Holistic Health Articles and Research Related to Herbal Medicines, Foods and Phytochemicals

Thursday, 7 November 2013

#Healthy #Foods - Nuts & Seeds - Pumpkin (Cucurbita)Seed

Pumpkin seed

Pumpkin seed or pepita is an edible seed of a pumpkin with flat, dark green color. Pumpkin is the genus Cucurbita and belong the family Cucurbitaceae. The origin of pumpkins is unknown, although many people believe that they have originated in North America.

Nutritional Supplements1. Manganese
2. Magnesium
3. Phosphorus

4. Tryptophan

5. Iron

6. Copper

7. Zinc

8. Vitamin K

9. Protein
10. Potassium

11. Polyunsaturated fatty acids

12. Etc.

Caution: Excessive heat destroys some of their nutritive value.

Health benefits
A. According to the researches
1. Antihypertensive and Cardioprotective
In the investigation of Pumpkin seed oil and it effects on cardiovascular diseases indicated that after Pumpkin seed oil (40 or 100?mg/kg), amlodipine (0.9?mg/kg), or vehicle (control) was given once daily orally for 6 weeks, l-NAME administration resulted in a significant increase in BP starting from the second week. Pumpkin seed oil or amlodipine treatment significantly reduced the elevation in BP by l-NAME(nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride) and normalized the l-NAME-induced ECG(electrocardiogram ) changes?namely, prolongation of the RR interval, increased P wave duration, and ST elevation. Both treatments significantly decreased the elevated levels of MDA(plasma malondialdehyde) and reversed the decreased levels of NO(serum nitric oxide) metabolites to near normal values compared with the l-NAME-treated group according to the study of "Antihypertensive and Cardioprotective Effects of Pumpkin Seed Oil" by El-Mosallamy AE, Sleem AA, Abdel-Salam OM, Shaffie N, Kenawy SA.(a)

2. Diabetes
In the evaluation of Flax and Pumpkin seeds mixture and their hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects on the kidney of alloxan-induced diabetic rats found that that Flax and Pumpkin seeds mixture supplemented in diet of diabetic rats may be helpful to prevent diabetes and its complications, according to the study of "Flax and Pumpkin seeds mixture ameliorates diabetic nephropathy in rats" by Makni M, Sefi M, Fetoui H, Garoui el M, Gargouri NK, Boudawara T, Zeghal N.(b)

3. Hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects
In the examination of of Flax and Pumpkin seeds mixture and their anti-atherogenic and hepatoprotective activities found that flax and pumpkin seed mixture had anti-atherogenic and hepatoprotective effects which were probably mediated by unsaturated fatty acids present in seed mixture, according to the study of "Hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects of flax and pumpkin seed mixture rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in hypercholesterolemic rats" by Makni M, Fetoui H, Gargouri NK, Garoui el M, Jaber H, Makni J, Boudawara T, Zeghal N.(c)

4. Liver cancer
In the research of extracted cucurmosin (CUS) from the sarcocarp of Cucrubita moschata (pumpkin) and it anti-proliferative effects found that CUS has potential anticancer activity for human hepatoma, which can be attributed in part to its inhibition of proliferation and apoptosis, induced by decreasing the bcl-2:bax ratio and caspase-3 activation, according to the study of "Anti-proliferative effects of cucurmosin on human hepatoma HepG2 cells" by Xie J, Que W, Liu H, Liu M, Yang A, Chen M.(d).

5. Benign prostatic hyperplasia
In the abservation of pumpkin seed oil and saw palmetto oil and its benign prostatic hyperplasia.effect found that suggested that administrations of pumpkin seed oil and saw palmetto oil are clinically safe and may be effective as complementary and alternative medicine treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia, according to the study of "Effects of pumpkin seed oil and saw palmetto oil in Korean men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia" by Hong H, Kim CS, Maeng S.(e)

6. Prostate cancer
In the study of ProstaCaid (PC) which contain many herbs, including pumpkin seeds and it anti prostate cancer effects found that PC treatment resulted in the inhibition of cell proliferation of the highly invasive human hormone refractory (independent) PC-3 prostate cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner with IC50 56.0, 45.6 and 39.0 µg/ml for 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. DNA-microarray analysis demonstrated that PC inhibits proliferation through the modulation of expression of CCND1, CDK4, CDKN1A, E2F1, MAPK6 and PCNA genes, according to the study of "Suppression of growth and invasive behavior of human prostate cancer cells by ProstaCaid™: mechanism of activity" by Jiang J, Eliaz I, Sliva D.(f)

B. Health benefits according to the concentration
1. Manganese
It is one of important trace in preventing osteoporosis, according to the study of "[Study of estrogen deficiency impact on manganese levels in teeth and mandible of rats after ovariectomy]. [Article in Polish]" by Rahnama M, Błoniarz J, Zareba S, Swiatkowski W.(1)and regulating blood sugar level, according to the study of "[An inadequate intake of manganese may favour insulin resistance in girls]. [Article in Spanish]" by Rodríguez-Rodríguez E, Bermejo LM, López-Sobaler AM, Ortega RM.(2)

2. Magnesium
Magnesium not only important for bone health, according to the study of "Magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium levels in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Can magnesium play a key role in osteoporosis?" by Odabasi E, Turan M, Aydin A, Akay C, Kutlu M(3) but also play and important role in protecting against Alzheimer's disease, according to the study of "Altered ionized magnesium levels in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease" by Barbagallo M, Belvedere M, Di Bella G, Dominguez LJ.(4)

3. Phosphorus
Phosphorus forms an important part of the process related to growth and maintenance of bones and teeth, according to the study of "Alterations in phosphorus, calcium and PTHrP contribute to defects in dental and dental alveolar bone formation in calcium-sensing receptor-deficient mice" by Sun W, Sun W, Liu J, Zhou X, Xiao Y, Karaplis A, Pollak MR, Brown E, Goltzman D, Miao D.(5)

4. Etc.

C. Other health benefits

1. Zinc
Pumpkin seed contains high amount of zinc that is best known for treating enlarged prostate and benefiting people with prostate cancer and enhancing the prostate gland in secreting semen for aiding the sperm production, according to the study of "Prostate-specific antigen levels in relation to cadmium exposure and zinc intake: results from the 2001-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey' by van Wijngaarden E, Singer EA, Palapattu GS.(6)

2. Tryptophan
Tryptophan is one of the 10 essential amino acids which the body uses to synthesize the proteins for brain cells need, thus enhancing the nerve cells in information transmitting between themselves and cells in the parts of the body that reduces the risk of anxiety and depression, according to the study of "The effects of tryptophan depletion on neural responses to emotional words in remitted depression" by Roiser JP, Levy J, Fromm SJ, Nugent AC, Talagala SL, Hasler G, Henn FA, Sahakian BJ, Drevets WC.(7)

3. Antioxidant
Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), an enzyme located in mitochondria, is the key enzyme that protects the energy-generating mitochondria from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, according to the study of `The role of manganese superoxide dismutase in inflammation defense`by Li C, Zhou HM.(8)

4. Metabolic syndrome
Magnesium enhances the digestive system in absorbing calcium, thus increasing the bone density, according to the study of "Magnesium deficiency and metabolic syndrome: stress and inflammation may reflect calcium activation" by Rayssiguier Y, Libako P, Nowacki W, Rock E.(9)

5. Copper
Beside it is best known for its function in enhancing the production of red blood cells for treaatemtyn of anemia, according to the study of " Update on anemia and neutropenia in copper deficiency" by Lazarchick J.(10), copper is alo an important trace mineral for the protection of bone density, according to the study of "The relationship of nutritional copper to the development of postmenopausal osteoporosis in rats" by Yee CD, Kubena KS, Walker M, Champney TH, Sampson HW.(11)

6. Etc.

Side Effects

1. Oxalates
Pumpkin seed contain as measure amount of oxalates that can cause problem for people with untreated kidney and gallbladder diseases.
2. Purines
Purines in pumpkin seed can cause the forming of uric acid if accumulated in excessive amount

#Healthy #Foods - Vegetables - Cabbage (Brassica oleracea)

Cabbage
Cabbage is a spicies of Brassica oleracea belong to the family Brassicaceae (or Cruciferae), native to the Mediterranean region along the seacoast. It has a short stem of which is crowded a mass of leaves, usually green but in some varieties, it may be red or purplish.

Nutritional Supplements
1. Carbohydrates
2.Fibers 3. Omega
3 fatty acid
4. Protein
5. Vitamin A
6.Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
7. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
8. Niacin (Vitamin B3)
9. Pantothenic acid (B5)
10.Vitamin B6
11. Folate (Vitamin B9)
12. Vitamin C
13. Calcium
14.I ron
15. Magnesium
16. Phosphorus
17. Potassium
18. Tryptophan
19. Zinc
20. Etc.

Health Benefits
A. Health Benefits according to studies
1. Breast Engorgement
Hot and cold compress and cabbage leaves have demonstrated the activities in decreasing breast engorgement and pain in postnatal mothers during the first two weeks following childbirth, according to the study of "A Comparison of Cabbage Leaves vs. Hot and Cold Compresses in the Treatment of Breast Engorgement" by Smriti Arora, Manju Vatsa, and Vatsla Dadhwal(a)2. Cardiovascular health
^{Cabbage
in steam cooking and other vegetable such as collard greens, kale,
mustard greens, broccoli, green bell pepper has exerted the ability in
lowering the recirculation of bile acids results in utilization of
cholesterol to synthesize bile acid and reduced fat absorption and may
be beneficial in preventing cardiovascular disease, cancer and improve
public health, according to the study of "Steam
cooking significantly improves in vitro bile acid binding of collard
greens, kale, mustard greens, broccoli, green bell pepper, and cabbage" by Kahlon TS, Chiu MC, Chapman MH.(b)

3. Prostate cancer} Brassica vegetables are associated with reduced prostate cancer risk, including broccoli, cabbage, mustard and collard greens, and bok choy, contain glucosinolates by breaking down products of which are potent modulators of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes that protect DNA from damage, according to the study of "Brassica vegetables and prostate cancer risk: a review of the epidemiological evidence" by Kristal AR, Lampe JW.(c)

4. Cancer prevention Brassica vegetables have shown the inverse associations between the consumption of brassica's and risk of lung cancer, stomach cancer, all cancers taken together due to certain hydrolysis products of glucosinolates, according to the study of "Brassica vegetables and cancer prevention. Epidemiology and mechanisms" by van Poppel G, Verhoeven DT, Verhagen H, Goldbohm RA.(d)

5. Etc.

^{B. Health benefits according to the concentration}1. Vitamin K
a. Degenerative diseases of ageing
Long-term vitamin K inadequacy may reduce the function of supporting the carboxylation of at least some of these Gla-protein that can lead the development of degenerative diseases of ageing including osteoporosis and atherosclerosis, according to the study of "Vitamin K, osteoporosis and degenerative diseases of ageing" by Cees Vermeer and Elke Theuwissen(1)

b. Intracranial bleeding
In a study in the 4-year study period, 16/64 (25%) of the infants admitted with intracranial bleeding had late intracranial VKDB, resulting in an overall incidence of 2.1/100,000 live births (95% confidence interval 1.2-3.5) conducted by University Medical Center Utrecht(2) indicated that Intracranial bleeding may be associated with vitamin K deficiency

2. vitamin C
a. Asthma
Vitamin C is one of the key antioxidant vitamins which is abundant in the extracellular fluid lining the lung and low vitamin C intake has been associated with pulmonary dysfunction, such as asthma, according to the study of "Vitamin C supplementation for asthma" by Kaur B, Rowe BH, Arnold E.(3)

b. DNA Damage
Ascorbic acid (AA), known as vitamin C, has important antioxidant vitamin has exerted the activity in preventing (imazalil)IMA-induced cause of DNA damage, according to the stuyd of "The protective role of ascorbic acid on imazalil-induced genetic damage assessed by the cytogenetic tests' by Türkez H, Aydin E.(4)

3. Dietary fiber
a. Obesity
Since it contains high amount of fiber, it makes the stomach feeling fullness longer, thus reducing the risk food craving, according to the study of "The role of dietary fiber in the development and treatment of childhood obesity" by Kimm SY.(5)

b. Diabetes
Carrot contains high amount of fiber which helps to release the glucose slowly into blood stream as it has an inverse relationship with the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and may contribute to both the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitu, according to the study of "[Dietary fibers: current trends and health benefits in the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes].[Article in Portuguese]" by Mello VD, Laaksonen DE(6)

4. Etc.

C. Other health benefits

1. Respiratory Papillomatosis
Cabbage is used as foods to treat recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, due to high amount of I3C (indole-3-carbinol,), according to the study of "Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: an overview of current thinking and treatment' by Goon P, Sonnex C, Jani P, Stanley M, Sudhoff H.(7)

2. Colon cancer
Indole-3-carbinol found in cabbage if you combination with genistein enhance gastrointestinal health thus reducing the risk of colon cancer, according to the study of "A combination of indol-3-carbinol and genistein synergistically induces apoptosis in human colon cancer HT-29 cells by inhibiting Akt phosphorylation and progression of autophagy" by Nakamura Y, Yogosawa S, Izutani Y, Watanabe H, Otsuji E, Sakai T.(8)

3. Omega 3 fatty acid
Cabbage reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases by controlling the secretion of bad cholesterol, due to high amount of Omega 3 fatty acid, according to the study of "The Omega-3 Index as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases' by von Schacky C.(9)
4. Etc.

Side effects
1. No Known side effect.
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Sources
(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763679/
(b) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19083431
(c) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12235639
(d) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10736624
(1) http://mi.rsmjournals.com/content/17/1/19.abstract
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19160185
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21986888
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7494672
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19768242
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18046565
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19909554
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21726658

#Healthy #Foods - Fruits - Common Fig or Fig (Ficus carica)

Figs a species of F. carica, belong to the family Moraceae. It is a deciduous shrub, native to Southeast Asia. The tree can grow to a height of 33 ft and the fruit can be as large as 2.0 inches

Nutritional Supplements
1. Carbohydrates
2. Sugars
3. Fiber
4. Fat
5. Protein
6. Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
7. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
8. Niacin (Vitamin B3)
9. Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5)
10. Vitamin B6
11. Folate (Vit. B9)
12. Vitamin C
13. Calcium
14. Iron
15. Magnesium
16. Phosphorus
17. Potassium
18. Zinc
19. Etc.

Health Benefits
A. Health benefits according to studies
1. Lipid peroxidation
Cyanidin-3-rhamnoglucoside (C3R) isolated from fig fruits has exerted the inhibited activities of lipid peroxidation from producing peroxy radicals (ROO(*)) and MDA in a dose-dependent manner, according to the study of "Protection of fibroblasts (NIH-3T3) against oxidative damage by cyanidin-3-rhamnoglucoside isolated from fig fruits (Ficus carica L.)" by Solomon A, Golubowicz S, Yablowicz Z, Bergman M, Grossman S, Altman A, Kerem Z, Flaishman MA.(a)

2. Antimicrobial activity
ethyl acetate extracted from Ficus carica had inhibition effect on the multiplication of five bacteria species (Enterococcus fecalis, Citobacter freundei, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Echerchia coli and Proteus mirabilis), according to the study of "In vitro antimicrobial activity of four Ficus carica latex fractions against resistant human pathogens (antimicrobial activity of Ficus carica latex)" by Aref HL, Salah KB, Chaumont JP, Fekih A, Aouni M, Said K.(b)

3. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity
The leaves of common fig have exerted the proprrty in inhibition the inflammatory conditions like painful or swollen piles, insect sting and bites due to it antioxidant scavengering activities, according to the study of 'Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of Ficus carica Linn. leaves" by Ali B, Mujeeb M, Aeri V, Mir SR, Faiyazuddin M, Shakeel F.(3)

4. Anti-insects
5-methoxypsoralen and 8-methoxypsoralen were isolated from the milky sap of F. carica. of Ficus carica L. have demonstrated a significant toxic effect against early fourth-stage larvae of Aedes aegypti L, according to the study of "Immunotoxicity activity of natural furocoumarins from milky sap of Ficus carica L. against Aedes aegypti L." by Chung IM, Kim SJ, Yeo MA, Park SW, Moon HI.(d)

5. Antioxidant and immunity activity
Crude hot-water soluble polysaccharide (PS) from Ficus carica L has shown the higher scavenging activity than on superoxide radical and hydroxyl anion radical due to the presence of phenolics and flavonoids, according to the study of "Antioxidant and immunity activity of water extract and crude polysaccharide from Ficus carica L. fruit" by Yang XM, Yu W, Ou ZP, Ma HL, Liu WM, Ji XL.(5)

6. Etc.

B. Health Benefits according to concentration
1. Fiber
Fiber helps to treat constipation due to its laxative effect as a result of high amount of fiber which binds the hardening waste in the marge intestine, according to the study of "Fiber (glucomannan) is beneficial in the treatment of childhood constipation" by Loening-Baucke V, Miele E, Staiano A.(1)

2. Potassium
Potaasium beside is important in balance the levels of sodium, but also in regualting the body fuild in the lympatic system, decieciency of potassium may cause fuild retention and lead to membrane rigidity, according to the study of "Retention of water and potassium by erythrocytes prevents calcium-induced membrane rigidity" by Dreher KL, Eaton JW, Kuettner JF, Breslawec KP, Blackshear PL, White JG.(2)

3. Manganese
It is one of important trace in preventing osteroposis, according to the study of "[Study of estrogen deficiency impact on manganese levels in teeth and mandible of rats after ovariectomy]. [Article in Polish]" by Rahnama M, Błoniarz J, Zareba S, Swiatkowski W.(3)and regulating blood sugar level, according to the study of "[An inadequate intake of manganese may favour insulin resistance in girls]. [Article in Spanish]" by Rodríguez-Rodríguez E, Bermejo LM, López-Sobaler AM, Ortega RM.(4)

4. Etc.

C. Other Health Benefits
1. Breast Cancers
It also prevents cancers due to high amount of flavonoid by enhancing the the immune system in fighting against the improper cells division and DNA replication, according to the study of "The flavonoid luteolin induces apoptotic cell death through AIF nuclear translocation mediated by activation of ERK and p38 in human breast cancer cell lines" by Kim MJ, Woo JS, Kwon CH, Kim JH, Kim YK, Kim KH.(5)

2. High blood sugar
Common Fig helps to treat diabetes as a result of high amount fiber that helps to release sugar slowly into blood stream with no causing stress of pancreas, according to the study of "Efficacy of high-fiber diets in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus" by Wolfram T, Ismail-Beigi F.(6)

3. Etc.

Side effects
1. High amount of oxalate can cause kidney and bladder health problem for some people and interfere with the absorption of calcium
2. Contact with the plant may cause photocontact dermatitis, according to the study of "Photoallergic contact dermatitis to 8-methoxypsoralen in Ficus carica" by Bonamonte D, Foti C, Lionetti N, Rigano L, Angelini G.(11)
No other known side effect.

Chinese Secrets To Fatty Liver And Obesity Reversal
Use The Revolutionary Findings To Achieve
Optimal Health And Loose Weight

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Back to Healthy Foods Index http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca/p/healthy-foods-index.html
Back to Kyle J. Norton Home page http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca
Sources
(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20443626
(b) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20067867
(c) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21644169
(d) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21214422(e) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19466553
(1)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14993586
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/356623
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12870295
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22072339
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22073986
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20713332
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20557340

#Healthy #Foods - Nuts & Seeds - Sesame (Sesamum indicum) Seeds

Sesame Seeds

Sesame is a species of Sesamum indicum and belong to the family of Pedaliaceae, native to to sub-saharan Africa. The tree can grow to 1.6 to 3.3 ft tall and is mainly cultivated for their seeds.

Nutritional Supplements
1. Lignans
2. Sesamin
3. Sesamolin
4. Unsaturated oleic acid
5. Copper
6. Manganese
7. Calcium
8. Fiber
9. Magnesium
10. Iron
11. Phosphorus
12. Zinc
13. Thiamin (Vitamin B1)
14. Etc.

Health benefits
A. according to the studies
1. Nutritional vaues
Beside sesame is used as foods for the world population, its seed contains high amount of tryptophan and methionine and its oil is rich in linoleic and oleic acids, isomers of vitamin E and high content of fat-soluble lignans (sesamin and sesamolin) of which have exterted the properties of lowering tyhe levels of cholesterol, according to the study of "[Nutritional value of sesame seeds].[Article in Russian]" by Martinchik AN.(a)

2. Fatty liver
Sesamin and sesamolin of lignan fed to rat containing sesame seeds have exhibited the the hepatic mitochondrial and the peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation rate by increasing the activity of hepatic fatty acid oxidation enzymes including acyl-CoA oxidase, carnitine palmitoyltranferase, 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, and 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase, according to the study of "Effect of sesame seeds rich in sesamin and sesamolin on fatty acid oxidation in rat liver" by Sirato-Yasumoto S, Katsuta M, Okuyama Y, Takahashi Y, Ide T.(b)

3. Antithrombotic effects
Sesame seeds have shown to exhibit the antithrombotic due to the presence of ingredient sesamol, according to the study of "Experimental antithrombotic effects of sesame seed whole grains and extracts" Kinugasa C, Naemura A, Hyodo K, Nakai Y, Katsuta M, Yamamoto J.(c)

4. Hypoxia
Sesamin and sesamolin in sesame seed has enhanced the activity in transporting oxegen to the cells and body tissues throught blood circulation, by inhibitiing MAPK pathways and exhibiting apoptosis through scavenging of ROS in hypoxia-stressed BV-2 cells, according to the study of "Protective effects of sesamin and sesamolin on murine BV-2 microglia cell line under hypoxia" by Hou RC, Wu CC, Yang CH, Jeng KC.(d)

5. Neuroprotection
Sesamolin in sesame seed has exerted the property of protection of microglia against H2O2-induced cell injury and this protection was accompanied by its inhibition of p38(mitogen-activated protein kinase) MAPK and caspase-3 activation and ROS(Reactive oxygen species) production, according to the study of "Oxidative toxicity in BV-2 microglia cells: sesamolin neuroprotection of H2O2 injury involving activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase" by Hou RC, Wu CC, Huang JR, Chen YS, Jeng KC.(5)

6. Etc.

B. Health Benefits according to the concentration
1. Copper
Beside it is best known for its function in enhancing the production of red blood cells for treaatemtyn of anemia, according to the study of " Update on anemia and neutropenia in copper deficiency" by Lazarchick J.(1), copper is alo an important trace mineral for the protection of bone density, according to the study of "The relationship of nutritional copper to the development of postmenopausal osteoporosis in rats" by Yee CD, Kubena KS, Walker M, Champney TH, Sampson HW.(2)

2. Mangannese
It is one of important trace in preventing osteroposis, according to the study of "[Study of estrogen deficiency impact on manganese levels in teeth and mandible of rats after ovariectomy]. [Article in Polish]" by Rahnama M, Błoniarz J, Zareba S, Swiatkowski W.(3)and regulating blood sugar level, according to the study of "[An inadequate intake of manganese may favour insulin resistance in girls]. [Article in Spanish]" by Rodríguez-Rodríguez E, Bermejo LM, López-Sobaler AM, Ortega RM.(4)

3. Tryptophan
Tryptophan beside is the precosur of serotonin as it is famous in inducing sleep if it taken in high dose,according to the study of "Improving the quality of infant sleep through the inclusion at supper of cereals enriched with tryptophan, adenosine-5'-phosphate, and uridine-5'-phosphate" by Cubero J, Chanclón B, Sánchez S, Rivero M, Rodríguez AB, Barriga C.(5), it also enhances the neural responses cayused by depression, according to the study of "The effects of tryptophan depletion on neural responses to emotional words in remitted depression" by Roiser JP, Levy J, Fromm SJ, Nugent AC, Talagala SL, Hasler G, Henn FA, Sahakian BJ, Drevets WC.(6)

4. Etc.

C. Other health benefits
1. Antioxidants
Since sesame contains powerful antioxidants, including sesamol, it enhances the function of immune system in fighting against the forming of radicals caused by cell oxidation, according to the study of "Protection of cellular DNA and membrane from γ-radiation-induced damages and enhancement in DNA repair by sesamol" by Nair GG, Nair CK.(7)

2. Menstrual regulating
Calcium the fourth most abundant minerals of sesame seeds have exerted the properties in regulating the levels concentrations of total and ionized calcium, thus reduiong the risk of PMS, according to the study of "Calcium-regulating hormones across the menstrual cycle: evidence of a secondary hyperparathyroidism in women with PMS" by Thys-Jacobs S, Alvir MJ.(8)

3. Cardiovascular diseases and Cognitive functions
Since it contains high amount of unsaturated fat, it not only helps to increase the ratio for god cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of bad cholesterol forming plaque accumulated in the arterial walls that cause heart diseases, according to the study of "Omega-3 Fatty acids and cardiovascular disease: effects on risk factors, molecular pathways, and clinical events" by Mozaffarian D, Wu JH.(9), but also enhances the nervous system in information transmitting between cells and cells in other parts of the body, thus reducing the risk of nervous tension, according to the study of "Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil lower anxiety, improve cognitive functions and reduce spontaneous locomotor activity in a non-human primate" by Vinot N, Jouin M, Lhomme-Duchadeuil A, Guesnet P, Alessandri JM, Aujard F, Pifferi F.(10)

4. Etc.

Side Effects
1. Allergic effect for certain individual
2. Do not consume the hulls of sesame seed, because of its oxalation.
3. No other side effect is known

Chinese Secrets To Fatty Liver And Obesity Reversal
Use The Revolutionary Findings To Achieve
Optimal Health And Loose Weight

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer

Back to Healthy Foods Index http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca/p/healthy-foods-index.html
Back to Kyle J. Norton Home page http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca
Sources
(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21842753
(b) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11368649
(c) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21577091
(d) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15308287
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22080848
(2)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7626367
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12870295
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22072339
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19925721
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19539268
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21204756
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7608284
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22051327
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21666750

#Healthy #Foods - Vegetables - Carrots (Daucus carota)

Carrots
Carrot can grow to 3ft tall. It is root vegetable with orange color normally, a sub spices of Daucus carota, belongs to the family Apiaceae, native to Asian and Europe.

Nutritional Benefits
1. Carbohydrates
2. Sugars
3. Fibre
4. Fat
5. Protein
6. Vitamin A
7. Thiamine (VittaminB1)
8. Riboflavin (Vittamin B2)
9. Niacin (Vittamin B3)
10. Vitamin B6
11. Folate (Vittamin B9)
12. Vitamin C 13. Vitamin K
14. Calcium
15. Iron
16. Magnesium
17. Molybdenum
18. Phosphorus
19. Potassium
20. Sodium
21. Etc.

Health benefits
A. Health Benefits according to studies
1. Colon cancer
Carrot juice has exerted the property in reducing the risk of colon cancer, according to the study of "Effects of carrot and tomato juice consumption on faecal markers relevant to colon carcinogenesis in humans" by Schnäbele K, Briviba K, Bub A, Roser S, Pool-Zobel BL, Rechkemmer G.(a)

2. Cardiovascular health
Drinking carrot juice can enhance the cardiovascular health as it increases the total antioxidant status and decreases the lipid peroxidation, according to the study of "Drinking carrot juice increases total antioxidant status and decreases lipid peroxidation in adults" by Potter AS, Foroudi S, Stamatikos A, Patil BS, Deyhim F.(b)

3. LeukemiaCarrot juice extract with has exerted the properties of induced apoptosis and inhibited progression through the cell cycle in the treatment of leukemia, according to the study of "Bioactive Chemicals from Carrot (Daucus carota) Juice Extracts for the Treatment of Leukemia" by Zaini R, Clench MR, Le Maitre CL.(c)

4. Purple carrot juice
Purple carrot juice (usually orange inside) has demonstrated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in improving glucose tolerance as well as cardiovascular and hepatic structure and function, according to the study of "Comparison of purple carrot juice and β-carotene in a high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet-fed rat model of the metabolic syndrome" by Poudyal H, Panchal S, Brown L.(d)

5. Oxidative DNA damage
Carot juice may have a possible preventive effects in disease causation and progression caused by Oxidative DNA damage due to its antioxidant properties, according to the study of "Oxidative DNA damage in human white blood cells in dietary antioxidant intervention studies" by Møller P, Loft S.(e)

6. Etc.

B. Health Benefits according to the concentration
1. Antioxidant
Carrot contains high amount of antioxidants Vitamin A, it not only improves the immune system in fighting against invasion of foreign substances and regulates the normal cell growth, thus decreasing the risk of cancer and tumor, according to the study of "Carotenoids inhibit proliferation and regulate expression of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in K562 cancer cells" by Zhang X, Zhao WE, Hu L, Zhao L, Huang J.(1), but also protects vision health as it helps the eyes to adjust to light changes by preventing night blind blindness by increasing the adaptability of the human eye to bright light and darkness, according to the study of "Culture of highly differentiated human retinal pigment epithelium for analysis of the polarized uptake, processing, and secretion of retinoids" by Hu J, Bok D.(2)

2. Coagulation and wrinkles
Carrot contains a measurable amount of vitamin K of that not only enhances the under layer of skin against skin aging, according to the study of "Vitamin K shows potential in the fight against wrinkle" katie Bird (3)by but also improve coagulation caused by bleeding of wound, acccording to the study of "Vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors deficiency" by Brenner B, Kuperman AA, Watzka M, Oldenburg J.(4)

3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C not only has been best known for its function in relieve the symptoms of common cold, according to the study of "Examining the evidence for the use of vitamin C in the prophylaxis and treatment of the common cold" by Heimer KA, Hart AM, Martin LG, Rubio-Wallace S..(5) but also lowers the risk of upper respiratory tract infection, according to the study of "Dietary intake and supplement use of vitamins C and e and upper respiratory tract infection" by Fondell E, Bälter O, Rothman KJ, Bälter K.(6)

4. Etc.

C. Other health Benefits
1. Diabetes

carrot contains high amount of fiber which helps to release the glucose slowly into blood stream as it has an inverse relationship with the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and may contribute to both the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitu, according to the study of "[Dietary fibers: current trends and health benefits in the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes].[Article in Portuguese]" by Mello VD, Laaksonen DE(7)
2. Colon cancer
The polyacetylene falcarinol, isolated from carrot may have the potential in benefiting colon cancer ,according to the study of "Biphasic effect of falcarinol on caco-2 cell proliferation, DNA damage, and apoptosis" by Young JF, Duthie SJ, Milne L, Christensen LP, Duthie GG, Bestwick CS.(8)

3. Hypertension
Potassium rich of carrot not only helps to maintain the of the levels of sodium but also reduces the rick of high blood pressure due to it diuretic effects, according to the study of "Blood pressure lowering efficacy of potassium-sparing diuretics (that block the epithelial sodium channel) for primary hypertension' by Heran BS, Chen JM, Wang JJ, Wright JM.(9)
4. Obesity
Since it contains high amount of fiber, it makes the stomach feeling fullness longer, thus reducing the risk food craving, according to the study of "The role of dietary fiber in the development and treatment of childhood obesity" by Kimm SY.(10)

4. Etc.

Side Effects
1. Over consumption of carrots can cause a benign condition of the skin turns orange.
2. Since it is a root vegetable, people with weakened kidney should consult with their doctor before consuming.
3. Etc.

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Sources
(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18254985
(b) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21943297
(c) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21864090
(d) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20619064
(e) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12144999
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21620794
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20552421
(3) http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Vitamin-K-shows-potential-in-the-fight-against-wrinkles(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19598072
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19432914
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21917705
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19768242
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17263451
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20091662
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7494672

#Healthy #Foods - Fruits - Grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi)

Grapefruit is a species of Citrus × paradisi, belong to the family Rutaceae. It is an ornamental plant with ancestors of sweet orange and pomelo, native to Jamaican and Indonesia receptively.

Nutrition Supplements
1. Carbohydrates
2. Sugars
3. Fiber
4. Fat
5. Protein
6. Vitamin A
7. Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
8. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
9. Niacin (Vitamin B3)
10. Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5)
11. Vitamin B6
12. Folate (Vitamin B9)
13. Vitamin C
14. Calcium
15. Iron
16. Magnesium
17. Phosphorus
18. Potassium
19. Zinc
20. Manganese
21. Etc.

Health Benefits
A. Health benefits according to studies
1. Weight Loss
In the investigation of comsumption of grapefruit juice and its effect on weight loss found that incorporating consumption of a low energy dense dietary preload in a caloric restricted diet is a highly effective weight loss strategy. But, the form of the preload did not have differential effects on energy balance, weight loss or body composition. It is notable that subjects in grapefruit (GF) and grapefruit juice (GFJ) preload groups experienced significantly greater benefits in lipid profiles, according to "Effects of grapefruit, grapefruit juice and water preloads on energy balance, weight loss, body composition, and cardiometabolic risk in free-living obese adults" by Silver HJ, Dietrich MS, Niswender KD.(a)

2. Degenerative diseases
In the classification of grapefruit and its effect on Degenerative diseases found that grapefruit, by virtue of its rich flavonoid content, is beneficial in the management of degenerative diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. This potentially explosive subject is reviewed here, according to "The grapefruit: an old wine in a new glass? Metabolic and cardiovascular perspectives" by Owira PM, Ojewole JA.(b)

3. Blood pressure
In the examination of the effects of ingestion of grapefruit juice or grapefruit on the hypotensive effect and plasma concentration of dihydropyridine calcium antagonists found that a single ingestion of grapefruit juice had no effect on plasma amlodipine concentration, but rapidly increased plasma nifedipine concentration and decreased blood pressure, while the effect on blood pressure was short-lasting. Grapefruit had no effect on either drug. It should be of concern that ingestion of a relatively large volume of grapefruit juice causes rapid decrease in blood pressure when the subject is treated by nifedipine, according to "Effects of ingestion of grapefruit juice or grapefruit on the hypotensive effect and plasma concentrations of dihydropyridine calcium antagonists (amlodipine and nifedipine): a case study" by Nakagawa K, Goto T.(c)

4. Weight and Insulin resistance
In the evaluation of the effects of grapefruit and grapefruit products on body weight and metabolic syndrome in obese adult, found that half of a fresh grapefruit eaten before meals was associated with significant weight loss. In metabolic syndrome patients the effect was also seen with grapefruit products. Insulin resistance was improved with fresh grapefruit. Although the mechanism of this weight loss is unknown it would appear reasonable to include grapefruit in a weight reduction diet, according to "The effects of grapefruit on weight and insulin resistance: relationship to the metabolic syndrome" by Fujioka K, Greenway F, Sheard J, Ying Y.(d)

5. Weight loss and cholesterol
In the investigation of grapefruit (GF), grapefruit juice (GFJ) and its health benefits found that incorporating consumption of a low energy dense dietary preload in a caloric restricted diet is a highly effective weight loss strategy. But, the form of the preload did not have differential effects on energy balance, weight loss or body composition. It is notable that subjects in GF and GFJ preload groups experienced significantly greater benefits in lipid profiles., according to "Effects of grapefruit, grapefruit juice and water preloads on energy balance, weight loss, body composition, and cardiometabolic risk in free-living obese adults" by Silver HJ, Dietrich MS, Niswender KD.(e)

6. Etc.

B. Health benefits according to the concentration
1. Vitamin C
a. Irregular cells growth
Since it contains high amount of vitamin C and antioxidant, it improves the immune function against forming of free radical, thus reducing the risk of tumor and cancer caused of irregular cell growth and abnormal DNA replication and cell division, according to the study of "High-dose vitamin C (ascorbic acid) therapy in the treatment of patients with advanced cancer" by Ohno S, Ohno Y, Suzuki N, Soma G, Inoue M.(1)

b. Upper respiratory infection
Vitamin C has exerted its activity as an antioxidant in preventing and treating Upper respiratory infection, according to the study of ' Dietary intake and supplement use of vitamins C and e and upper respiratory tract infection" by Fondell E, Bälter O, Rothman KJ, Bälter K.(2)

2. Dietary Fibers
a. Heart diseases and stroke
Since it contains high amount of fiber, it improves the ratio of good cholesterol (HDL) and blod vessels relaxation, thus decreasing the risk of heart diseases and stroke, according to the study of "Cholesterol-lowering effects of dietary fiber: a meta-analysis" by Brown L, Rosner B, Willett WW, Sacks FM.(3)

b. Diabetes
High amount of fibers in the grapefruits helps ito release glucose into blood strean slowly as they are hard to digest, thus improving glucose metabolism and increasing insulin sensitivity.according to the study of "Efficacy of high-fiber diets in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus" by Wolfram T, Ismail-Beigi F.(4)

3. Vitamin A
a. Cervical cancer
Vitamin A intake has exerted it inversely associated with the risk of cervical cancer, according to the study of " Vitamin A and risk of cervical cancer: A meta-analysis" by Zhang X, Dai B, Zhang B, Wang Z.(5)

b. Vitamin A and acute diarrhoea
In the assesesment of ssess the impact of vitamin A supplementation on morbidity from acute respiratory tract infections and diarrhoea in the study of "Impact of massive dose of vitamin A given to preschool children with acute diarrhoea on subsequent respiratory and diarrhoeal morbidity" by Bhandari N, Bhan MK, Sazawal S.(6)

4. Etc.

C. Other health benefits
1. Hypokalemia
Ptassium in the grapefruit is important for maintainging the proper ratio of sodium that promotes the lymphatic function in regulating the fuild in the body, thus reduing the risk of hypokalemia, according to the study of "Prevention of hypokalemia caused by diuretics' by E, Delaney V.(7)

2 Antioxidant Lycopene
Lycopene found adbudant in grapefruit has exerted it antiodant activity as a chemopreventive agent to suppress MMP-7 expression and leptin-mediated cell invasion in human colon cancer HT-29 cells, according to the study of "Cancer Chemopreventive Effects of Lycopene: Suppression of MMP-7 Expression and Cell Invasion in Human Colon Cancer Cells' by Lin MC, , Wang FY, Kuo YH, Tang FY.(8)

3. Limonoids
Limonoids in grapefruit has exhibited the inhibition of the HIV-1 replication in culture of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and on monocytes/macrophages (M/M), according to the study of "Effect of limonin and nomilin on HIV-1 replication on infected human mononuclear cells" by Battinelli L, Mengoni F, Lichtner M, Mazzanti G, Saija A, Mastroianni CM, Vullo V.(9)

4. Etc.

Side effects
1. Since it inhibits enzymes that are necessary for the clearance of some drugs and hormones, leading to an indirected role in increasesing the risk of breast cancer in post-menopausal women.
2. Certain pharmaceutical drugs combined with grapefruit juice become more potent, please check with your doctor before consuming grapefruit if you are taking any medicine.
3. Etc.

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Sources
(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21288350
(b) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20972517
(c) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20374180
(d) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16579728

(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19414313
(2) http://www.jacn.org/content/30/4/248.abstract(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9925120
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20713332(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22005522
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7819847
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8199766
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21923160
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14648393

#Healthy #Foods - Nuts & Seeds - Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus)

Sunflower is a genus of Helianthus, belong to the family Asteraceae and native to the Americas. It grow to heights between 5–12 ft. Sunflower seeds are usually classified by the difference of their husks and are considered as healthy snack of a meal.

Nutritional Supplements
1. Carbohydrates
2. Sugars
3. Fiber
4. Fat (Saturated, Monounsaturated, Polyunsaturated)
5. Protein
6. Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
7. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
8. Niacin (Vitamin B3)
9. Pantothenic acid (B5)
10. Vitamin B6
11. Folate (Vit. B9)
12. Vitamin C
13. Vitamin E
14. Calcium
15. Iron
16. Magnesium
17. Manganese
18. Phosphorus
19. Potassium
20. Selenium
21. Sodium
22. Tryptophan
23. Zinc
24. Etc

Health Benefits
A. Health Benefits according to studies
1. Cholesterol and triglyceride
In the experiment of extracted of coconut oil or sunflower oil fed for 6 weeks to rats, found that Cholesterol levels were significantly lowest in rats fed diets rich in M. incana oil (27% reduction), and triglycerides were significantly lower in rats receiving either M. incana or sunflower oil (36% reduction). The contents of arachidonic acid and other (n-6) fatty acids were significantly the lowest in the liver and plasma of rats that had received M. incana oil. The levels of (n-3) fatty acids were significantly greater in both the liver and plasma of rats fed M. incana oil. The ratio of (n-3)/(n-6) long-chain fatty acids in the plasma was 7 times higher in rats fed with M. incana oil than in those fed with sunflower oil and 6 times higher than in those fed coconut oil, according to "Cholesterol and triglyceride reduction in rats fed Matthiola incana seed oil rich in (n-3) fatty acids." by Yaniv Z, Schafferman D, Shamir I, Madar Z.(a)

2. Antioxidant effects
In the investigation of Plant foods belonging to different food groups such as cereals, legumes, oil seeds, oils, green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, spices, roots and tubers and theirs effect on cardiovascular diseases found that antioxidant activity (AOA) and phenolic content (PC) was the highest in black pepper (0.43 mg food required for 50% inhibition of the coupled auto-oxidation of beta-carotene and linoleic acid in a mixture in vitro) and it had the highest PC (191 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g food). The AOA (18.4 mg) as well as the PC (not detectable) were the lowest in sunflower oil. PC in oil seeds was higher than that in the oil, which could be due to the hydrophilic nature of phenolics and suggests the need for greater use of oil seeds than oils, according to "Antioxidant activity of commonly consumed plant foods of India: contribution of their phenolic content" by Saxena R, Venkaiah K, Anitha P, Venu L, Raghunath M.(b)

3. Atherosclerosis
In evaluation of the effects of maritime pine oil supplementation (20% w/w) for 2 weeks were compared to those of coconut and sunflower oil in mice found that After 2 weeks of dietary treatment, plasma cholesterol (p < 0.0001), triglyceride (p < 0.0003), phospholipid (p < 0.0001) and apolipoprotein B (p < 0.0001) levels were lower in mice supplemented with maritime pine oil than in those treated with coconut oil. These effects were accounted for by a lowering of LDL-cholesterol, LDL-phospholipids and LDL-triglycerides, as well as a decrease in HDL-cholesterol and HDL-phospholipids, according to "Effects of dietary maritime pine seed oil on lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis development in mice expressing human apolipoprotein B" by Asset G, Baugé E, Wolff RL, Fruchart JC, Dallongeville J.(c)

4. Sunflower seed and fish oil
In the comparison of the effect of sunflower seed and fish oil and their potential benefits on human health found that the present study provides the first estimates of in vivo endogenous synthesis of RA (63-73 % of milk RA) from VA in goats, and shows no difference between the two lipid supplements compared, according to "Effects of fish oil and starch added to a diet containing sunflower-seed oil on dairy goat performance, milk fatty acid composition and in vivo delta9-desaturation of [13C]vaccenic acid" by Bernard L, Mouriot J, Rouel J, Glasser F, Capitan P, Pujos-Guillot E, Chardigny JM, Chilliard Y.(d)

5. Ulcers
In the determination of the potential protective effects of ozonized sunflower oil (OSO)and its effect on gastrointestinal tract found that these protective effects of OSO are mediated at least partially by stimulation of some important antioxidant enzymes such as SOD and GSH-Px, which are scavengers of ROS and therefore prevent gastric injury induced by them, according to "Antioxidant mechanism is involved in the gastroprotective effects of ozonized sunflower oil in ethanol-induced ulcers in rats" by Zamora Rodríguez ZB, González Alvarez R, Guanche D, Merino N, Hernández Rosales F, Menéndez Cepero S, Alonso González Y, Schulz S.(e)

6. Etc.

B. health benefits according to the concentration
1. Vitamin E
a. In the evuluation of the effect of vitamin E against the risk of cardiovascular diseases, in the study of "Vitamin E and risk of cardiovascular diseases: a review of epidemiologic and clinical trial studies" by Cordero Z, Drogan D, Weikert C, Boeing H.(1), the researcher found that fifty-nine published reports from observational studies, retrospective and prospective, randomised clinical trials, meta-analyses as well as pooling analyses were reviewed. The paper provides a detailed discussion about design, quality and limitations of these studies with regard to the evidence of the hypothesized relationship between vitamin E and cardiovascular diseases.

b. Cognitive aging and dementia
Vitamin E from food sources as well as many others such as the n-3 fatty acid, DHA, found in fish, a high ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fats, and vitamin B12 and folate, have exerted the benefits of reducing the cognitive aging and diseases, according tothe study of "Nutritional determinants of cognitive aging and dementia" by Morris MC.(2)

2. Vitamin B1(Thiamin)
a. Diabetic complications
Vitamin B1 defeiciency may induce the accumulation of triosephosphates arising from high cytosolic glucose concentrations in hyperglycemia is one likely or potential trigger for biochemical dysfunction leading to the development of diabetic complications, according to the study of "The potential role of thiamine (vitamin B1) in diabetic complications" by
Thornalley PJ.(3)

b. Cardiac function
In the evuluation of diuretic treatment for heart failure may lead to an increased urinary thiamine excretion and in long-term thiamine deficiency, which may further compromise cardiac function, in the study of "Thiamine supplementation in symptomatic chronic heart failure: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over pilot study" by Schoenenberger AW, Schoenenberger-Berzins R, der Maur CA, Suter PM, Vergopoulos A, Erne P.(4), researchers found that thiamine supplementation has beneficial effects on cardiac function in patients with diuretic drugs for symptomatic chronic heart failure.

3. Meganesium
a. Osteroporosis
In the evaluation of therelationship between osteoporosis and magnesium (Mg) deficiency in the study of "A case of magnesium deficiency associated with insufficient parathyroid hormone action and severe osteoporosis" by Kanazawa I, Yamamoto M, Yamaguchi T, Yamauchi M, Yano S, Sugimoto T.(5), researchers found that Mg deficiency in this case seemed to cause impaired secretion of PTH from the parathyroid and the refractoriness of bone and kidney to the hormone, which led to the suppression of both bone remodeling and renal vitamin D production. that probably linked to her severe osteoporosis.

b. Metabolic syndrome
In the assessment of high Mg intake may reduce the risk but the possibility of confounding factors exists, given the strong association between Mg and other beneficial nutriments (vegetables, fibers, cereals), in the study of "Magnesium deficiency and metabolic syndrome: stress and inflammation may reflect calcium activation" by Rayssiguier Y, Libako P, Nowacki W, Rock E.(6), researchers indicated that Mg effect on intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis may be a common link between stress, inflammation and a possible relationship to metabolic syndrome.

4. Manganese
a. Antioxidant
Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), an enzyme located in mitochondria, is the key enzyme that protects the energy-generating mitochondria from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, according to the study of `The role of manganese superoxide dismutase in inflammation defense`by Li C, Zhou HM.(7)

b. Diabetes risk
Deficiency (too little) and efficiency (too much) of some essential trace metals may play a role in the development of diabetes mellitus, including manganese, according to the study of `Copper, chromium, manganese, iron, nickel, and zinc levels in biological samples of diabetes mellitus patients`by Kazi TG, Afridi HI, Kazi N, Jamali MK, Arain MB, Jalbani N, Kandhro GA.(8)

5. Etc.

B. Other health benefits
1. Heart diseases and stroke
Since it contains high amount of Omega 3 fatty acids, it increases the ratio of good cholesterol , thus reducing the risk of heart diseases and stroke., according to the study of "Omega-3 Fatty acids for cardiovascular disease prevention" by Defilippis AP, Blaha MJ, Jacobson TA.(9)

2. Vascular functionSince it contains high amount magnesium that increases the elastic of blood vessels and regulates the muscle relaxation and constriction, thus enhancing the blood flow in the body,according to the study of 'Oral magnesium supplementation improves vascular function in elderly diabetic patients" by Barbagallo M, Dominguez LJ, Galioto A, Pineo A, Belvedere M.(10)

3. Ulcerative colitis
Since sunflower contains high amount of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant beside is important in preventing cholesterol from being converted to plaque, it helps to enhance the immune system in fighting against irregular cells growth, virus causes of inflammation, according to the study of "Vitamin E has a dual effect of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats" by Tahan G, Aytac E, Aytekin H, Gunduz F, Dogusoy G, Aydin S, Tahan V, Uzun H.(11)

4. Etc.

Side Effects
No side effect is known

Chinese Secrets To Fatty Liver And Obesity Reversal
Use The Revolutionary Findings To Achieve
Optimal Health And Loose Weight

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Back to Healthy Foods Index http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca/p/healthy-foods-index.html
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Sources
(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10563945
(b) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17566887
(c) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11876490
(d) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20307350
(e) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17497036

(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20373188
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22067138(3)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18220605
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22057652
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18048993
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20513641
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21977313
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18193174
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20842560
(10)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20736142
(11) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21933527