Gac superfruit improves vision, immune function

(NaturalNews) The bright-red Gac superfruit from Vietnam, also known as Momordica cochinchinensis, may not yet be all that popular throughout North America, but in Southeast Asia and China it is widely cultivated and consumed for its unique taste and myriad health benefits. These benefits include improvements in vision, reproductive function, immunity, skin health, prostate health, and heart health. The prickly, bulbous Gac fruit — which according to a recent report in FOX News is also known as the Chinese bitter cucumber, cundeamor, and bhat karela — has long been used as a traditional medicine for treating all sorts of ailments and conditions. Since Gac fruit is rich in beta-carotene, lycopene, and zeaxanthin, it is a powerful fruit for both maintaining and improving overall vision. These same antioxidants work to improve immune function as well by boosting production of white blood cells, which help ward off disease. Beta-carotene is also known to boost reproductive function by improving sperm production, as well as aid in the development of healthy embryos — and the Gac fruit contains roughly ten times more beta-carotene than carrots. Rich in many powerful antioxidants, Gac fruit naturally helps to reduce damage to skin tissue by protecting it against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress ages skin and causes it to lose its elasticity and healthy appearance, but both the lycopene and beta-carotene in Gac fruit not only protect skin, but also help to improve its appearance. As far as heart health, the Gac fruit protects against athersclerosis, also known as artery hardening, and it also contains compounds that help reduce heart attack risk. And for men, Gac fruit lowers levels of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the abnormal cellular function that contributes to an enlarged prostate. Gac fruit is also a rich source of saturated, unsaturated, polyunsaturated, and monounsaturated fatty acids, which together represent a highly unique profile among fruits. Most fruits are “fat free”, which limits the absorption of their nutrients in the body. But the diverse array of fats in Gac fruit ensures high bio-availability and maximum absorption of nutrients (http://www.naturalnews.com/030546_food_colors.html). Sources for this story include: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/02/22/gac-strange-powerful-fruit/

Major victory: Calgary city council votes to remove fluoride from water supply

(NaturalNews) Calgary, Canada, with a metropolitan population of well over one million, will no longer lace its water supply with toxic fluoride. After much heated debate from both sides, the Calgary city council voted 10 – 3 to stop adding the hazardous chemical byproduct of the aluminum and phosphate fertilizer industries to the city’s drinking water, ending more than 20 years of needless poisoning and scoring a significant victory for public health. “It’s an issue that has been debated vociferously around the world for 50 years,” said Druh Farrell, the municipal council member that led the charge to remove fluoride. “[Fluoridation] became an established point of view, but now the wisdom of it is being questioned around the world.” Many smaller towns and cities have successfully resisted water fluoridation or voted to end it throughout the past several decades, but the fact that a large metropolitan city has now done it speaks volumes to the awakening that is taking place. Calgary’s decision to cease fluoridation is key, as several other large cities throughout North America are right now considering doing the same thing. “Fluoride is neither a nutrient nor required for healthy teeth,” said attorney Paul Beeber, president of the New York State Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation, concerning New York’s potential removal of fluoride. “Studies show fluoride ingestion doesn’t reduce tooth decay.” In the U.S., efforts are currently underway in both New York City and San Diego to fight artificial water fluoridation. City councilman Peter Vallone of New York City has proposed a bill to end fluoridation in the Big Apple, which if successful will have huge implications for ending fluoridation throughout the U.S. And concerned citizens in San Diego continue to fight efforts by the city to expand fluoridation throughout Southern California (http://www.naturalnews.com/030933_fluoride_New_York_City.html). Everyday citizens and concerned individuals need to continue to step up and speak out about fluoride if this mass poisoning is to end. Great victories are taking place, but they are all the more reason to step up the fight even more. Now is the time to vigorously attend city council meetings, present evidence to officials, and demand that the forced medication cease. The days of water fluoridation are numbered. To learn more about fluoride, visit: http://www.fluorideaction.net Sources for this story include: http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Calgary+council+votes+fluoridation+municipal+water/4247383/story.html http://www.prisonplanet.com/calgary-removing-fluoride-from-water-supply.html

RSB health freedom radio show launches to worldwide audience, MP3 downloads coming soon

(NaturalNews) The Robert Scott Bell health freedom radio show is in full swing this week, its second week of broadcasting on the NaturalNews network. This week we’re rolling out downloadable MP3 archives of the show so that you can listen to the show on your iPod or MP3 player at any time. We’ll also be experimenting with a live interactive chat feature that will allow live radio show listeners to interact in real time. Several AM radio stations across North America have already called to say they want to carry the show, and we expect more interest in the weeks ahead. Listen to the first show (episode one), right here: http://naturalnews.tv/v.asp?v=2264D96479640F5329CF6E1CF56179B6 We are producing this show for YOU , our readers and listeners. The Robert Scott Bell show brings you up-to-the-minute health freedom news and information in a convenient format that you can either listen to live each weekday (http://www.naturalnews.com/Robert-Scott-Bell-Show.html) or download as a free MP3 file to listen to while jogging, commuting, or whatever else you might be pursuing. This week we’ll have guest Dana Ullman on the show to discuss homeopathy, and we plan to have Dr Suzanne Humphries on the show to discuss more details about vaccines. Plus, I’ll also be a guest on the show Monday to discuss the launch of the new “General Mills Mind Games” comedy skit that we just released yesterday (http://naturalnews.tv/v.asp?v=851519FA1AC72A56F7205D2285CC66CF). Sponsorship opportunities are now available The Robert Scott Bell show is 100% advertiser supported. Because the show is made available free to listeners (including free MP3 downloads), it is sponsors who make the show possible. Right now, because the show is new, sponsorship rates are ridiculously low, and those who get on board right now will benefit from ongoing exposure from all the downloads and archived viewings of the show from this day forward. We have sixty-second ad spots available for companies whose products, services or websites are in alignment with natural health, preparedness, health freedom or green living. Learn more details at: http://www.naturalnews.com/AdvertisingInformation.html Why you’ll hear more about Robert Scott Bell in 2011 and beyond Robert Scott Bell is, without question, one of the most exciting fast-rising radio talents in the world. His combination of entertaining delivery and extraordinary personal knowledge of natural health makes his show the most exciting health freedom show being broadcast today. We expect the reach of this show to grow each week, ultimately reaching out to millions of listeners across North America and around the world. NaturalNews is backing the show with daily exposure because it’s a powerful vehicle to educate and empower listeners with the health freedom and natural cures information they really want. This show really impacts peoples’ lives in a positive, lasting way. Be sure to tune in each weekday at 12 noon (Eastern) / 9 am (Pacific) at: http://www.naturalnews.com/Robert-Scott-Bell-Show.html We look forward to bringing you daily natural health news and breaking stories on the NaturalNews network’s Robert Scott Bell show. Thank you for listening, and thank you for your support. We are on the air because of you , broadcasting a message of natural remedies and health freedom to the world. Thank you for helping us make that effort a reality! – Mike

Scans prove that acupuncture induces clear metabolic brain changes that eliminate pain

(NaturalNews) New research adds more evidence proving that acupuncture is effective at reducing and eliminating pain. Presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), the new findings include functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans that clearly show a positive change in the metabolic activity of patients’ brains receiving acupuncture treatment. “Functional MRI gives us the opportunity to directly observe areas of the brain that are activated during pain perception and see the variances that occur with acupuncture,” explained lead researcher Nina Theysohn, MD, from the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology at University Hospital in Essen, Germany. “Activation of brain areas involved in pain perception was significantly reduced or modulated under acupuncture.” Eighteen volunteers agreed to participate in the study, and all were observed using fMRI technology. Researchers applied electrical pain stimuli to the participants’ left ankles and observed their brain activity both with and without acupuncture treatment. The team found that the pain activation centers in the participants’ brains became less active and even deactivated in the presence of acupuncture treatment. The findings also challenge some notions that acupuncture works primarily as a placebo. While certain brain responses to acupuncture indicate facets of a placebo response, others clearly highlight specific mechanical activities in the brain that demonstrably reduce pain symptoms. “Acupuncture is supposed to act through at least two mechanisms — nonspecific expectancy-based effects and specific modulation of the incoming pain signal,” said Theysohn. “Our findings support that both these nonspecific and specific mechanisms exist, suggesting that acupuncture can help relieve pain.” Acupuncture has also been found to help improve fertility, increase heart function, and assist in helping people sleep. To learn more about acupuncture, visit: http://www.naturalnews.com/acupuncture.html Sources for this story include: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-11/rson-acb112410.php

Industry bought Congressional votes to pass S. 510 food safety bill

(NaturalNews) Despite an incredible outpouring of public opposition to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) “Food Safety Modernization Act”, or S. 510, the Senate voted 73 to 25 to pass the bill anyway. And data presented by Maplight.org, a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization, shows that big industry groups and large food producers spent millions of dollars buying off Congressmen to garner support for it. According to the site, Senators that ended up supporting the bill received nearly $10 million in political contributions from interest groups that also supported the bill. This amount was more than four times as much as groups opposed to the bill spent on overall contributions. Some of the supporters of S. 510 that made these significant monetary contributions in order to buy support for the bill include Kraft Foods North America, the American Beverage Association, General Mills, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the Grocery Manufacturers Association, and the Snack Food Association. Interestingly, the top four receivers of contributions from groups that supported the bill actually voted against it, most likely because they are all Republicans and the bill was authored by Democrat Richard Durbin. Even so, these include Sens. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) who received $503,700, Mitch McConnell (R-KY) who received $415,899, Jon Kyl (R-AZ) who received $335,377, and Richard Burr (R-NC) who received $317,086. The top receivers of contributions from groups that supported the bill, and who ended up voting in favor of it, include Sens. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) who received $301,776, Ben Nelson (D-NE) who received $245,906, Charles Schumer (D-NY) who received $179,435, and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) who received $149,278. To see a full list of the Senators who supported S. 510, visit: http://www.naturalnews.com/030577_Senate_Bill_510_voting_record.html Sources for this story include: http://maplight.org/us-congress/bill/111-s-510/880093/total-contributions

Green Party initiative could put an end to water fluoridation in Canada

(NaturalNews) The Green Party of Canada recently passed a resolution within its ranks that seeks to end water fluoridation in Canada. The party plans to introduce and support legislation that will outlaw fluoridation in Canada at the federal level, effectively overriding any and all local mandates that say otherwise. Much of North America’s water is fluoridated, meaning that water utilities add hexafluorosilicic acid, sodium silicofluoride or sodium fluoride to local water supplies. These toxic substances are said to prevent tooth decay, but many medical and dental professionals disagree, citing fluoride’s many harmful effects on the body and teeth. Unlike the element fluorine which can occur naturally in water, the artificial fluoride added to drinking water is a toxic byproduct of the phosphate mining industry. Aluminum factories, for instance, create fluoride waste that is commonly used to fluoridate water. In addition to being a dangerous poison, the Green Party initiative cites the fact that fluoride is not removed by sewage treatment plants, and that much of it ends up in lakes and rivers. The Great Lakes contain as much as ten times the maximum safe levels established by the Canadian Water Quality Guideline standards for aquatic life, for instance. Artificial water fluoridation is technically illegal since fluoride is a toxic chemical. At best, it is an unapproved drug by which governments are unlawfully medicating the public. At worst, it is a toxic poison that is wreaking havoc on public health. Perhaps the most damning indictment of fluoride is the fact that cavity rates are generally the same among areas that fluoridate and areas that do not fluoridate. So the purported benefits of water fluoridation are entirely unsubstantiated based on scientific evidence. It is also generally known that too much fluoride causes dental fluorosis, a condition in which tooth enamel becomes mottled, and brown and white stains form. In extreme cases, dental fluorosis literally rots the teeth. It remains to be seen whether or not the Green Party of the U.S.–or any other party, for that matter–decides to take on water fluoridation with similar legislation. Sources for this story include: http://www2.fluoridealert.org/Alert/Canada/National/Green-Party-of-Canada-calls-for-ban-on-the-fluoridation-chemicals-hexafluorosilicic-acid-and-sodium-silicofluoride

More than half the world’s population gets insufficient vitamin D, says biochemist

Vitamin D surfaces as a news topic every few months. How much daily vitamin D should a person get? According to an international expert on vitamin D, half the people in North America and Western Europe get insufficient amounts of the vitamin. Elsewhere, the situation is worse.

Chokeberry extract helps maintain proper weight

(NaturalNews) Researchers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently released the results of a study which found that the chokeberry, a Native American fruit also known as Aronia, assists in regulating proper weight and helps balance out blood glucose levels. Native to eastern North America, chokeberry shrubs typically grow in moist areas like swamps and wet woodlands. They are rich in flavanoids, trace minerals and phenolic phytochemicals, as well as B, E, C vitamins and folic acid. According to scientists, chokeberries also have very high anthocyanin levels, which means they are rich in powerful antioxidants. Consumption of the fruit induces a powerful protective effect against the damaging consequences of free radicals, which includes serious diseases like obesity and cancer. Particularly in regards to weight gain, chokeberries illicit a weight balancing effect that prevents the body from accumulating too much stored fat, especially in the abdominal region. Chokeberries also help to level out high blood glucose levels, effectively warding off the onset of diabetes. Bolin Qin and Richard Anderson, two researchers from the USDA in Beltsville, Maryland, discovered these facts and others when testing the fruit’s effects on laboratory rats. The team first fed male rats high levels of fructose for several weeks in order to bring about a pre-diabetic effect. They then administered chokeberry extract to one group of rats and plain water to the other to see if any noticeable benefit would occur in the chokeberry group. In the end, the chokeberry extract group was thinner than the control group and had blood glucose levels that were demonstrably lower. The chokeberry group also had decreased triglyceride, cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, indicating that the fruit protects the heart and cardiovascular system from disease. Chokeberry fruit is often used to make jams and jellies because it has a strong tart flavor. Chokeberry extract can be purchased in supplement form from health food stores, and is also available in powder form for use in smoothies, protein shakes or even homemade ice cream. You can even grow chokeberry bushes yourself if you want to have fresh fruit throughout the year. The deciduous bushes grow best in hardiness zones four through eight, which cover a significant portion of the United States. Since chokeberry shrubs require relatively little maintenance and keep their berries throughout the winter, they are an excellent superfood plant to have in your garden. Sources for this story include: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life/health-fitness/health/Chokeberry-extract-regulates-weight-gain/articleshow/5859586.cms http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aronia

Call for ban on BPA chemical in baby bottles

(NaturalNews) Seven leading scientists have sent a letter to the United Kingdom’s Health Secretary, Andy Burnham, urging him to ban the use of the endocrine-disrupting chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) in products intended for use in feeding infants. “We urge you now to adopt a standpoint consistent with the approach taken by other governments who have ended the use of BPA in food contact products marketed at children,” they wrote. BPA is used to make hard, clear plastics for products such as baby bottles, food containers and water bottles. It is also used to make resins that line cans of food and infant formula. Numerous studies have linked the chemical to reproductive harm, especially in fetuses and infants. It has also been shown to increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer, and to cause cognitive damage and abnormal behavior. The Canadian government has banned its use in baby bottles, a number of retailers throughout North America have pledged to stop carrying infant products that contain it, and some North American manufacturers have voluntarily ceased using it. Like the U.S. FDA, however, the U.K.’s Food Standards Agency continues to insist that BPA is safe. “Keeping BPA baby bottles on the shelves is not an option,” said Clare Dimmer of Breast Cancer UK. “It should be very simple, if there is serious scientific evidence that a chemical in baby bottles could increase the risk of life-limiting illness, it shouldn’t be used. It is time government stepped in to ban the bottle.” According to a recent poll, two-thirds of U.K. residents believe that the use of BPA in baby bottles should be prohibited. “As a medically qualified pathologist and parent to an eight-month-old baby boy, I feel that it is essential for the government to heed our call for precautionary measures to limit exposure of BPA to very young children,” said Vyvyan Howard of Ulster University, one of the letter’s signatories. Sources for this story include: www.telegraph.co.uk.

In a Time of Cutbacks, Organic Chocolate Maker Looks to Expand

Green & Black’s, the British organic chocolate maker, has expanded to North America, and is now aiming at Northern Europe, including Scandinavia, the Netherlands and Germany.

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