anti-inflammatory foods Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Indian Spice Cuts Dementia Risk by 40%

The AHA! Team — Mon, 13 May 2024 08:01:26 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – By age 60, you have a 50/50 chance of having a clinically enlarged prostate. And it only gets worse every year. When your prostate isn’t functioning properly, it’s hard to enjoy life. There is a new study from Harvard University that demonstrates the power of special plant compounds called flavonoids. It reinforces the advice I’ve been giving my patients for more than 30 years… Increasing your intake of specific nutrients can head off – and even reverse – early signs of memory loss. The Harvard researchers came to this conclusion after tracking the dietary habits and cognitive outcomes of 78,000 study participants for 20 years. They found that those with a high intake of certain flavonoids were almost 40% less likely to experience cognitive decline.1 While it’s not entirely clear how flavonoids protect your memories, researchers believe the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of these plant metabolites are in play. But what is clear is that dementia and other forms of cognitive decline are not due to the “Alzheimer’s gene” (APOE-e4) or any other aspect of your DNA. It’s another strong indication genes aren’t to blame for the 110% increase in Alzheimer’s that’s projected to happen by 2050. As a regular reader, you know Big Agra’s endless production of processed carbs is the key cause of Alzheimer’s. Our bodies simply weren’t designed for the industrial, grain-based foods modern humans eat. This starchy diet touches off an inevitable cascade of insulin resistance, inflammation, weight gain, and cellular damage. And it’s one reason a growing number of researchers are beginning to refer to Alzheimer’s as “type 3 diabetes.”2 But I see a bright side to the Harvard study. It supports the message I’ve been sharing with my patients for years now… With the right nutrients, you CAN protect yourself from this terrible disease. Why Your Brain Wants You to “Eat the Rainbow” I encourage my patients to “eat the rainbow.” Flavonoids give fruits and vegetables their bright, rainbow-like colors. Think of red and green peppers, purple grapes, blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, carrots, oranges, grapefruit, and so forth. Other food sources of flavonoids include onions, celery, artichokes, and broccoli – as well as spices like parsley and oregano. But given the increasingly alien environment we live in, there’s one brain-protective flavonoid that stands above the rest. And I recommend all my patients include it in their diet. I’m talking about curcumin. Curcumin is the bright compound that gives turmeric it’s unique golden color. Studies show it contributes to significant memory improvement and stronger cognitive function. Turmeric is the ingredient that gives curry its savory, earthy taste. It’s a member of the ginger family. Some researchers believe the heavy curry consumption in rural India explains the low incidence of dementia there. It’s only about a third of the rate seen in Europe and the United States.3 Protect Your Brain with Indian Curry My family loves to make curry. Here’s one of our favorite recipes: Ingredients: 1 teaspoon coconut oil 4 boneless chicken thighs, cut into small pieces 2 cups diced yellow onion 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons fresh ginger 6 two-inches pieces of fresh turmeric root, peeled and grated 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1 can (13.6) ounces of coconut milk 1 cup chicken stock 1/2 teaspoon garam masala 4 cups cubed butternut squash 1 tablespoon lime juice Instructions: Sauté chicken in coconut oil until cooked, then remove and set aside. Sauté the onion until it begins to soften. Then add ginger and garlic. Add remaining spices and cook for about 30 seconds. Add the butternut squash, coconut milk, and broth. Simmer for 15 minutes. Add salt to taste along with freshly squeezed lime juice. Add chicken and serve. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS References: 1. Yeh, Tian-Shin, et al. “Long-term dietary flavonoid intake and subjective cognitive decline in US men and women.” Neurology. 2021 Sept;97(10):e1041 – e1056. 2. de la Monte S, and Wands R. “Alzheimer’s disease is type 3 diabetes: Evidence reviewed.” J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2008 Nov; 2(6): 1101–1113. 3. Chandra V, et al. “Incidence of Alzheimer’s disease in a rural community in India: The Indo-US Study.” Neurology. 2001 Sep 25;57(6):985-9. To read the original article click here.

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How to Lower Blood Pressure: 5 Natural Ways

AHA Publisher — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 08:00:52 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – Studies over the past 20 years have shown that the majority of people in economic developing countries have blood pressure numbers that are higher than they should be, with many experiencing high blood pressure. (1) In fact, there are millions of people all over the world who are struggling with high blood pressure symptoms, or hypertension. As of 2008, the prevalence of elevated blood pressure among adults over 25 years old was about 40 percent worldwide. Approximately 75 million American adults — that’s 32 percent, or 1 in every 3 adults — suffer from high blood pressure. (2) What Is Blood Pressure? Blood pressure is a combination of systolic and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure represents blood force, or pressure, while the heart is beating and diastolic pressure stands for blood pressure when the heart is at rest. Systolic pressure is always the first or top measurement in a blood pressure reading. In a reading of 130/80, 130 represents systolic pressure and 80 represents diastolic pressure. In prehypertension, systolic numbers range from 120–129 and diastolic numbers are less than 80. Blood pressure ranges include:(3) Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg Prehypertension: Systolic between 120–129 and diastolic less than 80 Stage 1 high blood pressure: Systolic between 130–139 or diastolic between 80–89 Stage 2 high blood pressure: Systolic at least 140 or diastolic at least 90 mm Hg Numbers for stage 1 hypertension vary from 130–139 for systolic values and/or 80–89 in diastolic numbers. With stage 2 hypertension, systolic readings are 140 or higher and/or diastolic readings measure 90 or higher. Although both numbers are significant, after about age 50, the systolic number is most important. Only 10 percent of high blood pressure cases are due to secondary or identifiable causes such as medications, or conditions and diseases of other organs. (4) High blood pressure happens when the pressure on the arteries and blood vessels becomes too high and the arterial wall becomes distorted causing extra stress on the heart. Long term-high blood pressure increases the risk of stroke, heart attack and diabetes. Most Americans don’t even realize they have high blood pressure until serious problems arise. Results of high blood pressure include:(5) Arterial damage Aneurysm Heart failure Blocked or ruptured blood vessels Reduced kidney function Vision loss Loss of cognitive function: concentration, memory and ability to learn Metabolic syndrome: a cluster of metabolic disorders such as high cholesterol and insulin, atherosclerosis and increased waist size Frequently, there are no symptoms as blood pressure increases, but warning signs for very high blood pressure can include chest pains, confusion, headaches, ear noise or buzzing, irregular heartbeat, nosebleeds, tiredness or vision changes. Causes of high blood pressure include:(6) (7) A high-salt diet Emotional stress Alcohol Caffeine Smoking Obesity Inactivity Birth control pills Heavy-metal poisoning How to Monitor Your Blood Pressure You can monitor your own blood pressure at home using a home blood pressure monitor. The American Heart Association recommends using an automatic, cuff-style bicep monitor. Make sure you buy a monitor that has been validated and with a cuff that fits properly around your upper arm. Then follow these simple steps: (8) Don’t exercise, eat, drink caffeinated beverages, or smoke within 30 minutes of measuring your blood pressure. Sit still with your back straight and your feet flat on the floor. Follow your monitor’s instructions or ask your doctor how to use it correctly. Make sure you check your blood pressure at the same time each day. Check your blood pressure two or three times each time you sit down to measure it. Wait one minute in between each reading. Be sure to track your measurements, either writing them down in a journal or using an online tracker. You may be wondering how to lower blood pressure. Below are my top natural ways to lower blood pressure, and by the way, it should happen fast! Some plans can take months to see results. With my tips, some of which revolve around anti-inflammatory foods, you can see results in just one day. How to Lower Blood Pressure: 5 Natural Ways So, what are some natural ways to lower blood pressure? There are foods that reduce blood pressure, as well as supplements to lower blood pressure and lifestyle changes you can make. These high blood pressure home remedies are pretty easy to incorporate into your life. By slowly making these changes to your daily habits, you can create new, healthier routines and a much healthier you. 1. Eat a Mediterranean-style diet Thanks to foods such as olives and flax seeds, Mediterranean diets are very high in fruits, vegetables, sea foods and healthy omega-3 rich fat oils. A grain-free or a low-grain Mediterranean diet, naturally abundant with omega-3 foods, is ideal. Some of the top foods you want in your Mediterranean diet are olive oil, flax seeds, wild-caught fish (especially salmon) and a lot of fruits and vegetables, all of which will help lower your blood pressure naturally. 2. Start taking a fish oil supplement (1,000-2,000 mg daily) One of the main causes of high blood pressure is inflammation in the arteries over time. Study after study has shown consuming fish oil, which is high in EPA and DHA forms of omega-3 fatty acids, reduces inflammation in the body. So, taking a high quality, 1,000 milligram fish oil dose every single day with your meals is one of the best natural ways to lower blood pressure. 3. Use magnesium to loosen things up (500 mg before bed) The mineral magnesium is great because it helps relax your blood vessels and can have an immediate impact on naturally lowering blood pressure (and many people have a magnesium deficiency). So should you take magnesium supplements? Yes, and 500 milligrams daily is a great dose to start with to address your blood pressure issues. 4. Pump up your potassium An essential element, potassium — and high-potassium foods such as avocado and melon — helps counteract the effects of sodium and guard against hypertension. Some of the best potassium-rich foods include coconut water and bananas. Coconut water is a great choice if you want something a little bit sweet to drink throughout the day. Another delicious way to overcome potentially low potassium levels and naturally lower your blood pressure is to use coconut water as the liquid base for your superfood smoothie in the morning. Interestingly, potassium supplements are usually not as effective as simply eating foods high in potassium. It’s best not to take a potassium supplement in high doses unless otherwise directed by a doctor. 5. Maintain balance with CoQ10 Coenzyme Q10, more commonly known as CoQ10, is an antioxidant critical for supporting heart health. It’s crucial if you’ve ever been on blood pressure or, in particular, cholesterol-lowering medication. Two-to-three hundred milligrams of Coenzyme Q10 per day is a great, natural remedy for high blood pressure. Top Foods for a High Blood Pressure Diet One of the best things you can do to lower your blood pressure is to eat a healthy, high blood pressure diet. Read on below to find out more about what foods are good for high blood pressure. High fiber foods: Unprocessed foods high in fiber such as vegetables, fruits and seeds should be the basis of any healthy diet. If you’re wondering how can you stabilize your blood pressure, eating foods high in healthy fiber can definitely help. Low sodium foods: Excess salt consumption raises blood pressure. Limit your consumption to no more than 1,500–2,000 mg daily. High potassium foods: Potassium counteracts the effects of sodium and helps lower blood pressure. Include foods like melons, avocados and bananas. Omega-3 rich foods: Consume omega-3 rich foods like grass-fed beef, wild caught salmon, chia and flax seeds to reduce inflammation. 8 Foods That Reduce Blood Pressure: 1. Dark chocolate: Look for a dark chocolate that contains at least 200 milligrams of cocoa phenols, which can reduce blood pressure. 2. Garlic: Garlic and garlic supplements can help lower blood pressure and relax smooth muscles. Research on the health benefits of garlic is finding more and more miraculous effects. Among them, garlic seems to help thin the blood, prevent the blockage in blood vessels, and therefore lower blood pressure. 3. Spinach: Spinach is rich in magnesium and folate, which can help prevent high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. 4. Sunflower Seeds: Rich in potassium, magnesium and healthy plant fats, sunflower seeds can help reduce cholesterol levels, open up blood vessels and promote healthy blood pressure. 5. Bananas: Bananas contain loads of potassium and fiber. 6. Tomatoes: Tomatoes are loaded with calcium, potassium, vitamins A, C, and E and lycopene. Compounds in tomatoes can lower cholesterol buildup in blood vessels and combat the development of hypertension in a variety of ways. Lycopene, one of the tomato’s most useful compounds, is activated by heat, so add tomatoes to your next chili or stew. 7. Broccoli: Broccoli has been found to have a whole host of beneficial health effects including high amounts of potassium and chromium that help regulate blood sugar levels and weight, both related to high blood pressure. 8. Melon: Melon is rich in potassium. Cantaloupe and watermelon are especially rich sources. Blood Pressure Foods to Avoid High sodium foods: Sodium raises blood pressure; avoid high sodium processed foods, pickles, olives or canned foods. Trans fats and Omega-6 fats: These fats increase inflammation and blood pressure and are found in packaged foods and conventional meats. Sugar: High sugar consumption is connected to high blood pressure. Caffeine: Too much caffeine can cause an increase in blood pressure. Alcohol: Narrows arteries and can increase blood pressure. Lifestyle Tips to Lower Blood Pressure So, are you wondering how to lower blood pressure besides changing your diet? Reducing stress can lower blood pressure. Some other natural ways to lower blood pressure include getting better sleep, scheduling in more free-time and fun, surrounding yourself with encouraging friends and exercising on a daily basis. Regular exercise and diet play a large role in the development (or not) of hypertension. Another one of the most detrimental components of the Western lifestyle is stress. Managing stress includes relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, journaling or art therapy. You can raise your blood pressure to alarming levels just by thinking or stressing about events. Imagined events have as much physiological effect as real ones. In fact, this is the basis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the improvement of performance in businessmen and Olympic athletic gains through visualization. (9) The best preventative measure to high blood pressure? A healthy lifestyle. It’s common sense, really. Essential Oils for Blood Pressure Another of the many natural ways to lower blood pressure is to incorporate some key essential oils into your daily lifestyle. Essential oils can lower blood pressure by dilating arteries, acting as antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress and by decreasing emotional stress. The most effective essential oils for lowering blood pressure are lavender, ylang ylang, clary sage and frankincense. Precautions Talk with your natural doctor about how to lower blood pressure naturally and safely. Check with your doctor before making major diet and exercise changes. If you’re taking any medications, you’ll also want to make sure there are no drug interactions with any natural supplements you plan to take. Final Thoughts Blood pressure is a combination of systolic and diastolic pressure. High blood pressure happens when the pressure on the arteries and blood vessels becomes too high and the arterial wall becomes distorted causing extra stress on the heart. You can monitor your own blood pressure by measuring your pulse rate. Try natural ways to lower blood pressure like dietary changes, stress relievers and exercise. Check with your doctor before making any major diet or exercise changes or trying new supplements. To read the original article click here.

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Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

AHA Publisher — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 07:00:08 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – How about a warm bowl of oatmeal for breakfast? Add kefir, apples, raisins and nuts — and I’m game. My baked oatmeal recipe is the perfect way to start your day. The steel cut oats give it a hearty, chewy texture, and the spices I add, like cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom, create a really well-rounded flavor. This is a great go-to breakfast because oats are gluten-free and easier to digest than grains that contain gluten. So for those of you who like to avoid eating gluten foods, like me, try this easy and healthy baked oatmeal recipe. Steel Cut Oats vs. Rolled Oats It’s easy to get confused about the difference between steel cut oats and rolled oats. When looking through the oats selection at the grocery store, it seems like every package has big health and flavor claims, so which one is better? I use steel cut oats in this recipe because they go through very little processing, as opposed to instant or quick oats. Think about it this way: all types of oatmeal start out as plain groats, which are the kernels from whole grains. The difference is in what’s done to the groats during processing. For steel cut oats, the groats are split, or cut into pieces. That’s why they have a chewier texture and nuttier flavor. They also have less of an impact on your blood sugar levels because they aren’t highly processed. With rolled oats, the groats are steamed to make them soft, pressed between rollers and then dried. They go through a bit more processing than steel cut oats, and for that reason, they cook quicker. For this baked oatmeal recipe, I chose to use steel cut oats because the nutty flavor and hearty, bigger pieces go perfectly with the other ingredients. Nutrition Facts One serving of my baked oatmeal recipe contains roughly the following (1, 2, 3, 4): 353 calories 13 grams of protein 19 grams of fat 47 grams of carbohydrates 8 grams of fiber 22 grams of sugar 0.53 milligrams thiamin (49 percent DV) 0.35 milligrams riboflavin (32 percent DV) 1 milligram vitamin B5 (22 percent DV) 0.3 micrograms vitamin B2 (15 percent DV) 0.15 milligrams vitamin B6 (12 percent DV) 48 milligrams choline (11 percent DV) 225 IUs vitamin A (10 percent DV) 29 micrograms folate (7 percent DV) 3.5 milligrams vitamin C (5 percent DV) 0.8 milligrams vitamin E (5 percent DV) 0.6 milligrams niacin (4 percent DV) 3 micrograms vitamin K (3 percent DV) 3 milligrams manganese (174 percent DV) 427 milligrams phosphorus (61 percent DV) 0.3 milligrams copper (41 percent DV) 3 milligrams zinc (40 percent DV) 116 milligrams magnesium (37 percent DV) 538 milligrams sodium (36 percent DV) 18 micrograms selenium (33 percent DV) 237 milligrams calcium (24 percent DV) 2.4 milligrams iron (14 percent DV) 567 milligrams potassium (12 percent DV) Here’s a quick glance at some of the top health benefits associated with the ingredients in this baked apple cinnamon oatmeal recipe: Oats: Oats are high in fiber, so they help to lower cholesterol levels and make you feel full and satisfied, without experiencing cravings soon after eating them because of fluctuating blood sugar levels. Eating oats can also help to boost your immune system and reduce inflammation, helping you to fight disease. (5) Apples: Apples have very strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, so they can help health conditions like diabetes, heart disease and cancer as well as digestive issues. Plus, apple nutrition includes vitamin C, which has anti-aging effects, and potassium. (6) How to Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Before you get your ingredients together for this baked oatmeal recipe, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Your first step is to add the following ingredients to a pot: 4 cups of coconut milk, ½ cup coconut sugar, 2 tablespoons of butter, ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, ¾ teaspoon cinnamon and ⅛ teaspoon of cardamom. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Next, add in 2 cups of chopped apples, 2 cups of steel cut oats, 1 cup of chopped nuts (I chose walnuts) and ½ cup of raisins. Mix all of these ingredients together until they are well-combined. Your last step is to transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 pan, or use an oven-safe pot and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The top of your baked oatmeal should be slightly crispy and you can add some more nuts for an extra crunch. Transfer your spiced, apple gluten-free oatmeal to a large bowl… and enjoy! INGREDIENTS: 4 cups full-fat, canned coconut milk ½ cup coconut sugar 2 tablespoons butter ¾ teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon nutmeg ⅛ teaspoon cardamom 2 cups steel cut oats 2 cups chopped apples ½ cup raisins 1 cup chopped nuts ½ teaspoon sea salt DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350 F. Bring coconut milk, coconut sugar, butter, salt, nutmeg, cardamom and cinnamon to boil in pot over high heat. Add remaining ingredients to pot and mix. Transfer contents to greased dutch oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. To read the original article click here.

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Quercetin: 8 Proven Benefits of This Antioxidant (#1 Is Incredible)

AHA Publisher — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 07:00:41 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Have you ever wondered what makes a “superfood” super? Or what top superfoods like red wine, green tea, kale and blueberries all have in common? The answer is quercetin, a natural compound tied to what all of us seek: better longevity, heart health, endurance, immunity, and more. Quercetin is considered to be the most widely distributed and extensively studied flavonoid, according to a 2018 review. It’s been shown in dozens of studies to have anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities. In fact, there isn’t much this powerful antioxidant compound can’t do, especially when combined with the health benefits of bromelain, an anti-inflammatory enzyme. All this explains why many experts recommend consuming food sources that contain quercetin regularly. So what are those foods, and how much should you consume? Let’s explore. What Is Quercetin? Quercetin is a type of flavonoid antioxidant that’s found in plant foods, including leafy greens, tomatoes, berries and broccoli. It’s technically considered a “plant pigment,” which is exactly why it’s found in deeply colored, nutrient-packed fruits and vegetables. Considered one of the most abundant antioxidants in the human diet, quercetin plays an important part in fighting free radical damage, the effects of aging and inflammation, according to many studies. While you can get plenty of it from eating a healthy diet, some people also take this compound in concentrated supplement form for even stronger anti-inflammatory effects. What is quercetin used for? According to the Department of Pathology and Diagnostics at the University of Verona in Italy, quercetin glycosides and other flavonoids, (like kaempferol and myricetin) are “anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic agents.” They have potential to be expressed positively in different cell types in both animals and humans. Flavonoid polyphenols are most beneficial for down-regulating or suppressing inflammatory pathways and functions. Quercetin is considered the most diffused and known nature-derived flavonol there is, showing strong effects on immunity and inflammation caused by leukocytes and other intracellular signals. How It Works Research shows that anti-inflammatory foods containing quercetin can help manage a number of inflammatory health problems, including heart disease and blood vessel problems, allergies, infections, chronic fatigue, and symptoms related to autoimmune disorders like arthritis. How exactly do flavonoids benefit us? It all comes down to high-antioxidant foods‘ ability to be “scavenge free radicals.” As a major bioflavonoid in our diets, quercetin (a type of “polyphenolic antioxidant”) helps slow the aging progress because it lessens the effects of oxidative stress on the body. Oxidative stress takes place in all of us but is increased by things like a poor diet, high levels of stress, a lack of sleep and exposure to chemical toxins. Quercetin plays a role in regulating the immune system’s response to outside stressors through cell signaling pathways called kinases and phosphatases, two types of enzyme and membrane proteins needed for proper cellular function. Benefits 1. Lowers Inflammation Flavonoids, (aka bioflavonoids or bioflavonoide) including quercetin, are important anti-inflammatories because they act as antioxidants, which mean they literally fight the natural process of “oxidation” that takes place over time as we age. Quercetin can help stop damaging particles in the body known as free radicals, which negatively impact how cells work — including damaging cell membranes, changing the way DNA works, increasing cell mutations and causing healthy cells to die. It can also reduce expression of inflammatory genes such as interleukin. Research now shows us that inflammation is the root of most diseases, including heart disease, cancer, cognitive decline, some mental disorders and autoimmune disorders. At this time, practitioners and patients report using quercetin to effectively fight conditions related to inflammation, including: “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis) high cholesterol heart disease and circulation problems insulin resistance and diabetes eye-related disorders, including cataracts allergies, asthma and hay fever stomach ulcers cognitive impairment gout viral infections inflammation of the prostate, bladder and ovaries chronic fatigue syndrome cancer chronic infections of the prostate skin disorders, including dermatitis and hives 2. Fights Allergies Is quercetin an antihistamine? Some consider it to be a natural antihistamine and an anti-inflammatory, possibly making it effective for lowering the effects of seasonal and food allergies, plus asthma and skin reactions. However, most research to date has been conducted on animals and not humans. Histamines are chemicals that are released when the immune system detects an allergy or sensitivity, and they are what account for uncomfortable symptoms we face whenever the body has an allergic reaction. Quercetin can help stabilize the release of histamines from certain immune cells, which results in decreased symptoms like coughs, watery eyes, runny noses, hives, swollen lips or tongue, and indigestion. It’s long been used in ancient Chinese herbal formulas created to block allergies to certain foods (such as peanuts). Studies conducted on mice suggest that it may be equivalent at fighting allergies as some prescription medications, all with little to no side effects. 3. Supports Heart Health Because of its ability to lower inflammation and oxidative stress, quercetin seems to be beneficial for people with heart and blood vessel-related disorders, according to a number of studies. For example, eating lots of deeply colored fruits and veggies that contain flavonoids is linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, and even death, in older adults, among reduced risk for vascular diseases. It’s also been connected to reduced risk for type 2 diabetes and obesity, which have many of the same risk factors as heart disease. Studies done in animal and some human populations show that various types of flavonoids (quercetin, resveratrol and catechins, for example) can help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, which is a dangerous condition caused by plaque building up within the arteries. Cut-off blood flow in the arteries is one of the primary risk factors for experiencing a heart attack or stroke, which is why cardiac arrest is less likely among people who eat a nutrient-packed diet. Antioxidants also seem to protect the body from experiencing increases in LDL “bad” cholesterol and can help regulate blood pressure levels. Certain studies show that quercetin prevents damage to LDL cholesterol particles, and it seems that people who eat the most flavonoid-rich foods typically have healthier and lower cholesterol levels, plus fewer incidences of hypertension and high blood pressure. In fact, if you’ve ever heard that red wine is good for your heart, that’s because it’s a natural source of quercetin. It’s one of the main active ingredients in red wine extract, which is associated with healthier heart function. 4. Helps Fight Pain Taking quercetin supplements may help lower pain associated with autoimmune conditions such as arthritis, as well as infections, including those of the prostate and respiratory tract. That’s because studies suggest quercetin reduces inflammatory pain. For example, there’s some evidence from several small studies that people experiencing bladder pains from infections (causing an urgent need to urinate, swelling and burning) have fewer symptoms when taking quercetin supplements. Flavonoids are also linked to reduced symptoms of prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There’s evidence that when patients with RA switch from eating a “typical Western diet” to one higher in antioxidant-rich foods (like uncooked berries, fruits, vegetables, nuts, roots, seeds and sprouts), they experience less pain and reoccurring symptoms. 5. Might Help Improve Energy and Endurance Quercetin is added to some athletic supplements because it’s believed to help increase athletic performance and endurance, likely because of its positive effects on blood flow. Researchers from the School of Applied Physiology at the Georgia Institute of Technology found that, on average, “quercetin provides a statistically significant benefit in human endurance exercise capacity (VO2 max) and endurance exercise performance).” While improvements were at times small, it makes sense that antioxidants could boost physical performance since they help increase the health of blood vessels, which carry oxygen and nutrients to muscle and joint tissue. Other studies also show that it helps increase immune function and prevents susceptibility to illnesses that can occur when someone trains intensely and experiences exhaustion. One study found evidence that taking 500 milligrams of quercetin twice daily helped protect cyclers from developing exercise-induced respiratory infections following periods of heavy exercise. Because it can boost your energy level, does quercetin affect sleep? For example, is there a link between quercetin and insomnia? One study found evidence that it may alter the sleep-wake cycle partly through activation of GABA receptors. However, insomnia is generally not believed to be a common side effect of taking it in dietary supplement form. 6. Might Help Fight Cancer A Boston University School of Medicine study published in the Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents shows a link between a nutrient-dense diet rich in quercetin plus other antioxidants and a lowered risk of cancer. Quercetin seems to have potential chemo-preventive activity and might have a unique antiproliferative effect on cancerous cells, making it an effective addition to any natural cancer treatment approach. Research shows that this may result from the modulation of either EGFR or estrogen-receptor pathways. Recent studies have found quercetin can help stop the processes involved in cell proliferation and mutation, the growth of tumors, and symptoms related to typical cancer treatments, such as radiation or chemotherapy. At this time, the majority of studies done on quercetin’s effects on cellular functioning have involved animals, so more research is still needed to reveal specific effects on human cancer cells. This is especially true when taken in high doses above the amount someone would get from a healthy diet. 7. Helps Protect Skin Health Capable of blocking “mast cells,” which are immune cells critical in triggering allergic reactions, inflammatory disease and autoimmune disease, researchshows that quercetin helps protect skin from the effects of disorders like dermatitis and photosensitivity. Flavonoids like quercetin block the release of many pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-8 and TNF, which helps stop symptoms related to skin inflammation, even in people who don’t find relief from other conventional treatments or prescriptions. Studies have found that this compound has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that help fight allergic and inflammatory diseases, as well as some prescriptions, when taken in oral supplement form. For example, some people take quercetin for eczema since it can inhibit the secretion of histamine and pro-inflammatory markers. 8. Protects Liver Health Recent research has shown that this antioxidant has protective effects when administered to rats with ethanol-induced acute liver injury. Researchers concluded that “quercetin, by multiple mechanisms interplay, demonstrates hepatoprotective effect on liver-injury induced by alcohol, by increasing ethanol metabolizing enzyme activities, increasing antioxidant system activities against oxidative stress, lowering the expressions of pro-inflammation cytokines.” A 2017 study found evidence indicating that quercetin attenuates liver inflammation and fibrosis in mice through inhibiting macrophages infiltration. Researchers believe it “holds promise as potential therapeutic agent for human fibrotic liver disease”, a condition triggered by liver injury and inflammation. 9. Protects Against Neurological Disorders There’s mounting evidence showing that quercetin offers neuroprotective benefits, due to its ability to defend the brain against oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to potentially less risk for cognitive conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. A 2018 study concluded that “findings suggest a possible new protective role for dietary flavonoids on alzheimer’s disease (AD).” The study found that administration of quercetin in early-middle stages of AD pathology ameliorates cognitive dysfunction and boosts protection mainly related to increased Aβ clearance and reduced astrogliosis, which is related to destruction of neurons. Related: Berberine: The Plant Alkaloid that Helps Treat Diabetes & Digestive Problems Food Sources What foods have the most quercetin? All types of tasty red, green and purple-pigmented plants come packed with quercetin — for example, red wine, blueberries, apples, red onion and even green tea are some of the best sources. Quercetin is actually believed to be the most abundant flavonoid in the human diet. But the amount found in plant foods can vary a lot depending on where they’re grown, how fresh they are, how they’re prepared and so on. Some of the top sources of quercetin to add to your diet include: Apples Peppers Red wine Dark cherries and berries (blueberries, bilberries, blackberries and others) Tomatoes Cruciferous veggies, including broccoli, cabbage and sprouts Leafy green veggies, including spinach, kale Citrus fruits Cocoa Cranberries Whole grains, including buckwheat Raw...

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Are Avocados Associated with Greater Risk or Reduced Risk of Cancer?

AHA Publisher — Tue, 25 May 2021 07:00:58 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – Avocado consumption can improve artery function, but what effect might guacamole have on cancer risk? In my last video about avocados, The Effects of Avocados and Red Wine on Meal-Induced Inflammation, I described their anti-inflammatory effects and cholesterol- and triglyceride-lowering effects, but what about the Are Avocados Good for You? video I did years ago about the chromosome-damaging effects in a petri dish? That goes back to 1975, when a pesticide naturally produced by the avocado tree was discovered, thought to explain why lactating livestock suffer mammary gland damage after nibbling on the leaves. The toxin, named persin, was also found to be damaging to the heart, which is why you should never feed avocado to your pet birds. But, if persin attacks mammary cells in animals, might it attack breast cancer cells in humans? As you can see at 0:52 in my video Are Avocados Healthy?, it did seem to have the same kind of cellular cytoskeleton-clumping effect in vitro that chemotherapy can have, demonstrating potent cell growth stopping and killing effects of the novel plant toxin among various lines of human breast cancer cells. So, researchers are thinking about how it might one day be used as chemo itself, but I’m thinking, Holy guacamole, Batman! Please tell me it doesn’t have toxic effects on normal cells, too. We got an answer in 2010 with an evaluation of the genotoxicity—the toxicity to our chromosomes—of avocado extracts on human white blood cells in a petri dish. As you can see at 1:35 in my video, normally, less than 10 percent of our dividing cells have any chromosome abnormalities, but if you drip some avocado fruit extracts on them, up to half come out defective in some way. The researchers concluded that there’s something in avocado fruit that “can potentially induce significant genomic instability and some genetic damage in human lymphocytes in vitro,” that is, in white blood cells in a petri dish. If the same effect occurs in actual people, it could, for example, result in transforming cells into cancer. That is a big if, though. These were blood cells. You don’t inject guacamole into the vein. For something to get into our bloodstream, it first has to survive our stomach acid, get absorbed through our intestines, and then sneak past our liver’s detoxification enzymes. And indeed, persin may be affected, changed by acidic conditions. So, given all the differences between what happens in a petri dish and inside a person, it’s essential to carry out further studies “before making a final remark on the genotoxicity.” Sounds reasonable, but what do you do before these studies come out? I was concerned enough that I provisionally moved avocados from being a don’t-hold-back green-light food to a moderate-your-intake yellow-light food to err on the side of caution until we knew more. Even if persin were utterly destroyed by stomach acid, what about oral cancer? As you can see at 3:01 in my video, avocado extracts at high enough concentrations can harm the growth of the kinds of cells that line our mouths. This was in a petri dish, though, where the avocado is coming in direct contact with the cells—but that’s also kind of what happens in your mouth when you eat it. However, it harms oral cancer cells even more. At 3:32 in my video, you can see a bunch of oral cancer cells. In the first image, the mitochondria, the power plants of the cells fueling cancer growth, are seen in red. In the second image, you can see they’ve been extinguished by the avocado extract—no more red-colored mitochondria. Since it does this more to cancerous cells than normal cells, the researchers conclude that avocados may end up preventing cancer. What about the esophagus, which lies between the mouth and the stomach? Researchers similarly found that an avocado fruit extract appeared to inhibit cancer cell growth more than normal cell growth when it came to both colon cancer cells and esophageal cancer cells, as you can see at 3:53 in my video. But, rather than comparing the effects to normal colon and esophagus cells, they compared them to a type of blood cell, which, again, is of limited relevance in a petri dish study of something you eat. A study I found to be pretty exciting looked at p-cresol, which is a “uremic toxin” and may also be toxic to the liver. “Found to be associated with autism,” it comes from eating high-protein diets, whereas if you eat a more plant-based diet, which is the only source of prebiotics like fiber and resistant starch, your levels go down. See, fermentation of carbohydrates in the colon, like fiber, is considered beneficial, whereas fermentation of protein, which is called putrefaction, is considered detrimental. So, if you switch people to a high-protein diet, within days, the excess protein putrefying in their gut leads to an increase in ammonia as well as p-cresol—in fact, a doubling of levels within a week. But, might phytonutrient-rich plant foods, like apples, cranberries, grapes, or avocados, protect the cells lining our colon “from the deleterious effects of p-cresol…in terms of cell viability, mitochondrial function, and epithelial integrity,” meaning protection against gut leakiness? At 5:12 in my video, I show the data on barrier function integrity. You can see that it is damaged by p-cresol, but rescued by all the cranberry, avocado, grape, and apple extracts. Mitochondrial function, however, was only improved by the cranberries and avocados, which also were the only ones that appeared to prevent the deleterious effect of p-cresol on colon cell viability. The bottom line, though, is that avocados appear to have beneficial effects on colon lining cells. Okay, but enough of these in vitro studies, already. Yes, an avocado extract can inhibitcancer cell growth in a petri dish, but unless you’re doing some unspeakable things to that avocado—like guacamole with benefits—there’s no way that avocado is going to come in direct contact with your prostate cells. So, what does this study mean? This is why I was so excited to see the first study to actually look for a link between avocado consumption and prostate cancer. Actual human beings eating avocados! So, do avocado eaters have more cancer risk or less cancer risk? Men who ate the most avocado, more than about a third of an avocado a day, had reduced risk of prostate cancer—in fact, less than half the odds. So, with the data on improved artery function, lower cholesterol, and, if anything, an association with decreased cancer risk, I’d suggest moving avocados back up with the other green-light foods. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Greger click here.

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