Artichoke Promotes Healthy Fat Digestion and Metabolism

In discussing the health benefits of the artichoke, and the way it promotes healthy fat digestion and metabolism, we are talking here about the true artichoke: the globe artichoke. The alternative Jerusalem artichoke is not an artichoke at all, but a member of the sunflower family. The globe artichoke is a type of thistle.It is in fact a perennial thistle that originated in the Mediterranean area and is now cultivated world wide. The edible portions are the lower parts of the bracts and the base of the buds, known as the heart while the inedible portion in the center of the bud is known as the ‘choke’. Globe artichokes were introduced to the USA in the 19th century by French and Spanish immigrants who settled in Louisiana and California respectively. Contrary to popular opinion its name did not come from the ‘heart’ and the ‘choke’, but from the Arabic for ground thorn: ‘ardi shauki’.In today’s world of fast foods, a high consumption of fats and red meat and excessive alcohol consumption, your liver is put under a great strain. Its main function is as a chemical factory, to produce the chemicals, such as enzymes and other proteins, needed to maintain life and also to metabolise the nutrients we need from the food we eat. If you overtax your liver it will not work as it should, which results in poor digestion and assimilation of the nutrients in your food and an increase in the toxins in your blood.You will feel tired and run down, with digestion problems and many other health complaints. Liver abuse can result in malnutrition, which also results in cirrhosis which is not curable. You should seriously appraise your diet, and identify the eating and drinking habits that are causing the problem, and give your liver a rest. Artichoke extract is a great liver tonic, and your liver will respond well to a break from alcohol and fatty foods, and a course of artichoke leaves and extract. The main active ingredient of the artichoke is cynarine (1,5-dicaffeylquinic acid), a substance that stimulates the production of bile, and hence renders the artichoke an excellent starter for any meal. This is yet another example of science finding a logical reason for people eating artichokes for centuries in order to promote the health of their liver and digestive system. It is not only for its cynarine content that the globe artichoke is useful, however, but also the luteolin and chlorogenic acids that it contains.The stimulation of bile production by the cynarine is one the more important of the effects of artichoke on your well being. Bile emulsifies fats and renders them into an easily digested form. Most of the digestive chemicals are water soluble, and without this emulsification of the fat with water then most of the fats we consume would pass through the body unchanged. We would the vats majority of the fat soluble nutrients in our food, including vitamins A, D, E and K. Bile enables us to digest fats and to absorb vitamins from our food, and also promotes the general health of our digestive system. It is biosynthesized in the liver from various enzymes and triglycerides and then stored in the gall bladder until needed. Its use is prompted by the presence of fats in the system, and this is stimulated by the cynarine in the artichoke leaves. Its ability to improve bile flow has been recognized by scientist’s world wide, and artichoke juice has been used by the French for many years as a liver tonic. However, it is not just for the liver and the digestive system that artichokes are useful in maintaining good health. They also have an effect on the cholesterol levels in your blood. This is believed to be due to the inhibition of the activity of enzyme HMG CoA Reductase that helps the liver to generate cholesterol. Inhibiting the activity of this enzyme reduces the amount of cholesterol produced.This can have the effect of reduced the possibility of you developing atherosclerosis, a condition caused by deposition of low density lipid (LDL) cholesterol through the effect of free radical oxidation of the lipid. The less cholesterol to be transported by your blood, then the lower levels of the low density lipid needed to do this. This effect is also possibly due to the fact that bile is formed from cholesterol and triglycerides, and so stimulated bile production would possibly leave less cholesterol in the bloodstream.Artichoke also possesses antioxidant properties that would contribute even further to this effect by preventing the oxidation of the LDL by free radicals. These free radicals, formed in the body both naturally and by the effects of pollutants such as pesticides, cigarette smoke and traffic fumes, are destroyed by antioxidants. In atherosclerosis the LDL lipids are oxidised and deposited under the surface cells of the blood vessels, and are then digested by certain blood cells forming a hard fatty deposit that can eventually block the arteries affected.The result can be a heart attack or a stroke, depending on where in the body the blood vessels are affected, and if the cholesterol levels in the body are decreased through it being used to produce bile, then the concentration of LDL lipids used to transport it will also be reduced and the condition will be less likely to occur.. Apart from the liver, the gall bladder is also given a boost by artichoke because that is where bile is stored, and a regular flow to and from the gall bladder maintains its health. The only thing you should be aware of if is that if you are prone to gallstones then the increase in bile flow could cause the stones to be stuck in the bile duct. You should therefore refer to your physician before embarking on a course of artichoke extract if you have a propensity to develop gallstones. Apart from the phytonutrients already discussed, the globe artichoke also contains a good supply of fiber and minerals such as potassium, iron, calcium and phosphorus, and also some trace elements that your body needs. It is therefore more than just a bile stimulant, but provides a wide range off essential nutrition to your body. It is know to aid conditions such as gout, high blood sugar, and digestive complaints such as flatulence, bloating and abdominal cramps. Apart from cooking and eating the tender parts of the leaves, or bracts, you can make an infusion of the parts that you don’t eat. Chop up the tougher leaves and pour boiling water over them as if making tea. Leave it to infuse for a few minutes and then drink. Honey can be used to take away the bitter taste; honey rather than sugar due to its greater nutritional content.

Beware of the Claimer of Souls

Beware of appetite and don’t debase yourselves because of it. Be temperate in what you eat and in what you drink or become a glutton and a drunkard. Gluttony and drunkenness numbs the moral sensibility to such an extent that crime and wickedness becomes a delight. Good principles no longer exist as a result of eating and drinking to excess.

Ask yourselves these questions: am I a slave to appetite? Am I loosing my moral standing because of it? Am I able to say “no” to my friends, family, and partner when encouraged to indulge in food, drink, sex, drugs and cigarettes? Just take a little time and reflect on your life. If after pondering on your life you find that the questions above relates to you, then, you need to put the lid on your life with the words “NO ENTRY” and protect yourself from the jackals or forfeit your health.

However, can you change your body into a new body when it is wreck with disease? Is not prevention better than cure? And yes, indeed, the body can take a lot of abuse before it breaks down. But one day it will say “enough is enough I cannot carry on any longer. I tried keeping you in good health but you just kept abusing and abusing me and now I am afraid you have to pay the price; sorry guys, I did warn you”!

Furthermore, a story was told of a man who abused his body in order to gain wealth. For example, when the man got his wages he placed most of it into his Bank Account. He said to himself and to others that after ten years that he would be a rich man, then, he would eat and drink and have a good time. But little did the man know that he would die with malnutrition long before he got rich. After his death his family (brother and sisters) inherited all his wealth and squandered it. They had no respect for his money because they always encouraged him to stop abusing his body but he did not listen to their counsel. We can see here how intemperate one can be, we either don’t do enough or we do too much.

Did you Know?

Did you know onions have been regarded as a cure for many ailments? There is evidence that they reduce cholesterol and help to clear colds.

Did you also know that a sprig of parsley is an excellent breath freshener and also a source of vitamin A and iron?

Did you know that one portion of fresh broccoli (100gr/4oz) provides vitamin C (just over half the recommended daily intake) and also provides vitamin B and iron?

Did you know that eating, drinking and clothes carried to the extreme are a crime and a sign of last day events?

And did you know that irregularity in eating, drinking, and the way we dress, depraves the mind and corrupts the heart and brings the noble attributes of the soul in slavery to the animal passions.

Did you know that perverted appetite reduces ones vitality, bringing suffering and decay?

Because intemperance in eating and in drinking numbs ones sensibilities, sacred things have been placed on a level with common things? Once again, ask yourself this question: am I a slave to gluttonous appetite?

Remember that there is danger in eating and drinking: beware, restrain, and deny unnatural appetite. Remember also, that if you create a perverted appetite you violate the laws of your being, bringing disease and suffering to it.

Copyright 2006 Words of Life and Health

REMEDIES FOR REMEMBERING: NATURAL WAYS TO COPE WITH AMNESIA

Is amnesia for real? Yes, but it’s much different than the temporary, short-term memory loss which is quite common and we all experience from time to time. Amnesia refers to a persistent, profound loss of recall and is much more serious than simply forgetting where you put your keys. What causes amnesia? The degeneration and permanent loss of brain cells. Reasons for the cell loss vary. Aging, malnutrition or vitamin deficiency, stroke, head trauma, and dementia are among the physical culprits leading to amnesia, but genetics and psychological factors often figure into the causation equation as well. What are the symptoms of amnesia? The primary symptom is memory loss. Some sufferers experience only partial loss of recall, while others are stricken with a complete erasure of memory. Secondary symptoms such as language-related issues, and inability to sense danger result from the patient’s lack of memory. Similar to Alzheimer’s disease, amnesia progresses gradually, but can eventually lead to loss of identity and inability to live independently. Are there different types of amnesia? Yes, amnesia can be characterized in several different ways: RETROGRADE AMNESIA patients are unable to recall events that have happened in the past (before the onset of amnesia), but can typically make new memories moving forward. ANTEROGRADE ANISEED sufferers lose the ability to retain short-term memories. As a result, they forget events soon after they occur. One cause of anterograde amnesia is the excessive use of alcohol. DISSOCIATIVE AMNESIA can occur when an individual has experienced a psychological trauma, and subconsciously copes with the incident by dissociating from the painful event. TRANSIENT GLOBAL AMNESIA or TGA occurs after a period of reduced blood supply to the brain. In most patients, TGA happens suddenly and typically lasts for less than 24 hours. How is amnesia treated? Cognitive therapies enable patients to regain lost skills and possibly prevent further loss of brain cells and memory. Several natural remedies can also aid in improving memory and preventing further loss of recall. ALMONDS enhancement memory. To utilize the benefits, soak 10 to 12 nuts overnight, remove the skin and create a paste to be consumed every morning. Or, inhale approximately 15 drops of pure almond oil through the nose on a daily basis. APPLES are rich in iron, phosphorus, potassium and vitamin B1 — all components that assist in brain-cell recovery. So, to prevent and treat memory loss, eat an apple a day. ROSEMARY has long been used in treating problems of the nervous system, too. The daily intake of rosemary tea maintains freshness and alertness of mind.

Hair Loss Myths That Spreads

There are a lot of myths regarding the different causes of baldness. Some of these myths are as follows: %26bull; Bald men are more virile %26ndash; it is believed that bald men are more sexually active than others. Men suffering from androgenic alopecia have higher odds of having a higher baseline of free androgens that are said to have an effect on virility. The reality is, androgenic profile is not the only influential factor in baldness. %26bull; Frequent ejaculation may cause excessive hair loss. This is often viewed with cynicism because there is no scientific proof on this theory %26bull; Baldness is alleviated by standing on your head. Again, no scientific proof %26bull; Tight hats usually cause baldness. Hats may cause hair breakage and split ends but not necessarily balding. Besides if one feels the pulling of tight hats, he will surely stop using it and would stop further hair damage. %26bull; Baldness is genetically linked to your maternal grandfather. Results of research show that a man with balding father may also have a big chance of having hair loss. So both sides can be contributory. %26bull; Bald men are more intelligent than others. It is believed in the ancient world that if a man was bald, he may have sufficient amount of fat in his diet so as his mental growth not stunted by malnutrition. This may not be true in the modern world because dietary fat content is not associated to economic class. But it is still simply believed that just like wisdom, baldness is likely to correlate with age and experience Amidst these myths, it is better to deal baldness with hair replacement. It would truly conceal patches of hair loss and perhaps, it would stop people from trying to figure out the myths that relates to baldness.

Determine Whether Vitamin A Enhances Immune Response

Several approaches have been taken in an attempt to determine whether Vitamin A supplementation enhances immune response and resistance or recovery from infection. In some investigations, researchers have attempted to correlate plasma concentrations of beta-carotene or retinol with immune response or susceptibility to infection. One limitation of this approach is related to the fact that plasma concentrations may have depressed plasma retinol levels as a result of disease. Therefore, it is not possible to establish whether low plasma retinol levels resulted in suppressed immune response or if plasma retinol levels decreased in response to disease or infection. Another approach used is to supplement the diet with retinol precursors and examine immune response at a later time point. This approach may be useful in examining the particular aspects of immunity that may be altered by supplementation, but additional studies are necessary to determine whether these effects have clinical significance in terms of disease outcome. Vitamin A has been fairly well studied in terms of its immunomodulatory effects, and we will review the evidence from randomized controlled trials as well as potential mechanisms of action. Vitamin A supplementation may afford some protection from infection in malnourished individuals, but the potential benefits of supplementation in normal wellnourished individuals remain to be established. There is evidence from several studies that suggests that vitamin A deficiency is associated with depressed immune function and an impaired response to influenza infection. Supplementation of vitamin A is associated with a reduction of mortality and morbidity among certain populations. It appears that populations suffering from malnutrition may benefit from adequate or additional vitamin A supplementation. However, it is less clear if normal, healthy, well-nourished individuals will benefit from additional supplementation with respect to enhanced immunity. The results from several studies involving beta-carotene supplementation in the diet of healthy individuals suggest that certain aspects of innate immunity, such as NK cytotoxicity and monocyte production of the cytokine TNFcx, are enhanced. It appears that lymphocyte subsets or the lymphocyte response to mitogens are not altered. In addition, one study of healthy older individuals found that vitamin A supplementation was associated with a reduction in the number of T lymphocytes. Whether these observed changes of immune function in response to supplementation actually result in reduced susceptibility to infection in healthy individuals is not well established. The results from one study demonstrated no association between vitamin A supplementation and incidence of bacterial infection. we are not aware of any long-term, randomized clinical trials that have evaluated the incidence of viral infection in response to supplementation with vitamin A alone. However, several studies have examined the possibility that supplementation with several multivitamins and or trace elements such as zinc, may alter susceptibility to infection. In general, the findings from these studies show no protection from infection in association with vitamin intake, but a slight decrease in the incidence of infection in those individuals consuming supplemental trace elements such as zinc and selenium. At this time, the potential benefits of vitamin A supplementation for healthy well-nourished individuals regarding susceptibility to infection remain to be established. A high beta-carotene intake has also been associated with a reduced risk of cancer. Earlier epidemiological studies suggested a high natural (fruits and vegetables) intake of beta-carotene was associated with reduced risk of cancer. However, more recent studies have not observed any benefit of beta-carotene intake on incidence of cancer and two studies actually observed an increased incidence of lung cancer in those participants consuming beta-carotene supplements. The presence of other carotenoids in fruits and vegetables has been suggested to be the protective factor in regards to cancer incidence in the early epidemiological studies based on the findings from these recent studies, dietary supplementation with high doses of synthetic beta-carotene may be contraindicated for smokers. As a reminder, it has been known for some time that a high intake of vitamin A results in adverse effects (neurologic, dermatologic, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, birth defects) and the results from the most recent studies suggest a potential risk of high doses of synthetic beta-carotene in certain populations. At this time it is probably safest to follow the National Cancer Institute recommendations that suggest five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Immune Effects and Exercise We are currently aware of only one study that has examined whether vitamin A supplementation is associated with a reduced incidence of infection in athletes. Several studies have shown that the risk of upper respiratory infection is increased following competition in marathons or ultramarathons However, vitamin A supplementation before marathon competition did not reduce the incidence of infection in the postrace period. Therefore, to our knowledge, vitamin A supplementation has not been associated with enhanced resistance to infection in healthy athletes.

Everything You Need To Know About Vitamin B1

Vitamin B1 is also known as thiamine. This water-soluble vitamin is an important part of the diet. Without vitamin B1 in the diet, the beriberi disease may result. Although this condition is relatively rare these days, this condition is known for causing a person to become painfully rigid, cause debility and develop lesions on the nerves.Thiamine was discovered in 1910 in Japan following research on how rice bran was able to cure people of the beriberi disease. Thiamine was first isolated in its pure form in 1926. It was synthesized ten years later in 1936. Thiamine plays a huge role in carbohydrate metabolism, which is important so that the body can utilize carbohydrates properly.Thiamine is important for the nervous system and is very important for enzymes functioning properly. These enzymes have very important roles in the body, such as specific types of nerve signals that run from the spinal cord to the brain. Additionally, vitamin B1 is important in processing fats, proteins and carbohydrates. For each cell, thiamine is used to make adenosine triphosphate, which is a very important part in fueling the body with energy. The heart also utilizes thiamine extensively and is necessary for the heart to keep its constant pumping action.Deficiency of thiamine is very important to avoid. For one, it can cause a very debilitating disease. The disease was very prevalent in sailors in the 19th century, similar to the prevalence of scurvy. Like those who developed scurvy, the deficiency occurred because the sailors did not have access to the proper foods that were a source of thiamine.Thiamine deficiency is often found in those individuals who suffer from alcoholism, malnutrition, and foods that have an anti-thiamine factor. Foods that have this factor include tea and coffee. It is also believed that many people with diabetes also suffer from a deficiency.There is a variety of sources for thiamine today and it can be found in a variety of different foods including: * Spinach * Peas * Liver * Beef * Pork * Navy beans * Pinto beans * Soybeans * Whole grains * Breads * Yeast * Legumes * Goji Berries * Unpolished riceThe recommended daily allowance is 1.4 mg. It is also believed that a dosage of 50 mg is able to increase a person’s mental acuity.

What Hair Loss Solution is Right for Me?

Some people choose to shave their heads voluntarily, and look great without hair. But for most of us, losing hair can be a complete shock which can lead to depression, and low self esteem and self confidence.There are many reasons that you can lose your hair, and it is important to know what your reason is before a solution can be found. Men often lose their hair due to male pattern baldness, disease or illness. Women can lose their hair due to malnutrition, or after pregnancy.Many hair loss solutions exist for those seeking them, often approved by the FDA. One recently approved pill, taken daily, can help to prevent male pattern baldness. It has been effective for many men. It is important to start hair loss treatment at the first sign of losing your hair, in order to retain as much hair as possible. There are medications which may help you to regrow your hair as well, but these claims have not been tested.Many Glad for Hair Loss SolutionFinding the right hair loss solution for you may involve a trip to the doctor. Many cases of hair loss are unique and it can help you to find the best solution for you. Anytime you are faced with sudden massive hair loss, always visit your doctor.At your doctor%26rsquo;s office, tests can be performed to make sure that your hair loss hasn%26rsquo;t been caused by malnutrition or an illness. They can also suggest supplements and vitamins to help your hair to grow stronger and more healthily.Some hair loss can be caused by stress, which can be stopped by relaxation techniques. Other hair loss may be the result of the treatments or products you use in your hair, and can be stopped without medical intervention.

Trying To Find The Causes For Autism

Many parents hope that in finding a source of autism, this disorder can be cured or prevented. Unfortunately, scientists have yet to find one single reason why children develop autism. It is possible that someday autism will be linked to a specific gene abnormality, but the more likely source is not one thing, but a number of factors in a child’s world. Autism cannot be prevented or cured, so the best we can do to help autistic children and adults is be understanding and willing to compromise to make the world comfortable for them and ourselves. First off, there are certain things that do not cause autism, and these myths should be laid to rest immediately. Most importantly, bad parenting does not cause autism. In the past, mothers were blamed for traumatizing their children with cold parenting techniques, which was thought to lead to autism. This is simple not true. Autism is also not caused by malnutrition, although food allergies occur in my autistic children and some autistic children do benefit from taking daily vitamins. There are many links between autism and the brain. Most people with autism have larger brains and they are “wired” differently than a typical brain. Differences occur in many parts of the brain, so it cannot be targeted to one specific brain malfunction overall, but rather a brain malfunction in general. Autistic children also show signs of an immune deficiency. Evidence in this study is not yet strong, but research is still being done. Many autistic individuals have other health problems related to immune deficiencies. Overall, these things all seem to point to genetics. Although autism is not the parents’ fault, it is most likely that autism was found elsewhere on your family tree, and it is not uncommon for parents to raise more than one autistic child. Autism may also be linked to vaccinations, although this is still being highly studied. The benefits of vaccinations greatly outweigh the risks of them causing autism, so you should not deprive your child simply because you are fearful. Talk to you doctor if you have concerns about vaccinations. Nobody knows what causes autism. Therefore, we can do nothing to prevent and cure it, but rather we can simply treat the autistic people in our lives with the best of our ability. Becoming educated in autism is the key-the more you know about the disorder, the better you can help individuals who suffer from it. Autism is a complex problem, and as researchers develop new understandings of the way it affects the body, better treatment options will become available, with the hope that someday we will be able to cure this disease.

Fat Loss Programs and Frequently Asked Questions

Once you start a fat loss program, there are various questions that may arise in your mind. Two very common questions that comes to almost every fat person who concerned about losing their extra fat are - In how many days will all my excess weight be reduced? In how many days will my body become proportionate? There are some true facts that we all should know before proceeding to main topic. Many people do not care for their body for a number of years and allows fat to accumulate. Then suddenly, they get impatient and want to get rid of those layers of fat overnight. They are generally not interested in reducing 4 to 5 kg in a month. They want to achieve a miracle of reducing 8 to 10 kg in a month! The first thing that we have to bear in mind is that we have to discard only the excess fat from our body and protect other useful cells of the body and not become a victim of malnutrition.It is indeed very difficult to give an accurate estimate of the exact rate of weight-reduction. In some cases, in the beginning, the amount of water and fluids in the body goes down quickly and therefore it appears that the weight is reducing fast. But after 3 or 4 days the rate of weight-reduction decreases. The balance of the mineral sodium in the body also affects the rate of weight-reduction. Generally the carbohydrates keep under check, the process of elimination of sodium from the body. During the course of dieting, as the carbohydrate intake decreases, the sodium begins to get eliminated from the body. Along with itself, sodium eliminates water from the body and consequently there is a weight loss. But afterwards when the elimination of sodium decreases, the rate of weight reduction also decreases.In short, the high rate of fat loss in the beginning is illusive. It slows down afterwards. However, this slow rate is maintained afterwards.We must bear in mind that fat has not to be reduced for some immediate or short term gain. Proper weight is a life time necessity and therefore maintaining the reduced weight is more important than the rate of reducing to weight.

Let’s Look At Nutritional Supplements

Nutritional supplements come from the relationship between humans and plants that was willful by a scientist in early 1900’s China. Conditions in China at that time we shaky at best and people were given military stores to survive on during that time. One individual, Carl Rehnborg, for some deduce, had the forsight to know that if bury based compounds were eliminated from the diet there would be consequences. This speculation was proven who town dwellers emerged in indigent vigor and the poorer populations in the rural areas didn’t. It was in these areas the people we able to do what they’ve evermore done; grow their own innate foods. They also avoided the sugars, fats, and salts that the crowd stores enclosed. The incidence of disease and malnutrition in the cities was no cooncidence. On his habitual to the United States set up a laboratory and began experimenting with combining important stand based nutrients into a dried encapsulated form while maintaining the nutritional profit of the stand compounds. That idea launched a revolution in nutritional supplementation that is really important especially in today’s souk place. We now, especially in the United States where food growers are more troubled with quantity than condition, have a want for such nutritional supplementation. Disease duty today was skyrocketing and we look to not even remark. This is the command answer of our corporate farming practices of fertilization/pesticide use, the absense of crop rotation, allowing soils to lean, upward amalgam and genetically tailored foods etc… The rapidly and processed foods diligence is uniformly liable. You just can’t get the nutritional weapons needed to permit the daily healing and rebuilding of the creature body with the non-nutrient dense foods that are available. Mix in the view of abstain foods and processed foods and we are in the median of a ruin. We have only one of two choiced to tool from. First you must put yourself on a drinking procedure of natural foods from different sources. Organic food consumption isn’t necessarily a warranty in terms of nutritional worth and security. The cultivate raised salmon we eat today is not different. Nutrient wanting. The vital Omega 3 oily acids in farm raised salmon have been bargain so much due to dog food being substituted for the native salmon diet. There are other habits to acquire the Omega 3 fatty acids in workshop and oils but it is much more convenient and austere to consume a high property nutritional supplement to ensure limit effectiveness. So the statement is this: If you are one of those people who have affirmed that you take no vitamins and don’t basic any, you may find yourself walking down the vomiting and disease lane closer than you think. No person could get away with depriving the body of natures healing nutrients forever. Disease doesn’t happen acutely or, because there is a need of symptom stomping drugs in the body. This is a result of nutrient deprivation for days or decades. The human body is genetically designed to live 120 days fault open before a shutdown string begins. If you want to make it to 100 wellbeing and well productive living don’t pause. Waste no time in regaining your fitness with a well rounded nutritional supplement immediately.