Advanced electrical stimulation technology can repair damaged nerves, restore neuron function with virtually no side effects

(NaturalNews) Patients suffering from nerve damage or paralysis may soon be able to better regain function, thanks to a new electrical stimulation technique developed by researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) in Boston, Mass., and engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Science Daily reports that the new method of functional electrical stimulation (FES) reduces electrical output by 40 percent and better protects surrounding nerves and tissues from damage by focusing energy directly to the damaged site. Published in the journal Nature Materials , the findings reveal a method of stimulating neuronal activity in patients with nerve damage that is superior to traditional FES technologies. By reducing the amount of electrical current emitted and better concentrating it into damaged areas, scientists have successfully developed a safer and more efficient method of helping nerve-damaged patients regain function with less damaging side effects. “This new device works by manipulating the concentration of charged ions surrounding the nerve,” said Samuel J. Lin, MD, a surgeon at BIDMC’s Divisions of Plastic Surgery and Otolaryngology, Assistant Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School, and co-author of the study. “This could potentially mean reduced risk to surrounding nerves because less electrical current is required to stimulate the affected nerve.” Since sensory nerves and the nerves that control movements are located very closely together, reducing both the amount of electrical current as well as its spread is crucial to maximizing the benefits and reducing the side effects of FES treatments. And after experimenting with the various ions in the fluid that surrounds nerves, the research team discovered that removing the positively charged calcium ions helps to focus the electrical current on the damaged nerve areas while protecting the healthy areas. “Nerve fibers fire their signals based on the message they receive from the interaction of ions, or charged particles,” added Lin. “The nerves that control movements and the sensory nerves that carry pain signals are extremely close together, so existing FES therapy has had limitations. This (new discovery) is an important step towards the design of a device to help patients suffering from nerve paralysis and chronic neurological conditions.” Sources for this article include: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121194131.htm

New research finds possible reason for obesity and type 2 diabetes epidemics in kids: lack of vitamin D

(NaturalNews) If there’s one nutrient that has received an amazing amount of attention and research over the past year, it’s vitamin D. As NaturalNews has reported extensively, a lack of the vitamin has been linked to everything from dementia and arthritis to heart disease and breast cancer. What’s more, as scientists have probed deeper into the question of vitamin D deficiency, they’ve come up with an alarming finding — huge numbers of people tested appear to be deficient in the vitamin. For example, researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health released a study showing American youth are facing potentially severe health consequences from a lack of vitamin D, which is also known as the “sunshine vitamin.” (http://www.naturalnews.com/025834_Vitamin_D_teens_health.html) Other top health news stories about children have related the startling findings that both obesity and type 2 diabetes have reached epidemic proportions in the US. Now research set for publication in The Endocrine Society’s January 2012 issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (JCEM) reveals all these problems appear to be related to the widespread vitamin D deficiency in the population. The new study, conducted by scientists at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, involved both obese and non-obese children. The results showed low vitamin D levels are significantly more prevalent in obese kids and are also strongly linked to risk factors for type 2 diabetes. What’s the specific connection? Previous studies have already shown that obese adults often have vitamin D deficiency and past research has also revealed an association between low vitamin D levels and cardiovascular disease as well as type 2 diabetes. But exactly why obesity and diseases such as type 2 diabetes are related to vitamin D deficiency isn’t fully understood. To try to unravel this mystery, the new study looked for correlations between vitamin D levels and markers of abnormal glucose metabolism and blood pressure. It also looked for links between vitamin D levels and dietary habits in obese children. The scientists measured vitamin D levels, blood sugar levels, serum insulin, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure in 411 obese youngsters. The study also included 87 non-overweight children in a control group. Dietary information — including daily intake of soda, juice and milk, average daily fruit and vegetable intake, and whether or not they routinely skipped breakfast — was also collected for all the research subjects. “Our study found that obese children with lower vitamin D levels had higher degrees of insulin resistance,” Micah Olson, MD, lead author of the study, said in a media statement. “Although our study cannot prove causation, it does suggest that low vitamin D levels may play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes.” Dr. Olson noted that poor nutritional habits like skipping breakfast and drinking a lot of soda were associated with the lower vitamin D levels seen in obese children. “Future studies are needed to determine the clinical significance of lower vitamin D levels in obese children, the amount and duration of treatment necessary to replenish vitamin D levels in these children and whether treatment with vitamin D can improve primary clinical endpoints such as insulin resistance,” he concluded. If vitamin D is the key to preventing and/or treating childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes the benefits could be enormous. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) says the incidence of overweight kids in the US has soared and now over 17 percent of children and teens between the ages of 6 to 19 are overweight. What’s more, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that in the last two decades, type 2 diabetes — a condition that was virtually unheard of in children just a decade ago –is now one of the most common chronic diseases in children and adolescents. Sources for this article include: http://www.endo-society.org/ http://jcem.endojournals.org/ http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/projects/cda2.htm http://win.niddk.nih.gov/statistics/ http://naturalnews.com/vitamin_d.html

Benefits of cinnamon – surprising health facts

(NaturalNews) A shaker of cinnamon often sits on the spice rack in most of our kitchens. Given its frequent use in sugary baked goods, many health mavens overlook cinnamon’s centuries-old history as a healing substance, focusing on more exotic herbs rather than a brown powder found in Grandma’s kitchen. Yet cinnamon, derived from the bark of a tree commonly found in South Asia and the Middle East region, not only adds flavor to pies, it also delivers a host of health benefits. Ancient India’s Healing Tradition Ayurveda, the ancient healing system of India, often uses cinnamon to stimulate circulation as well as to increase the bio-availability of other herbs. Ayurvedic healers, prescribe remedies based on an individual’s dosha or type. Ayurveda sees cinnamon as an appropriate remedy for people who belong to the kapha type (characterized as sturdy, heavy, calm, slow and moist) and the vata type (thin, cold, prone to nervousness) since cinnamon tends to have a heating and energizing effect. People who belong to the pitta type (fiery, oily, sharp) can partake of cinnamon in moderation. Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbalists and acupuncturists in the Chinese tradition value cinnamon for its warming qualities. Doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may prescribe cinnamon, often in combination with another warming substance such as ginger, to ward off colds. TCM healers may prescribe cinnamon for disorders associated with the kidney meridian. Anti-Viral During the 1918 influenza outbreak, workers at cinnamon factories seemed immune to the Spanish flu which decimated the population. A potent new form of cinnamon extract may even protect against HIV. An Israeli researcher, taking a cue from a Biblical reference to high priests using a holy oil containing cinnamon, in 2007 developed a powerful cinnamon extract which may protect against modern viruses like the Avian flu. Blood Sugar Control There may be a touch of ancient wisdom at work in all the recipes which combine cinnamon with high-carb and high-fat ingredients. Cinnamon can mitigate the impact these foods have on blood sugar levels, slowing the rate at which the stomach empties after meals and thereby reducing the potential spike in blood sugar. Cinnamon can offer aid to people who have type 2 diabetes by preventing insulin resistance and has even been recommended by the American Diabetes Association. Research has shown cinnamon outperforms diabetes drugs. In a study published in The Journal of Diabetic Medicine, research subjects given cinnamon supplements experienced greater improvement in blood sugar levels than those who received standard diabetes drugs. Muscle to Fat Ratio Studies indicate that cinnamon supplements go beyond just improving blood glucose levels; they can also reduce body fat percentage and help increase lean muscle mass. Scent If people at the holiday dinner table seem especially alert when the cinnamon-spiced pumpkin pie is being served, it might be because of its scent, not just an appetite for sweets. A 2004 study found that the smell of cinnamon helped boost brain function. Study participants performance on tasks involving virtual recognition memory, attentional processes, working memory, and visual-motor speed while using a computer were measured comparing the relative effects of jasmine, peppermint, cinnamon and no odor. Cinnamon had the strongest positive effect on study subjects’ cognitive processing skills. Cinnamon’s aroma comes from cinnamonaldehyde, an essential oil in the bark of cinnamon trees. Anti-Microbial Cinnamon has the ability to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, molds and yeasts, including Candida yeast. In a 2003 study, two batches of vegetable broth were refrigerated, one with, and one without cinnamon oil. The broth with the cinnamon oil was resistant to food-borne pathogenic Bacillus cereus for at least 60 days. Researchers in this study observed that the cinnamon not only served as an effective preservative but also improved the flavor of the broth. In another study, researchers at Kansas State University discovered that cinnamon eliminates E. coli in unpasteurized apple cider. Sources: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=68 http://altmedicine.about.com/od/cinnamon/a/cinnamon.htm http://www.naturalnews.com/031133_cinnamon_diabetes.html http://www.naturalnews.com/029894_honey_arthritis.html http://www.naturalnews.com/031373_ginger_cinnamon.html http://www.naturalnews.com/033246_cinnamon_Alzheimers.html http://www.bluelotusayurveda.com/doshas.html http://www.desertbloomherbs.com/monographs/cinnamonbark.html http://curezone.com/forums/am.asp?i=1407574 http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/77703.php

TSA refuses to fulfill promise to conduct independent safety investigation of naked body scanners

(NaturalNews) Not even a month after promising to conduct a legitimate, independent study on the safety of the illegal naked body scanners used in airports across the US, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator John Pistole is now saying that such a measure is unnecessary, and that it may not happen after all. ProPublica reports that, despite myriad evidence that the privacy-invading machines can emit high levels of deadly ionizing radiation, Pistole has presented more rehashed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) data as “evidence” that the machines are safe — and he is actually purporting that this biased data is sufficient to verify the machines’ safety. “My strong belief is those types of machines are still completely safe,” said Pistole at a recent hearing of the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. “If the determination is that this IG (inspector general) study is not sufficient, then I will look at still yet another additional study.” Unfortunately for Pistole and his cronies at DHS and TSA, having a “strong belief” about something does not make it true. And Pistole’s repeated avoidance of allowing a real investigation into the safety of naked body scanners clearly shows that he and his corrupt agency have something to hide from the public. Pistole’s use of the words “still yet another additional study” basically insinuates that existing studies have already verified the safety of backscatter naked body scanners — but they definitely have not. In fact, the supposed “safety data” that the TSA has been relying on to assert the safety of the machines was exposed as fraudulent earlier this year (http://www.naturalnews.com/032425_airport_scanners_radiation.html). Not only was the data flawed, but the study was conducted in secret by unnamed scientists, and by the company that makes the machines, Rapiscan Systems. The safety tests also did not even involve the actual machines used at airports — they involved phony “mock-up” machines made of random spare parts at the company’s manufacturing unit. That Pistole would even suggest that existing “safety” studies conducted in this manner are legitimate is an insult to the intelligence of every American. And yet millions of Americans continue to comply with TSA’s unconstitutional use of these deadly machines, and willfully subject their bodies to blasts of carcinogenic ionizing radiation every day. Sources for this article include: http://www.propublica.org/article/tsa-puts-off-safety-study-of-x-ray-body-scanners

In ‘universal’ flu shot push, medical industry admits current flu shots are useless

(NaturalNews) The medical community is in the process of unveiling a “universal” influenza vaccine that it claims will prevent all flu strains with a single jab. The only problem is that, in the process, the system has inadvertently admitted that current flu shots are medically useless because they fail to target the correct flu strain in many cases, and they do not stimulate a natural flu-fighting immune response even when the strain is a match. A recent report by CBS 11 News in Dallas / Fort Worth explains that researchers from the University of Texas (UT) Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas have identified a compound they say spurs the growth of a key protein known as REDD-1, which prevents cells from becoming infected. By injecting this compound into patients, REDD-1 will increase, say the researchers, and thus effectively prevent any strain of flu from taking hold. But what about current flu vaccines? Dr. Beatrice Fontoura, one of the head researchers involved with the new universal flu shot, explained to CBS 11 that it works differently than current flu shots because it “stimulates our own (immune) response which is already there and boost[s] it to fight an infection.” In other words, flu shots being sold today at pharmacies across the country do not actually promote natural immunity at all, which begs an important question. If current flu shots do not boost the immune response, then what, exactly, are they good for? Not much, according to a recent study published in The Lancet . Though the mainstream media widely reported that the study’s findings showed an effectiveness rate of 60 percent for flu shots, actual data in the study reveal that flu shots help about 1.5 out of every 100 adults. This, of course, translates into a measly 1.5 percent effectiveness rate (http://www.naturalnews.com/033998_influenza_vaccines_effectiveness.html). And yet, for years, medical professionals everywhere have been hounding the public to get their flu shots or else face horrific sickness and even death. And those who continue to avoid the flu shot based on concerns about its safety and effectiveness have been routinely dubbed “anti-science,” or worse. Ironically, the CBS 11 piece about the universal flu shot also contains an interview with a woman who admits that she stopped getting the flu shot because it made her sick every single year. Once she stopped getting flu shots, she stopped getting the flu . So why, again, do we even need a universal flu shot? Sources for this article include: http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2011/11/04/north-texas-researchers-creating-ultimate-flu-shot/

Half of all hospital rooms contaminated with deadly superbugs

(NaturalNews) Many people still assume that hospitals are generally clean, sanitized places where harmful pathogens would have a difficult time surviving. But a new study published in the American Journal of Infection Control says otherwise, having found that nearly half of all hospital rooms tested were contaminated with a deadly, drug-resistant superbug known as Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-AB). For their study, researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine tested bed rails, tables, supply carts, door knobs, nurse call buttons, infusion pumps, various equipment touch pads, and floors for the bacteria. They found that in 48 percent of rooms tested, nearly 10 percent of surface samples contained MDR-AB. Leading the pack were cart handles, which were found to be contaminated 20 percent of the time. Floors around hospital beds were second, representing a 16 percent contamination rate. Following these were infusion pumps at 14 percent, ventilator touch pads at 11.4 percent, and bed rails at just over ten percent. “For patients with MDR-AB, the surrounding environment is frequently contaminated, even among patients with a remote history of MDR-AB,” said the researchers in their journal release. “In addition, surfaces often touched by health care workers during routine patient care are commonly contaminated and may be a source of (hospital-based) transmission. The results of this study are consistent with studies of other important hospital pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus and Clostridium difficile .” Because MDR-AB infections typically only take hold in people who are already ill or who have weakened immune systems, those admitted to hospitals have the highest risk of infection. In fact, a 2010 study published in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine found that 48,000 hospital patients die every year from infection with hospital superbugs (http://www.naturalnews.com/028441_superbugs_infections.html). But the solution is not to pump more drugs into patients with the hopes that they will somehow gain better protection from infection. On the contrary, boosting a patients immune systems naturally through improved nutrition and superfoods, for instance, is one way to help them stave off deadly infection. Another way is to disinfect hospitals naturally with things like copper solution, which has been shown to kill 97 percent of hospital superbugs, rather than conventional chemical solutions that are only increasing the prevalence and severity of existing superbugs (http://www.naturalnews.com/033398_superbugs_copper.html). Sources for this article include: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/boomer-health/articles/2011/11/02/hospital-rooms-crawling-with-drug-resistant-germs-study

Confront the coffee controversy

(NaturalNews) Just a couple of decades ago, quitting coffee was a prerequisite for establishing a healthy diet and adopting a healthier lifestyle. But gradually, several new research studies into coffee drinking have provided health benefits from drinking coffee. So now we have both positive and negative health effects from drinking coffee. Coffee benefits It’s not just the caffeine, but a synergistic combination of caffeine and an unnamed natural compound stimulate higher blood levels of GCSF (granulocyte colony stimulating factor), which protect the brain from dementia and degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. This conclusion was published in The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease , May/June 2011 from research by a team at the University of South Florida. Coffee drinkers also showed lower rates of diabetes and strokes. An American Heart Association’s journal, Stroke , published findings from a long term Swedish study involving 35,000 women. Dr. Susanna Larsson led this study from The Division of Nutritional Epidemiology at the Karolinska Institute’s National Institute of Environmental Medicine. The heaviest coffee consumption is commonly found in regions that are often overcast, drizzly, and dreary. The Pacific Northwest in America is a good example. Apparently coffee offers some protection against depression also. The protections against the diseases of concern noted in the studies were very substantial. Since coffee beans are loaded with antioxidants, coffee should be consumed without dairy, sugar, or artificial sweeteners. Sweetening with Stevia would be okay. Avoid flavored coffees. Of course, forget the standard pastries and cigarettes normally associated with drinking coffee. That could be what causes bad health more among coffee drinkers than just coffee. Organic black coffee with natural whole grain toast or pastries is a good way to have your java fix without adding items that minimize or neutralize coffee’s antioxidants. Coffee drawbacks Addiction, inability to fall asleep if consumed at night, and caffeine jitters are the most obvious downsides. Using decaffeinated coffee, which leaves just enough caffeine to combine with the mystery compound and antioxidants, has shown similar, albeit lesser, health benefits as regular coffee. Just make sure it’s decaffeinated with water or steam, not chemicals. Since caffeine is a diuretic, any kidney or bladder problems can be exacerbated. If not, beware of not replenishing eliminated liquid with purified water. Perhaps the worst ill effect of excess coffee drinking involves the adrenal glands. When we drink coffee, the adrenal glands are stimulated to produce adrenaline. This is part of the flight or fight syndrome. It is what causes irritability, especially since it also inhibits soothing serotonin. If coffee is consumed excessively too often and too long, one can experience Adrenal Fatigue, a malady that seems to be recognized by holistic medicine only. Adrenal Fatigue lowers cortisol production, making it very difficult to cope with stress. Read more here: http://www.naturalnews.com/024985_cortisol_blood_fatigue.html Clarifying coffee type confusions There are generally two basic types of beans sold widely, Arabica and Robusta. You’ll find Arabica beans in discriminating coffee shops and health food stores. Arabica beans offer richer flavor than Robusta beans, which are usually used in less expensive coffees. Organic coffee beans are easy to find nowadays. Types of roast vary from light to dark. Contrary to popular belief, dark roasted beans contain slightly less caffeine than lighter roasts . And espresso, commonly spelled incorrectly as expresso, does not depend on the level of roasting. Purists argue that only lever operated steam pressure machines make real espresso. And any roast can be used. You can enjoy your java without guilt if the positive exceeds the negative. Sources for this article include: http://www.liveinthenow.com/article/mystery-compound-in-coffee-protects-against-alzheimer%e2%80%99s?utm_source=san&utm_medium=newsflash&utm_content=a&utm_campaign=10_23_11 http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/coffee-good-bad/ http://longevity.about.com/od/lifelongnutrition/a/coffee_health.htm http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-coffee-beans.htm http://www.naturalnews.com/012352.html

Omega-3 fats from fish oil and supplements prevent and slow arthritis progression

(NaturalNews) Humans have been consuming omega-3 fats from natural fish, nut and seed sources for countless generations. Our core genetic structure depends on a regular supply of the long chain omega-3 fats EPA and DHA to form cell wall structures and perform millions of metabolic functions that we normally associate with vibrant health. Imbalance of omega-3 to omega-6 fats cause a surge in inflammatory cytokines that can lead to the painful and debilitating condition known as osteoarthritis. New research published in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage has shown for the first time that omega-3 fats supplied by fish oil could “substantially and significantly” reduce the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis as we age. Researchers from the University of Bristol in England tested the effect of omega-3 fats on a breed of guinea pigs that are genetically predisposed to develop arthritis. Guinea pigs were chosen for this study as they develop osteoarthritis in a similar manner to humans. Anecdotal reports over the years provide support for the beneficial effect of fish consumption on joint health. Dr. John Tarlton from the Matrix Biology Research Group and his team set out to confirm the impact of omega-3 fatty acids, either sourced from fish oil or flax oil, in preventing or slowing down the progression of osteoarthritis. Omega-3 Fat Supplementation Slashes Osteoarthritis Disease Progression by Half The team fed one group of guinea pigs a diet including full-spectrum omega-3 fats (EPA and DHA) and compared the results to a second control group of non-supplemented animals. Typical degradation of collagen in cartilage and the loss of molecules that give it shock-absorbing properties were both reduced in the omega-3 supplemented group. Researchers noted that omega-3 fats reduced disease by 50 per cent compared to the control group. Upon examination of the results, Dr. Tarlton explained: “there was strong evidence that omega-3 influences the biochemistry of the disease, and therefore not only helps prevent disease, but also slows its progression, potentially controlling established osteoarthritis.” This is a critical finding, as most people suffering from arthritis are prescribed a plethora of ineffective pain medications that dramatically increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease or of suffering a heart attack. Omega fat imbalance from a poor diet causes excessive joint inflammation and needless suffering. Researchers performing this study concluded “Most diets in the developed world are lacking in omega-3, with modern diets having up to 30 times too much omega-6 and too little omega-3. Taking omega-3 will help redress this imbalance and may positively contribute to a range of other health problems such as heart disease.” Many health-minded individuals will want to supplement with a molecularly distilled form of fish oil (minimum 1200 mg EPA/DHA content) each day to combat inflammation and osteoarthritis. Sources for this article include: http://www.oarsijournal.com/article/S1063-4584%2811%2900164-6/abstract http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017111600.htm http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-10/uob-ofa101711.php

Exposed: CDC deliberately manipulated, covered up scientific data showing link between vaccines containing mercury and autism

(NaturalNews) Deniers of the link between mercury-laden vaccines and autism are going to have a hard time denying the latest findings by the Coalition for Mercury-Free Drugs (CoMeD). The nonprofit group has obtained critical documents via a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request that exposes the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) role in deliberately lying about and manipulating a key Danish study that showed a clear link between vaccines containing mercury and autism. In 2003, the journal Pediatrics published a study conducted in Denmark that observed a significant decline in autism rates following the country’s elimination of Thimerosal, a mercury-based component, from vaccines. But thanks to the CDC’s corrupting influence, the published version of the study in Pediatrics actually claimed the opposite, and alleged that removal of Thimerosal brought about an increase in autism rates. According to the documents, CDC officials removed large amounts of data from the study that showed a decline in autism rates following the removal of Thimerosal. The agency then twisted the remaining data to imply an increase in autism rates following the removal of Thimerosal, and suggested that there was no link between Thimerosal and autism. Upon submission of the CDC’s tainted version of the study to Pediatrics , the study’s authors contacted CDC officials to let them know that the agency had incorrectly interpreted the data. They tried to tell the CDC that its figures and conclusions were wrong, and that corrections needed to be made. The CDC allegedly responded by saying that it would take a look at the incorrect data, but proceeded to submit the corrupted version of the study to Pediatrics anyway. After encouraging the editors of Pediatrics to perform an expedited review of the corrupted study, the CDC ended up convincing the journal to publish the fraudulent study, which it did in 2003. Now that this critical information has been officially released for the world to see, CoMeD is pressing the CDC to conduct a full criminal investigation into the matter, and make a formal declaration about whether or not scientific fraud was involved. CoMeD is also calling for a full, immediate retraction of the corrupted study from Pediatrics . “This should not be tolerated by those who are entrusted with our children’s health and well-being,” says Lisa Sykes, President of CoMeD. To learn more, visit: http://mercury-freedrugs.org/ Sources for this article include: http://www.anh-usa.org/cdc-mercury-in-vaccines/

Flaxseeds can reduce cholesterol and blood lipid levels

(NaturalNews) Folk stories had it that flaxseeds were blessed – that they could bring good fortune, restore health, and protect from the evil witchery. Nowadays, it’s really no different. Bringing flaxseeds into your diet will definitely bring you good fortune, restore health, and protect you from the evils that your own body can produce. There is a little gender-related controversy regarding the lowering of cholesterol levels via flaxseed consumption. In a study conducted by ISU professor Suzanne Hendrich of Iowa State University’s Nutrition and Wellness Research Center (NWRC), it was found that men’s cholesterol levels can fall much faster than that of a woman’s, upon the consumption of about 150 milligrams of flaxseeds (about three tablespoons) a day. The study, which included 90 people of both genders, took place over a span of three months and looked at patients that all had high levels of cholesterol but no other underlying health-related conditions. According to Professor Hendrich, it is the flaxseed ‘lignans’ – a plant-based chemical compound group known for its protective health properties – that is responsible for helping lower cholesterol levels. “There are certainly some people who would prefer not to use a drug,” Hendrich says, “but rather use foods to maintain their health. This potentially would be something to consider.” Hendrich believes that where men in particular are concerned, the properties in flaxseeds make it a wonderful natural, long-term alternative for those who would rather opt for nature than drugs. This doesn’t mean that women should despair however. In another significant study conducted, women who added as little as 50 grams of ground flaxseed to their daily diets for four weeks were shown to have lowered LDL (bad) cholesterol levels by 18%, without touching the HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Gene Bruno, Dean of Academics at Huntington College of Health Sciences, wrote in his 2008 article that flaxseed research has also shown major serum lipid level reduction by about 8% – an effect traditionally achieved through the consumption of fish oils. In another study involving only female volunteers and the consumption of 50 grams of flaxseed for a month, serum lipid levels went down by about 9%. Bruno also states that the lignans in flaxseeds have been found to possess anti-platelet activating properties – essential in preventing platelets in the bloodstream from clumping, rupturing, and creating harmful clots that can lead to heart-attacks and strokes, making flaxseed a premium health option. Adding flaxseeds to your daily diet is not only highly beneficial for your health, but also very easy. Sprinkling a spoon or two of either whole or ground flaxseeds daily on your food will give you not only a good dose of omega-3 fats, but also both soluble and insoluble fiber – as well as will regulate your cholesterol levels. Sources for this article include: http://www.naturalhealthresearch.org/nhri/?p=1748 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100326101121.htm http://101foodsthatcouldsaveyourlife.answerstv.com/AnswersTV/Channel.aspx?ChannelID=3c3bc78b-913f-4c2c-b250-4b4f8885411d About the author Raw Michelle is a natural health blogger and researcher, sharing her passions with others, using the Internet as her medium. She discusses topics in a straight forward way in hopes to help people from all walks of life achieve optimal health and well-being. She has authored and published hundreds of articles on topics such as the raw food diet and green living in general. In 2010, Michelle created RawFoodHealthWatch.com , to share with people her approach to the raw food diet and detoxification.

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