to find out.

1. Cocoa—I will bet you had no idea how many cocoa health benefits there were! Did you know that cocoa powder has almost twice the amount of antioxidants as red wine? It also has nearly three times the amount found in green tea. These antioxidants offer numerous anti-aging benefits, helping to prevent many diseases and keeping your mind sharp. To get the most benefits from chocolate, you should eat dark chocolate as milk chocolate has fewer of these antioxidants.
2. Almonds—The Food and Drug Administration has released studies suggesting daily consumption of almonds could reduce the risk of heart disease. But that’s not all. Almonds also have healthy fatty acids that can help your nails stay strong and look their best. The result? You stay healthier, and the antioxidants and healthy fats keep you feeling and looking your best.
3. Olive oil—It seems like every day you hear about more benefits associated with olive oil. Olive oil contains heart-healthy fats that can help prevent diseases and keep you feeling your very best. Some scientists even claim olive oil can help prevent cancer. This antioxidant-rich compound is also a feature ingredient in many beauty products as it helps to keep you looking young.
4. Yogurt—Yogurt offers a wide range of health benefits, but perhaps the most important benefit is that it strengthens your immune system. A strong immune system means fewer illnesses and just less wear and tear on your body. The calcium in yogurt can also help keep you strong, further working to preserve your youth.
5. Cranberries—The cranberry is pretty remarkable. These little berries are rich in flavonoids. Flavonoids have been found to have various anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties, meaning they can basically help you stay healthier and stronger. Cranberries are also jam-packed with antioxidants, fighting off damage done to the body by free radicals and pollutants we’re exposed to every day. Cranberry extract is a popular ingredient in skin renewal products.
6. Fish—There’s a reason fish oil supplements have become so popular. Fish contain omega-3 fatty acids which work to clear out your arteries, improve heart health, and even improve brain function. The best fish varieties are wild salmon, tilapia, mahi mahi, and whitefish. Try to keep fish as a part of your regular diet so you can ward off heart disease and preserve your youth.
7. Soybeans—Soybeans have numerous heart-healthy fasts, proteins, and fibers that can keep your heart and mind performing at optimal levels. Soybeans have been said to help diabetes, aid in growth in development, prevent mental fatigue, energize the brain, and fight cholesterol. But be sure to buy non-GMO soybeans.
8. Blueberries—Blueberries have extraordinarily high antioxidant levels. It’s pretty difficult to find any other food that can match it. The antioxidants in blueberries work to destroy free radicals. What are free radicals? These are the substances many believe cause aging in the body. Evidence seems to suggest that an antioxidant-rich diet can slow the aging process, and with the high levels of antioxidants in blueberries, you could get the maximum anti-aging benefits.
9. Grapes—Grapes provide a comprehensive range of health benefits. They have polyphenols, which can be helpful in preventing cancer and heart disease. Grapes are also rich in antioxidants, so you’ll enjoy the anti-aging benefits every time you consume grapes or grape juice. Some studies have even found that grapes can prevent skin cancer, keeping your skill cells healthy and smooth.

The key to getting the most of these foods is to enjoy them regularly with a sensible diet. If you eat these alongside foods that are bad for you, you’ll never get the full results you hope for. You should also exercise regularly to further protect yourself against aging.

How many of these 9 foods are a regular part of your diet? What other foods do you think help with preserving youth?

Photo by J.C. Rojas

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Beets are one of those vegetables that have a bad reputation. They look odd, and when you mention them to some people, you get a grimace in return. They may look a little strange, but beets are packed with lots of benefits. Beets can be eaten raw, cooked, cold, or hot. You’ll gain the same benefits no matter how you consume them. What are the health benefits of eating beets?

Gives Energy

They’re a great source of energy due to their high carbohydrate count. Carbohydrates are often thought to be “bad”, but consuming appropriate amounts of carbohydrates keep your body running efficiently. Carbohydrates are essentially what fuels the body. Beets make an excellent food to eat before a workout. They provide the body with the fuel it will need to keep going. They would also be good to eat after a workout to replenish the energy that was used up. Incorporating beets into a meal before or after your workout will help to re-energize you.

Calcium & Iron

Beets contain many essential nutrients that promote good bodily health. These include calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, and iron. Two of the nutrients that most people don’t get enough of are calcium and iron. There’s about 10% of the daily recommended amount of iron in one cup of boiled beets. You’ll also get about 3% of the daily recommended amount of calcium in one cup of boiled beets.

Helps During Pregnancy

Another essential vitamin found in beets is B vitamin folate. This vitamin is vital for normal tissue growth, A diet rich in folate is particularly important for pregnant women. Without enough folate during pregnancy, the spinal column of the infant doesn’t develop properly. Pregnant women should aim to get 400 micrograms of folate each day. One cup of boiled beets has 136 micrograms of folate.

Fights Cancer

Beets contain the pigment betacyanin that can help fight cancer. Studies have been done on beets and their relationship with cancer, and the results from these studies show that the vegetable can guard against colon cancer and stomach cancer. The red pigment of beets increases levels of anti-oxidant enzymes of the liver, and could promote detoxification within the liver, blood, and the intestines. Colonic CD 8 cells are able to find and remove abnormal cells. Beets can increase these colonic CD8 cells.

Protects Against Heart Disease

Studies have shown that beets can help protect the body from developing heart disease. Beets are able to help lower both the bad type of cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides. This is due to the amounts of folate that are found in beets. They can also promote good health toward the gall bladder, and the colon.

Strong Bones

Healthy bones not only require calcium, they also require magnesium. Magnesium promotes bone production and helps the bones to maintain their stability and strength. Because of their high levels of magnesium, beets are great for anyone who has osteoporosis. Eating beets regularly could even prevent the onset of osteoporosis. Beets contain a metabolite of choline, called betanine, which can help reduce joint inflammation. Not only does this help people with osteoporosis, but it helps people suffering from arthritis as well.

Good For Your Brain

Certain cognitive disorders, such as senile dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can be prevented by anti-oxidants. Vegetables that have dark skins, like the beet, have high levels of anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants help to avert free radicals that can damage cells, including those cells located in the brain. Due to the anti-oxidants present, beets are a great food to help stave off the aging process, and help you to feel and look younger.

With all of the health benefits of eating beets, it’s a wonder why this vegetable gets strange looks from people. This strange looking vegetable can help with many health issues and can leave you feeling healthier longer.

Photo by Darwin Bell

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Most women have either experienced or are at least familiar with varicose veins. These veins are enlarged and can sometimes be quite painful. The term “varicose” is a Latin based word meaning “twisted”. You may think that women are the only ones who deal with varicose veins, but that’s not the case. In the United States, 25% of women experience varicose veins, while 15% of men are affected by them. Because the veins in the legs have to work against gravity, varicose veins are most prevalent in the lower limbs. Varicose veins can appear in other areas, such as the arms. These unsightly veins are a cosmetic concern, because they’re enlarged, twisted, and are a bluish purple color. Not only are they a deterrent in one’s appearance, they also cause swelling, pain, aching, or a heaviness in the legs. They can also be a warning sign of circulatory disorders or heart disease. If varicose veins aren’t treated, they can lead to blood clots, skin ulcers, and inflammation of the veins. Luckily there are some natural remedies for varicose veins.

Diet and Supplements

Probably the safest natural way to treat varicose veins is through diet and supplements. If your diet is low in fiber, if can lead to pressure build up which can aggravate varicose veins. Getting enough fiber will help to eliminate stool and will prevent any straining action that can occur otherwise. Fiber helps to move things along smoothly. If you suffer from varicose veins, there are some foods that should be avoided. Foods such as salt, sugar, alcohol, animal protein, processed or refined foods, fried foods, ice cream, and cheeses can all have an effect on varicose veins. Eat them in moderation or try to cut them entirely out of your diet.

Extracts such as horse chestnut extract, grape seed extract and pine bark extract can treat varicose veins. The horse chestnut herb is the most widely used herb for this purpose. A compound called aescin that is found in this herb seems to inhibit the release of enzymes that cause damage to the walls of capillaries. Results of studies show that those participants that used horse chestnut extract lead to a significant decrease of leg pain as well as swelling compared to those that were given a placebo. Caution needs to be heeded when taking horse chestnut. Manufactured horse chestnut products are safe, such as those in extract form, because the toxic substance esculin has been removed. The FDA has deemed whole horse chestnut unsafe and if a person uses it, they can experience headache, nausea, vomiting, convulsion, diarrhea, respiratory and circulatory failure, or even death. So make sure that the component esculin has been removed.

Both pine bark extract and grape seed extract contain anti-oxidants called oligomeric proanthocynidin complexes (OPCs). These types of anti-oxidants strengthen the connective tissue structure that make up blood vessels. They also help to reduce inflammation. OPCs have been studied, and results show that these anti-oxidants bring relief to people who have varicose veins. There’s some caution that needs to taken when using pine bark or grape seed extract. If you suffer from any autoimmune disorder, such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or Crohn’s disease, you should avoid using both pine bark extract and grape seed extract. Only do so if you get the “OK” from your doctor.

The plant Butcher’s broom, which is part of the lily family, is believed to be able to strengthen collagen in the walls of blood vessels. This is due to the component ruscogenin. This component is believed to be able to tighten those vessels that are weak and stretched causing the varicose veins. Again, take caution when using this plant. If you take high blood pressure medication or medication for benign prostate hyperplasia, or an MAO inhibitor, talk with your doctor first.

It’s best to talk with your doctor before trying any of these natural remedies for varicose veins.

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Apples are one of the most common and popular fruits in people’s diets today. This juicy piece of fruit can be made into many delicious snacks. Deserts such as candied apples, apple pie, or a cut up apple with cinnamon sprinkled on it. No matter how you eat them, apples are just plain delicious. Most everyone has heard the old adage “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Is this just an old proverb parents tell their children to get them to eat apples, or can it really prevent frequent doctor visits? There are quite a lot of health benefits of eating an apple a day.

Fiber and Pectin

One medium sized apple contains only 80 calories and provides five grams of fiber. Fiber is essential for a healthy digestive tract. Consuming enough fiber allows food to travel more easily through the digestive system. Pectin, a type of soluble fiber, is present in the skin of the apple. Pectin helps prevent cancer by blocking the development of a certain type of protein that is found in all stages of cancer. Pectin has also been linked with being able to lower cholesterol levels. This link was discovered back in the 1960s when tests were conducted by European scientists. The study concluded that people with high levels of cholesterol benefited greatly by eating several apples during the allotted time. Apples not only lowers total cholesterol, but they raise the good cholesterol (HDL) and lower the bad cholesterol (LDL). The results suggest that people who eat two apples every day can lower their cholesterol by 16%.

Antioxidants

Apples have large amounts of polyphenols and flavonoids, which are types of antioxidants. Antioxidants helps to stave off the effects of premature aging. Various oxidants, or free radicals, can penetrate our bodies and cause aging signs to show up earlier than normal. These oxidants can be due to stress, sun exposure, pollution, smoking, alcohol consumption, and unhealthy foods. Cells that have already been damaged by free radicals can be repaired with antioxidants.

Healthy Bones

The flavanoids found in apples also provide bone protection. A certain type of flavanoid, called phloridzin, was discovered by French researchers, that is only present in the apple. Phloridzin may help to protect women who are in post menopause from developing osteoporosis. It may help to increase the density of the bones as well, along with another component called boron.

Helps with Asthma

There’s a link between eating apples and asthma too. A study was conducted where children who had asthma drank apple juice every day. As a result, the children had less wheezing than other children that drank apple juice just one time every month. In another study, women who ate a lot of apples during the time they were pregnant, gave birth to children with a lower risks of getting asthma.

Prevents Cancer

Eating apples regularly could help to prevent cancers such as lung cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer. Various studies have shown a lower percentage of these cancers in people who ate apples regularly and those that didn’t. The study on lung cancer for example, showed those people who ate a lot of apples split their chances of getting lung cancer in half. This is believed to be due to an abundant amounts of naringin and quercetin flavanoids, found in apples. This study was comprised of 10,000 people.

I would say that the old proverb “An apple a day can keep the doctor away” is true. With all of the health benefits of eating an apple a day, it’s no wonder that this saying has been passed down from generation to generation. Apples are very easy to come by, and are cheap. It should be no problem at all to stock up on these juicy fruits and start taking advantage of the benefits they provide.

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This is a guest article from  Nick Lewis.

It is a generally accepted fact of life that when you get older, your vision gets worse. This is due to a number of factors involved in the ageing process, however, one condition in particular that tends to affect those of a certain age (50+) is that of macular degeneration.

What is Macular Degeneration?

The macula is a tiny yellow spot that sits in the centre of the retina and is responsible for our central field of vision, and so the principle symptom of macular degeneration is impaired central vision. That it is yellow in colour means that it absorbs high energy blue light that can be very damaging to the eye, a property that has earned it the nickname ‘nature’s sunglasses’.

The reason the macula is yellow is because it contains high levels of beta-carotenes, particularly lutein and zeaxanthin, which are both also present in colourful plants (including fruit and vegetables, and yes, contribute to the orange colour of carrots, as you might have guessed from the name). These organic compounds act as anti-oxidants and there is evidence to suggest that they go a long way towards protecting our vision from free radicals (unstable oxygen molecules that can damage tissue).

What Else Contains Lutein and Zeaxanthin?

We principally get our lutein and zeaxanthin from our diet. Not only are they present in colourful fruit and vegetables such as carrots and peppers, but they are highly present in leafy green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, asparagus and kale. As modern diets are notoriously lacking in fruit and vegetables, this could be resulting in a corresponding decrease in these important carotenes that help protect our vision; the broad recommendation is to make sure you have 5 to 9 portions of fruit and vegetable a day in order to keep up the requisite level of lutein and zeaxanthin: most of us have trouble getting to the standard 5 a day!

As such, for those concerned for their vision, some health professionals advise taking natural carotene supplements, such as VisualEyes from Higher Nature , just as many people now take multi-vitamins for their general health. However, it is important to note that if you are a smoker, there is some evidence that taking beta-carotenes can increase your chance of lung cancer. The evidence is by no means conclusive, but many health professionals would advise against taking lutein supplements if you smoke.

Whether you do it through a good diet or by taking supplements, maintaining good levels of lutein and zeaxanthin should help protect against high energy blue light and dangerous free radicals; both said to be contributing factors in macular degeneration.

Photo by Maschinenraum

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Why take flaxseed oil?

No matter how healthy a person’s diet might be, there may still be a lack of certain nutrients. A good way to get these nutrients is to take a supplement. Flaxseed oil provides nutrients such as vitamin E and vitamin D, minerals that include iron, potassium, and calcium. It is also a great source of fiber. Flaxseed oil contains good fats like Omega three fatty acids, which are essential to the body. It is possible to get “good fat” from foods such as nuts or fish, however these foods are high in calories. It’s also inconvenient to cook fish every day, therefore its might be easier for people to take a flaxseed oil supplement. There are several wonderful health benefits of flaxseed oil.

What is flaxseed oil good for?

There has been research done that indicates people who get high amounts of lignan in their diet have a low incidence of colon cancer and breast cancer. Flaxseed oil contains a high amount of lignan, more than you would get in most whole grain products. It is said that lignans have the ability to stop the growth rate and spreading of tumor cells. Flaxseed oil may also help to prevent type two diabetes, again due to the lignans.

Studies have shown that healthy fats, like Omega 3 fatty acids, help to prevent clots in arteries, as well as lowering cholesterol and blood triglycerides. Getting a low amount of healthy fats may result in strokes, thrombosis, and heart attacks. Lignans found in flaxseed oil have been known to reduce atherosclerotic plaque buildup as much as 75%. Flaxseed oil can play a big role in regulating a natural heart rhythm, and can be used in treating an irregular heartbeat, as well as heart failure.

Among the many health benefits of flaxseed oil, is the fact it can help with the healing of bruises and sprains. It can also increase the body’s metabolism, making it easier to burn fat and to lose weight. Flaxseed oil helps with the absorption of calcium, and is great for strengthening toenails and fingernails. It can also be a treatment for dandruff, psoriasis, and eczema. There is a high content of phytochemicals in flaxseed oil which include several antioxidants. Therefore taking flaxseed oil can possibly help slow down the aging process, as well as make your skin look and feel younger.

Flaxseed oil has the potential to improve mental function in elderly people. It has been scientifically proven to help people who have depression. The behavior of schizophrenics has been proven to improve when taking flaxseed oil. Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome can be relieved by taking flaxseed oil. Women who are going through menopause can take flaxseed oil to help with the effects of hot flashes. There have been studies that show that the intensity of a hot flash was cut by 57% when flaxseed oil was taken regularly.

Other health benefits of flaxseed oil include helping with the treatment of multiple sclerosis, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes mellitus. Flaxseed oil has been known to improve the perception of colors and eyesight in general. It can relieve side effects from many forms of cancer, and even stop the development of this disease. Taking flaxseed oil can lower high blood pressure in people who suffer from hypertension.

There are many health benefits of flaxseed oil, and the results can be seen both on the inside and the outside of the body. Adding flaxseed oil to your diet will improve many aspects of your health.

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