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Intravenous Iron Benefits Patients with Heart Failure & Iron Deficiency

The AHA! Team — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 08:11:10 +0000

Duke Health – Despite numerical improvements in mortality, hospitalizations, and exercise ability, data did not reach the pre-specified level of statistical significance DURHAM, N.C. – More than half of all patients with heart failure experience iron deficiency, which is associated with worse symptoms, poor quality of life, and diminished exercise ability. A new study led by Duke Health researchers with global collaborators finds an intravenous iron treatment provides a measure of benefit to these patients, but the results are nuanced. More than half of all patients with heart failure experience iron deficiency The study is published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress on Aug. 26. It evaluated the intravenous drug, ferric carboxymaltose, by looking at data on mortality, heart failure hospitalizations, and exercise capacity from more than 3,000 global study participants over a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. While the results didn’t meet the study’s higher threshold for statistical significance, the therapy demonstrated a numerical improvement across mortality, heart failure hospitalizations, and exercise capacity. The research team also noted results from a pre-specified pooled analysis with two previous studies of ferric carboxymaltose in heart failure, all comparing the drug to placebo for a fuller look at the available data. “In the broader review using all three studies, we saw a 14% reduction in cardiovascular deaths and total cardiovascular hospitalizations and a 12% reduction in cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization events overall across data from more than 4,500 participants collectively,” said Robert Mentz, M.D., corresponding author of the study, associate professor in the Department of Medicine at Duke University School of Medicine, and member of the Duke Clinical Research Institute. “As a practicing heart failure cardiologist, I have felt comfortable prescribing intravenous iron for patients with heart failure prior to this study given the known benefits on improvement in quality of life and exercise capacity,” Mentz said. “Now that we have these results, we have important additional data that show this therapy has potential benefits on clinical outcomes, which could help a broad group of patients with heart failure and iron deficiency across the globe.” The study was funded by American Regent, Inc., which manufactures ferric carboxymaltose, and is part of the Daiichi Sankyo Group. In addition to Mentz, study authors include Jyotsna Garg, Frank W. Rockhold, Javed Butler, Carmine G. De Pasquale, Justin A. Ezekowitz, Gregory D. Lewis, Eileen O’Meara, Piotr Ponikowski, Richard W. Troughton, Yee Weng Wong, Lilin She, Josephine Harrington, Robert Adamczyk, Nicole Blackman, and Adrian F. Hernandez. To read the original article click here.

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The Best Postnatal Vitamins for Mom and Baby

The AHA! Team — Fri, 17 May 2024 08:11:58 +0000

Christine Ruggeri, CHHC via Dr. Axe – You’ve likely read up on the importance of prenatal vitamins and how certain nutrients are needed in higher amounts during pregnancy, but did you know that the same is true even after you’ve given birth? Postnatal vitamins are used to ensure that new moms get the vitamins and minerals they need after giving birth. While eating a healthy, balanced diet is key or maintaining proper macronutrients and micronutrient levels, supplementing with the most important vitamins and minerals can support breastfeeding and recovery after giving birth. What Are Postnatal Vitamins? Postnatal vitamins provide the nutrients that women need during the postpartum period, after giving birth. While it’s important for women to maintain healthy levels of all macro- and micronutrients during this period, some vitamins and minerals play an important role in hormone balance, breast milk supply and healthy energy levels. Typically, a prenatal vitamin can be continued during the months after birth as well. Those nutrients are also needed during breastfeeding and the recovery phase. In essence, these vitamins are beneficial for women during their reproductive years. Best Postnatal Vitamins to Take The nutrients that are most important during pregnancy are also needed after delivery, especially for women who are breastfeeding. Here’s a breakdown of the most important vitamins and minerals for the postnatal period: 1. Iron Iron is an important nutrient during pregnancy and after birth. It helps prevent anemia, which can be exacerbated when a woman loses blood during delivery. If you have low iron levels and you’re taking a pre- or postnatal multivitamin, make sure it includes iron. If not, you can take a separate iron supplement for six to eight weeks after delivery or until your health care provider recommends stopping. The daily recommended intake of iron for women is 18–27 milligrams. 2. Calcium Calcium is needed for mom’s and baby’s bones, so getting enough while breastfeeding is important. Calcium is also needed for the circulatory, muscular and nervous systems to function properly. The recommended daily intake of calcium for pregnant and breastfeeding women is 1,000 milligrams. 3. Vitamin D Research indicates that efforts should be made to optimize vitamin D status in mothers during and after pregnancy to support healthy levels in the infant and mom. Not only do infants need vitamin D for healthy bones and teeth, but the nutrient also impacts women’s brain function, immunity, hormones and mood. Breastfeeding women should get about 600 international units (or 15 micrograms) of vitamin D per day. 4. Choline Choline is a nutrient that plays a role in nerve function, muscle movement, metabolism, energy and several other important body processes. The recommended daily intake for women who are breastfeeding is 550 milligrams of choline. 5. DHA Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an essential fatty acid that needs to be consumed in food or supplement form to maintain healthy levels. It supports infant development, and studies suggest that there are long-term benefits for infants with higher levels of DHA, including faster development of behavioral functions. Deficits in DHA may lead to learning impairments among infants. Babies get DHA through breast milk, so mothers need to make sure they get enough of the fat in food or supplement form. Breastfeeding women need between 300–900 milligrams of combined DHA and EPA (another omega-3 fats acid) per day. How to Take/Dosage Postnatal vitamins are taken after birth, typically for as long as you’re breastfeeding and your body is recovering from pregnancy. Speak to your doctor or midwife for usage and dosage recommendations for your body and lifestyle specifically. Postnatal multivitamins are available online and at health food stores. You can find them in capsule, gummy and powder forms. Look for a reputable brand, ideally with a USDA Certified Organic label and a full list of ingredients and dosage. If you’re going for a multivitamin, make sure to choose one that includes DHA. When you no longer need postnatal vitamins, you can switch over to a standard multivitamin to ensure that you maintain healthy levels of micronutrients, especially if your diet is lacking in certain areas. Food Sources The best way to maintain healthy levels of vitamins and minerals is by eating a diet rich in colorful, fresh foods, just like the pregnancy diet. Some of the foods that are highest in postnatal nutrients and should be incorporated into a woman’s diet after giving birth include: Yogurt Goat cheese Almonds Walnuts Broccoli Cauliflower Brussels sprouts Kale Spinach Swiss chard While beans Black beans Navy beans Chickpeas Split peas Lentils Wild-caught fish Organic poultry Grass-fed beef Cafe-free eggs Portobello mushrooms Pumpkin seeds Chia seeds Flaxseeds Women also need plenty of water during the postpartum period. Staying hydrated supports breast milk supply, energy levels and overall body function. Keep a water bottle close by throughout the day, and opt for drinking about 12–16 cups of water, depending on how often you nurse. Risks and Side Effects When it comes to getting enough micronutrients for optimal health, supplements aren’t a replacement for a healthy diet. They work best when taken as part of a balanced, healthy diet. Supplements can be used to cover any potential gaps in your diet. If you take any medications, check with your health care provider before using vitamin supplements. If you experience adverse reactions or side effects of a supplement, such as nausea, diarrhea, rash or flushing, discontinue use, and speak to your doctor. Conclusion Postnatal vitamins provide the nutrients that women need during the postpartum period, after giving birth. While it’s important for women to maintain healthy levels of all macro- and micronutrients during this period, some vitamins and minerals play an important role in hormone balance, breast milk supply, mood, brain function and healthy energy levels. Some of the most important nutrients during the post-birth period include iron, calcium, vitamin D, choline and DHA. You can get these vitamins and minerals from leafy greens, organic animal meat, dairy products, nuts and seeds, and legumes. Taking a postnatal supplement can help fill any gaps from your diet. To read the original article click here.

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Load Up On THESE Plant Foods to Boost Your Iron Intake

AHA Publisher — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 07:18:20 +0000

News Staff via NaturalHealth365 – We’ve all heard about the importance of including iron in our diets. However, it can be hard to know how to up your iron intake without eating tons of meat. Dialing back your meat intake, even if you don’t completely cut it out, has been shown to reduce your risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. But lowering your meat intake doesn’t mean sacrificing iron. Several powerful plant foods rich in iron can help ensure you’re giving your body what it needs. Iron Maintains Optimum Health in MULTIPLE Ways Iron is a vital mineral that plays a role in good health. One significant function of iron is that it helps your body make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is pivotal for transporting oxygen throughout your bloodstream. But that’s not all. Iron is vital for the immune system and cell function. Without iron, you could be at risk of anemia, a condition where you don’t have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin to transport oxygen to your cells very well. Pregnant women are especially at risk for anemia. While the required iron intake varies from person to person, typically, men need about 8 milligrams a day, women 18 milligrams, and growing infants need 11 milligrams. Eat These Plant Foods to Boost Your Iron Intake So the question is, how can you maximize your dietary intake of iron? Several animal foods are rich in iron, such as meat, wild game, poultry, and seafood. There are two types of iron – heme and non-heme. The difference between them is that it’s easier for your body to absorb heme iron. So if you’re not getting dietary iron from meat, it’s a good idea to get plenty of vitamin C, which helps you absorb non-heme iron. Minimizing your toxic (factory produced) meat intake can benefit your overall health and lower your risk of certain chronic diseases. Luckily, several tasty plant-based foods provide essential iron. Nuts and legumes are good sources of iron for plant-eaters. Green leafy vegetables are also ideal sources of the mineral. For example, spinach contains 4 milligrams of iron in just one cup. It can be used in soups, salads, and more. You might even make it in a smoothie or use it as a pizza topping. What’s even better is that it also contains many other beneficial nutrients. Beets are also among iron superstar vegetables. These purple-hued root vegetables and their greens contain magnesium, calcium, potassium, and vitamin C for even more wholesome nutrition. Dark, leafy greens are another great source of plant iron. Kale is versatile and packed with good vitamins and minerals, including iron. Collard greens are also a delicious iron-rich choice. Or you could opt for sweet potatoes, broccoli, or peas to liven up your meal and give you some iron. With so many scrumptious plant-based recipes available, you can’t go wrong by adding these iron-rich plant foods to your meal plan. Sources for this article include: LiveScience.com To read the original article click here.

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Blackstrap Molasses Benefits, Nutrition and How to Use

AHA Publisher — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 05:03:47 +0000

Christine Ruggeri, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Blackstrap molasses is commonly used as a natural sweetener and sugar alternative. It has a unique, rich flavor, contains many micronutrients and has a moderate glycemic load, making it a good, more nutritious choice compared to refined sugar. As the health benefits of blackstrap molasses becomes better known, more and more molasses products are being sold in the supermarket. As opposed to refined sugar, molasses has the power to help naturally relieve PMS symptoms, stabilize blood sugar levels, improve bone health and symptoms of ADHD, and boost skin health. What Is Blackstrap Molasses? Blackstrap molasses is the dark brown, amber or red viscous molasses that remains after maximum extraction of sugar from raw sugar cane. It has the consistency of a thick syrup, as the third boiling of sugar syrup yields blackstrap molasses. This concentrated byproduct is left over after the sugar’s sucrose has been crystallized. It has a robust flavor described as bittersweet. Unlike refined sugar, blackstrap molasses contains essential vitamins and minerals — boasting a number of powerful health benefits. Blackstrap molasses has been imported from the Caribbean Islands since the time of the first settlers. Because it was much more affordable than refined sugar, molasses was popular up until the late 19th century. In fact, it was so popular that the British crown passed the Molasses Act of 1733 in order to discourage colonists from trading with the West Indies, which was not under British rule. Colonists had to pay six pence for every gallon of molasses, which was commonly used in rum and spirits at the time. Since then, blackstrap molasses has made a comeback. This is due to the “health food movement” that is popularizing nutritious and vitamin-filled foods. The largest producers of molasses are currently India, Brazil, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines and the United States. Nutrition Facts Blackstrap molasses contains the vitamins and minerals that it absorbs from the sugar cane plant. Molasses has a moderate glycemic load of 55, which makes it a better choice than refined sugar, especially for people with diabetes. It contains high levels of vitamin B6, manganese, magnesium, potassium, iron and selenium. One ounce (approximately 28 grams) of unsulphured blackstrap molasses nutrition contains about: 66 calories 17 grams carbohydrates 0.7 milligrams manganese (37 percent DV) 0.6 milligrams copper (29 percent DV) 4.9 milligrams iron (27 percent DV) 240 milligrams calcium (24 percent DV) 696 milligrams potassium (20 percent DV) 60 milligrams magnesium (15 percent DV) 0.2 milligrams vitamin B6 (10 percent DV) 5 micrograms selenium (7 percent DV) Benefits 1. Helps Relieve PMS Symptoms Blackstrap molasses is a high source of iron, which has proven to be an important nutrient for women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women need more iron than men because they lose a certain amount of iron during their normal menstrual cycles each month. Starting at around the time of adolescence when a woman begins having her menstrual cycle, her daily need of iron increases, but then the level decreases once again as the woman reaches menopause. Studies indicate this direct association between iron depletion and menstruation. Iron can also improve your mood, which relies on a balance of hormones — including serotonin, dopamine and other vital hormones — that cannot properly be synthesized in the brain when oxygen levels are low. This is why iron deficiency sometimes results in a poor mood, bad sleep, low energy levels and a lack of motivation. If you notice changes in your mood and feelings of mild depression or anxiety, especially during menstruation, an iron deficiency could possibly be a contributor. Also, essential minerals in blackstrap molasses, such as magnesium, manganese and calcium, prevent the clotting of blood, which relieves menstrual cramps and maintains the health of uterine muscles. 2. Combats Stress B vitamins, calcium and magnesium each play a role in combatting stress and anxiety, and blackstrap molasses contains all of these vital minerals. Vitamin B6, for example, raises serotonin levels in the brain. This is an important hormone that controls mood and prevents pain, depression and fatigue, and blackstrap molasses’ vitamin B6 content makes adding it to your diet a great way to relieve stress. A 2004 study published in Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics found that low levels of vitamin B6 are associated with depression, as the vitamin contributes to the tryptophan-serotonin pathway. Of the 140 participants, 13 percent of them were evaluated as depressed and vitamin B6-deficient. Although this is not a staggering number, the research suggests that the vitamin deficiency is correlated to depression levels and needs to be addressed in patients who have symptoms of moodiness and depression. 3. Stabilizes Blood Sugar Levels Blackstrap molasses helps stabilize blood sugar levels, which can be extremely beneficial for people with diabetes. It has a low glycemic index and naturally slows the metabolism of glucose and carbohydrates — resulting in less insulin production. It also contains a high level of chromium, which increases glucose tolerance. Chromium plays a role in the insulin-signaling pathways that allow our bodies to control the amount of sugar we take in, helping balance blood glucose levels and giving us stable energy. A 1997 study conducted at the U.S. Department of Agriculture suggests that chromium is an essential nutrient involved in normal carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. In the study, 180 individuals treated for type 2 diabetes were either given a placebo or chromium supplements over a four-month period, while continuing to take normal medications and not changing eating habits. As a result of chromium treatment, insulin values and cholesterol levels decreased significantly compared to the placebo group. This study did have patients continue their normal medications for treatment diabetes, so it is important to note that chromium consumption seems to be only partly responsible for the positive results. 4. Helps Prevent Cancer A 2009 study published in the Journal of the American Diabetic Association suggests that blackstrap molasses serves as a good, nutritious alternative to refined sugar because it offers the potential benefit of antioxidant activity. Antioxidants are substances that help prevent certain types of cell damage, especially those caused by oxidation. Oxidative damage plays a major role in disease today and has been linked to many health conditions, including cancer. High-antioxidant foods, like blackstrap molasses, help reduce free radicals in the body, which are believed to be the primary cause of cancer. The National Cancer Institute indicates that free radicals are formed naturally in the body and play an important role in many normal cellular processes. However, at high concentrations, free radicals can be hazardous to the body and damage all major components of cells, including DNA, proteins and cell membranes. 5. Promotes Skin Health Blackstrap molasses contains lactic acid, which is produced by bacteria plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism. Lactic acid serves as a natural acne treatment and treats other skin conditions. A 2002 study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprologyfound that lactic acid worked as a preventative solution for acne. The study involved 22 patients who experienced lesions, inflammation and cysts. Lactate lotion was used topically all over the face twice a day, and then it was used like a cosmetic for a year. At the end of one year, 90 percent to 100 percent reduction of the inflammatory lesions was achieved in 41 percent of the patients, and non-inflammatory lesions reduced in 23 percent of the patients. The remaining patients showed 50 percent to 90 percent reduction, while two patients showed less than 50 percent reduction in the non-inflammatory lesions. This research suggests that lactic acid treatment results in significant reduction of acne symptoms, including the development of lesions. Blackstrap molasses also promotes the growth of healthy tissues, so it serves as a natural wound healer. Consuming blackstrap molasses accelerates the healing time of cuts, wounds, burns and signs of acne — helping you maintain clear and healthy skin. 6. Improves Bone Health Because blackstrap molasses serves as a high source of calcium, it promotes strong and healthy bones. Since we lose calcium every day through our skin, nails, hair, sweat, urine and stool, and we cannot make it within our own bodies, it’s important that we eat calcium-rich foods regularly. Calcium is the most present mineral in the body. About 99 percent of our calcium is found in bones and teeth, mostly in the form of calcium deposits, with the other remaining 1 percent stored throughout bodily tissue. Calcium is involved in the growth and maintenance of bones. Without enough calcium present in the body, known as a calcium deficiency, bones are susceptible to becoming weak and pliable, making them prone to fractures and breaks. The calcium, plus the iron and copper levels, in blackstrap molasses undoubtedly improves bone health, helps heal broken bones, and reduces the risk of weak and brittle bones. 7. Serves as Natural Treatment for ADD and ADHD Research has shown that the same symptoms evident in children with ADD/ADHD are also seen in people who are nutritionally deficient in zinc, magnesium, calcium and iron. ADHD and ADD are neurological and behavior-related conditions that cause difficulty in concentrating, impulsiveness and excessive energy. Sugar is a major problem because it causes blood sugar spikes, leading to hyperactivity. Then as blood sugar levels spike down, a person loses focus. Blackstrap molasses is a more nutritious alternative to refined sugar, and it does not have the same effects on blood sugar levels. Also, consuming molasses provides iron and B vitamins — which have the ability to improve ADHD symptoms naturally. These vitamins and minerals support the nervous system and brain function, thereby improving focus. 8. May Improve Arthritis Because of the anti-inflammatory properties in blackstrap molasses, it relieves swelling and joint pain, working to improve arthritis symptoms. A study published in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences found that iron deficiency is common patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The presence of iron, calcium and antioxidants in molasses allows it to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. 9. Contains Cholesterol-Lowing Potassium Blackstrap molasses is a good source of potassium. Potassium-rich foods help lower systolic blood pressure, reduce cholesterol and support a healthy cardiovascular system, in addition to helping cleanse your liver. Potassium also plays an important role in keeping the body hydrated and works with sodium to support cellular function with your body’s sodium-potassium pump. How to Use/Recipes It’s easy to find blackstrap molasses at your local market or health food store. When purchasing blackstrap molasses, the best options are organic and unsulfered. Because of its unique, rich flavor, some people use blackstrap molasses as a spread or topping on toast, oatmeal and porridges. It’s also a good sweetener for marinades, barbecue sauce and to use while baking. You can even add blackstrap molasses to coffee — it intensifies the richness of the coffee while lowering the acidic taste and enhancing coffee’s nutrition value. Blackstrap molasses serves as one of the best brown sugar alternatives, too. You can use molasses to create brown sugar by adding two tablespoons of molasses for each ½ cup of coconut sugar that a recipe calls for. Put the coconut sugar and the molasses in a food processor, and pulse until the consistency of commercial brown sugar is reached. The result is a more nutritious “brown sugar” that still tastes great. Blackstrap molasses is about two-thirds as sweet as refined sugar, but it can be used in recipes that call for brown sugar, honey and maple syrup. Here are some of the best recipes with blackstrap molasses for you to try at home: Try using it in this Maple-Glazed Rosemary Carrots Recipe. The bittersweet flavor of molasses goes perfectly with the rosemary in this recipe. Another way to use blackstrap molasses in place of maple syrup is with this Gluten-Free Cinnamon Buns Recipe. This recipe is delicious, healthy and gluten-free! The texture of molasses complements the stickiness of a cinnamon bun too. Blackstrap molasses is commonly used to make marinades, sauces and glazes. You can use molasses in place of honey. It provides the same texture and a slightly bitter flavor. My Grilled Honey-Glazed Salmon Recipe would be perfect for blackstrap molasses because it creates the thick consistency that works perfectly for salmon glazes. This...

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Black Bean Brownies Recipe

AHA Publisher — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 08:00:53 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – Rich, chocolatey, decadent brownies definitely are a dessert option that makes many mouths water. The only problem is most brownies are loaded with sugar and carbs but devoid of valuable nutrients — but not my black bean brownies recipe. This brownie recipe lets you have the dessert without the guilt. These healthy black bean brownies are absolutely delicious and also packed with fiber, protein, iron and magnesium. Plus, they’re completely gluten-free. Is a Black Bean Brownie Recipe the Healthiest Brownie Option? Black bean brownies with flour (as in all-purpose, wheat-derived flour) contain gluten and are typically high in both sugar and carbs … not to mention they are lower in protein and fiber compared to these black bean brownies. This recipe for gluten-free black bean brownies uses Paleo flour, which you can make yourself or buy in the store. These are also sugar-free black bean brownies as in they contain zero refined sugar like typical brownie recipes. Some people like black bean brownies with dates included as a natural sweetener, which isn’t a bad idea at all. For this recipe, I decided to use maple syrup and stevia. As you’ll see from the nutrition information below, this easy black bean brownie recipe is impressively high in fiber, which can help ward off digestive complaints like constipation. One of the drawbacks of these brownies is the fact that some people have a hard time digesting legumes like black beans. Soaking and sprouting beans can help make them easier on the gut. These may not be vegan black bean brownies, but to make black bean brownies vegan, you can substitute ¼ to ½ of a ripe avocado mashed for each egg in this recipe. Black bean avocado brownies are also delicious and healthy. As another vegan option, the regular eggs can be substituted for flax eggs. The standard conversion for a regular egg to a flax egg is one tablespoon of flaxseed meal and three tablespoons of water to replace one egg. You may be thinking, “This all sounds very healthy, but how do they taste?” Try serving these to your friends and family … with no bean taste, I bet they’ll mistake them for regular brownies — delicious, gooey, chocolatey brownies. How to Make Black Bean Brownies Forget making black bean brownies with mix because even though this recipe is made from scratch, it’s still an incredibly easy recipe to create even when you don’t have a ton of time. First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, put all of your ingredients into the blender. Once everything is mixed up well, pour the batter into the greased pan. These simple black bean brownies will be ready for tasting in less than an hour! Let’s go into detail … Add all of the ingredients to the blender. Blend all of the ingredients together. When it’s all done, there shouldn’t be any clumps. Pour the black bean brownie mix into a greased 8×8 pan or baking dish. Coconut oil works great for greasing the pan/dish. Bake for 40 minutes. Let the pan cool for at least 10 minutes. Time to serve! Depending on how you cut them, this recipe will make anywhere from nine to 12 brownies. Last but not least, enjoy a delicious black bean brownie! Black Bean Brownies Recipe This black bean brownies recipe lets you have the dessert without the guilt! It’s packed full of fiber, protein, iron and magnesium. INGREDIENTS 15-ounces cooked black beans, drained ½ cup cacao powder 4 tablespoons coconut oil, melted ¾ cup maple syrup 2 teaspoons stevia 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 eggs ½ cup Paleo flour ¼ teaspoon sea salt ¼ cup water INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Blend all ingredients together. Pour ingredients into a greased 8×8 pan and bake for 40 minutes. Allow to cool for 10–15 minutes. To read the original article click here.

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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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Lowering Iron in Fat Cells Prevented Weight Gain in Mice

AHA Publisher — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 07:00:10 +0000

UT Southwestern Medical Center via Newswise – DALLAS – June 28, 2021 – Lowering iron content in fat cells prevented mice fed a high-fat diet from gaining excess weight and developing associated health problems by limiting the amount of lipids absorbed by the intestines, UT Southwestern scientists report in a new study. The findings, published online in Cell Metabolism, could eventually lead to new strategies to protect people against obesity and related diseases. “It’s easy to say that we should consume fewer calories – but at the same time, we all like to eat,” says study leader Philipp E. Scherer, Ph.D., professor in the departments of internal medicine and cell biology at UTSW. “By absorbing fewer lipids, these animals kept their weight down and did not experience the secondary consequences of excess weight gain.” It has long been known that systemic iron deficiencies cause anemia, explains Scherer, with symptoms including extreme fatigue and weakness. Researchers have also investigated the effects of depriving specific cell populations of iron, which typically causes cells to become dysfunctional and even die. However, he adds, researchers have not tested this manipulation in fat cells. When Scherer and his team used a breeding technique to generate mice with significantly lower iron content in their fat cells, the scientists expected the resulting animals to be in poor health. On the contrary, they remained healthy, even when fed a high-fat diet that drove their cage mates to become severely obese. While the normal “wild type” mice developed health problems associated with obesity, including insulin resistance and high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, the mice with iron-poor fat tissue were leaner and developed none of these issues. A different genetic manipulation that lowered iron content in fat cells of adult mice produced the same positive health effects, protecting the mice from metabolic disorders induced by a high-fat diet, and even improving the health of mice after they became obese, reversing most of the negative obesity-associated consequences. Searching for what caused this phenomenon, Scherer and his colleagues discovered that the intestinal cells of mice with iron-poor fat absorbed fewer lipids, significantly limiting the number of calories they took in. Scherer suggests that iron-deficient fat cells may send a chemical signal to communicate their iron status to the intestine, triggering the tissue to take up fewer lipids. However, the nature of this signal is yet unknown. If researchers could find a way to safely deplete fat cells of iron or artificially supply the chemical signal, they may eventually be able to improve metabolic health in people. “Finding how fat is talking to the intestines is the next step we have to embark upon,” Scherer says. To read the original article click here.

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Lower Your Stress, Depression, and Even Inflammation by Eating THIS Delicious Treat

AHA Publisher — Thu, 06 May 2021 07:00:45 +0000

Sara Middleton via NaturalHealth365 – Dark chocolate is one of those foods that tends to go through a revolving door in the media. In one news cycle, we’re told dark chocolate isn’t a health food and is so high in calories that it should be avoided. In the next news cycle, we hear that dark chocolate actually comes with many notable health benefits. So, which is it? The truth is, dark chocolate is generally considered to be beneficial for your physical and even mental well-being — provided you consume it in moderation. And while you don’t have to eat dark chocolate to live a healthy lifestyle, there are a few tips that will help you figure out how to choose the right dark chocolate brand if you want to add this sweet treat to your weekly diet. Mounting Evidence Suggests Dark Chocolate Offers Multiple Health Benefits Dark chocolate contains a high number of many healthy compounds, including antioxidants called flavonoids, as well as minerals like magnesium, zinc, and even iron. Many researchers suspect that these healthy nutrients are what give dark chocolate its impressive list of health benefits. Here are just a few of the most recent findings: A 2019 study involving more than 13,000 participants found that people who eat dark chocolate are less likely to be depressed. The researchers, who published their data in the peer-reviewed journal Depression and Anxiety,controlled for confounding factors like weight, marital status, ethnicity, education, household income, physical activity, smoking, and chronic health problems and still found this surprising correlation between dark chocolate and mood. Research out of Loma Linda University in California and presented at the Experimental Biology 2018 annual meeting showed that dark chocolate also has beneficial effects on a person’s memory, inflammation levels, and immune system (in addition to mood). A 2017 review published in Frontiers in Immunology found that consuming dark chocolate may have beneficial effects on blood pressure, at least in older individuals and people at higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Surprisingly, some research has found that consuming dark chocolate may improve a person’s fasting blood sugar levels and “healthy” HDL cholesterol. Overwhelmed by Choice? Here Are Some Tips on How to Pick the Best Dark Chocolate If you want to enjoy some dark chocolate in your weekly diet, here are a few things to look for: Cocoa percentage: Make sure it contains at least 70% cocoa or more Sustainability and quality: If your budget and availability allow, opt for fair-trade and organic dark chocolate since this may support sustainable and ethical food practices and reduce your exposure to pesticides Non-alkalized chocolate: “Dutching” or alkalization is a process used by some manufacturers to reduce dark chocolate’s bitter flavor, but research suggests this can reduce the number of healthy antioxidants left over As for how much dark chocolate you need to eat to gain its noted health benefits, there’s no specific amount. Many studies investigating dark chocolate consumption use between 20 and 30 grams (around 1 ounce) per day. In addition, here’s a “pro tip:” Let the small piece of chocolate melt in your mouth. Don’t chew it for a longer lasting, more satisfying result. Remember, going over that (small) amount by too much may start to negate the health benefits simply because you end up consuming too much of a good thing. So, pay attention to portion sizes, but feel free to enjoy! Sources for this article include: Sciencedaily.com Sciencedaily.com Medicalnewstoday.com Healthline.com NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov Wiley.com FASEbj.org To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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How to Cook Rice to Lower Arsenic Levels

AHA Publisher — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 08:00:06 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – Boiling rice like pasta reduces arsenic levels, but how much nutrition is lost? Cooking rice in a high water-to-rice ratio reduces toxic arsenic content, which I discuss in my video How to Cook Rice to Lower Arsenic Levels. What exactly does that mean? Well, as you can see at 0:16 in my video, if you boil rice like pasta and then drain off the water at the end, you can drop arsenic levels in half—50 to 60 percent of the arsenic gets poured down the drain—whereas the typical way we make rice, boiling off the water in a rice cooker or pot, for example, doesn’t help. In fact, it may even make things worse if the water you’re using to cook the rice has arsenic in it, too, which is a problem that exists for about three million Americans, as about 8 percent of public water supplies exceed the current legal arsenic limits. “Cooking rice in excess water”—and then discarding the excess water—“efficiently reduces the amount of inorganic As [that is, toxic arsenic] in the cooked rice,” but how much nutrition are you pouring down the drain when you do pour off the excess water? “Unpolished brown rice naturally contains vitamins and minerals that are lost when the bran layer and germ are removed to make white rice. To compensate, since the 1940s polished white and parboiled rice sold in the United States is often enriched”—that is, white rice has had vitamins and minerals sprayed on it to so it’s “enriched” and “fortified.” That’s why cooking instructions for enriched white rice specifically say you shouldn’t rinse it and you should cook it in a minimal amount of water. In other words, you should do the opposite of what you’d do to get rid of some of the arsenic. But brown rice has the nutrients inside, not just sprayed on. “Rinsing [white] rice,” by putting it in a colander under running water, for example, “removes much of the enriched vitamins sprayed onto the rice grain surface during manufacture,” removing most of the B-vitamins. But, “rinsing had almost no effect on vitamins in whole grain brown rice”—because brown rice has got the nutrition inside. It’s the same with iron: Rinsing white rice reduces iron levels by about three-fourths, but the iron in brown rice is actually in it, so rinsing only reduces the iron concentration in brown rice by about 10 percent. Rinsing didn’t seem to affect the arsenic levels, so why bother? Well, if you really wash the rice, for example, agitating the uncooked rice in water, rinsing, and repeating for three minutes, you may be able to remove about 10 percent of the arsenic. So, one research team recommends washing rice as well as boiling it in excess water, but I don’t know if the 10 percent is worth the extra time it takes to wash the rice. However, as we discussed, boiling rice like pasta and then draining off the excess water does really cut way down on the arsenic, and, while that cooking method also takes a whack at the nutrition in white rice, the nutrient loss in brown rice is “significantly less,” as it is not so much enriched as it is rich in nutrition in the first place. “Cooking brown rice in large amounts of excess water reduces the toxic arsenic by almost 60% and only reduces the iron content by 5%. It reduces the vitamin content of brown rice by about half,” however. You can see a graph of what I’m talking about at 3:18 in my video. A quick rinse of brown rice before you cook it doesn’t lower arsenic levels, but boiling it and draining off the excess water, instead of cooking to dry, drops arsenic levels by 40 percent. That was using about a ratio of 6 parts water to 1 part rice. What if you use even more water, boiling at 10-to-1 water-to-rice ratio? You get a 60 percent drop in arsenic levels. With white rice, you can rinse off a little arsenic, but after cooking, you end up with similar final drops in arsenic content, but the iron gets wiped out in white rice by rinsing and cooking, whereas the iron in brown rice stays strong. There are similar decrements in the B vitamins with cooking for brown and unrinsed white rice, but once you rinse white rice, the B vitamins are mostly gone before they even make it into the pot. What about percolating rice? Well, we know that regular rice cooking doesn’t help reduce arsenic levels, but boiling then draining rice like pasta does, while steaming doesn’t do much. What about percolating rice as a radical rethink to optimize arsenic removal? Researchers tried two types of percolating technology: One was a mad scientist-type lab set-up, and the other was just a regular off-the-shelf coffee percolator. Instead of putting in coffee, they put rice and percolated 20 minutes for white and 30 for brown. The result? As you can see at 4:39 in my video, they got about a 60 percent drop in arsenic levels using a 12-to-1 water-to-rice ratio. Raw brown rice started out at about double the arsenic levels of raw white rice, but, after cooking with enough excess water and draining, they end up much closer. Though, a 60 percent drop in arsenic levels by percolating at a 12-to-1 ratio was about what we got boiling at just 10-to-1. So, I don’t see a reason to buy a percolator. But, what does that 60 percent drop really mean? By boiling and draining a daily serving of rice, we could cut excess cancer risk more than half from about 165 times the acceptable cancer risk to only about…66 times the acceptable risk. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Greger click here.

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