Showing posts with label Superfood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Superfood. Show all posts

Wednesday, 7 December 2016

Kiwi Fruit Seed

Kiwi fruit seed is a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Kiwi fruit seed oil contains about 62% of ALA, a much higher amount than other sources of ALA, such as flaxseeds.

ALA is an important omega-3 essential fatty acid found only in plants. It must be obtained through diet because the human body cannot manufacture it, even though it is necessary for good health. ALA is partially converted in the human body into other omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Heart Health
Love your heart with kiwi fruit seeds. Emerging evidence suggests that diets containing omega-3 fatty acids may protect against heart disease and help prevent sudden cardiac death.

Kiwi fruit seeds contain essential fatty acids necessary for making prostaglandins, which regulate body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and blood clotting.

Brain Health
The brain is an important part of the nervous system. It is about 60% fat, and ALA is an important part of this fat.

Immune System Health
The essential fatty acids in kiwi fruit seeds are necessary for making prostaglandins, which play a role in immune function by regulating inflammation and encouraging the body to fight infection.

Growth
ALA is needed for proper growth in children, particularly for neural development and maturation of sensory systems.



Wednesday, 30 November 2016

Hawthorn

Hawthorn is a beautiful shrub. There are more than 900 different species of hawthorn shrubs, which traditionally bloom from April to June. The hawthorn plant is highly beneficial to the heart.

Traditional medicine widely uses the flowers and berries of the hawthorn plant to treat irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, chest pain, hardening of the arteries, and heart failure. Its berries are used to treat insomnia, nervousness, indigestion, and gas. They can also alleviate abdominal distention, kidney problems, and sore throat.

Keeps Cholesterol in Check
Cholesterol occurs naturally in the body as a building block for cell membranes and hormones. However, too much cholesterol in the blood can cause it to stick to the walls of arteries, obstructing blood flow.

The liver regulates cholesterol levels in blood. Hawthorn can increase the rate at which the liver converts low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (bad, artery-clogging cholesterol) into high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (good, artery-clearing cholesterol).

Protects Against Atherosclerosis
Antioxidant in hawthorn include oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), the strong antioxidants found in grapes. Hawthorn’s antioxidant properties help to protect against cell damage and the formation of plaques due to cholesterol accumulated in blood vessels, otherwise known as atherosclerosis.

Phenolic compounds in hawthorn show an ability to prevent oxidation of LDL and alpha-tocopherol in LDL. These abilities contribute to atherosclerosis prevention.

Maintains Smooth Blood Flow
Hawthorn is rich in flavonoids that help strengthen the structure of collagen in blood vessels, preventing plaque building up in them and improving blood flow. 

Regulates Blood Pressure
Hawthorn can help to decrease blood pressures by dilating blood vessels. It may also reduce production of angiotensin II, a hormone that raises blood pressure by constricting blood vessels.

One study found that hawthorn extract helped type 2 diabetes patients on medication. Participants took 1200 mg of hawthorn extract or placebo daily for 16 weeks. Those who took hawthorn had lower blood pressure than those taking the placebo.

Relieves Heart Conditions
In German clinical studies, patients with stable angina receiving 60 mg of hawthorn three times a day showed increased blood flow to the heart and more efficient use of oxygen by the myocardium

Fights Cancer
Studies show that rutin, a flavonoid in hawthorn, accelerates the death of leukemia and Burkitt lymphoma cells. hawthorn also contains compounds that deactivate plasmin, an enzyme that causes cancerous tumors to spread.



Sunday, 27 November 2016

Oxyginberry - The power of antioxidants rich Superfoods!

How Oxyginberry benefits you and your family and friends?

1) It consists of 6 superfoods, formulated based on the science of Nutritional Immunology research!

Ginseng Berry


  • Nature's most potent antioxidant
  • 1.4 times more antioxidant than vitamin C
  • improve body function
  • enhance concentration
  • increase blood supply to the brain
  • slow down cell aging
  • improve cell regeneration
  • relieve exhaustion
  • provide calming effect
  • moisturized skins
  • read more here --> Ginseng Berry
Cactus 


  • Rich in phytochemicals - more than 10000 different types, while aloe Vera has 300 over types 
  • prevents DNA damage
  • improves structure & appearance of the skin
  • promotes cell renewal
  • delay skin's aging
  • anti-inflammatory - speeds up would healing & improves the appearance of the scars
  • long term consumption could improve cholesterol levels
  • read more here --> Cactus/Cactus Fruits
Cactus Fruits


  • rich in both antioxidants and phytochemicals
  • stimulate phagocyte activity against bacterial infection
  • improving skin conditions
  • anti-cancer properties
  • rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron
  • prevent hardening of blood vessels - prevent stroke
  • read more here --> Cactus/Cactus Fruits
Grape Seed


  • contains OPC - super power antioxidant, 20 times more powerful than vitamin C, 50 times more powerful than vitamin E
  • reduce free radical damage
  • anti-cancer properties
  • lower risk of cardiovascular disease
  • reduce skin damage by UV rays
  • prevent loss of collagen
  • anti-aging properties
  • protect vision - slow down diabetic retinopathy by strengthening blood vessels and improving blood circulation in the eyes
  • read more here --> Grape Seed
Rose


  • prevent DNA damage
  • promote would healing
  • improve skin's texture and appearance
  • contains 50 times the amount of antioxidant in lemons
  • promote collagen production
  • combat colds
  • prevent free radical damage
  • cleansing, purifying, softening, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
  • Improve skin condition - lighten pigmentation for a smoother, fairer complexion
Seaweed


  • skin repair ability
  • maintain skin elasticity and firmness
  • prevent blood clotting
  • eliminate toxins
  • treat and relieve burns
  • prevents free radical damage
  • stimulate collagen synthesis
  • anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory - contains fucoidans, meroterpenoids
Science of Nutritional Immunology studies the link between foods and immune system, and it's pioneered by Dr Jau-Fei Chen, who is the world-renowned Nutritional Immunologist from US. 
When we select the superfoods in the Oxyginberry, a few criteria are being taken care of:
  • Species
Ginseng berry we used are harvested from American ginseng and Ji Lin ginseng, and not Korean ginseng.   

Korean ginseng is not suitable for daily consumption due to its heaty nature.
However American ginseng and Ji Lin ginseng are food grade which can be taken by all. 

Read more about American Ginseng here -->  American Ginseng
  • Part
We use the grape seeds from the grapes as the seeds have the highest antioxidant level compared to the meat and the skin. 
  • Harvesting time 
Cactus and Cactus Fruits need to be harvested after 10 years growth to ensure high nutrition values. 
  • Food Synergy
Together these 6 super foods in Oxyginberry are combined to create a SYNERGISED food, which can be consumed daily by all, for a great health benefit.
  • Advanced Technology Processing
Freeze-drying and Spray-drying are the most advanced technique to process the food in the world. Read more here --> Freeze-Drying, The Best Way to Preserved Food?


2) It has the BEST quality and HIGHEST quantity of ANTIOXIDANTS to stimulate COLLAGEN in your body!

With the power of the 6 superfoods, our body can stimulate collagen! What is so special about Oxyginberry with the benefits of collagen? Read more here --> How does collagen affecting our health? 


3) It has passed through the STRINGENT tests!
  • It is organic, and non-genetically modified plant 
  • Preservatives and additives FREE
  • Tested and free of heavy metals such as mercury, copper, lead, arsenic, and cadmium.
  • Tested and free of at least 1822 toxins including narcotics, steroid drugs, banned drugs like Fenfluramine and human growth hormones.
  • The E.Excel food manufacturing plants are GMP-regulated.
  • How does E.Excel making sure of its products are safe to consume? Read more here --> Does Food Safety Matters?
  • Received "Food Safety Excellence Award" from Singapore AVA for consecutive 14 years since 2004.

4) It is suitable for everyone!
  • Men - hero of the family to stay healthier, stronger and more energetic and alert to handle work and making quick decision during critical hour, prevent chronic diseases such as high cholesterol and diabetes
  • Women - slimmer, prettier, and healthier, fair complexion, muscle more toned up, prevent internal organs from sagging especially womb
  • Children - healthier immune system, better concentration,  better eye sight, grow up stronger, healthy and intelligent
  • Elderly - more active and quality lifestyle, prevent degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis, macular degeneration, stroke 
  • Pregnant ladies/ mother-to-be - look radiant, keep mummy energy up throughout the day, ensure enough nutrients to the baby, strengthen womb and support the uterus, regaining pre-pregnancy figure easily
5) Testimonials
<Slim down successfully>

<Skin become more radiant>

<Speed up wound healing>

<Skin condition improved>

<Become younger>

<Even guy also benefited>

<Skin condition improved!>

<MediaCorp actor Terence Cao's sister was one of the people who benefited with superfoods>


Below is the video of Dr Chen Jau Fei interview with Channel News Asia 

Grab these 6 precious SUPERFOODS for your daily diet through Oxyginberry Beverage/ Capsules as they work in SYNERGY to rejuvenate your body!!

Cheers
Casper Teo
casperteo.ct@gmail.com
82183033

Wednesday, 23 November 2016

Green Tea

In Japan, green tea has long been hailed for promoting longevity. It is abundant in many nutrients and particularly rich in polyphenols. Polyphenols are a type of phytochemical with antioxidant properties. The antioxidant activity of polyphenols in about 100 times more potent than vitamin C and may prevent various diseases.

Compared with other popular teas, green tea has the most antioxidant activity. Green tea is the strongest nitric oxide (NO) scavenger and the strongest NO suppressor, which is crucial because excess NO damages tissues by attacking cells. This leads to diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and kidney disease. Digested green tea compounds also have anticancer properties.

In a scientific study, people showed lower indicators of heart disease risk after drinking green tea, a contrasting result from drinking coffee and hot water, which provided no beneficial effect.

A study of 40500 Japanese found that those who drank green tea daily has the lowest risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and stroke.



Wednesday, 9 November 2016

Ginseng/ Ginseng Berry

Ginseng is a rare plant that is only harvested after a long time. The ginseng fruit takes at least three or four years to mature, and its root needs at least six to eight years before harvesting. Ginseng grows all over the world, but only a few areas can produce high-quality ginseng.

Ginseng has long been considered the "king of herbs" throughout the world. Ji-Lin ginseng, a very high-quality variety of ginseng, alleviates fatigue and increases strength and stamina. In addition, Ji-Lin ginseng strengthens the lungs and spleen and helps curb chronic diarrhea as well as blood deficiency. It is believed that the continuous use of ginseng leads to longevity. Ginseng is also used to treat the problems of old age - lethargy, arthritis, issues with the reproductive system, and menopausal complaints.

Ginseng has been used to treat conditions such as loss of appetite, depression, asthma, epilepsy, cough, fever, liver disease, dysmenorrhea, headache, nausea, giddiness, gastritis, splenitis, ulcers, febrile illness, swelling, hemorrhage, inflammation and anemia.

Ginseng increases the efficiency of the endocrine, metabolic, circulatory, and digestive systems. 

Precious Ginsenosides
Ginseng is highly nutritious. It contains vitamins A, E, B1, B2, B12, niacin, calcium, iron, potassium, and rare phytochemicals called ginsenosides, which exist only in ginseng. The amounts of and types of ginsenosides in each type of ginseng vary. Different parts of the ginseng plant contain different types of ginsenosides, and each ginsenoside has different effects. Research shows that ginsenosides can strengthen the immune system, and they have been reported to effectively relieve inflammation in rats.

Different Parts, All Beneficial
Ginseng flower, stem, and leaf are all beneficial to the human body. For example, potent antioxidants found in ginseng leaf (Folium ginseng) help the body fight against disease. Ginseng leaf is bitter, yet slightly sweet. It is cold in nature and clears issues caused by heat. It also generates fluids in the body. Because of these properties, ginseng is often used to quench thirst as well as to alleviate sore throat and other heat-related conditions. It is also used to treat alcohol intoxication.

Do not underestimate the benefits of ginseng berry. In recent years, scientists have discovered that the nutritional value of ginseng berry is just as high as that of ginseng root. In fact, it may be even more precious than ginseng root. The amount of ginsenosides present in ginseng berry is about four times the amount in the root. 

Prevent Cancer
Studies report that ginseng can effectively prevent the formation of cancer cells. Studies show ginseng berry also reduces the risk of several types of cancer. One study found that ginseng users were 60% less likely to develop cancer compared to those who did not take the herb.

Improves Cardiovascular Health
Ginseng is considered a tonic for the blood. it can lower blood pressure to normal levels and even reduce cholesterol. Furthermore, reports indicate that chewing the ginseng root reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Treats Diabetes and Obesity
Research shows that ginseng berry extract holds real promise for treating diabetes and obesity.

Ginseng berry normalized blood glucose levels, improved sensitivity to insulin, lowered cholesterol levels, and decreased weight by reducing appetite and increasing activity levels. Ginseng berry may slow the digestion of food and decrease the rate of carbohydrate absorption.

Another study involved both type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic participants who received 3g doses of ginseng. Both the diabetic and non-diabetic subjects who consumed ginseng had blood-sugar levels about 20% lower - a significant decrease - than the subjects who did not consume ginseng berry. The study concluded that ginseng increases cells' sensitivity to insulin as well as the actual secretion of insulin.

Enhances Sports Performance
Ginseng berry helps the human body to utilize oxygen more effectively. It stabilizes heartbeat during exercise, and helps the body to return to normal physiological conditions faster after exercise.

Boosts Nerve Growth Factor Levels in the Brain
Ginseng contains compounds known as saponins, which have the ability to boost nerve growth factor (NGF) levels in the brain. NGF is vital for the normal development of the brain and the nervous system. It is a protein that helps neurons survive, remain healthy, and even grow.

Elevating NGF levels has been shown to improve symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases (like Alzheimer's disease) in animal models. 

Improves Focus and Mental Well-being
Ginseng is often used to alleviate other ailments such as stress and fatigue (specifically mental fatigue) and to improve memory and concentration.

Nourishes Skin
Ginseng berry is rich in antioxidants, which can decrease free radical damage to skin, thereby reducing visible signs of aging. Applied topically, ginseng berry extract may increase skin elasticity, improve skin softness and fineness, enhance skin hydration, and delay signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. Stress and poor blood circulation can also cause skin dullness. Ginseng berry contains some of nature's best antioxidants for achieving radiant skin.




Ginseng Berry, photo by Drginseng

Wednesday, 2 November 2016

Ginger

Ginger is one of the most commonly used spices in the world. Ancient cultures used it to preserve food and combat digestive problems. Chinese sailors used ginger to relieve seasickness, while the Greeks wrapped ginger in bread, which evolved over time to become the gingerbread with which we are familiar today.

Ginger contains various amino acids, vitamins, and other nutrients, which can alleviate migraines, fight ulcers, and nourish the respiratory and digestive systems. Ginger contains the antioxidant vitamins A and C. Ginger helps alleviate or prevent a variety of ailments, namely indigestion, cancer, and arthritis. In some cases, ginger is recommended for arresting chronic internal bleeding.

Studies show ginger to be anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal. In China, reports show that fresh ginger has been highly effective for rheumatism. In the U.S., a study on 247 osteoarthritis patients showed that those who took a standardized and highly concentrated extract of ginger twice daily experienced greater reduction of knee pain than those given a placebo.

Ginger reduces inflammation by preventing overproduction of tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-1, which are cytokines that cause inflammation, pain, and damage to cartilage when tissue is injured. Ginger also suppresses enzymes' production of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes, reducing pain and swelling. Ginger's anti-inflammatory property is also due to its antioxidant quality.

A serving of 100g of ginger provides 10% of the manganese an adult requires each day, making it ideal for bone nourishment.



Wednesday, 26 October 2016

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum is excellent for dispelling heat and counteracting inflammation. Every part of the chrysanthemum is edible.

Multiple Benefits
Chrysanthemum is used as an antipyretic and as a treatment for vertigo, abscesses, fainting, lumbago, rheumatism, and intestinal gas. The juice from the leaves is often applied to wounds to alleviate swelling and pain. Such properties make chrysanthemum flower tea an ideal summer beverage, and it is popular among those who are prone to eyestrain due to long hours of computer usage. In addition, it is often drunk at meals because it aids digestion.

Traditionally, chrysanthemum is used to relieve mild fevers and headaches and to soothe sore throats. What's more, it has antibacterial and antiviral properties and is believed to detoxify the body and purify the blood.

The flower is said to improve vision and is used for a wide range of eye problems, such as sore eyes and eyestrain. The petals of chrysanthemum  - which contain carotenoids, a type of antioxidant that can be converted by the body to vitamin A - are used to treat boils, dizziness, fever, and conjunctivitis. 

Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
Research is demonstrating chrysanthemum's heart-protective effects. Flavonoids in chrysanthemum have been found to help lower high blood pressure and dilate blood vessels. Chrysanthemum also seems to help lower high blood cholesterol levels.

Anticancer Effects
Chrysanthemum's many health benefits may be due to its high levels of different phytochemicals with powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. These include chrysanthemum (cyanidin-3-glucoside), acacetin. luteolin, chlorogenic acid, and dicaffeoylquinic acids.




Wednesday, 19 October 2016

American Ginseng


American Ginseng (Panacis quinquefolis) root was once worth its weight in gold. Entrepreneurial Jesuit missionaries cultivated and exported the herb from North America to China in large amounts during the 18th century, selling it for an extraordinary profit. At that time, little was known about American ginseng except that Native Americans were using it to treat nausea and vomiting.

Initially viewed as a highly prized traditional medicine, the nutritional value of American ginseng root is gradually finding scientific explanation and credibility. It is packed with fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, vitamin C, B vitamins, and other less common nutrients such as ginsenosides.

Ginsenosides
Ginsenosides are a group of phytochemicals that are present only in ginseng. They are the most active components of ginseng, and although they have similar molecular structure, they have different function. The amounts and types of ginsenosides in each type of ginseng vary, For example, ginsenosides Rf is present in Asian ginseng but not in American ginseng, and American ginseng has more Rb1 than Asian ginseng. It is possible that ginsenosides that appear to have no function help to make "active" ginsenosides easier for the body to absorb.

American ginseng extract contains more than 30 ginsenosides, including Rb1, Rb2, Rb3, Rc, Rd, Re, Rg1, Rg2, Ro, and F2. Of these, Rb1 and Re make up more than 75% of the total ginsenoside content in American ginseng. Rb1 is an antioxidant that can prevent ulcers, help the body to cope with stress, and increase rates of learning. It also enhances nerve regeneration.

In addition, Rb1, Rg1, and Rh1 acts as weak phytoestrogens in the body. Phytoestrogens are plant hormones that encourage healthy cell growth while inhibiting tumor growth. By binding to cells where human estrogen typically binds, phytoestrogens mimic the positive roles of human estrogen without harmful side effects. Hence, American ginseng has often been recommended for relieving menopausal symptoms.

Rb1 suppresses and Rg1 stimulates the central nervous system. Such combinations of opposing functions within this wonder herb contribute to American ginseng's use as an adaptogen that normalizes bodily functions to balanced states.

Wondrous Immunity-building Properties
American ginseng is not just an energy herb. It also helps to strengthen the immune system in a variety of ways, one of which results from its polysaccharides. Polysaccharides are long chains of sugars that help balance the immune system and enable tit to destroy existing cancer cells and viruses.

A study reported that polysaccharides in American ginseng may stimulate multitasking immune cells called macrophages to secrete cytokines, chemicals that summon immune cells to deal with bacteria and viruses. American ginseng also builds immunity by stimulating the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), an immune chemical used in fighting viruses.

American ginseng may be good news for people prone to colds. Researchers discovered that by consuming American ginseng root extract in a moderate dose over four months reduces the number of colds, the severity of colds, and the number of days they last, possibly preventing respiratory tract infection. Studies also show American ginseng to have potential protective effects against breast and ovarian cancers.

Completing the Package with Antioxidant
There is more antioxidant activity in American ginseng than in Asian ginseng. The free-radical scavenging activity of American ginseng can reduce oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), otherwise known as bad cholesterol. LDL that has gone through oxidation contributes to atheroclerosis, which may cause heart attacks. The antioxidant property of American ginseng can also slow down again because its antioxidants reduce free radical damage in some tissues.

Wednesday, 12 October 2016

Cactus/Cactus Fruit


Cactus is amazingly strong plant that can survive in the harsh desert. The Mexican people view it as a beautiful symbol of life and hope, and they use it widely for food and medicine. Cactus is also highly regarded in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Written during the Qing Dynasty, Beng Cao Gang Mu Shi Yi (A Supplement to the Compendium of materia Medica) recorded that cactus has a mild taste and is cold in nature, can promote the flow of qi (vital energy) and blood circulation, is cooling and detoxifying, can reduce swelling  and relieve pain, strengthens the spleen and stops diarrhea, is soothing and a diuretic, and can be used both externally and internally to treat many diseases. Moreover, it is low in calories and sodium. The excellent nutritional value of cactus is recognized across different cultures around the world.

Excellent Nutritional Value
Cactus extract is rich in nutrients such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron. It is also abundant in phytochemicals, antioxidants, and polysaccharides.
Cactus has high levels of amino acids, including proline and taurine. Prior to 2000, when taurine was found to be in cactus, it had not been discovered in any other plants! Cactus also contains essential amino acids not manufactured by the human body such as histidine, isoleucine, etc.



Potent Antioxidant and Toxicity Reducer
Research indicates that the high levels of nutrients and antioxidants in cactus and cactus fruit can help prevent DNA damage, and effectively inhibit and fight against free radical formation. For example, cactus is abundant in flavonoids, a group of phytochemicals that can help protect neurons against oxidative injury. Beta-carotene contributes to the high antioxidant activity in cactus. The antioxidant activity of cactus fruit is said to be seven times more powerful than that of vitamin C!
Cactus extract reduces oxidative damage and liver and kidney toxicity that occur as a result of zearalenone, a toxin that occurs in high levels in many foodstuffs such as crops and vegetable oils. In one study, supplementing with 500g of cactus fruit daily for two weeks improved the oxidative stress status of healthy humans.

Cancer Fighter
Phytochemicals in cactus protect the plant from UV damage and ensure its survival. These same phytochemicals are also highly beneficial to the human body because they help inhibit different tumor formation processes and nourish the immune system to prevent disease. Antioxidants in cactus can inhibit the formation of free radicals and enhance phagocytic activity. Polysaccharides can boost immunity, increase NK cell activity, and inhibit tumor formation.



Cardiovascular Health Benefits
Found in cactus, proline and taurine, are of particular interest. Proline aids in collagen formation, atherosclerosis prevention, and tissue repair. Taurine helps to combat heart disease, protect against diabetes, lowering high blood pressure, and decrease anxiety.
Furthermore, cactus extract helps to decrease cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reduce low-density lipoprotein (“bad” cholesterol), prevent high blood sugar levels, stabilize diabetic’ blood sugar levels, and promote cardiovascular health.

Inflammation Inhibitor
Cactus contains beta-sitosterol, an anti-inflammatory phytochemical that aids in wound healing. Scientists tested a topical application that consisted of 15% cactus extract and found that phytochemicals in cactus accelerated tissue regeneration by inhibiting inflammation, stimulating the creation of new blood vessels, and stimulating fibroblasts (cells that aid in would healing) to move to the wound area and speed up collagen formation.

Skin Improvement
Research shows that when applied to skin, cactus extract acts as a moisturizer and helps prevent water evaporation from the stratum corneum layer, thereby improving the skin’s barrier function. In addition, phytochemicals in cactus help to speed up collagen formation.
Cactus fruit is high in vitamins A, B1, B12, D3, and riboflavin. The fruit can help to promote skin repair and regeneration, soften the skin, and significantly improve the skin’s condition and appearance.

Wednesday, 5 October 2016

Chia Seed


Chia seeds are one of the most abundant sources of omega-3 fatty acids. A plant in the Salvia genus, chia derives its name from the Latin word salvare, which means to save. This naming refers to curative properties.

Powerful Dose of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
A 28-g serving of chia seeds contains 4915 mg of omega-3 fatty acids and 1620 mg of omega-6 fatty acids. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is a plant based omega-3 fatty acid that makes up 66% of the oil in chai seed. This proportion is higher than that in flaxseed oil (56%). Four teaspoons of chia seed provide 4.8g of ALA, which can help prevent and treat arthritis when consumed daily.


Cardiovascular Health Enhancer
Chia seed is cholesterol free. Experimental studies showed that chia seed diets can dramatically decrease triglyceride levels and increase HDL (“good” cholesterol). Regular chia seed consumption can also reduce blood pressure and inflammation, lowering cardiovascular disease risk.
Scientists studied type 2 diabetes patients who consumed around 37 g of chia seed or wheat bran daily for 12 weeks. They found that those who consumed chia seed had decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. Patients experienced thinner blood that was less prone to clotting, thereby reducing their risks of heart attack and stroke. They also experienced reduced internal inflammation and systolic blood pressure (maximum blood pressure)

Source of Antioxidants
Compared with other sources of omega-3s – namely fish, algae and flaxseed, which have no or low levels of antioxidants – chia seed is abundant in antioxidants that help fight free radicals and nourish the immune system.

Energy Booster
Chia seeds are 16%-18% protein – higher than eggs – and this protein is a complete protein, rich in amino acids. Research indicates that protein in chia seeds is of higher quality than that of common cereals, and occurs in higher levels than in nutritional grains such as wheat (14%) and oats (15.3%). One tablespoon of chia seed, along with some water, could sustain a person for 24 hours.
Chai seeds contain strontium, which acts as a catalyst for protein absorption and energy production. They can also absorb more than 12 times their weight in water, helping the body to conserve water. In addition, chai seeds can help to calm nerves and strengthen memory.

Eye health Promoter
Chia seeds are greatly beneficial for eye health. They are an excellent source of ALA. ALA has powerful anti-inflammatory effects that may help prevent eye conditions linked to oxidative stress and inflammation. These include dry eye syndrome (DES), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. Furthermore, a U.S. study showed that topical application of ALA significantly relieved DES in animal models.


Wednesday, 28 September 2016

Blueberry


Blueberries are tiny, but they are mighty, disease-fighting warriors. Brimming with health-promoting compounds, they provide a delicious boost to the heart, immune system, brain, eyes, and musculoskeletal system.

Boosting the Immune System
Cell damage caused by unstable oxygen molecules called free radical weakens the immune system. This damage is also linked to aging and chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and cancer. Bluberries are nature's wonders, bursting with the goodness of antioxidants to protect the body by neutralizing free radicals. They are one of the richest sources of antioxidants, making them a powerful supporter of the immune system.

Based on data from the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, blueberries are among the fruits with the highest antioxidant activity. Just 100g of fresh blueberries can deliver the antioxidant capacity of five servings of some fruits and vegetables.

Supporting Heart and Liver Health
Keep your heart happy with blueberries. Thanks to their high antioxidant activity, blueberries help reduce the buildup of LDL ("bad") cholesterol, thereby preventing cardiovascular disease and stoke. Resveratrol in blueberries has an anticoagulant effect that prevents the formation of blood clots that may block blood vessels and cause heart attacks and stroke.

Helping to Prevent Cancer
Blueberries contain more than 40 healthful compounds with high antioxidant activity that may reduce risk of certain types of cancer. Scientific research shows that pterostilbene in blueberries has immense potential in breast cancer prevention. Folate in blueberries may help guard against cervical cancer. Consuming blueberries may reduce liver cancer risk. Researchers found that phenolic acids and anthocyanins in blueberries inhibited the growth of liver cancer cells by 50%. Resveratrol and ellagic acid in blueberries have shown significant anticancer effects and may delay the aging process.

Protecting Brain Cells
A study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry reported that one group of volunteers in their 70s with early memory decline drank the equivalent of 2-2.5 cups of a commercially available blueberry juice everyday for two months. A control group drank a beverage without blueberry juice. The blueberry juice group showed significant improvement on learning and memory tests. Another study showed that people who ate a cup of blueberries a day performed 5%-6% better on motor skills tests than the control group.

Blueberries are rich in quercetin. Quercetin has been found to be particularly effective in protecting brain cells from free radical damage that can lead to dementia. One study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that quercetin protected rats' brains from damage due to exposure to hydrogen peroxide, a free radical.

Research at the University of Reading has found that phytochemical-rich foods, such as blueberries, can reverse age-related memory decline and may have implications for the treatment of diseases associated with age (such as Alzheimer's disease). Published in Free Radical Biology & Medicine, that research shows that supplementing a regular diet with blueberries results in improvements in memory.

Improving Vision
Individuals who spend long periods staring at computer screens should eat more blueberries. According to Japanese research, blueberries ease eyes fatigue and improve weak eyesight. Blueberry consumption increases circulation of the capillaries of the eyes, which reduces oxidation in these tissues. This action benefits eyesight. It is thought to be especially helpful in preventing diabetic retinopathy, a disease of the retina due to diabetes mellitus, as well as night blindness, cataracts, and macular degeneration, an age-related eye disease that is the leading cause of vision loss in the elderly.

Fortifying Bones and Muscles
Blueberries contain manganese, an essential trace mineral important for many chemical reactions in the body. Manganese also aids in keeping bones strong. Studies show that malvidin glycosides in blueberries may be beneficial in alleviating muscle damage caused by oxidative stress. Blueberries contain flavonoids, which help strengthen connective tissue.

Anti-allergy Effect
Blueberries reduce the production of histamines, which are the inflammatory substances the body produces that are responsible for allergy symptoms.

Promoting Urinary Tract Health
Research shows that phytochemicals in blueberries called proanthocyanidins prevent urinary tract infections by inhibiting E.coli bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract.