Aloe Vera: The Wonderful Gift of Mother Nature

Aloe Vera: The Wonderful Gift of Mother Nature
By Samaria Thomas

The plants, leaves, herbs, fruits and various other naturally occurring substances are the power-house of vitamins, mineral & other essential elements. These elements are considered as a must for the nourishment of the body tissues.

One such gift of nature is Aloe Vera. It is basically a herb and is full of various essential elements. This plant is rich in water. In addition to this, it also contains carbon acids, nutrients, vitamins, minerals and several other things. Owing to these elements, this plant is widely used in the manufacturing of various skin care products. These elements help in providing full nourishment to the body tissues.

Some of the most popular products developed using this are discussed here.

Aloe Vera Body Lotion

It is considered as a very powerful antioxidant. Owing to this, it prevents the growth of the bacteria. This eventually results in restraining the spread of the infection inside the body. It's regular use helps in providing complete cure to the body tissues. There are various environmental factors that have an adverse impact on our skin. Some of the most powerful factors are sun rays, pollution & dust. The regular use of Aloe Vera helps in combating the effects caused by these factors.

Aloe Vera as moisturizer

This plant contains more than 75 percent of water. This can be used as the moisturizing agent and is very effective in combating the impressions of the skin. This is very useful in providing complete nourishment to the burned skin cells, thus giving your skin a perfect and youthful look.

For hair care

It contains various elements like minerals & vitamins. Owing to this, it is widely used for the development of various hair care products. Be it oil or moisturizer, it is widely used in the development of several hair care products.

As Mouthwash

It contains tremendous healing power. Owing to this, it is widely used in the manufacturing of the mouthwash. It helps in combating foul smell along with the action of the germs.

In washing wounds

It also works as an antiseptic. In the case of wounds & burns, it is widely used. Owing to its exceptional healing power, it can easily prevent the spread of the infection.

Constipation

It contains various naturally occurring substances. It helps in providing relief from constipation. It contains more than fifteen acids that help in the controlling the activity of the digestive system.

How to buy these products?

There are several aloe vera product manufacturers that are offering these items. They basically have an in-house production facility where they manufacture their products using fresh ingredients. You can easily buy the preferred product from them.

If you are looking to buy different products from the Aloe Vera Product Manufacturers, then visit Natural Therapy India. Here, you can easily find details of various vendors who are offering their products.

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Live Longer with Exercise

Live Longer With Exercise
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D.

Many recent studies show that people die from inactivity, not just from aging. We know that as people age, they lose muscle, their immunities weaken and because of their weakened immunity, they are more likely to die of cancer and infectious diseases. As you age, you lose your ability to kill germs because of lack of muscle. When germs get into your body, you must make white blood cells and proteins called antibodies to kill them. Antibodies and cells are made from protein and the only place that you can store extra protein is in your muscles. When you have large muscles, you have a ready source of protein to make antibodies and cells. When you have small muscles, you have a very limited source of amino acids to make protein, so your immunity may be inadequate for its job of killing germs.

You need antibodies to control cancer cells also. Each day, every healthy body makes millions of cancer cells. Your white blood cells and protein antibodies are necessary to ferret out and kill these cancer cells. You develop cancer when these cancer cells survive and start growing. Having large muscles gives you the source of protein to make antibodies that kill cancer cells as well as germs. Furthermore, when your skeletal muscles are small, so is your heart muscle. A strong heart can withstand arteriosclerosis and infections that can kill a weak heart.

Lack of exercise causes muscles to get smaller. With aging, it takes increasingly longer to recover from exercise. When older people get injured or get tired too soon or feel sore too early, they do less and less or they stop exercising altogether. Instead, they should be exercising more intelligently so they can retain their muscles. A major advantage of competing in sports at any age is that you can learn good training techniques and how to avoid injuries. If you can exercise into your nineties and beyond without quitting or getting injured, you can retain muscle mass, keep up your immunity and live longer and healthier.

Dr. Gabe Mirkin has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and practicing physician for more than 40 years; he is board certified in four specialties, including sports medicine. Read or listen to hundreds of his fitness and health reports at http://www.DrMirkin.com

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Calcium and Magnesium For High Blood Pressure

By Alvin Hopkinson

Calcium and magnesium are both essential minerals that the body needs. They are two of the minerals contained in each of the body cells, hence calcium and magnesium can contribute to the occurrence of high blood pressure.

Calcium is needed in the integration of cell membrane. However, when taken in excess amounts, the muscle cells tend to tighten thereby constricting the arterioles and capillaries resulting to increase in blood pressure.

In similar manner, magnesium is required for muscle contractions and the proper level of potassium-sodium-calcium ratio of the body. Henceforth, imbalances in calcium and magnesium levels can trigger high blood pressure.

On a daily basis, the body needs at least 800 milligrams of calcium for healthier bones, muscles, teeth and nerve function, to name only a few uses. According to some health professionals, women require as much as 1,500 milligrams.

The 800 milligrams of calcium is equivalent to an oversized pill and scientifically described as a macromineral. This is contrary to magnesium where the average daily requirement is even smaller than the dot in the letter "i".

Milk and dairy products are good sources of calcium accounting for 40 percent of our daily requirement. In order to complement the 800 milligrams of calcium, it is equivalent to a requirement of about three glasses of milk while the 1,500 milligrams is around five glasses, more or less.

Other acceptable sources of calcium are green vegetables like spinach and broccoli. However, cheese is considered as not acceptable because of its sodium content. The 800 milligrams is equivalent to eight stalks of broccoli and 25 ounces of spinach wherein you will have a hard time consuming. For that, Americans would rather resort to calcium supplements.

The cell membrane loses its integrity if there is no sufficient calcium level. Lack of calcium allows the absorption of sodium and release of potassium. If there will be excess sodium, it will excrete more calcium which will require an additional push in the pressure of blood, which in turn causes high blood pressure. All owing to the constriction of the arterioles and capillaries.

Just like calcium, magnesium is also scientifically described as a macromineral. The body needs around 400 milligrams on a daily basis. Sources of which are the well-loved meat, milk and vegetables. According to surveys, people get 50 percent of the daily requirement from these sources.

Magnesium causes the muscles to relax or become tense if proper member integration is not attained. Also, renin, a hormone which allows sodium absorption will emerge when magnesium is not sufficient, causing an imbalance which will elevate the blood pressure.

How much is the necessary dietary calcium and magnesium to prevent high blood pressure?

Actually, there is no dietary calcium and magnesium level in preventing high blood pressure. This is due to the proportional relationship of potassium, sodium and magnesium to one another, whereas magnesium is responsible for the absorption of calcium.

Calcium and magnesium supplements are readily available to fill in any gap. Checkout the orange juices that are fortified with calcium and potassium for sale in the market. All you have to do is read on the label of some products prepared by food technologies, as a ready reference for your calcium and magnesium needs.

Alvin Hopkinson is a leading health researcher in the area of natural remedies and   high blood pressure treatment. Discover how you can get rid of your high blood pressure for good using proven and effective home remedies, all without using harmful medications or drugs. Visit his site now at http://www.minusbloodpressure.com

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Cancer Prevention - A Lifetime of Exercise and Weight Control

Cancer Prevention - A Lifetime of Exercise and Weight Control
By Judy Ford

Cancer usually starts up to 15 or 20 years before it is detected. This makes it difficult for researchers to work out the initial cause. Unlike infectious diseases that show up within hours or days of being contaminated or allergic reactions that are almost instantaneous, cancer remains hidden for many years. The initial trigger may be long forgotten by the time the cancer becomes evident. Our fight against cancer must be a lifetime's commitment.

Family genes and cancer: The genes you are born with will influence your risk of getting cancer. If you come from a family where there is a known history of a particular cancer, it is important that you learn about the causes of that cancer and reduce your risks. For example, if you have a family history of bowel cancer then it is important that you look after your intestinal health by including high quality fibre in your diet. Using a Probiotic regularly to enhance your intestinal flora is also important. You should also have regular cancer checks but these will only tell you if you have the disease, not prevent it. You must focus on prevention through diet.

Mutation of normal genes and cancer: Most cancers start with mutation or change in a gene. Genes are altered by exposure to certain chemicals, radiations and viruses. Some of the most well known of the chemicals include benzene, formaldehyde, diesel exhaust and welding fumes. Most types of industrial fumes and dust are mutagens as are solvents (used in sprays, perfumes, air fresheners). Cigarette smoke is highly mutagenic. You need to be careful not to breathe in chemicals, absorb them through your skin or eat them in food. Most types of radiation cause mutation and many viruses can break chromosomes. One of the wart (Papilloma) viruses causes cancer of the cervix and is transferred from one person to another through sexual intercourse.

Why does weight matter? Damage to a gene or genes is only the start of cancer. It is promoted by anything that stimulates growth. The more extra weight you are carrying the more extra growth factors you have in your body. Every growth factor can be thought of as a cancer catalyst so a critical part of cancer prevention is keeping growth and inflammation levels down to a bare minimum. People who are overweight also carry higher amounts of toxins in their bodies so reducing weight also removes cancer-causing chemicals from the body. We all need to be lean to reduce our cancer risk and hundreds of studies have now proved the link between being overweight and having increased cancer risk.

Exercise is a great way of reducing weight and exercise probably helps protect against cancer through other mechanisms, including stimulating breathing, blood circulation and reducing stress hormone levels. But you can see that if cancer takes between 15 and 20 years to develop, these good habits of avoiding mutagens, reducing weight and exercising must start early and be maintained throughout a lifetime.

Dr Judy Ford is an internationally respected geneticist who has undertaken considerable research into the causes of cancer. Her research has shown that the risks of most cancers can be greatly reduced by changes to healthy lifestyles and healthy habits. You can find out much more about how to prevent cancer on her website http://www.egs.com.au

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Charred Meat May Up Your Risk of Pancreatic Cancer

By Kirsten Whittaker

If a fine cut of steak, cooked very well done (or just well done) and blackened sets your mouth to watering, know too that every bite of charred meat may up your risk of pancreatic cancer. This according to some new research.

When you grill, fry or barbeque meat to the point of charring, carcinogens can be formed on the surface where they wait to be taken into your body with that first bite.

This study adds to earlier work by this same University of Minnesota team that found an association between pancreatic cancer and the cancer causing compounds that form on red meat during the cooking process.

Cooking meats at very high temperatures creates compounds (heterocyclic amines, or HAs) that come from the burning of amino acids and other substances in meats when cooked to a well done or very well done state.

HAs are found in both grilled and barbecued meat as well as broiled and pan-fried meat.

Seeking to investigate this association on a larger scale, the researchers looked at meat intake, how it was cooked and the doneness preferences for 63,000 subjects who took part in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Multi-Cancer Screening Trial.

During the 9 years of follow up, 208 of the subjects were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The numbers showed that meat eaters who ate their steak (bacon, sausage or hamburger too) very well done were 60% more likely to develop this form of cancer as compared to those who ate steak either less well done, or not at all.

The team estimated carcinogen intake that took into account the doneness preference and how much of this meat the subjects consumed.

Subjects with the highest intake had a 70% higher risk of pancreatic cancer than those at the lowest level of intake.

"We cannot say with absolute certainty that the risk is increased due to carcinogens formed in burned meat," explains Kristin Anderson, associate professor at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health (1).

"However, those who enjoy either fried or barbecued meat should consider turning down the heat or cutting off burned portions when it's finished."

What the experts suggest is to cook your meat thoroughly enough to kill any bacteria, but not so long as to have the surface charred and black.

Cooking meat in water or another liquid can also prevent it from getting too hot. You might also consider cooking over indirect heat or try some of these other suggestions to enjoy the grilled flavor without the increased risk.

- Choose lean cuts of meat and trim all visible fat.

- Line your grill with foil, then poke small holes for the fat to drip off.

- Avoid letting fat drippings fall on open coals as this surrounds meat as it cooks with toxic smoke.

- Keep meat from touching open flames.

- Avoid eating any piece of meat that is especially burned or black.

- Add veggies (or even fruits) to the grill, as this neutralized the formation of HAs. Try red, yellow or green peppers, yellow squash, mushrooms, red onions or pineapple.

"The good news is this is a modifiable risk factor," Anderson concludes. "People can reduce their intake of these carcinogens by changing the way they cook their meat. We aren't saying they need to give it up." The key thing is to ensure that you're not eating charred meat.

(1) Charred meat may increase risk of pancreatic cancer
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-04/aafc-cmm041309.php]www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-04/aafc-cmm041309.php

Next just head on over to the Daily Health Bulletin for more information on the effects of eating charred meat, plus get 5 free fantastic health reports.

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Grape Seed Extract: Cancer Prevention Super Supplement?

By Ethan Evers

If you have been looking for a "super supplement" to reduce cancer risk, recent research suggests that grape seed extract just might be it. Three new studies published this year have shown that this supplement may profoundly reduce the risk of at least three major cancers: skin cancer (SCC), prostate cancer and hematologic cancers. This list is likely to expand as ongoing lab research is pointing to a protective role against several other cancers as well.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) - 74% Risk Reduction
SCC is the second leading type of skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma, (the next most frequent being melanoma). Previous lab studies with mice showed that grape seed extract applied topically actually reduced skin damage when the mice were exposed to UV light, and implied a cancer-protective effect. But direct evidence in humans was only provided recently, by a case-control study carried out in northern California on 830 participants. The study found that users of this supplement had a 74% reduced risk of developing SCC. Multivitamin users also experienced 29% reduced risk of SCC, but this was considered to be borderline significant by the researchers. Other supplements taken by the participants included vitamins A, C, D, and E, none of which had a significant effect of SCC risk. It is interesting that some sunblock lotions are now formulated with grape seed oil, but you can't assume this will protect you. The protective effect in this study came only with taking the supplement orally.

Prostate Cancer - 62% Risk Reduction
As with skin cancer, numerous laboratory studies have shown for years that grape seed extract directly induced programmed cell death of prostate cancer cells and also inhibited their growth via several pathways. The question always remained, however, if grape seed extract would be effective in suppressing prostate cancer in human patients. The answer appears to be 'yes' according to a very large study published recently. This study was conducted in Washington State on 35,239 men, and started in year 2000. It is known as the VITamins and Lifestyle (VITAL) cohort. The participants were aged 50-76 years, and all answered questionnaires about specialty supplement use for the 10 years prior to the start of the study. Of all the supplements taken, grape seen extract was by far the winner for protecting against prostate cancer. Men who reported using an individual grape seed extract supplement with "high average use" over 10 years saw a 62% reduction of prostate cancer risk compared to non-users, while "average users" saw a 41% risk reduction. Unfortunately, the dosage levels being used were not reported.

Hematologic Cancers - 43% Risk Reduction
Hematologic cancers include leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Several studies in the lab have already shown that grape seed extract can kill several lines of cultured human leukemia cells, however no studies were done yet on myeloma or lymphoma. This study also drew on the same VITAL cohort as above, but also included women in the analysis, which brought the population up to 66,227 participants. Those who had "ever used" grape seed supplements saw a 43% risk reduction for hematologic cancers. This was only matched by those with a high use of garlic, who saw a 47% reduction of risk. No other supplements offered significant protection.

Other cancers may soon be added to the list as research continues. Just as with the above cancers, early lab-scale research has already shown that grape seed extract can kill breast cancer, colon cancer, gioblastoma, and NSC lung cancer cells. The ultimate test of effectiveness in fighting cancer will come from clinical trials, and the above results are so recent there has not been time to initiate such trials. That's not the case with breast cancer, however. Grape seed extract has been known as natural aromatase inhibiter for years, which makes it a logical choice to test against breast cancer. A Phase I clinical trial at the Mayo Clinic to test the effect of 200 mg - 800 mg daily dose on the estrogen levels in postmenopausal women has recently been concluded and should soon produce results. Until then, it is worthy to note that women in the VITAL cohort were indeed already assessed for breast cancer risk versus grape seed extract use. Although the supplement seemed to provide a 20% risk reduction for breast cancer, the researchers deemed the effect non-significant statistically. Ultimately we must wait for clinical trials to prove the effectiveness of this supplement in preventing and perhaps even treating the cancers mentioned above. But until then, the findings to date make a compelling case for including grape seed extract in any program or supplement regimen meant to reduce cancer risk.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21598177

About the Author
Ethan Evers holds a PhD in Applied Science and is author of the award-winning medical thriller "The Eden Prescription," in which Big Pharma races to squash an all-natural treatment for cancer when it starts outperforming their latest billion-dollar chemo drug. Ethan based The Eden Prescription on the latest science in natural medicine for cancer.
The Eden Prescription is available on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Eden-Prescription-cancer-what-think/dp/1439276552/
Ethan is on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Eden-Prescription/130965870291786
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Omega-3 Supplements Protect Against Pancreatic Cancer

By Dr. Yannick Pauli

Pancreatic cancer is not as well-publicized as breast cancer, perhaps because of its rare occurrence. Yet it is considered among the most deadly of cancers because of its aggressive nature.  Pancreatic cancer spreads quickly, has no noticeable symptoms at the early stages, and is not detected until its late stages.  Patients suffering from this disease also have very few treatment options to choose from. Despite these grim facts, there is good news - research shows that omega-3 supplements together with vitamins C and E lower the risk of pancreatic cancer.  Conversely, a diet high in saturated fats increases the chances of contracting this deadly disease.

Researchers from the University of California San Francisco looked at nutritional data from 532 pancreatic patients and compared this with data from 1,701 patients without cancer.  They observed that individuals who had high amounts of saturated fats in their diet had a 60% increased risk of getting pancreatic cancer. Other fatty acids like oleic monosaturated fatty acids, linolenic acid, and palmitoleic was also associated with increased cancer risk.  However, patients who consumed at least 850 mg of fish oil pills containing docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) a day had a 53% reduced risk of pancreatic cancer, compared to patients who only consumed 330 mg and 580 mg a day.  The risk for cancer was even lower among patients who consumed healthy amounts of vitamin C and vitamin E supplements daily.

When asked about the mechanisms of action, the study authors believe that the antioxidant effects of vitamins C and E may be at work.  Previous research has shown that these vitamins have anticarcinogenic effects - they reduce oxidative stress and suppress reactive oxygen species, thereby preventing any cancer-causing mutations from taking place. Their protective effects on the pancreas may also be due to their ability to boost immune function.

Although the researchers are still not clear about the role of DHA and EPA in pancreatic cancer protection, they did observe that pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids increase the production of bile acids.  This contributes to the bile reflux in pancreas, a risk factor for cancer formation.  Omega-3 supplements have anti-inflammatory effects, which suppress the effects of omega-6 fats and protect the pancreas from bile reflux.

The study, which is published in the International Journal of Cancer, is the first to discover preventive measures against pancreatic cancer. Previous research suggests that pancreatic cancer may also be prevented by limiting alcohol intake and avoiding cigarette smoke.

Dr. Yannick Pauli is a Swiss natural health expert and the author of The Healing Power of Omega-3s. To get your free copy of this e-book or watch educational videos (no sign-up required!), visit his site Omega 3 Fish Oil Vitamins.

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