Calcium-rich oat straw has been clinically proven to aid a variety of health issues

Many natural health enthusiasts are well aware of the benefits of oats and oatmeal. Oats help reduce blood cholesterol levels, remove body fat, and provide an excellent source of healthy carbohydrates. Many people have at least heard of the word “avena” in connection…

Health Basics: What is dead food, and how much are you eating daily?

(NaturalNews)You can eat food that is organic every day, but if most of it is cooked on high heat then it is void of nutrition. Just about everyone has heard of the benefits of eating raw “live” food, but what ratio of your total food intake is actually raw (or not heated over 120…

Study: Zeaxanthin helps protect eyes, improve vision

(NaturalNews) Carotenoids play a crucial role in protecting the integrity of vision and ocular health, particularly lutein and zeaxanthin which are the macula’s carotenoids of choice. And a new study published in the Journal of Optometry confirms that supplementation with zeaxanthin demonstrably helps improve vision and protect against macular degeneration. Individuals over the age of 55 have an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition marked by symptoms of decreased visual acuity at night, blind spots, color degradation, and problems reading in low light. Many elderly folks who suffer from advanced AMD end up losing their independence as they no longer have the ability to see clearly in certain situations. But Stuart Richer, PhD, OD, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Chicago found that zeaxanthin effectively helps prevent and reverse such symptoms by restoring this vital pigment in the retina macula. Participants in the study that took 8 mg (milligrams) of zeaxanthin, 9 mg of lutein, or a combination of both over the course of a year experienced increased macular pigment optical density (MOPD), improved vision, and a number of other benefits. Zeaxanthin and lutein both occur naturally in the back of the eye at an optimal 2:1 ratio. Zeaxanthin in particular protects the cones of the eye, also known as photoreceptors, which are responsible for maintaining central vision, color perception, and fine detail. And while this powerful nutrient occurs naturally in various fruits and vegetables, most Americans do not ingest enough of it, on average, to acquire optimal benefits. Supplementing with zeaxanthin, individuals can ensure that they are effectively protecting their vision against light-induced oxidative damage, which is one suspected cause of AMD. Supplementing with zeaxanthin can also provide general antioxidant health benefits as it is a known anti-inflammatory nutrient. “Since the identification of zeaxanthin and its role in eye health more than 20 years ago, I have seen it as my mission to bring the benefits of Zeaxanthin to a wider audience,” said Dennis Gierhart, PhD and CEO of ZeaVision, a company that researchers and produces zeaxanthin. “I am thrilled with the findings that support the many benefits of zeaxanthin supplementation.” Sources for this article include: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/study-shows-zeaxanthin-improves-vision-in-elderly-133605108.html

Study confirms benefits of tanning, sun exposure for the production of health-promoting vitamin D

(NaturalNews) Exposing your unprotected skin to natural sunlight and even using a tanning bed are not necessarily the highly dangerous, cancer promoting activities that many in the government and media would have you believe they are. A new study out of Oslo University Hospital (OUH) in Norway confirms what we here at NaturalNews have been saying for a long time — regular exposure to moderate levels of sunlight promotes good health through the healthy production of vitamin D in the body. Johan Moan, a scientist and researcher from the Department of Radiation Biology at OUH’s Institute for Cancer Research found that the benefits derived from exposure to vitamin D-producing UV rays far outweigh the miniscule risk of developing cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM). In fact, it is primarily overexposure in the form of sunburns that is responsible for UV-related cancer risk. “Sun exposure is commonly supposed to be the main cause of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) in most populations. However, the matter is disputed,” said Moan and his research team in conjunction with their findings. “It can be estimated that increased sun exposure to the Norwegian population might at worst result in 200-300 more CMM deaths per year, but it would elevate the vitamin D status by about 25 nmol/l (nanomoles per liter) and might result in 4,000 fewer internal cancers and about 3,000 fewer cancer deaths overall.” But the risk of getting skin cancer from exposing skin to natural sunlight or a tanning bed, might even be less than that. Ivan Oransky, editor of Reuters Health and treasurer of the Association of Health Care Journalists (AHCJ), wrote last year in a blog that the actual risk of getting skin cancer from using a tanning bed is about 0.2 percent, and this risk likely only includes those that overexpose themselves (http://www.naturalnews.com/029895_skin_cancer_tanning_beds.html). Russian health authorities also recognize the benefits of tanning beds, as they last year installed tanning beds in Russian prisons to help improve inmate health (http://www.naturalnews.com/030416_tanning_beds_prisoners.html). Vitamin D deficiency is linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, endocrine dysfunction, infections, autoimmune disorders, kidney problems, neurological disease, respiratory illness, skin problems, and cancer, among other things (http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/health-conditions/). Sources for this article include: http://www.voxy.co.nz/health/sunbed-cancer-risk-may-be-worth-it-study/5/106749

Health Benefits of Organic Food

Health Benefits of Organic Food Examines factors such as the role of certain nutrients in prevention and promotion of chronic disease, and health benefits of bioactive compounds in plants. This title covers the prevalence of food-borne pesticides and pathogens and how local and global environmental factors may affect differences between organic and conventionally produced food. [...]

Amino acids are latest in growing list of nutrients shown to extend life span

(NaturalNews) Researchers are zeroing in on specific nutrients and natural therapies that not only can prevent and heal disease but promote longevity. For example, as NaturalNews previously reported, a research team from Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc., and LifeGen Technologies found that Cordyceps sinensis (Cs-4), a traditional Chinese mushroom, is a powerful anti-aging food that could lengthen lifespan (http://www.naturalnews.com/030008_cordyceps_anti_aging.html). And University at Buffalo endocrinologists recently documented for the first time that resveratrol, a phytochemical found in red grapes, grape juice and red wine, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in humans and may promote human longevity, too (http://www.naturalnews.com/029449_resveratrol_inflammation.html). Now comes word from Italian scientists that they’ve discovered a mix of amino acids is a life extender in animals — and may well be a longevity aid for humans, too. But perhaps the most interesting aspect of this study, which was just published in the October issue of the journal Cell Metabolism , is a statement made by lead researcher Enzo Nisoli of Milan University in Italy which suggests nutritional therapies are being taken very seriously in the world of scientific research. The new study showing the life extending power of amino acids, Nisoli stated, supports a “general philosophy of a nutritional approach to disease, aging, and problems of energy status.” The Italian research team gave middle-aged, male mice drinking water laced with an extra mix of amino acids — leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), found in protein, are considered essential amino acids because human beings cannot survive unless these amino acids are present in the diet. Animals that were given the extra amino acids over a period of months had their normal life span increased by 12 percent — from about 774 to 869 days. What’s more, the mice who received the extra amino acids were found to have an increase in mitochondria (cellular components known as the “power factories” inside cells) in cardiac and skeletal muscles. There was also increased activity of SIRT1, a well-known longevity gene, in the rodents who drank the leucine, isoleucine, and valine-laced water. The animals were better able to fend off free radicals, too, and so showed fewer signs of oxidative damage. And the benefits didn’t stop there. The amino acid supplemented mice also had better motor coordination and exercise endurance. Overall, the benefits of the amino acids were similar to those found in previous experiments using calorie restriction. In a statement to the media, Nisoli pointed out that consuming amino acid supplements is different from consuming proteins containing those amino acids because the amino acids don’t have to be digested; they enter the bloodstream immediately. So, he added, BCAA nutritional supplements may turn out to be especially helpful for people with heart failure, the muscle-wasting condition known as sarcopenia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or other conditions marked by energy defects. Although there are already a few small studies in human that support that idea that BCAA supplements could help people with various chronic health problems, Nisoli stated that convincing doctors that amino acid supplements might benefit patients is a challenge. The reason? A large clinical trial involving humans is needed to provide more hard data — but there’s little incentive for companies to spend money on research for inexpensive dietary supplements as opposed to drugs, Nisoli said. For more information: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20889128 http://www.naturalnews.com/longevity.html

What Are The Benefits Of Acai Berries

So, what exactly is Acai berry? Acai berries have been in existence for many thousands of years, but were not introduced to the west until the 1990′s. Historically, this berry was found and first utilized by certain tribes in the Amazon as a cure for many common ailments, mostly as a hunger suppressant. The berry, [...]

What Are The Benefits Of Acai Berry

So, what exactly is Acai berry? Acai berries have been in existence for many thousands of years, but were not introduced to the west until the 1990′s. The benefits of Acai seem to be never-ending. As more and more people try Acai they are finding that this amazing berry is capable of so many wonderful [...]

Benefits Of The Acai Berry

For hundreds of years, the miraculous healing power of the acai berry has been virtually unknown to the world. The only people who understood the versatility of this unique fruit were the tribes in the Amazon rainforest where the berry was first discovered. Some of the reported benefits of acai are a boost in energy [...]

Early end to key study on benefits of niacin, a B vitamin, in keeping arteries open was premature

Heart experts are calling premature the early halt of a study on the benefits of combining extended-release niacin, a B vitamin, with cholesterol-lowering statin medications to prevent blood vessel narrowing. Cardiovascular atherosclerosis, as it is also known, is believed responsible for one in three deaths in the United States each year.