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

Tuesday 23 October 2018

How to Protect Your Skin Against Lipid Peroxidation Naturally

By Kyle J. Norton, Master of Nutrition

Scientists may have found a herbal medicine for the protection of skin against the oxidative stress in the induction of skin diseases, with no side effects, some studies suggested.

What are the exact causes of skin damage? Some researchers suggested that long-term exposure to the sun is the most common cause of skin damage. UV rays can damage the DNA of skin cells, affecting the normal skin cell growth. UV rays have been linked to the early onset of skin cancer, epidemiologically.

Other causes of skin damage include chronic stress, skin diseases such as pimples, acne, or rosacea.

Truly, improper skin care and healing of a pimple, acne, and rosacea can damage the facial skin, leaving uneven skin tone.

Dr. Ying Chen, the lead scientist in the study "Brain-Skin Connection: Stress, Inflammation and Skin Aging" wrote, "The intricate relationship between stress and skin conditions has been documented since ancient times. Recent clinical observations also link psychological stress to the onset or aggravation of multiple skin diseases".

Calendula is also known as pot marigold, annual or perennial herbaceous plants of about 12–20 species of genus Calendula, belonging to the family Asteraceae, native to Southern Europe.

The herb has been used in herbal medicine as spasmolytic, spasmogenic, inflammatory effects and to treat abdominal cramps, wound healing, skin diseases, colitis, constipation, etc.

Ingredients
Besides having major chemical constituents of triterpenoids, flavonoids, coumarines, quinones, volatile oil, carotenoids, and amino acids, the herb also contains loliolide (calendin), calendulin and n-paraffins.

In the study to reaffirm the sun protective effects of essential oil extracted from Calendula flowers (Calendula officinalis L., Asteraceae).\in a cream formulation, researchers at the Bhagwant University launched an investigation using in vitro method employing UV-visible spectrophotometer (Shimazdu-1600).

Application of the cream exerted a significant effect in protecting the skin against UV radiations in form of sunscreen cream and maintaining the natural pigmentation of the skin, without inducing no side effects.

Furthermore, application of a cream (O/W) containing 4% and 5% of Calendula essential oil on biochemical parameters of the skin of albino rats against UV-B radiation also decreased the oxidative stress markers observed by a significant decrease in the malondialdehyde level.

Additional analysis suggested that 4% and 5% of Calendula essential oil inhibited the levels of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation through stimulating the production of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, glutathione, superoxide dismutase in the host and increasing the levels of ascorbic acid, and the total protein level after 1 month of daily irradiation and treatment, compared to untreated control groups.

Interestingly, the cutaneous application of the essential oil of Calendula prevents UV-B-induced alterations in the level of antioxidants in skin tissue.

These discoveries indicated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from UV-B radiation with the capacity to cause oxidative decomposition which leads to the formation of toxic components and lipid peroxidation are totally inhibited by the topical 4% and 5% of Calendula essential oil.

The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, launched an evaluation to test the effects of newly formulated topical cream of Calendula extract on the mechanical parameters, such as age-related changes in skin, skin elasticity, skin fatigue, skin hydration, and antiaging, using the Cutometer 580 MPA device designed to measure the mechanical properties of the skin in response to the application of negative pressure.

Two creams (base and formulation) prepared in the study were applied to the cheeks of 21 healthy human volunteers for a period of eight weeks. Every individual was asked to come on week 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 for measurements, using Cutometer MPA 580 every week.

At the end of the experiment, researchers found that newly formulated topical cream of Calendula extract exerts significant improvements only in hydration and firmness of skin.

The findings suggested that Calendula essential oil and extract may have a potential effect in preventing skin damage by UV-B radiation and protecting the skin against damage due to oxidative stress.

However, due to the limitation of the above studies, further data collection on large example size and multi-centers studies performed with human consumption of the whole food during the course of the exposure will be necessary to complete the picture of skin protective possibilities.

Natural Medicine for Fatty Liver And Obesity Reversal - The Revolutionary Findings To Achieve Optimal Health And Lose Weight

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Ovarian Cysts And PCOS Elimination
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Back to Kyle J. Norton Homepage http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca

Author Biography
Kyle J. Norton (Scholar, Master of Nutrition, All right reserved)
Health article writer and researcher; Over 10.000 articles and research papers have been written and published online, including worldwide health, ezine articles, article base, health blogs, self-growth, best before it's news, the karate GB daily, etc.,.
Named TOP 50 MEDICAL ESSAYS FOR ARTISTS & AUTHORS TO READ by Disilgold.com Named 50 of the best health Tweeters Canada - Huffington Post
Nominated for shorty award over last 4 years
Some articles have been used as references in medical research, such as international journal Pharma and Bioscience, ISSN 0975-6299.

References
(1) Phytochemical Constituents and PharmacologicalActivities of Calendula officinalis Linn (Asteraceae): a review by BP Muley, SS Khadabadi and NB Banarase (Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research)
(2) Assessment of In vitro Sun Protection Factor of Calendula Officinalis L. (Asteraceae) Essential Oil Formulation by Mishra A, Mishra A, Chattopadhyay P.(PubMed)
(3) Effects of Calendula Essential Oil-Based Cream on Biochemical Parameters of Skin of Albino Rats against Ultraviolet B Radiation by Mishra AK, Mishra A, Verma A, Chattopadhyay P.(PubMed)
(4) Calendula extract: effects on mechanical parameters of human skin by Akhtar N, Zaman SU, Khan BA, Amir MN, Ebrahimzadeh MA. (PubMed)
(5) Brain-Skin Connection: Stress, Inflammation and Skin Aging by Ying Chen* and John Lyga. (PMC)

Herbal Anise, the Natural Laxative with No Side Effects

By Kyle J. Norton, Master of Nutrition

Scientists may have found a natural health food for the treatment of constipation, some studies suggested.

Constipation is a condition of the digestive system characterized by the infrequent of bowel movements due to hard and dry of the stools.

Most people with long-term constipation experience symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating and feeling of not completely passed the bowel movement.

Untreated or a prolonged period of constipation is associated with the complications of hemorrhoids, anal fissure or fecal impaction.

Constipation is the most common gastro disorders in the US. According to Self-reported constipation, about 2% of the population describe constant or frequent intermittent episodes of constipation.

Women and adults ages 65 and older are at a higher risk of constipation.

Laxative is the primary treatment of patients with long-term constipation. However, long-term intake of the substances can adduct the function of bowel natural movement.

Some researchers cautioned that laxative may cause side serious side effects, including bloody stools. severe cramps or pain, weakness or unusual tiredness, sometimes rectal bleeding and imbalance of salts and minerals in the body.

If you are currently using laxative please make sure you know all the side effects and how to deal with them, including the interreaction of laxative with other medications.

Herbal Anise is a flowering plant of the species of Pimpinella anisum, genus Pimpinella, belonging to the family Apiaceae native to Egypt and the Mediterranean region.

The popular herb has been used in traditional herbal medicine as a fragrance in soaps, oils, and mouth fresheners and stomachic, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, carminative, digestive, expectorant, stimulant, and tonic agent to treat head-lice and mites, increase blood pressure, prevent formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract and menstrual cramps, etc.

Ingredients
Besides the main ingredient Anethole, it also contains, D-pinene, I-phellandrene, Alpha-terpineol, Safrol, Methyl chavicol, Resin, Shikimic acid, etc.

Anise has been used as a laxative in assisting bowel movement in folk medicine worldwide, especially in Asia.

In the study to reaffirm the traditional use of herbal Anise for the treatment of constipation, researchers at the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Su, conducted an experiment to examine the effects of a phytotherapeutic formula in Brazil.

The formula contains Pimpinella anisum L.(Anise), Foeniculum vulgare Miller, Sambucus nigra L., and Cassia augustifolia.

The randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled, single-blinded trial included 20 patients with chronic constipation according to the criteria of the American Association of Gastroenterology.

Half of the subjects were received the phytotherapic compound for a 5-day period, whereas the other half were received placebo for the same period.

Both treatment periods were separated by a 9-day washout period followed by the reverse treatment for another 5-day period.

After examining the two phases of the reported constipation questionnaire and assessing the intestinal transit, straining, stool consistency and sensation of fecal obstruction or incomplete evacuation in the last 24 hours filled by patients on a daily basis, researchers found that patients received the formula show a statistically significant improvement of bowel function, but the quality of life did not show significant differences among the study periods, according to the WHOQOL-Bref.

The phytotherapic compound processed a laxative efficacy and is a safe alternative option for the treatment of constipation.

Further analysis also suggested that the phytotherapic compound is found to exert a small reduction in serum potassium levels during the active treatment.

Observation of clinical variables such as arterial blood pressure, heart frequency, and laboratory data did not show significant changes during the study, an indication of no adverse effects.

Dr. Picon PD, the lead author said, "The findings of this randomized controlled trial allow to conclude that the phytotherapic compound assessed has laxative efficacy and is a safe alternative option for the treatment of constipation".

Taken altogether, herbal Anise used alone or combined with other herbal medicine may be considered an adjunct therapy for treatment of constipation without inducing adverse effects

Natural Medicine for Fatty Liver And Obesity Reversal - The Revolutionary Findings To Achieve Optimal Health And Lose Weight

How To Get Rid Of Eye Floaters
Contrary To Professionals Prediction, Floaters Can Be Cured Naturally

Ovarian Cysts And PCOS Elimination
Holistic System In Existence That Will Show You How To
Permanently Eliminate All Types of Ovarian Cysts Within 2 Months

Back to Kyle J. Norton Homepage http://kylejnorton.blogspot.ca

Author Biography
Kyle J. Norton (Scholar, Master of Nutrition, All right reserved)
Health article writer and researcher; Over 10.000 articles and research papers have been written and published online, including worldwide health, ezine articles, article base, health blogs, self-growth, best before it's news, the karate GB daily, etc.,.
Named TOP 50 MEDICAL ESSAYS FOR ARTISTS & AUTHORS TO READ by Disilgold.com Named 50 of the best health Tweeters Canada - Huffington Post
Nominated for shorty award over last 4 years
Some articles have been used as references in medical research, such as international journal Pharma and Bioscience, ISSN 0975-6299.

References
(1) Randomized clinical trial of a phytotherapic compound containing Pimpinella anisum, Foeniculum vulgare, Sambucus nigra, and Cassia augustifolia for chronic constipation by Picon PD, Picon RV, Costa AF, Sander GB, Amaral KM, Aboy AL, Henriques AT. (PubMed)

Low Caffeine Green Tea Reduces Stress and Improves Sleep Quality, Scientists Say

By Kyle J. Norton, Master of Nutrition

Scientists may have found a beverage with the potential to improve stress and sleep quality, some studies suggested.

According to the report published in Sleep Health. sleep quality is classified depending on the criteria of the person sleep pattern, including
* Sleeping more time while in bed (at least 85 percent of the total time)

*Falling asleep in 30 minutes or less

*Waking up no more than once per night; and

* Being awake for 20 minutes or less after initially falling asleep

Sleep disturbances are encompassed disorders classified by the initiating and maintaining sleep (DIMS, insomnias), disorders of excessive somnolence (DOES), disorders of sleep-wake schedule, and dysfunctions associated with sleep, sleep stages, or partial arousals (parasomnias), the
Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition wrote.

According to the statistic, over 50 million Americans or 1 in 2,5 adults suffer from a sleep disorder and acute and chronic insomnia affects at least 30% and 10% of Americans, respectively.

Although researchers do not why people with the same health conditions, carrying the same tasks, some are susceptible to sleep disorder, while others do not, they do know that certain risk factors such as gender, age, people with emotional and psychological problems, frequent travelers, shift-worker, long-term under emotional stress are associated with the early onset of the condition,

Green tea, a precious drink processes numbers of health benefit known to almost everyone in Asia and Western world.
In the concerns of injection of green tea in the risk of on stress and sleep quality, researchers at the University of Shizuoka, launched an investigation to determine the effect green tea with lowered caffeine, low-caffeine green tea, on stress and sleep of the elderly.

In the 10 subjects are included in the study, participants drank five cups/day of standard green tea for 1 week. Subsequently, they drank five cups/day of low-caffeine green tea for 2 weeks.

After measuring the salivary α-amylase activity (sAA) and sleep stages were measured using a portable electroencephalography (n = 7, 6 female and 1 male), researchers found that

* The level of sAA in the morning (sAAm) was significantly lower when the participants drank low-caffeine green tea than standard green tea.

* In those participants whose sAAm was lowered by the ingestion of low-caffeine green tea, some sleep parameters improved.

* These results suggested that daily ingestion of low-caffeine green tea may be a beneficial tool for improving the quality of sleep of the elderly via the suppression of stress.

Where salivary alpha-amylase levels are correlated to sleep-disordered breathing

Furthermore, in the differentiation of the effect of low caffeine green tea consumption on the risk of sleep quality on middle-aged individuals (n = 20, mean age 51.3 ± 6.7 years) in a double-blind crossover design, with standard green tea (SGT) used as the control and low caffeine green tea teas (≥300 mL/day), which were eluted with room temperature water, were consumed over a period of seven days after a single washout term, researchers indicated that

* The level of salivary α-amylase activity (sAA), a stress marker, was significantly lower in participants that consumed LCGT (64.7 U/mL) than in those that consumed SGT (73.9 U/mL).

* Sleep quality was higher in participants that consumed a larger quantity of LCGT.

* In addition, a self-diagnostic check for accumulated fatigue was significantly lower in those participants that consumed LCGT than SGT.

Dr. Unno K, the lead author at the final report said, " LCGT intake can reduce stress in middle-aged individuals and improve their quality of sleep. The reduction in caffeine is suggested to be a valid reason for enhancing the anti-stress effect of green tea".

Taken all together, it is safe to suggest that moderate consumption of low caffeine green tea may have a profound effect in improving sleep quality by reducing the levels of stress.

Carrot Juice, the Potent Anti Hypertension Functional Food

Kyle J. Norton, Master of Nutrition

Scientists may have found a common vegetable which has the potential to decrease high blood pressure quickly with no side effects, some studies suggested.

Hypertension is a condition characterized by persistent high blood pressure.

In the US approximately, one-third of the adults have hypertension, affecting over 77 million people in the country.

Additionally, among adults age 20 and older in the United States, in the non-Hispanic whites community, 33.4 percent of men and 30.7 percent of women are infected by the syndrome.

Hypertension is a slowly developed condition. Unless the syndrome has caused damage to the blood vessel, otherwise symptoms cannot be detected.

The cause of hypertension is a result of hardening and thickening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), due to the slow progression of plaques accumulated on the wall of the arteries,

Some researchers suggested that hypertension is associated with the risk factors of a genetic preposition, longterm unhealthy diet, and lifestyle.

Dr. Butler MG, the lead scientist at the Kansas University Medical Center, in the study "Genetics of hypertension. Current status" wrote, " The heritable component of blood pressure has been documented in familial and twin studies suggesting that 30%-50% of the variance of blood pressure readings are attributable to genetic heritability and about 50% to environmental factors".

However, the genes that cause the onset of hypertension are unknown. Researchers suggested that
all genes involved with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system controlling blood pressure and salt-water homeostasis, proteins in hormonal regulation of blood pressure (enzymes and receptors of the mineralo- and glucocorticoid pathways) and proteins coded by genes involved in the structure and/or regulation of vascular tone are susceptible to the cause of the condition.

Furthermore, according to the Journal of Human Hypertension in the article "Dietary and lifestyle factors in hypertension", adoption of a healthy diet and lifestyle is important for preventing hypertension among individuals who are free of hypertension and has a central role in improved blood pressure control among patients with hypertension.6–8 For patients with hypertension, dietary and lifestyle interventions are commonly recommended as an initial strategy or as an adjunct to antihypertensive medication to control blood pressure and improve the cardiovascular risk profile.

And, regular physical activity and aerobic exercise more than 5 h per week was associated with a lower risk of incident hypertension.18 and anaerobic interval training programme 2 days per week reduced levels of blood pressure in hypertensive and normotensive men.

These results suggested that if you follow a healthy diet, lifestyle and regular physical activity, you can not have hypertension regardless of the genetic preposition.

Unmanaged hypertension can lead to a heart attack, stroke, and other complications such as hypertensive retinopathy. chronic kidney disease.

Carrot, a root vegetable with an orange color is a subspecies of Daucus carota, belonging to the family Apiaceae, native to Asian and Europe.

In the study to reaffirm of the effects of Daucus carota (carrot) for the treatment of hypertension in traditional medicine, researchers at The Aga Khan University Medical College conducted an experiment to test the antihypertensive activity of two coumarin glycosides DC-2 and DC-3 isolated from the vegetable.

In normotensive anesthetized rats, intravenous administration of the compounds lowers the arterial blood pressure in a dose-dependent of 1-10 mg/kg.

In vitro, both compounds caused a dose-dependent (10-200 microg/ml) inhibitory effect on spontaneously beating guinea pig atria as well as on the K+ -induced contractions of rabbit aorta at similar concentrations.

The findings suggested that carrot may process antihypertensive property in blocking the calcium channels which can induce the membrane excitation of vascular muscle in the contribution to hypertension.

In the concerns of obesity associated with chronic, low-grade inflammation predisposing the individual to hypertension and impaired blood glucose homeostasis, scientists launched an investigation to examine whether phenolic acids from purple carrots are effective at reversing inflammation and metabolic alterations through the mean of the acid in the Mediterranean diet

After the final assessment, researchers found that

* The mean intake of total phenolic acids of 362.6 mg/day is associated with the reduce the risk of hypertension.

* When taking into account individual subclasses of phenolic acids, only hydroxyphenylacetic acid was inversely associated with hypertension.

The findings suggest that dietary phenolic acids may be inversely associated with hypertension, irrespectively of their dietary source.

Taken altogether, purple carrot with abundant phenolic acids may be considered a natural functional food for the prevention and treatment of hypertension.

Sources
(1) Hypotensive action of coumarin glycosides from Daucus carota by Gilani AH1, Shaheen E, Saeed SA, Bibi S, Irfanullah, Sadiq M, Faizi S(PubMed)
(2) A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the effect of dried purple carrot on body mass, lipids, blood pressure, body composition, and inflammatory markers in overweight and obese adults: the QUENCH trial by Wright OR1, Netzel GA, Sakzewski AR. (PubMed)

Black Beans, the Legume in Reducing Risk and Treatment of Heart Disease, Scientists Suggest

By Kyle J. Norton

Black bean may have a significant effect in balancing the ratio of high and low-density lipoprotein, some scientists suggested.

Lipoproteins are a general term of fat, cholesterol, and apolipoproteins, including 2 most common forms of LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) and HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein).

Low-Density Lipoprotein, also known as bad cholesterol in the form of lipoprotein in which cholesterol is transported in the blood. High levels of low-density lipoprotein in the blood are associated with the increased risk of heart disease.

In other words, lowering blood levels of LDL-C reduces the risk of heart disease.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL), is also known as the "good" cholesterol which has been found to remove bad cholesterol from your arteries and recycles LDL cholesterol by transporting it to the liver where it can be reprocessed (endothelium) of blood vessels.

Some researchers suggested that HDL prevent the risk of atherosclerosis, by removing the plaques accumulated in the inner wall of arteries.

Lipoprotein ratio is the calculation of total/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and LDL/HDL cholesterol ratios which are considered indicators with greater predictive value than isolated parameters used independently in the prediction of the risk of heart disease.

According to Mayo Clinic, Higher numbers of lipoprotein ratio is associated with a higher risk of heart disease. The preferred ratio is less than 4 of total cholesterol to 1 of HDL. If your total cholesterol is 200 mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L) and your HDL is 50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L), to calculate your cholesterol ratio, divide your total cholesterol number by your HDL cholesterol number. your lipoprotein ratio, in this case, is 4-to-1.

Total cholesterol is the total amount of cholesterol in your blood. including low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad”) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or “good”)

Black beans, small roughly ovoid legumes with glossy black shells, genus Phaseolus, belonging to the family Fabaceae can be bought in most grocery stores all around the year in dried and canned forms.

It is believed that black bean was first domesticated growth in South America.

Chemicals constituents
The major chemical compounds of black bean include anthocyanin, (-)-epicatechin, delphinidin, petunidin, flavonols, and malvidin.

In the study to assess the antioxidant activity in the family legumes, researchers at the North Dakota State Univ.launched an investigation to examine whether the hydrophilic extracts from 9 selected legumes have a potency against copper-induced human LDL oxidation model in vitro.

After assessing the antioxidant activity on the early and later stage markers of LDL oxidation using the formation of conjugated dienes (lag time of oxidation) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), researchers found that
* There are no significant lag-time lengthening all legume extracts. On the other hand,

* Black beans exhibited higher antioxidant capacities (Trolox equivalents) in both LDL-conjugated dienes assay and LDL-TBARS assay.

* The antioxidant activities of these legumes against LDL-lipid peroxidation are correlated very significantly with their phenolic substances, and DPPH radical scavenging activity and ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity).

These results suggested that consuming black beans may have potential in preventing the development of atherosclerosis from the perspective of inhibiting LDL oxidation, the major source of plaques accumulation.

Furthermore, in the study to reaffirm that the inhibitory effect of black soybeans on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, researchers conducted an experiment to compare the efficacy of black and yellow soybean extracts in reducing the risk of low-density lipoprotein.

At the final report of the study, researchers indicated that although the lacked time of LDL oxidation is found in both beans, antioxidant effects of the extract are similar in both soybeans.

Additionally, the mixture of the germ and cotyledon hydrolyzed by beta-glucosidase in both beans showed a stronger inhibitory effect on LDL oxidation than that before being hydrolyzed by beta-glucosidase.

Moreover, black soybeans are found more effective in inhibiting LDL oxidation than yellow soybeans because of total polyphenols contents in its seed coat.

Dr. Takahashi R, the lead author after taking into account co and confounders said, "aglycones, which are rich in soybeans fermented or hydrolyzed by beta-glucosidase, may play a crucial role in the prevention of oxidation-related diseases".

Taken altogether, black beans with abundant phytochemicals may be considered a functional food in inhibition of the level of low-density lipoprotein, thus reducing the risk of heart disease.

Dried Peas, The Legume Which Improves the Antioxidant Profile Against Onset of Oxidative Stress

Kyle J. Norton, Master of Nutrition

Scientists may have found a tiny legume which processes a potential in inhibiting the overexpression free radicals in the body, some studies suggested.

Antioxidants are molecules with a function that prevents the onset of oxidation.

Free radicals, on the other hand, are unstable molecules that cause oxidation, with unpaired electrons in the outer ring.

Oxidative stress is the indicator in which the ratio of antioxidant/free radical is altered due to the overexpression of the levels of free radicals compared to levels of antioxidant.

Some researchers suggested that the oxidative stress can also be initiated by decreasing levels of antioxidant enzymes produced by the host body.

Imbalance of free radicals/antioxidants is linked to the onset of many chronic diseases, including atherosclerosis, cancer, diabetics, rheumatoid arthritis, post-ischemic perfusion injury, myocardial infarction, cardiovascular diseases, chronic inflammation, stroke.

Due to the nature of free radical high reactivity, free radicals have the potential to be the extremely harmful contaminants and extremely helpful for the treatment of cancers through their cytotoxic activity.

Free radicals exert their powerful reactivity through a chain reaction. Without inhibiting the unpaired electrons by antioxidants, the chain reaction cannot be stopped.

People who follow the diet with rich in fruits and vegetables and less in meat and process foods have a lower risk of oxidative stress and oxidative stress-related diseases.

The National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health in the article "Antioxidants: In Depth" wrote, "Several decades of dietary research findings suggested that consuming greater amounts of antioxidant-rich foods might help to protect against diseases. Because of these results, there has been a lot of research on antioxidant supplements and :Observational studies on the typical eating habits, lifestyles, and health histories of large groups of people have shown that those who ate more vegetables and fruits had lower risks of several diseases, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, and cataracts".

Dried peas are the small but nutritionally mighty member of the legume family, the genus Pisum belonging to the family Fabaceae. It has a healthy source of protein, fibers, vitamin, and minerals that are good for everyone diet.

In the study to evaluate the antioxidant effect of the seeds and fruit rind of six selected plants of the Fabaceae family through methanol extracts, researchers found that application of the methanol extract of the fruit rind of C. indica show the maximum DPPH free radical scavenging activity, superoxide anion radical scavenging activity
* The total antioxidant activities are also depending on the levels of total phenol content in the extracts.

* DPPH free radical scavenging activity, superoxide anion radical scavenging activity and reducing capacity assessment.

* The antioxidant activity of all extracts also carry through the antibacterial activity in the inhibition of Gram-positive bacteria than on Gram-negative bacteria.

After taking into account co and confounders Dr. Chanda S, the lead author said, "the fruit rind of C. indica showed the best antioxidant and antibacterial activities".

Furthermore, in the study to assess the potential health benefits associated with the consumption of peas, Pisum sativum L., specifically green and yellow cotyledon dry peas by looking into the contents of the concentration and properties of starch, protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals in peas, researchers showed that
* All selected legumes process a high amount of antioxidant through their polyphenols in the colored seed coat types.

* Saponins with highest levels of antioxidant contents are found to exhibit hypocholesterolemic and anticarcinogenic activity and

* Galactose oligosaccharides are associated with the beneficial prebiotic effects in the large intestine.

Taken altogether, there is no doubt that dried peas process a high amount of antioxidant may be considered functional food in stimulating the production of antioxidant enzymes in reducing the risk of chronic diseases caused by oxidative stress and improving the cytotoxicity effect of free radicals against cancers without causing damage or death of healthy cells

Carrots Juice, The Potential Functional Drink in the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease

By Kyle J. Norton, Master of Nutrition

Carrots may process a potential effect in reducing risk and treatment of cardiovascular disease through its antioxidant in inhibitory lipid peroxidation, some researchers suggested.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a group of medical conditions associated with the damage of heart and blood vessel, including atherosclerosis, heart failure, and stroke.rcher
The exact causes of cardiovascular disease are unknown. Researchers suggested that there are numbers of the factor associated with the early onset of the disease, including overweight, lack of physical inactivity, poor nutrition and smoking.

Some researchers also considered some psychological factors such as depression are some prevalent risk factors that cause cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Everson-Rose SA, the lead author in the study "Psychosocial factors and cardiovascular diseases" suggested, "(a) negative emotional states, including depression, anger, and hostility, and anxiety; (b) chronic and acute psychosocial stressors; and (c) social ties, social support, and social conflict are associated with cardiovascular disease, morbidity, and mortality.

Additionally, genetic preposition, unhealthy diet, and lifestyle also play an important role in the increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

The study by Dr. Edward Yu, the lead scientist wrote, "Diets low in trans fat, saturated fat, refined carbohydrates, and sugar-sweetened beverages and rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and sources of unsaturated fats are associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Healthy lifestyle choices include smoking avoidance, regular physical activity, maintaining a normal body mass index, and moderate alcohol consumption. Adherence to a combination of these healthy diet and lifestyle behaviors may prevent most vascular events".

These results firmly suggested, people who follow the Western diet with high in bad fats, processed and junk food and low in fruits and vegetables are at the higher risk of CVD.

Carrot, a root vegetable with an orange color is a subspecies of Daucus carota, belonging to the family Apiaceae, native to Asian and Europe.

In the concerns of the high prevalence of obesity and cardiovascular disease is attributable to sedentary lifestyle and eating diets high in fat and refined carbohydrate while eating diets low in fruit and vegetables, researchers launched an investigation to examine the effect of carrot juice in the reduced risk of CVD.

The assessment of the study includes the calculation of the effects of consuming 16 fl oz of daily freshly squeezed carrot juice for three months on cardiovascular risk markers,such as C-reactive protein, insulin, leptin, interleukin-1α, body fat percentage, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, antioxidant status, and malondialdehyde production.

Although drinking carrot juice did not affect the plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, Apo A, Apo B, LDL, HDL, body fat percentage, insulin, leptin, interleukin-1α, or C-reactive protein, the juice, however, decreased systolic pressure but did not influence diastolic pressure.

Further analysis also indicated drinking carrot juice significantly increased the plasma total antioxidant capacity and decreased the plasma malondialdehyde production.

In other words, carrot juice has a significant effect in reducing the risk oxidative stress by balancing the ratio of levels antioxidants/free radicals in the body, the major cause of CVD.

Dr. Potter AS, the lead scientist said, "Drinking carrot juice may protect the cardiovascular system by increasing total antioxidant status and by decreasing lipid peroxidation independent of any of the cardiovascular risk markers".

Interestingly, in the examine whether Anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and carotenoids are the predominant phytochemicals present in purple carrots, have beneficial effects in preventing metabolic syndrome, a prevalent risk factor of cardiovascular disease, The University of Queensland conducted a study in the animal models.

Purple carrot juice attenuated or reversed all changes while β-carotene did not reduce oxidative stress, cardiac stiffness or hepatic fat deposition.

After taking into account co and confound, the researchers suggested that the anthocyanins, the major bioactive compound from purple carrot are responsible for the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that improve glucose tolerance as well as the cardiovascular and hepatic structure and function.

Taken altogether, purple carrot and non-purple carrot juice with high amounts of antioxidants may be considered the functional drinks for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

(2) Moderate intervention with carotenoid-rich vegetable products reduces lipid peroxidation in men By Bub A1, Watzl B, Abrahamse L, Delincée H, Adam S, Wever J, Müller H, Rechkemmer G. (PubMed)
(3) Psychosocial factors and cardiovascular diseases by Everson-Rose SA1, Lewis TT. (PubMed)