beet juice Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Discover the Cancer-Fighting Benefits of Beet Juice

AHA Publisher — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 07:00:38 +0000

Abby Campbell via NaturalHealth365 – Did you know that the benefits of beet juice include fighting cancer? In fact, beetroots have been used as a treatment for cancer in Europe for centuries. The modern interest in using beetroot as a treatment for cancer started in the 1920s when two German doctors named Farberse and Schoenenberger used beetroot to treat cancer patients. In the early 1930s, a Hungarian professor carried out experiments to show that beetroots improved the health of cancer patients. So How Does Beet Juice Help Kill Cancer Cells? Beet juice helps to detoxify and protect our cells with much-needed (easily absorbed) nutrients and oxygen. Even athletes are beginning to understand the importance of nutrient-dense liquids by incorporating beet juice into their training routines for better physical performance. Some breakthrough studies have shown that the same characteristics in beets help athletes perform better – help cancer patients reverse their condition. The link between oxygen and cancer is well known, and beets can increase oxygen, within the blood, by 400 percent while helping to eliminate waste products. The Ferenczi’s Effect is named after the man who discovered a tumor-inhibiting effect of a flavonoid (betazyane) in beets – which proved that beets could increase oxygen intake within the cells while protecting the levels of vitamin C – another great anti-cancer nutrient. One of the antitumor effects of beetroot juice is explained by its high iron content, designed to regenerate red blood corpuscles that supply cancer cells with more oxygen. This higher oxygen content improves cellular respiration – which helps to kill cancer cells. Beets are considered one of the best cleansing foods. Their main accomplishment is to detoxify the kidneys, liver, and lymph system while promoting the regeneration of new (healthy) cells. Building Up Your Health With Beet Juice Beet juice improves the function of many systems in the body, and by doing this, the body can prevent and reverse many health conditions – including cancer. In addition, beet juice prevents and treats anemia; it improves lymphatic circulation, supports liver function, and helps get rid of fatigue issues. Beets are an excellent source of calcium, iron, vitamins A and C, folic acid, manganese, potassium, and betaine, giving beetroots their purple color. The main function of betaine is to reduce the concentrations of homocysteine in the body. A high homocysteine level is thought to cause atherosclerosis and osteoporosis while harming the blood vessels. Remember, when your homocysteine levels are too high – your risk for disease is higher due to increased cellular inflammation. In addition, high levels of homocysteine contribute to the rising rates of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and peripheral vascular disease. In contrast, high levels are often found in breast and colon cancer patients. Betaine helps the liver and kidneys recycle the amino acid methionine to maintain the body’s store of SAM-e, which is used in the body for cellular growth and repair. Both of these are necessary for keeping the cells dividing in a healthy manner. SAM-e is involved in the biosynthesis of several hormones and neurotransmitters that affect mood. Studies have shown that the elderly who suffer from osteoarthritis, depression, and liver disorders usually have low levels of SAM-e. Betaine also helps the liver process fat preventing the accumulation of fat in the liver. A fatty liver keeps the liver from functioning as it should. And, as we all know, the liver is our first line of defense against cancer, and it has to be functioning properly to prevent and help reverse any cancerous condition. If You Want to Eliminate the Threat of Cancer, Change Your Bio-Terrain With all the cutting-edge nutrients out there, science has proven (beyond a shadow of a doubt) that beet juice is a powerful promoter of optimal health. It has the ability to promote longevity at the cellular level. With its cardiovascular and immune protective benefits – beet juice delivers invaluable benefits for those that consume it. Don’t let Western medicine brainwash you into believing your only choice is surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. A world of science proves that a healthy mindset, nutrient-dense foods, and a strong immune system are the best ways to defeat cancer. Keep in mind; beetroot is such a powerful detoxifier that it is advised not to drink it straight but mix it with other juices to soften its effect. Beet, carrot, apple is a delicious way to get started. Naturally, it’s always smart to work with a trusted healthcare provider when dealing with cancer. If you want to learn more about the joys of juicing – I suggest you look up the work of Linda Kordich Loveday. Linda has been teaching people about the value of juicing for decades and is a true gift to the world. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov CancerFightingStrategies.com ScienceDaily.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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Drinking This Nitrate-Rich Juice Offers POWERFUL Benefits to People With Heart Failure

AHA Publisher — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 07:00:56 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Heart disease, a condition in which the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s demands, currently affects 5.7 million people in the United States, with roughly 550,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Unfortunately, heart failure – often triggered by coronary artery disease and ischemic heart disease – features a high mortality rate. The ability to undertake medically supervised, appropriate physical activity is key to the survival of heart failure patients, especially in the early stages. But shortness of breath and fatigue – classic symptoms of the condition – can make exercise difficult. And this is where a particular nitrate-rich juice comes in. A study from researchers at Indiana University suggested that dietary nitrates from beet juice could improve the ability of heart failure patients to exercise. CATCH 22 – While Heart Failure Symptoms Make Exercise Difficult, Inactivity Worsens Survival Rate Not only is inactivity a major risk factor for heart failure, but it has been shown in studies to worsen the survival rate once the condition has developed. In one study, only 25 percent of heart failure patients with a sedentary lifestyle were still alive two and a half years after being admitted to the hospital – compared with 75 percent of physically active patients. Scientists report that medically supervised regular activity that provokes mild-to-moderate shortness of breath can improve quality of life, increase functional capacity, promote endothelial function and reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in heart patients. Most important of all, it reduces both hospitalizations and deaths. Nitrate-Rich Juice Enhances Exercise Capability of Heart Failure Patients and Elite Athletes Alike Noting that heart failure patients exhibit lower exercise efficiency, shortness of breath, and diminished peak oxygen uptake (VO peak) during exercise, researchers wanted to see if dietary nitrates from beet juice could help. Nitrates, found in great supply in beetroot and beet juice, are converted during exercise into beneficial nitric oxide. Earlier studies had shown that nitrates improve muscle contractile function and physical performance. In the double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in Journal of Cardiac Failure, the team found that beet juice supplementation caused significant increases in exercise duration, peak power, and peak oxygen uptake in heart failure patients. As a result, the participants could exercise longer without becoming fatigued. The scientists concluded that dietary nitrates could be a valuable means of enhancing exercise capability in patients with heart failure. But Wait, There Is More! Heart Failure Patients Can Also Expect Increased Muscle Power From Beet Juice, According to Study In research conducted at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO., and published in Circulation: Heart Failure, scientists built upon earlier research showing that dietary nitrates improve muscle performance for elite athletes. To conduct the study, researchers gave heart failure patients either beet juice or a placebo version – identical, except that the nitrates had been removed. Those who had received the “live” beet juice showed a 13 percent increase in muscle power over those who received the nitrate-depleted juice. Particularly, power increased in the muscles that extend the knee, which obviously has great relevance to walking and running. The researchers compared the “magnitude of improvement” in the heart failure patients to that of patients who had performed two to three months of resistance training – a remarkable result. Lead study author Dr. Linda R. Peterson, associate professor of medicine at the Washington University School of Medicine, commented that many everyday activities in life – even those as simple as climbing stairs or getting in and out of a bathtub – are “power-based.” The goal, she said, is to make people more powerful. In addition to benefiting the quality of life, power is an important indication of how well patients will do when battling health conditions such as heart failure or cancer. Beet Juice May Help Prevent Life-Threatening Chronic Diseases Increased exercise capacity is not the only gift of beet juice to the heart. The increased production of nitric oxide helps dilate blood vessels and combats high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart attacks, heart failure, and stroke. One study showed that drinking 250 ml (about eight ounces) of nitrate-rich beet juice a day significantly lowered blood pressure, leading the researchers to advise eating high-nitrate vegetables as a low-cost way to help treat hypertension. (Of course, never reduce or eliminate prescribed medication unless advised to do so by your doctor). Beets may also help fight type 2 diabetes with their content of alpha-lipoic acid. This powerful antioxidant has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar. In addition, beets contain natural plant pigments known as betalains, which can disrupt potentially cancer-causing mutations of cell DNA. While more study is needed, researchers are intrigued by betalains’ potential for acting against cancer. If you choose to get your beets in the form of the cooked root vegetable rather than the juice, you will be benefiting from a hefty 3.81 grams of fiber per cup. Dietary fiber has been shown in numerous studies to help prevent colon cancer. Clearly, it is not just heart failure patients that may be helped by beet juice. Older individuals without heart failure could benefit – along with the rest of the general population, many of whom don’t take in enough nutrient-rich, antioxidant-laden healthy fare. By the way, other promising natural interventions for heart failure include hawthorn, CoQ10, and fish oil. Naturally, check with your doctor before supplementing. Whether you are a heart disease patient, an athlete in training, or just someone looking to improve their health, it looks like lifting a glass (of nitrate-rich beet juice) is a wise move. Sources for this article include: ScienceDaily.com MedicalNewsToday.com LifeExtension.com MedicalNewsToday.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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NEW Study: Loading Up on THESE Vegetables Increases Muscle Strength, Even Without Exercise

AHA Publisher — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 07:49:31 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Who would have thought that the zany cartoons we grew up with could contain accurate nutritional information? Viewers of a certain age might remember “Popeye the Sailor Man,” who gobbled cans of spinach whenever he needed a boost of muscular power to fight the villainous Bluto. As it turns out, Popeye’s strategy was surprisingly sound. In a study published just last week in The Journal of Nutrition, researchers found that eating one cup a day of green leafy vegetables significantly boosts muscle function. And, as it turns out, muscle function is good for a lot more than beating up cartoon bullies – it is strongly associated with health and well-being, supports bone strength, and leads to a decreased risk of falls with aging (an important benefit for a graying population). Let’s take a look at the power of “green leafies” to enhance physical function. Nitrate-Rich Vegetables Improve Muscular Strength – Even Without the Benefit of Exercise The 12-year study, conducted by researchers at Edith Cowan University in Perth, involved 3,759 Australians who participated in the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study. The scientists found that people who consumed a diet high in nitrate-rich vegetables had 11 percent better muscle function in their lower limbs and demonstrated 2.6 kg more knee extension strength – when compared to those with the lowest dietary intake. The team also recorded faster walking speeds for the high-nitrate group. The volunteers’ average nitrate intake was 65 mg a day, with over 81 percent of the total derived from vegetables. Intriguingly, diets high in nitrate-rich vegetables seemed to reinforce muscle strength independent of any physical exercise. (Still, the scientists were quick to advise weight training and regular exercise as well). According to study leader Dr. Marc Sim of ECU’s Institute for Nutrition, less than one in ten Australians eat the recommended five to six servings of vegetables a day. “At least one of the servings should be leafy greens, to benefit the muscular and cardiovascular system,” Sim noted. He added supplements are not as effective as the vegetables themselves. Beets – although they technically aren’t leafy greens – are the vegetables richest in nitrates, followed by arugula, spinach, and kale. Chard, cabbage, leeks, and broccoli are also good sources. But Wait, There Is More! Muscles Aren’t the Only Part of the Body Benefiting from Nitrate-Rich Veggies It isn’t just muscles that benefit from veggies. Other studies have linked nitrate-rich vegetables with cardiovascular health. In an animal study conducted at ECU, rats exposed to carcinogens had less oxidation of fats in the liver, and a smaller decline in antioxidant enzymes. In fact, pretreatment with beet juice tripled the activity of an antioxidant known as superoxide dismutase, while also benefiting heart health by reducing blood pressure. In an impressive study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, participants with peripheral artery disease who received daily beet juice could walk 18 percent longer before experiencing pain from claudication. And, a crossover study involving competitive cyclists compared the effects of standard beet juice with nitrate-depleted beet juice. Researchers noted an increase in power output and performance during both 4 K and 16.1 K events with the nitrate-rich beet juice. The scientists praised beet juice as a “relatively simple approach for treating … exercise intolerance.” Another enthused researcher described beet juice as a “natural low-cost approach for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.” Nitrates and Nitrites – Friends or Foes? Researchers credit nitrates in the vegetables with the ability to improve health – but these compounds are a double-edged sword that can be both harmful and helpful. Nitrates occur naturally in the human body – as well as in fruits and vegetables. They are also added to processed meats to prevent spoilage and browning. Nitrates can be converted by the body into nitrites, with one of two results. On the one hand, nitrites can boost the production of blood pressure-lowering nitric oxide. However, they can also turn into harmful nitrosamines, particularly when exposed to high heat and combined with protein. Fortunately, in the case of leafy greens, their high content of antioxidant vitamin C prevents nitrosamines from forming, thereby preserving the healthful effects of nitrates. Cruciferous Vegetables and Leafy Greens Also Protect Against Vascular Calcification A study published in 2020 in the British Journal of Nutrition found that higher consumption of cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and arugula, is associated with less extensive blood vessel damage in older women. The women had lower odds of developing excessive calcium deposits in the aorta – thereby enjoying a reduced risk of heart attack and stroke. In fact, women who consumed over 45 grams of cruciferous vegetables a day – such as half a cup of raw cabbage or a quarter cup of steamed broccoli – had a remarkable 46 percent lower risk of calcium build-up. The scientists speculated that the vegetables’ content of vitamin K – which helps to keep calcium out of the arteries and in the bones – contributed to the benefits. Note: Many natural health experts will tell you that it’s only vitamin K2 – commonly found in fermented foods like, natto – has the ability to reduce the build up of calcium inside soft tissues of the body. Leafy Greens Are “High-Ringers” for Essential Vitamins, Minerals, and Antioxidant Carotenoids Leafy greens are generally considered “superfoods,” a title they richly deserve. Rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, leafy greens also contain carotenoids – natural plant pigments with disease-fighting properties. In addition to heart-healthy nitrates, leafy greens are a good source of folate, a form of vitamin B which helps protect against cancer and strokes. Finally, healthy amounts of the essential minerals iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium round out the roster of important micronutrients in greens. High in fiber, low in calories – and with a low glycemic index to boot – leafy greens seem custom-designed to promote health and wellness. For maximum benefit, opt for organic greens. In addition to their obvious utility in mixed salads, you can add leafy greens to wraps, soups, stews, and omelets. You can also sautee them with lemon and garlic, spice them up with cayenne pepper, or nibble on raw leaves coated with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. However you prepare or enjoy them, leafy greens and brilliant red beets offer up a bonanza of health benefits. It turns out: the scrappy sailor, Popeye, was right all along. Sources for this article include: ScienceDaily.com LifeExtension.com USDA.gov ECU.edu.au Healthline.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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9 Supplements for Optimal Blood Pressure Management

AHA Publisher — Sun, 16 Aug 2020 07:00:32 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Half of all Americans over 60 suffer from high blood pressure (hypertension), a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. In fact, research shows that even small increases in blood pressure increase the danger, with every 20/10 mmHg rise over optimal levels (115/75 mmHg) causing heart disease risk to double! And, while conventionally-trained physicians tend to prescribe drugs to reduce blood pressure, these medications can produce toxic side effects. Fortunately, a variety of vitamins and nutrients can significantly reduce blood pressure. To discover the top 9 natural supplements for blood pressure control, keep reading. Vitamin D: The “Sunshine Vitamin” Shines in its Ability to Help You to Stay Healthy Vitamin D supplementation has been shown in studies to reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension. Experts say that this important fat-soluble nutrient helps to suppress a blood pressure hormone known as renin. Unsurprisingly, vitamin D deficiency (blood levels under 20 ng/mL of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3) raises the risk of high blood pressure. To avoid deficiency, natural health experts recommend getting at least 20 minutes of direct sunlight two or three times a week. You can also boost dietary levels with cold water (wild caught) salmon, organic mushrooms or pasture-raised eggs. However, to achieve “optimal levels,” your integrative healthcare provider may recommend supplementation. Although individual needs can vary depending on gender, body mass, age, state of health and climate, some natural health experts maintain that most people need about 5,000 – 8,000 IU per day, to correct deficiencies in vitamin D. The “Mighty Mineral” Magnesium: A Great Way to Improve Your Cardiovascular Health Magnesium, an essential mineral, is vital for regulating heart rhythm and blood pressure – and is particularly beneficial for people with cardiovascular disease. In one study involving patients with advanced heart disease, magnesium supplementation caused a 9 mmHg drop in systolic blood pressure. The systolic, or top measurement, records the pressure during heartbeats, while the diastolic reveals blood pressure between beats. For people who are low in magnesium in the first place, supplementation can have even more dramatic effects on blood pressure. In one study of low-magnesium patients, supplementation with 450 mg of elemental magnesium a day dropped systolic levels a whopping 20.4 mmHg. Can Fish Oil Help to Relax the Arteries? Extensive studies have shown that fish oil – which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA – promotes the relaxation of arteries while reducing arterial inflammation. The result? This natural supplement can cause modest (but still meaningful) reductions in blood pressure. To lower blood pressure, natural healers typically advise between 1,000 and 2,000 mg of fish oil a day. Just be sure to use a quality source of fish oil to avoid toxicity concerns. CoQ10 Is Widely Known as a “Winner” When it Comes to Maintaining a Healthy Cardiovascular System A vitamin-like nutrient that is essential for heart health, coenzyme Q10 is a potent antioxidant that can promote healthy blood pressure. Extensive research has shown that doses between 30 mg and 360 mg a day of CoQ10 can drop the systolic reading by as much as 16.6 mmHg. And, not only can CoQ10 lower blood pressure, but it can help reverse resultant damage by decreasing abnormal thickening of the heart muscle. By the way, if you take a statin drug to lower cholesterol, natural health experts strongly advise supplementing with C0Q10. Typical dosages range from 200 to 300 mg a day. Beat High Blood Pressure with Beet Juice At first glance, this brilliantly colored scarlet liquid might resemble the sort of sugary, artificial, chemical-laden drink that those with high blood pressure should avoid. But there is nothing artificial about beet juice, especially as it relates to its ability to decrease blood pressure. Beets are rich in inorganic nitrate, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds called betalains. Both may help you get high blood pressure under control. In an important 2015 study, researchers found that a cup of beet juice a day for four weeks lowered blood pressure in people with hypertension, causing improvement within hours of consumption. Get Extra Helps from Anthocyanins Anthocyanins, flavonoids found in intensely colored fruits such as blueberries and blackberries, inhibit production of blood pressure-raising ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) while increasing production of beneficial nitric oxide. One study found that two servings of anthocyanin-rich berries a day caused significant drops in systolic blood pressure – along with a rise in beneficial HDL cholesterol. As a side note: if fresh berries are inconvenient or pricey, no worries. Powdered berry extracts can give you similar health benefits. Mellow Out With Melatonin: A Natural Sleep Aid Promotes Better Blood Pressure Control at Night Melatonin, the “sleep hormone,” is often taken to promote restful, natural slumber. It can also do double duty by lowering harmful blood pressure “spikes” that can occur during sleep. In a study published in the American Journal of Hypertension, the team found that nocturnal hypertension has been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular events. In fact, several studies have shown that 2 mg of melatonin, taken before bedtime, can significantly lower blood pressure during sleep. Don’t Forget the Value of Cinnamon To access this blood pressure-lowering natural nutrient, you need look no farther than your spice rack. Cinnamon is high in cinnamaldehyde, an antioxidant compound that is being researched for its ability to decrease both blood pressure and blood sugar. In a 2013 systematic review published in Nutrition, the authors referenced the “notable” blood pressure-lowering effect of cinnamon on diabetic and prediabetic patients. By the way, the amounts used in studies have ranged from a fraction of a teaspoon to two teaspoons a day. Cinnamon is generally regarded as safe when taken in amounts typically added to food, so go ahead and sprinkle this tasty spice over organic oatmeal or use it to add a little “zip” to your favorite smoothie. Discover the Healing Power of Eating Garlic Garlic contains an active constituent called allicin, which increases the body’s production of beneficial nitric oxide -in turn enhancing dilation of blood vessels. When it comes to lowering blood pressure, garlic is truly a heavy hitter. In a meta-review published in 2016 in Journal of Nutrition, the authors examined 50 years of controlled trials involving almost a thousand participants and concluded that garlic lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by an average of 8.7 and 6.1 mmHg respectively. As an added “bonus:” garlic can help to reduce total and LDL cholesterol. Just remember: If you would like to try managing your blood pressure with any of the above supplements, check with your integrative doctor first. Manage Blood Pressure with Simple Lifestyle Changes Of course, one can’t overlook the potential of proper nutrition and exercise to reduce blood pressure. Natural health experts suggest doing away with highly-processed foods, refined sugars and sugary drinks from your diet, and replacing unhealthy trans and hydrogenated fats with beneficial (non-toxic) fats, like avocados. Managing blood pressure is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health. These natural supplements can be powerful allies. Sources for this article include: LifeExtension.com, NIH.gov, NIH.gov, MedicalNewsToday.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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