The World's Healthiest Food

All About Melamine

2008-10-18T17:06:00.000-07:00

What is melamine?

Melamine is an organic base chemical most commonly found in the form of white crystals rich in nitrogen

What is melamine generally used for?

Melamine is widely used in plastics, adhesives, countertops, dishware, whiteboards.

Why was melamine added into milk and powdered infant formula

In China, where adulteration has occurred, water has been added to raw milk to increase its volume. As a result of this dilution the milk has a lower protein concentration. Companies using the milk for further production (e.g. of powdered infant formula) normally check the protein level through a test measuring nitrogen content. The addition of melamine increases the nitrogen content of the milk and therefore its apparent protein content.

Addition of melamine into food is not approved by the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius (food standard commission), or by any national authorities.

Has melamine been found in other food products?

In 2007, melamine was found in wheat gluten and rice protein concentrate exported from China and used in the manufacture of pet food in the United States. This caused the death of a large number of dogs and cats due to kidney failure.

In the present event, melamine contamination has been found in a number of different brands of powdered infant formula, in one brand of a frozen yogurt dessert and in one brand of canned coffee drink. All these products were most probably manufactured using ingredients made from melamine-contaminated milk.

What are the health effects of melamine consumptions in humans?

While there are no direct human studies on the effect of melamine data from animal studies can be used to predict adverse health effects. Melamine alone causes bladder stones in animal tests. When combined with cyanuric acid, which may also be present in melamine powder, melamine can form crystals that can give rise to kidney stones.

These small crystals can also block the small tubes in the kidney potentially stopping the production of urine, causing kidney failure and, in some cases, death. Melamine has also been shown to have carcinogenic effects in animals in certain circumstances, but there is insufficient evidence to make a judgment on carcinogenic risk in humans.

What are the symptoms and signs of melamine poisoning?

Irritability, blood in urine, little or no urine, signs of kidney infection, high blood pressure

What is the treatment for kidney stones and kidney failure?

Patients may receive various types of treatment, depending on the severity of the kidney effects. Treatment may include infusion of fluids and urine alkalinisation, correction of electrolyte and acid-base disturbance, haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, or surgical removal of kidney stones.

SOurce: ExtraReading

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2007-11-01T18:07:00.001-07:00

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The Heath Benefits of Ginseng

2007-11-01T18:02:00.000-07:00

The herb known as ginseng is native to the harsh conditions of Siberia, as well as to many parts of the Asian continent, and it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. For centuries, ginseng has been used as an energy tonic by the Chinese, who continue to use it for this purpose even today. In the western world, ginseng is being studied for a number of purposes, from treating stress to increasing levels of alertness and mental clarity.

Many studies have shown that ginseng is able to reduce levels of stress in both men and women. In many clinical studies of the herb’s effects, those taking regular ginseng supplements were able to withstand higher levels of emotional and physical stress than those who had never taken the herb. In addition to its traditional role as stress fighter, ginseng has shown great promise at reducing fatigue, increasing memory and even fighting off colds, flu and other infections.

The herb we know as ginseng contains a number of compounds which seem to be unique to this plant. Many of these unique elements seem to have a strong effect on the adrenal glands, which rest on the top of the kidneys. The function of the adrenal glands is to secrete hormones which are used to ward off both physical and emotional stress. Scientists believe that it is this effect on the adrenal glands that is responsible for the stress fighting power of ginseng.

Ginseng is also one of the few herbs that have shown promise in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. This condition has puzzled doctors for decades, and there is no widely accepted treatment for the overwhelming fatigue that typifies the condition. However, those suffering from CFS often report an improvement in their symptoms after taking regular ginseng supplements.

Ginseng is one of the most widely available of all herbal supplements, and one of the most commercially produced. It is important, therefore, for those shopping for a ginseng supplement to choose one made with the highest quality ingredients. It is also important to look for a ginseng supplement which has been processed as little as possible, as excessive processing is thought to reduce the effectiveness of herbal products.

Types of Ginseng

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There are two distinct types of ginseng grown in the world, American ginseng (white or yellow in color) and Asiatic ginseng (red color). They claim that American ginseng has a cooling quality on the body versus a heating quality for Asiatic ginseng. The traditional Ying and Yang if you will.

American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium L.)

American ginseng seems to be the most common name. Panax quinquefolium is native to Eastern North America from Southern Ontario to Georgia and as far west as Wisconsin. Panax quinquefolium is now also grown in China. Panax quinquefolium is believed to give a cooling effect to the body.This cooling, energy giving, endurance enhancing factor is believed to be the most beneficial for our fast paced, stressful world.

Asiatic Ginseng (Panax Ginseng)

Asian, Korean, or Chinese ginseng (all common names) refers to a plant native to North Korea and China but Red Ginseng is a processed product and is made from steaming Korean grown Panax white ginseng for 8 - 10 hours then drying; often it is processed further into tea, capsules or slices. Panax ginseng is used to warm the body.

Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosis)

Siberian ginseng, is a commonly found product given the common name of ginseng. It is not a true ginseng or it would have the genus Panax. It is though, related to the ginseng group as they both are in the Araliaceae family of plants, a very large grouping, including devil's club and sarsasparilla. Siberian ginseng does not have the chemicals called ginsenocides in its root but are said to have chemicals that do similar thing s. It is grown in Russia and China mainly and is native to East Russia and down to the Japanese Island of Hokkaido. The common name ginseng is so attached to this plant we will probably never get rid of it but customers should know it is not a true ginseng.

The History of Ginseng

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The Chinese have been using ginseng for over 5000 years. They composed the name ginseng from two words meaning "Man Plant" from its frequent likeness to the human form. It was later given the botanical name Panax derived from the Greek for All Healing or Cure All and related to the word Panacea. It comes as a surprise to most North Americans that the variety of ginseng native to this continent, known as Panax quinquefolium L., has been used by our native peoples in a similar fashion as their Asian cousins who use panax ginseng. Ginseng and all of its products are made from 100% pure whole root.

Ginseng has been the most highly respected herb since ancient times by both Chinese and Native American herbalists. As known by these ancient healers, this herb seems to help the mind and body to be in balance.

A Quote about Ginseng from the Nutrition Almanac:

"Ginseng strengthens the heart and nervous system. It builds general mental and physical vitality and resistance to disease by strengthening and stimulating the endocrine glands that control all basic physiological processes including the metabolism of vitamins and minerals. Soviet researchers report that ginseng normalizes the level of arterial pressure and is effective in the treatment of both hypertension and hypotension."

About Ginseng

2007-11-01T17:53:00.000-07:00

What is Ginseng?

Ginseng is a short, perennial plant of the Araliaceae botanical family. It grows naturally on the slopes of ravines and shady, well drained mountainous hardwood forests. It bears five compound leaves on a single stalk at maturity. An insignificant gray flower blooms each spring and by late summer has turned into a cluster of crimson fruit from which the ginseng seed is obtained.

The plant grows between 7 to 21 inches in height when wild. The root is creamy yellow or white resembling a parsnip with rootlets that branch off, sometimes taking the shape of a human body. The root is the part that is consumed.

Ginseng is the most widely used herb in the Orient.

Eurycoma Longifolia Jack required for the male sexual functions

2007-10-31T18:20:00.000-07:00

Tongkat Ali Eurycoma Longifolia also known as Long Jack, has been shown to support male hormonal balance (including testosterone availability) , libido and performance according to animal studies. Tongkat Ali Eurycoma Longifolia has been traditionally used for more than 300 years to enhance energy levels, endurance and stamina, and to reduce occasional mental fatigue.

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) has an ancient reputation as an aphrodisiac in Malaysia and Indonesia, where its known as Pasak Bumi. Its name means "Ali's staff or walking stick" in reference to its effects on male sexuality. A study by the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) showed that the Eurycoma Longifolia Jack or Tongkat Ali (Pasak Bumi) contain anti-oxidant properties, a high level of SOD (Superoxide Dismutase), an anti-oxidant enzyme. The aqueous and methanol extracts of Tongkat Ali has an effect of scavenging superoxide and lipid peroxidation. This showed that Tongkat Ali could inhibit the chain reaction of free radicals that could be harmful to the body system. Research has shown that Eurycoma Longifolia Jack contains several phytochemicals (plant chemicals) that support healthy testosterone levels (the sex hormone) required for the male sexual functions. It also supports healthy sexual organs and mental alertness. Traditionally Eurycoma Longifolia Jack (Tongkat Ali) is used: Support general health and vitality - Support sexual drive in men - Support healthy energy levels - Support healthy blood circulation.

Tongkat Ali is a natural testosterone builder without the dangerous side effects associated with some testosterone therapies.

What is spirulina and is it worth taking as a health supplement?

2007-10-31T18:17:00.000-07:00

Many people have heard of spirulina and how wonderful it is for your body but few people realise exactly what it is.

Spirulina is in fact a blue-green fresh water and is one of nature's oldest superfoods. It contains an incredible variety of vitamins, minerals and nutrients with everything from vitamin B to magnesium.

Spirulina is also a great source of protein, antioxidants and essential fatty acids.

The health benefits of spirulina include increased energy, detoxification of the body and a significant boost to the immune system.

Very few foods can claim to be as good for you as spirulina.

The History of Shark Liver Oil

2007-10-23T00:48:00.000-07:00

Fisherman of the Surga Bay on the Izu Peninsula of ancient Japan called it "Samedawa" or "cure all". The sharks they fished from the bottom of the bay measuring over 1000 meters deep, had a delectable meat. They specially valued its liver oil which they ingested regularly because they felt better whenever they took it.

In 1758, Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus discovered and claimed the great health and medicinal value of oil extracts from deep sea sharks such as the spiny dogfish. In the Micronesian Islands, a "miracle working" shark oil has been an age old remedy for various sickness and diseases as well as a familiar source of strength, stamina and virility. The historic health benefits of shark liver oil has always been a mainstay in Scandinavian folk medicine.

In Norway and Sweden, shark liver oil was used traditionally by fishermen for healing wounds and irritations of the respiratory tract and alimentary canal. In China, the extract of deep sea shark has been recorded in the ancient pharmaceutical book "Honzukomuko".

In Spain, ancient mariners regularly took "aceite de bacalao" or oil of the great fish. They claimed a greater resistance to colds and various other diseases because of it. Even in Ernest Hemingway's book, "The Old Man and the Sea" it says of the old man... "He also drank shark liver oil each day from the drum in the shack where many of the fishermen kept their gear....It was very good against all colds and grippes and it was good for the eyes."

In 1906, Dr. Mitsumaru Tsujimoto made an in depth research on shark liver oil, specifically that of the deep sea shark species; the "Squalidae Group", and discovered that an extremely great quantity of unsaturated hydrocarbons was contained in the liver oil of these deep sea sharks. He later called the oil "Squalene". Dr. Tsujimoto's brilliant discovery was not fully established until 1931 when Prof. Calour, a Nobel prize awardee at Zurich University, Switzerland certified that squalene shark liver oil is a lipoprotein, an unsaturated hydrocarbon with a chemical structure C30H50. This means simply that it mainly contains 30 carbon atoms and 50 hydrogen atoms. Dr. Calour in his study of the chemical behavior of this unsaturated hydrocarbon revealed that the compound is naturally lacking 12 hydrogen atoms in its original form for it to be stable (the stable compound is C30H62) and will "capture hydrogen atoms" from any source available to make it stable and saturated. The most abundant source of hydrogen is water p; H20. (Our food contains much H20, body fluids and blood are mainly H20, body cells contain much water, the human body is actually 70% water). Theoretically, C30H50 (squalene) reacts with water (H20) this way: C30H50 + 6H20 p; C30H62 + 302. By capturing the hydrogen molecules, 3 oxygen molecules from the water are released. This shows that squalene, through a natural reaction with water, is capable of providing oxygen essential for healthy metabolism. This basic scientific theory shown in the above formula should provide us an insight how squalene might work when present in our bodies.

Amazing discoveries continue to be made on shark liver oil. More careful scientific studies are being made to thoroughly examine its full composition and health benefits. In 1922, scientists isolated the therapeutically active component in shark liver oil called alkoxyglycerols.

Since the 1950's, this component has been studied clinically for its healing benefits in over 50 countries. Alkoxyglycerols (AKG's) in mothers milk, is the key substance which provides infants with natural protection and immunity against infection as it helps in the continued development of their immune system. There are 10 times more AKG's in mother's milk than in cow's milk. Science has proven that breast fed babies are more resistant to infection and diseases even all through life because of the more abundant ingestion of AKG's in their early physical development. This immune supportive nutrient, Alkoxyglycerols (AKG's) is the primary active component in shark liver oil. In fact, there are 1000 times more AKG's in shark liver oil than mother's milk. and human adults commensurately need 1000 times more AKG's than infants in the need for continuing boosting and enhancing ones immune system.

In the 1990's Johns Hopkins University discovered another ingredient in shark liver oil, Squalamine, found to be effective against many yeast, fungus and bacterial infections, and especially offers promise to immune compromise persons such as AIDS and cancer patients. Shark liver oil may well contain the secret of improved health and longevity for mankind.

Spirulina shown to prevent and treat cancers while boosting immune system function

2007-10-23T00:33:00.001-07:00

Nature can provide you with valuable weapons against cancer, but like all things, it's up to you to use them. Although the Japanese have known about and used spirulina for medicinal purposes for years, this form of microalgae is still not "mainstream" in American diets. Spirulina natively grows in alkaline, warm-water lakes. Demand for this whole food has sparked the cultivation of spirulina for commercial use in specially designed algae farms. As a result of this new distribution, you can buy spirulina supplements in your local health food store. Western medicine is finally taking note of spirulina's anti-cancer benefits, and you owe it to yourself to do the same.

Potent cancer-fighting phytonutrients
Spirulina's blue-green color is more than a pretty facade; it is also the source of much of its cancer-prevention abilities. In Healing with Whole Foods, Paul Pitchford writes, "Important to note in the area of prevention, spirulina is richly supplied with the blue pigment phycocyanin, a biliprotein which has been shown to inhibit cancer-colony formation."
Like tree leaves, spirulina also obtains its color from chlorophyll. According to Alan Keith Tillotson's "One Earth Herbal Sourcebook," the high levels of chlorophyll in spirulina may explain its ability to stop cancer colonies from forming. As Tillotson writes, "Foods and herbs that contain high levels of chlorophyll show pharmacological evidence of cancer prevention, perhaps because pigments in green vegetables (and algae) … bind with and thus stimulate excretion of cancer-causing chemicals." If cancer cells are stopped before they can form colonies, your body's naturally occurring cancer cells won't be able to run amok and develop into symptomatic cancer.

If you're not familiar with the link between cancer and immune system function, you may have been a little confused by the last point. You might be thinking, "Wait a minute. The reason why I don't have cancer cells in me is because I've never been diagnosed with cancer." The truth is, however, we all have cancer cells within us. Cancer cells develop within our bodies all the time, but our immune systems normally fight them before they develop into the disease we know as cancer. In other words, if you are diagnosed as "having cancer," that means only that your immune system didn't kill your body's naturally-occurring cancer cells the way it was designed to. If you'd like to read more about this phenomenon, you can find many articles about it on News Target's cancer page.

Boosting immune system function
This immune system / cancer link explains why spirulina effectively prevents cancer. Spirulina is best known as an immune booster, and this property has medicinal implications far beyond cancer prevention. In A Natural Physician's Healing Therapies, Mark Stengler, ND, writes, "Spirulina stimulates natural killer cells and similar anti-immune components of the immune system that can help fight cancer cells." Furthermore, these spirulina-stimulated killer cells can fight illnesses other than cancer, ranging from the common cold to HIV.
Scientists have been exploring spirulina's ability to treat cancer, although most of the research in this area has been exclusively related to oral cancer. Animal studies repeatedly show that spirulina hinders the growth of oral cancer. Moreover, Indian scientists conducted the first human study of spirulina-based cancer treatment in 1995. "[These scientists] reported a complete regression of pre-cancerous mouth lesions in 45 percent of subjects who were given extracts of spirulina for 12 months," wrote Earl Mindell, RPh, PhD, in Earl Mindell's Secret Remedies.

Consider adding spirulina to your diet, especially if your current diet contains foods high in animal protein, such as meat and cheese. In Healing with Whole Foods, Paul Pitchford writes, "The special form of protein in spirulina benefits those with problems resulting from excessive animal protein, which does not assimilate well and further burdens the body with waste products." If you already have cancer, making a few diet modifications, such as adding spirulina and restricting meat and cheese, can make all the difference in your recovery, according to Patrick Quillin's Beating Cancer with Nutrition and Joseph B. Marion's Anti-Aging Manual. This difference can be the deciding factor between life and death.

Use spirulina's longevity to benefit your health.

2007-10-23T00:24:00.000-07:00

This superfood of the 1990s is not a synthetic laboratory brew. This immortal life form has been renewing itself for over 3.5 billion years. Through history, this remarkable aquatic plant has nourished people in Africa and America. Today, spirulina is consumed by health conscious people all over the world. If you are moving away from empty processed food and chemical vitamins to natural foods, start using spirulina, nature's longest living food.

The healthiest food is your best defense

2007-10-23T00:22:00.000-07:00

The foods we eat are the first line of defense from the negative effects of lifestyle stress, pollution, radiation and toxic chemicals. Yet so many processed foods are nutritionally empty. They leave us vulnerable to poor health and low energy.

The good news is many essential nutrients recommended by experts to help protect our bodies are concentrated in Spirulina. It contains the most powerful combination of nutrients ever known in any grain, herb or food.

World's highest beta carotene food reduces long term health risks.
Spirulina beta carotene is ten times more concentrated than carrots. So even if you don't eat the recommended 4 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day (most people eat only 1-2, including french fries), get your natural beta carotene insurance from spirulina to help support your body's defenses.
60% easy-to-digest vegetable protein without the fat and cholesterol of meat.
People are eating less meat and dairy protein because they want to lower fat, cholesterol, and chemicals in their diet. Spirulina is the highest protein food with all the essential amino acids and has only a few calories to keep your waistline where you want it.
A rare essential fatty acid is a key to health.
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in mother's milk helps develop healthy babies. Studies show nutritional deficiencies can block GLA production in your body, so a good dietary source of GLA can be important. Spirulina is the only other whole food with GLA.
Iron for women and children's health.
Iron is essential to build a strong system, yet is the most common mineral deficiency. Spirulina is rich in iron, magnesium and trace minerals, and is easier to absorb than iron supplements.
High in Vitamin B-12 and B Complex.
Spirulina is the highest source of B-12, essential for healthy nerves and tissue, especially for vegetarians.
Unusual phytonutrients for health and cleansing.
Scientists are discovering the benefits of polysaccharides, sulfolipids & glycolipids, and the rainbow of natural pigments that give spirulina a deep green color. Green (chlorophyll), blue (phycocyanin) and orange (carotenoids) colors collect the sun's energy and power growth. Chlorophyll is a natural cleanser and is often referred to as nature's green magic.

Nutrients and other chemicals inside Spirulina

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Protein
Spirulina contains unusually high amounts of protein, between 55 and 77% by dry weight, depending upon the source. It is a complete protein, containing all essential amino acids, though with reduced amounts of methionine, cysteine, and lysine, as compared to standard proteins such as that from meat, eggs, or milk. It is, however, superior to all standard plant protein, such as that from legumes.

Essential Fatty Acids
Spirulina tabletsSpirulina is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), and also provides alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), linoleic acid (LA), stearidonic acid (SDA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and arachidonic acid (AA).

Vitamins
Spirulina contains vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (nicotinamide), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), B12 (cyanocobalamin), vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E. The bioavailability of vitamin B12 in Spirulina is in dispute. Several biological assays have been used to test for the presence of vitamin B12. The most popular is the US Pharmacopeia method using the Lactobacillus leichmannii assay. Studies using this method have shown Spirulina to be a minimal source of bioavailable vitamin B12. However, this assay does not differentiate between true B12 (cobalamin) and similar compounds (corrinoids) that cannot be used in human metabolism. Cyanotech, a grower of spirulina, claims to have done a more recent assay, which has shown Spirulina to be a significant source of cobalamin. However the assay is not published for scientific review and so the existence of this assay is in doubt.

Minerals
Spirulina is a rich source of potassium, and also contains calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, and zinc.

Photosynthetic Pigments
Spirulina contains many pigments including chlorophyll-a, xanthophyll, beta-carotene, echinenone, myxoxanthophyll, zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin, diatoxanthin, 3'-hydroxyechinenone, beta-cryptoxanthin, oscillaxanthin, plus the phycobiliproteins c-phycocyanin and allophycocyanin.

History of Spirulina

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Spirulina is believed to have been a food source for the Aztecs in 16th century New Spain (part of which is now Mexico); its harvesting from Lake Texcoco and subsequent sale as cakes is described by one of Cortés' soldiers. The Aztecs called it Tecuitlatl, meaning stone's excrement. Spirulina was found in abundance at the lake by French researchers in the 1960s, but there is no reference to its use there as a daily food source after the 16th century. The first large-scale Spirulina production plant, run by Sosa Texcoco, was established there in the early 1970s.

Spirulina may have an even longer history in Chad, as far back as the 9th century Kanem Empire. It is still in daily use today, dried into cakes called Dihé which are used to make broths for meals, and also sold in markets. The Spirulina is harvested from small lakes and ponds around Lake Chad.

What is Spirulina ?

2007-10-23T00:12:00.000-07:00

Spirulina is a genus of cyanobacteria, not to be confused with the dietary supplement of the same name actually belonging to the genus Arthrospira.

Spirulina is the common name for human and animal food supplements produced primarily from two species of cyanobacteria: Arthrospira platensis, and Arthrospira maxima. These and other Arthrospira species were once classified in the genus Spirulina. There is now agreement that they are distinct genera, and that the food species belong to Arthrospira; nonetheless, the older term "Spirulina" remains the popular name. Spirulina is cultivated around the world, and is used as a human dietary supplement, available in tablet, flake, and powder form. It is also used as a feed supplement in the aquaculture, aquarium, and poultry industries.