goji berries Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Protect Your Vision With Goji Berries

AHA Publisher — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 08:39:39 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD – characterized by deterioration of the light-sensing macula in the eye’s retina – is the leading cause of blindness in Americans over age 65. According to the Bright Focus Foundation for Macular Degeneration Research, AMD currently affects over 11 million people in the United States, a number that is likely to increase with the ongoing “graying” of America. Goji berries (botanically known as Lyceum barbarum) have been used to promote visual health in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where they are revered as “eye brighteners.” Now, a new study from the University of California, Davis, supports this traditional claim – and shows that compounds in these tiny crimson berries promote macular pigment density (MPD). Learn why MPD is such a “big deal” when protecting and preserving vision – and why scientists are so intrigued by the potential of goji berries against macular degeneration. Goji Berries Are “Sunscreen for the Eyes,” Scientists Claim As it turns out, goji berries are extremely rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, a pair of natural plant pigments (or carotenoids). Lutein and zeaxanthin are concentrated in the retina cells, where they provide oxidant defense – meaning that they can protect against damage from harmful free radicals. In addition, lutein and zeaxanthin help to filter and absorb “blue” light emitted from smartphones, laptop screens, and TVs. (Let’s be honest – all too many of us experience substantial daily exposure to this potentially damaging light!) The new study, published last month in Nutrients, involved healthy adults aged 45 to 65. Five times a week, participants received either 28 grams a day of goji berries (about a handful) or a commercial supplement containing 6 ml of luteinand 4 ml of zeaxanthin. After 90 days, the goji berry group displayed significant improvements in macular pigment density and higher levels of beneficial carotenoids in the skin. Study leader Xiang Li, a doctoral candidate in the Nutritional Biology Program at UC Davis, likened goji berries to “sunscreen for the eyes.” “The higher the lutein and zeaxanthin in your retina, the more protection you have,” Li added. The team concluded that healthy middle-aged individuals’ regular intake of goji berries might protect vision. “The next step for our research will be to examine goji berries in patients with early-stage AMD,” said study author Glenn Yiu, an associate professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences. Goji Berries, With Highly Bioavailable Compounds, Outperformed High-Dose Commercial Supplements Prof. Yiu noted that goji berries improved the macular pigment density of healthy participants “beyond” the power of nutritional supplements. And while the goji berry group had increases in lutein and zeaxanthin levels in the macular pigment and skin, the commercial supplement group showed no change in levels. (The scientists pointed out that the carotenoids in goji berries are in a highly bioavailable form, which presumably could account for the superior results of the berries). By the way, this is not the only human study showing benefits from goji berries. A separate study published in Optometry found that seniors who drank goji berry juice for 90 days significantly increased their levels of zeaxanthin and other antioxidants. AMD Can Jeopardize the Ability to Perform Everyday Tasks AMD’s classic symptoms include blurriness of central vision, colors appearing faded or washed out, and distortions in vision, such as straight lines appearing curved. While peripheral vision may be left unaffected, AMD can still impair your ability to read, write, drive, or recognize familiar faces. Being over age 60 raises your risk of AMD, as does smoking. In fact, experts report that smokers have four times the risk of developing AMD as non-smokers! Finally, nutrition, sun exposure, and genetics can play a role. (Important: While there are no early symptoms of AMD, it can be detected during a comprehensive eye exam. Scheduling a regular check-up with your ophthalmologist is a wise move.) Commercial formulations featuring lutein and zeaxanthin – in combination with vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc oxide, and copper oxide – are marketed as AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disease Study) vitamins. Your integrative doctor may advise you to try an AREDS supplement to promote healthy vision. Spark Athletic Performance and Sharpen Mental Focus You can enjoy goji berries fresh or dried. The dried berries have an appealing, raisin-like taste, while fresh berries are reminiscent of tart cranberries. You can also access their benefits in the form of juices and teas. In addition, goji berries are available in supplement form. Naturally, check first with your integrative doctor before supplementing. By the way, goji berries promote more than eye health. They are also believed to support restful sleep, promote healthy weight, enhance athletic performance, boost the immune system and elevate mood. In an early trial published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, volunteers drank 120 ml of goji berry juice a day for two weeks. At the study’s end, they reported improved energy and athletic performance, sharper focus, and feelings of contentedness and calm. Goji berries may be tiny – but when it comes to health benefits, they pack an outsize “punch.” And, they just may help you see a brighter future. Sources for this article include: ScienceDaily.com MedicalNewsToday.com MedicalNewsToday.com NIH.gov BrightFocusFoundation.org To read the original article click here.

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Boost Energy Levels by Eating These 5 Superfoods

AHA Publisher — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 08:00:42 +0000

Michelle Marks via NaturalHealth365 – Feeling tired and mentally drained seems to be the “new normal” in our fast-paced lifestyle. But, if you are drinking energy drinks loaded with artificial sweeteners and caffeine – your condition will only get worse, leaving you exhausted after a brief few hours of hyper-energy. And, let’s not forget the side effects of headaches, nausea and the jitters. So, when it comes to naturally boosting your energy levels, many people would be surprised to learn that certain superfoods provide a healthy alternative. The additional benefit is that it’s so easy to incorporate into a daily routine. Are you ready to take a closer look? How Do Goji Berries Boost Energy Levels? A 2008 randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study assessed the effect of 14 days of supplementation with goji juice among participants. The study, published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, showed that when subjects consumed 120 ml (about half a cup) of goji juice – per day – they felt a significant raise in energy levels, mental acuity, focus and feelings of happiness and health. The study also showed that there was a significant decrease in symptoms of fatigue and stress. Goji berries are versatile and can be incorporated into any dish with little to no preparations. They are easy to enjoy in salads, breakfast porridge, and even tea preparations. Of course, always look for organic goji berries for superior taste and nutritional value. Ginseng Helps to Restore Physical and Mental Energy Ginseng is a powerful fatigue fighter and also an adaptogen that enhances immune function. A Mayo Clinic study showed that American ginseng could address the symptoms of fatigue among cancer patients as well as improve their quality of life. Evidence shows that ginseng helps to fight long term fatigue issues due to its ability to support endocrine function. It is available in the form of dried or fresh roots, capsules and teas. The common recommendation by most herbalists is to consume it every day for 2- 3 weeks and then stop for the next two weeks. The Magical Mushroom Endorsed by Western Medicine Cordyceps, also called a “magic mushroom,” is known for its ability to instantly provide energy and prevent fatigue. Researchers are still not clear how this mushroom enhances energy levels. But, some scientists attribute this ability to the presence of polysaccharides (natural sugars) and antioxidants – which eliminate the threat of free radicals on the body. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, cordyceps can be used for a wide range of conditions, such as fatigue, sexual dysfunction, immune enhancement and off-setting the negative effects of conventional cancer treatments. A 2010 pilot study that appears in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that cordyceps supplementation, on a daily basis, improved exercise performance in 20 healthy adults aged 50 – 75. Spirulina Improves Blood Circulation in Sluggish People This blue-green algae is 60 – 70% protein, a good source of vitamin B12, mixed carotenoids and other antioxidants. Spirulina is considered the most efficient and effective dietary supplement that money can buy. According to researchers, spirulina enhances energy levels because of its vitamin B12 and rhamnose. Rhamnose, is a type of biologically active sugar which hastens the transport of nutrients across the blood-brain barrier and to the cell. This property is crucial to alleviate symptoms of fatigue and improve the blood circulation to all parts of the body. A 2010 study, published in the journal of Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, showed that spirulina supplementation was able to significantly improve exercise performance by decreasing fatigue related symptoms. Hemp Seeds Give You Energy, Protein and Healthy Omega-3 Fatty Acids Hemp seeds have become popular due to its fantastic macronutrient profile. It is because of the same reason it is mostly used in breakfast smoothies, in the form of protein powder, seeds or oil. Gram for gram hemp seeds pack more protein and comes loaded with the beneficial omega-3 fats. In addition, hemp seeds contain the perfect ratio of omega 3, 6 and 9 – ideal for the body and is also a complete protein. An ounce of hemp seed gives about 160 calories, 10 grams of protein, 15% of the daily value for iron, 45% for magnesium and 21% of zinc’s daily value. The omega-3 fatty acids help to improve focus and alleviate symptoms of depression. Researchers believe that the presence of the minerals, in hemp seeds, boost energy and supply an ample amount of healthy fats for brain and cardiovascular health. There is one thing to keep in mind. If you have any chronic health condition like diabetes, autoimmune disease or take heart medication – herbs, such as ginseng, may increase the risk of bleeding. Obviously, for best results, it would be great to work with an experienced herbalist and integrative healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov, NIH.gov, NIH.gov To read the original articles click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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