Saturday, July 31, 2010

Vegetables - Celery (Apium graveolens) Health Benefits and Side Effects

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Celery is a species of Apium graveolens, belong to the family Apiaceae. It is cultivated all around the globe as a vegetable. Celery can grow to 1/2 m tall with stalks (leaf on the top) arranging in a conical shape joined at a common base.

Nutritional Supplements

1. Carbohydrates
2. Sugars
3. Fiber
4. Fat
5. Protein
6. Water
7. Vitamin A
8. Vitamin B1
9. Vitamin B2
10. Vitamin B6
11. Vitamin C
12. Vitamin K
13. Folate
14. Calcium
15. Manganese
16. Magnesium
17. Phosphorus
18. Potassium
19. Iron
20. Sodium
21. Etc.

Health benefits
A. Health benefits according to studies
1. Oxidative stress
in the investigation of flavonoid extracts from celery and its effect on oxidative stress induced by dichlorvos (DIC) in male Wistar rats found that the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) in the DIC-treated group declined significantly when compared with the flavonoid extracts group and the DIC + flavonoid extracts group, respectively. With regard to GPx activity and MDA content, significant increase were showed in the DIC-treated group in comparison to those in the flavonoid extracts group and the DIC + flavonoid extracts group, respectively. The observations presented lead us to conclude the harmful effects of DIC during the exposure and the protective role of flavonoids in minimizing these effects, according to "Influence of flavonoid extracts from celery on oxidative stress induced by dichlorvos in rats" by Cao J, Zhang X, Wang Q, Jia L, Zhang Y, Zhao X.(a)

2. Antiradical activity
examined the antiradical activity and chemical composition of essential oils of some plants grown in Mosul, Iraq, including celery seed oil found that the dominant constituent of celery seed oil was limonene (76.63%). Diallyl disulphide was identified as the major component in garlic oil (36.51%). Antiradical activity was higher in garlic oil (76.63%) and lower in myrtle oil (39.23%). The results may suggest that some essential oils from Iraq possess compounds with antiradical activity, and these oils can be used as natural antioxidants in food applications, according to "Essential oil composition and antiradical activity of the oil of Iraq plants" by Kiralan M, Bayrak A, Abdulaziz OF, Ozbucak T.(b)

3. Hepatoprotective effect

In the assessment of Celery, chicory leaves, and barley grains and theirs hepatoprotective effect in rats found that fhe histopathological lesions seen in the livers of hypercholesterolemic rats were ameliorated by feeding this plant mixture. This study recommends that dietary intake of plant mixture of celery; chicory, and barley at 15% (5% of each) concentration can be beneficial to patients suffering from hypercholesterolemia and liver diseases, according to "Hepatoprotective effect of feeding celery leaves mixed with chicory leaves and barley grains to hypercholesterolemic rats" by Abd El-Mageed NM.(c)

4. Immunoreactivity
In the observation of the impact of thermal and high pressure (HP) processing on the immunoreactivity of the allergens Mal d 1, Mal d 3 and Api g 1 in apple and celeriac tissue, respectively, found that the combination of pressure and temperature significantly reduced its immunoreactivity. Pectin was found to protect Mal d 3 from thermal denaturation in solution and is a possible candidate for the protective effect of the fruit, according to "High-pressure treatment reduces the immunoreactivity of the major allergens in apple and celeriac" by Husband FA, Aldick T, Van der Plancken I, Grauwet T, Hendrickx M, Skypala I, Mackie AR.(d)

5. Antihyperlipidemic property
In the evaluation of the antihyperlipidemic property of aqueous celery extract in rats found that an ethereal extract of the aqueous extract of celery by thin layer chromatography (TLC) with two different solvent systems showed that the extract did not contain 3-n-butylphthalide (BuPh), a unique compound in celery that has previously been reported to have lipid-lowering action, according to "Effects of aqueous celery (Apium graveolens) extract on lipid parameters of rats fed a high fat diet" by Tsi D, Das NP, Tan BK.(e)

6. Etc.

B. Health benefits according to concentration
1. Vitamin K
Vitamin K not only plays an important role in protecting our skin from aging, it is also needed for the proper clotting of blood, thus decreasing the risk of excessive bleeding, in a study of "Delayed vitamin K deficiency as a cause of bleeding: still a concern in the 21st century!" by Kasatkar P, Shetty S, Ghosh K., posted in PubMed, researchers found that Laboratory tests confirmed acquired bleeding diathesis due to vitamin K deficiency, which was corrected after adequate vitamin K supplementation. VKDB is not an uncommon phenomenon and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a child with bleeding diathesis.

2. Folate
In the investigation of the prevalence and multifactorial etiology of anemia among Indian human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children and its effect on anemia, found that Anemia, particularly iron deficiency anemia and anemia of inflammation, is highly prevalent among children with HIV infection. Micronutrient supplements (iron and, folate) combined with ART(antiretroviral therapy) improved anemia in HIV-infected children, according to "The prevalence and etiology of anemia among HIV-infected children in India" by Shet A, Arumugam K, Rajagopalan N, Dinakar C, Krishnamurthy S, Mehta S, Shet AS.(1)

3. Vitamin A
As famous in improving eye sight, vitamin A also plays an important role in enhancing immune system fighting against the forming of free radicals that cause tissue, muscle and cellular damage and infection, according to the study of "Vitamin A, immunity, and infection" by Semba RD., posted in PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21775644), researchers found that vitamin A and its metabolites are immune enhancers that have been shown to potentiate antibody responses to T cell-dependent antigens, increase lymphocyte proliferation responses to antigens and mitogens, inhibit apoptosis, and restore the integrity and function of mucosal surfaces. Vitamin A and related retinoids may have potential applications in therapy for some infectious diseases.

4. Potassium
Beside is a important minerals for lymphatic function in regulating the body fluids, it is also essential in preventing the forming of kidney stone, according to the study of "Empiric use of potassium citrate reduces kidney-stone incidence with the ketogenic diet" by McNally MA, Pyzik PL, Rubenstein JE, Hamdy RF, Kossoff EH., posted in PubMed(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19596731), researchers wrote in conclusion that Oral potassium citrate is an effective preventive supplement against kidney stones in children who receive the KD, achieving its goal of urine alkalinization. Universal supplementation is warranted.

5. Molybdenum
Molybdenum cofactor is vital for human enzymes, including xanthine oxidase, sulfite oxidase, and aldehyde oxidase, Deficiency may cause
a. Prenatal brain disruption, according to the study of "Prenatal brain disruption in molybdenum cofactor deficiency" by Carmi-Nawi N, Malinger G, Mandel H, Ichida K, Lerman-Sagie T, Lev D.(II)

b. Uniparental isodisomy with microcephaly and developmental delay, according to the study of "Maternal uniparental isodisomy is responsible for serious molybdenum cofactor deficiency" by Gümüş H, Ghesquiere S, Per H, Kondolot M, Ichida K, Poyrazoğlu G, Kumandaş S, Engelen J, Dundar M, Cağlayan AO.(III)

6. Dietary fiber
Daily intake of right amount of fibers can prvent and treat
a. Diabetes, as Increased consumption of vegetables, whole grains, and soluble and insoluble fiber is associated with improved glucose metabolism in both diabetic and nondiabetic individuals. Improvements in insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis were more evident in participants following a plant-based diet compared with other commonly used diets, according to the study of "Efficacy of high-fiber diets in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus" by Wolfram T, Ismail-Beigi F.(IV)

b. Cholesterol and cardivascular diseases, as the soluble fiber content of legumes and vegetables has also been shown to decrease LDL-C. Current investigations continue to explore this area in depth and examine potential synergies between dietary fiber and other phytochemicals that may lower cholesterol, according to the study of "Effects of soluble dietary fiber on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and coronary heart disease risk" by Bazzano LA.(V)

7. Etc.

C. Other health benefits
1. Phthalide
Phthalide, a unique compound of celery helps to relax and smooth muscles in the vessel walls that dilates and allows blood to flow more easily, by reducing the production of stress hormones called catecholamines that lessens the risk of hypertension, according to the article of "A Health Benefit of Celery isit`s ability to lower blood pressure"(1)

2. Weight loss
Celery contains high amount fiber which makes the stomach feeling fullness, thus reducing the urge of food craving, according to the study of "Whole-grain ready-to-eat oat cereal, as part of a dietary program for weight loss, reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in adults with overweight and obesity more than a dietary program including low-fiber control foods" by Maki KC, Beiseigel JM, Jonnalagadda SS, Gugger CK, Reeves MS, Farmer MV, Kaden VN, Rains TM.(2)

3. Menstrual disorder
Celery contains apiol which has been used, as essential oil to treat menstrual disorders cause of amenorrhea or absence of menstruation. Apiol is toxic in high doses, causing both liver and kidney damage, according to the article of "Apiol" by Wikipedia,(3)

4. Immune function
High amount of vitamin C in celery helps to increase the immune function infighting against the forming of free radicals, and irregular cell growth causes of tumor and cancer, according to the study of "Vitamin C and cancer: what can we conclude--1,609 patients and 33 years later?" by Cabanillas F.(4)

5. Oxidative stress
High amount of flavonoid in celery helps to reduce the risk of oxidative stress as a result of its antioxidant activity, according to the study of "Influence of flavonoid extracts from celery on oxidative stress induced by dichlorvos in rats" by Cao J, Zhang X, Wang Q, Jia L, Zhang Y, Zhao X.(5)

6. Osteoporosis and arterial calcification
Celery contains high amount of vitamin K which may be effective for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and arterial calcification, according to the study of "Vitamin K in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis and arterial calcification" by Adams J, Pepping J.(6)

7. Etc.

Side effects

1. It may cause allergic effect for some people
2. Since it is a powerful vegetable in lowering high blood pressure, people with low blood pressure should consult with their doctor before eating high amount of celery, according to traditional Chinese medicine.
3. No other side effect is known.

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer

For the world most healthy foods lists, visit http://healthy-foods-index.blogspot.com/2011/03/healthy-foods-list.html,
For other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/

Sources
(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22045891
(b) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21827329
(c) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21716923
(d) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21520489
(e) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7700983

(I) http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1469-8749.2010.03724.x/pdf
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21285035
(3) http://www.tripdatabase.com/doc/1048336-Maternal-uniparental-isodisomy-is-responsible-for-serious-molybdenum-cofactor-deficiency-#content
(IV) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20713332
(V) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18937894

(1) http://www.highbloodpressureinfo.org/benefit-of-celery.html
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20102847
(3) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apiol
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20799507
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22045891
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16030366









Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Nuts & Seeds - Walnuts (Juglans) Health Benefits and Side Effects

[Medical Advisor journals] [The world healthy foods List] [The world healthy food recipes]
Walnut tree is one of the Genus plant belong to the family Juglandaceae about 30–130 ft). It is cultivated for its nut and kernel and for commercial purpose all over the world.

Nutrients
1. Vitamin C
2. Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
3. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
4. Niacin
5. Pantothenic Acid
6. Vitamin B6
7. Folate
8. Vitamin A
9. Potassium
10. Phosphorus
11. Calcium
12. Magnesium
13. Iron
14. Sodium
15. Manganese
16. Tryptophan
17. Zinc 18. Copper
19. Selenium
20. Omega 3 fatty acid
21. l-arginine
22. Etc.

Health benefits

A. Health benefits according to studies
1. Anti cancer
In the investigation of (pH, SCFA, bile acids, tocopherol, antioxidant capacity) fermentation supernatant (fs) fractions of nuts (almonds, macadamias, hazelnuts, pistachios, walnuts) concluded that this is the first study which presents the chemopreventive effects (reduction of tumour-promoting desoxycholic acid, rise in chemopreventive SCFA, protection against oxidative stress) of different nuts after in vitro digestion and fermentation, and shows the potential importance of nuts in the prevention of colon cancer, according to "In vitro fermented nuts exhibit chemopreventive effects in HT29 colon cancer cells" by Lux S, Scharlau D, Schlörmann W, Birringer M, Glei M.(a)

2. Antioxidant effects
In the compaeison of Compared with other common plant foods, walnuts (Juglans regia) and theirs antioxidant effects found that walnut consumption did not significantly change the plasma antioxidant capacity of healthy, well-nourished older adults in this pilot study. However, improvements in linoleic acid and pyridoxal phosphate were observed with chronic consumption, while total plasma thiols were enhanced acutely. Future studies investigating the antioxidant effects of walnuts in humans are warranted, but should include either a larger sample size or a controlled feeding intervention, according to "Chronic and acute effects of walnuts on antioxidant capacity and nutritional status in humans: a randomized, cross-over pilot study" by McKay DL, Chen CY, Yeum KJ, Matthan NR, Lichtenstein AH, Blumberg JB.(b)

3. Cognitive effects
In the study of consuming a diet containing high amounts of fruits and vegetables exhibit fewer age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, found that that blueberry or Concord grape juice supplementation in humans with mild cognitive impairment increased verbal memory performance, thus translating our animal findings to humans. Taken together, these results suggest that a greater intake of high-antioxidant foods such as berries, Concord grapes, and walnuts may increase "health span" and enhance cognitive and motor function in aging, according to "Grape juice, berries, and walnuts affect brain aging and behavior" by Joseph JA, Shukitt-Hale B, Willis LM(c)

4. Hyperlipidemic effect
In the evaluation of walnuts (plant n-3 fatty acid) and fatty fish (marine n-3 fatty acid) and theirs effects on serum lipid markers at intakes recommended for primary prevention of CHD found that Serum total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol concentrations in adults who followed the walnut diet (4.87 +/- 0.18 and 2.77 +/- 0.15 mmol/L, respectively) were lower than in those who followed the control diet (5.14 +/- 0.18 and 3.06 +/- 0.15 mmol/L, respectively) and those who followed the fish diet (5.33 +/- 0.18 and 3.2 +/- 0.15 mmol/L, respectively; P < 0.0001), according to "Walnuts and fatty fish influence different serum lipid fractions in normal to mildly hyperlipidemic individuals: a randomized controlled study" by Rajaram S, Haddad EH, Mejia A, Sabaté J.(d)

5. Learning and Memory Functions
In the classification of walnut and its preventive and therapeutic effects found that walnut treated rats also exhibited a significant decrease in food intake while the change in growth rate (in terms of percentage) remained comparable between the two groups. Analysis of brain monoamines exhibited enhanced serotonergic levels in rat brain following oral intake of walnuts. The findings suggest that walnut may exert its hypophagic and nootropic actions via an enhancement of brain 5-HT metabolism, according to "Effects of Walnuts (Juglans regia) on Learning and Memory Functions" by Haider S, Batool Z, Tabassum S, Perveen T, Saleem S, Naqvi F, Javed H, Haleem DJ.(e)

6. Etc.

B. According to the the amount of concentration
1. Omega 3 fatty acid
a. Cardiovascular disease
Omega 3 fatty acid helps to enhance the ratio of cholesterol that reduces the risk of bad cholesterol forming plaques on the arterial wall, causing cardiovascular diseases, according to the study of `Fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids in cardiovascular disease: do they really work?`by Kromhout D, Yasuda S, Geleijnse JM, Shimokawa H.(1)

b. Preterm pregnancy
Omega 3 fatty acid may be beneficial to prevent the altered maternal micronutrients (folic acid, vitamin B(12)), increased homocysteine, and oxidative stress levels that cause epigenetic modifications may be one of the mechanisms that contribute to preterm birth and poor fetal outcome, increasing risk for behavioural disorders in children, according to the study of `Altered maternal micronutrients (folic acid, vitamin B(12)) and omega 3 fatty acids through oxidative stress may reduce neurotrophic factors in preterm pregnancy`by Dhobale M, Joshi S.(2)

2. Manganese
a. Antioxidant
Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), an enzyme located in mitochondria, is the key enzyme that protects the energy-generating mitochondria from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, according to the study of `The role of manganese superoxide dismutase in inflammation defense`by Li C, Zhou HM.(3)

b. Diabetes risk
deficiency (too little) and efficiency (too much) of some essential trace metals may play a role in the development of diabetes mellitus, including manganese, according to the study of `Copper, chromium, manganese, iron, nickel, and zinc levels in biological samples of diabetes mellitus patients`by Kazi TG, Afridi HI, Kazi N, Jamali MK, Arain MB, Jalbani N, Kandhro GA.(4)

3. Copper
a. Myeloneuropathy and anemia
Copper deficiency, secondary to zinc overload associated with long-term use may be resulted of Myeloneuropathy and anemia, according to the study of `When metals compete: a case of copper-deficiency myeloneuropathy and anemia`by Spain RI, Leist TP, De Sousa EA.(5)

b. Osteroporosis
Copper found in walnut
associated with right levels of zinc and intake of calcium supplement may reduce the risk of bone loss in the elderly, acccording to the study of `Is there a potential therapeutic value of copper and zinc for osteoporosis?`by Lowe NM, Lowe NM, Fraser WD, Jackson MJ.(6)

C. Other health benefits
1. L-arginine
L-arginine in walnut not only allows blood vessel to relax that helps to enhance the circulatory system in moving blood to provide oxygen, thus reducing the risk of erectile dysfunction in male, according to the study of `Treatment of erectile dysfunction with pycnogenol and L-arginine`by Stanislavov R, Nikolova V.(7), but also reduces the risk of obesity, accprding to the study of `Beneficial effects of L-arginine on reducing obesity: potential mechanisms and important implications for human health`by McKnight JR, Satterfield MC, Jobgen WS, Smith SB, Spencer TE, Meininger CJ, McNeal CJ, Wu G.)8)

2. Antioxidants
Walnut contains high amounts of selenium and vitamin A, C which help to enhance the immune system fighting against arthritis, according to the study of `The antioxidant vitamins A, C, E and selenium in the treatment of arthritis: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials`by Canter PH, Wider B, Ernst E.(9)

3. Magnesium
Magnesium beside enhances the digestive system in absorbing calcium that promotes healthy bone density, it also improves sleeplessness, according to the study of `Magnesium involvement in sleep: genetic and nutritional models`by Chollet D, Franken P, Raffin Y, Henrotte JG, Widmer J, Malafosse A, Tafti M.(10)

4. Etc.

Side effects

1. As always, allergic reaction is a concern for some people
2. No Other known side effect?

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer

For the world most healthy foods lists, visit http://healthy-foods-index.blogspot.com/2011/03/healthy-foods-list.html,
For other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com

Sources
(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22172380
(b) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20462428
(c) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19640963
(d) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19339404

(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21933782
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21609203
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21977313
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18193174
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19194390
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12133199
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12851125
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20437186
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17522095
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11777170



Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Fruits - Grapes (Vitaceae) Health Benefits and Side Effects

[Medical Advisor journals] [The world healthy foods List] [The world healthy food recipes]
Grapes
Grape is a woody vines of the genus Vitis, belong to the family Vitaceae, native to southern Turkey.

Nutritional Supplements
1. Carbohydrates
2. Sugars
3. Dietary fiber
4. Protein
5. Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
6. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
7. Niacin (Vitamin B3)
8. Pantothenic acid (B5)
9. Vitamin B6
10. Folate (Vitamin B9)
11. Sugars
12. Vitamin C
13. Vitamin K
14. Calcium
15. Iron
16. Magnesium
17. Manganese
18. Phosphorus
19. Potassium
20. Sodium
21. Zinc
22. Etc.

Health benefits
A. Health benefits according to studies
1.
Polyphenols
In the investigation of grapes and its biological activities found that Anthocyanins, flavanols, flavonols and resveratrol are the most important grape polyphenols because they possess many biological activities, such as antioxidant, cardioprotective, anticancer, anti-inflammation, antiaging and antimicrobial properties, according to "Biological activities of polyphenols from grapes" by Xia EQ, Deng GF, Guo YJ, Li HB.(a)

2. Cardiovascular diseases
In the research of grapes consumption and
a mild to moderate drinking of wine, particularly red wine and its effect on cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular risk, found that both wines and grapes can attenuate cardiac diseases such as atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease. Recently, wine was also found to increase life span by inducing longevity genes. It appears that resveratrol and proanthocyanidins, especially resveratrol, present in grapes and wines play a crucial role in cardioprotective abilities of grapes and wines. according to "Grapes, wines, resveratrol, and heart health" by Bertelli AA, Das DK.(b)

3.
Type 2 diabetes
In the investigation of comsuption of
grapes and other fruit and theirs effect on type II diabetes
found that grapes and other fruits contain numerous polyphenols, including the stilbene resveratrol, the flavanol quercetin, catechins, and anthocyanins that have shown potential for reducing hyperglycemia, improving beta-cell function, and protecting against beta-cell loss. Therefore, with a low mean GI and GL, grapes or grape products may provide health benefits to type 2 diabetics, according to "Type 2 diabetes and glycemic response to grapes or grape products" by Zunino S.(c)

4.
Hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and renal-protective effects
In the identification of
organic and conventional grapevine (Vitis labrusca L.) leaf extracts and theirs effect against hydrogen peroxide-induced stress in the liver, heart and kidney found that the beneficial effects of the V labrusca leaf extract shown in this study could probably be important for formulating dietary supplements, as well as for developing new ingredients with improved antioxidant properties from other plant sources, according to "Hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and renal-protective effects of organic and conventional grapevine leaf extracts (Vitis labrusca var. Bordo) on Wistar rat tissues" by Oliboni LS, Dani C, Funchal C, Henriques JA, Salvador M.(d)

5. Antioxidant and antigenotoxic activities
In the evaluation of the protection of organic and conventional purple grape juices and theirs effect against the oxidative damage provoked by carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) found that in the alkaline version of the comet assay performed on whole blood, it was observed that CCl(4) was capable of inducing mainly DNA damage class 4 and 3 frequencies, which was significantly reduced in groups that received both purple grape juices. This implies that both grape juices have an important antigenotoxic activity, according to "Antioxidant and antigenotoxic activities of purple grape juice--organic and conventional--in adult rats" by Dani C, Oliboni LS, Umezu FM, Pasquali MA, Salvador M, Moreira JC, Henriques JA.(e)

6. Etc.
B. According to the concentration
1. Manganese
a. sperm cryopreservation
Manganese improves the quality/fertility of semen, which will result in enhancing the successful rate in normal conception or in vitro fertilization and artificial insemination, according to the study of "Manganese provides antioxidant protection for sperm cryopreservation that may offer new consideration for clinical fertility" by Cheema RS, Bansal AK, Bilaspuri GS.(1)

b. Damage of DNA
MnTBAP or by over-expression of MnSOD have exerted the antioxidant propperties by preventing mtDNA damage and protecting mitochondrial-encoded genes of renalretinal endothelial cells, exposured to high glucose increased mtDNA(mitochondrial DNA ) damage, according to the study of "Oxidative damage of mitochondrial DNA in diabetes and its protection by manganese superoxide dismutase" by Madsen-Bouterse SA, Zhong Q, Mohammad G, Ho YS, Kowluru RA.(2)

2. Vitamin C
a. Upper respiratory tract infection
Grape contains high amount of vitamin C of which intake reduces the risk of Upper respiratory tract infection(URTIO) among women, according to the study of "Dietary intake and supplement use of vitamins C and e and upper respiratory tract infection" by Fondell E, Bälter O, Rothman KJ, Bälter K.(3)

b. Breast cancer
Vitamin C has shown the ability to activate a caspase-independent and AIF-mediated cell death pathway in human breast cancer cells, SK-BR3, and Hs578T of human breast cancer cell lines, according to the study of "Ascorbate (vitamin C) induces cell death through the apoptosis-inducing factor in human breast cancer cells" by Hong SW, Jin DH, Hahm ES, Yim SH, Lim JS, Kim KI, Yang Y, Lee SS, Kang JS, Lee WJ, Lee WK, Lee MS.(4)


3. Vitamin B1
a. Cell metabolism
Vitamin B1 play an impotant role in the regulation of cell metabolism at both the coenzymatic and non-coenzymatic level., according to the study of "[Thiamine and its derivatives in the regulation of cell metabolism]. [Article in Polish]" by Tylicki A, Siemieniuk M.(5)

b. Wilson's disease
Vitamin B1 has also demonstrated the activity in treating genetic defect in P-type Cu(2+)-ATPase (Atp7b) mouse model of Wilson's disease by constituting a prophylactic for Wilson's disease-induced hepatocellular carcinoma, according to the study of "Thiamine supplementation attenuated hepatocellular carcinoma in the Atp7b mouse model of Wilson's disease" by Sheline CT.(6)

4. Etc.

C. Other health benefits1. Heart diseases
Grape seed helps to reduce high blood pressure, vascular damage and inctrases the production of vascular damage due to polyphenols, thus decreasing the risk of heart diseases, according to the study of "Cholesterol-lowering activity of the major polyphenols in grape seed"by Ngamukote S, Mäkynen K, Thilawech T, Adisakwattana S.(7)

2. Immune system
It also helps to educe the risk of irregular cell growth (causes of tumor and cancer), according to the study of "A combination of resveratrol and melatonin exerts chemopreventive effects in N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced rat mammary carcinogenesis" by Kisková T, Ekmekcioglu C, Garajová M, Orendáš P, Bojková B, Bobrov N, Jäger W, Kassayová M, Thalhammer T.(8) and degeneration diseases such as Parkinson's disease, According to the study of "Formation of dopamine quinone-DNA adducts and their potential role in the etiology of Parkinson's disease" by Zahid M, Saeed M, Yang L, Beseler C, Rogan E, Cavalieri EL(9) and improves the immune function in fighting against the forming of free radicals and foreign bacteria and virus invasion due the presentation of Grape phytochemicals such as resveratrol, according to the study of "The immunomodulating activities of resveratrol glucosides in humans" by Fuggetta M, Mattivi F.(10)

3. Saponins
Saponins are glucosides consisted a polycyclic aglycones attached to one or more sugar side chains. It binds with bile salt and cholesterol in the intestinal tract and secret them through waste., according to the study of "Effect of alfalfa saponins on intestinal cholesterol absorption in rats" by Malinow MR, McLaughlin P, Papworth L, Stafford C, Kohler GO, Livingston AL, Cheeke PR.(11)

4. Osteoporosis
It contains high amount of magnesium which enhances the digestive system in absorbing calcium, an essential minerals for bone health, according to the study of "A case of magnesium deficiency associated with insufficient parathyroid hormone action and severe osteoporosis" by Kanazawa I, Yamamoto M, Yamaguchi T, Yamauchi M, Yano S, Sugimoto T.(12)

5. Coagulation effect
Since it contains high amount of vitamin K, it helps to promote coagulation of blood, thus reducing the risk of excessive bleeding, according to the study of "The neonatal coagulation system and the vitamin K deficiency bleeding - a mini review" by Pichler E, Pichler L.(13)

6. Etc.

Side Effects1. Since it contains high amount of sugar, people who has high blood sugar should consult their doctor before consuming.

2. Eat flesh raisins to avoid artificial sweeteners.
3. Etc.

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer

For the world most healthy foods lists, visit http://healthy-foods-index.blogspot.com/2011/03/healthy-foods-list.html,
For other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com

Sources
(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20386657
(b) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19770673
(c) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19625702
(d) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22146965
(e) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19857077

(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20592770
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20088710
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21917705.
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17786340
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21734329
(6)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21965752
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21694670
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22044852
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22045657
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21428873
(11) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/563169
(12) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18048993
(13) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18677590

Monday, July 26, 2010

Vegetables - Cauliflower (Brassica Oleracea) Health Benefits and Side Effects

[Medical Advisor journals] [The world healthy foods List] [The world healthy food recipes]
Cauliflower is the species Brassica oleracea, including cabbage, brussels sprouts, kale and broccoli , belong to the family Brassicaceae, native to Italy.

Nutritional Supplements

Nutritional Supplements
1. Carbohydrates
2. Sugars
3. Fiber
4. Omega 3 fatty acid
5. Protein
6. Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
7. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
8. Niacin (VitaminB3)
9. Pantothenic acid (B5)
10. Vitamin B6
11. Folate (Vitamin. B9)
12. Vitamin C
13. Vitamin K
14. Calcium
15. Iron
16. Magnesium
17. Phosphorus
18. Potassium
19. Tryptophan
20. Zinc
21. Etc.

Health benefits

A. Health benefits according to studies
1. Anti-proliferative activity
In the investigation of regular consumption of fresh and cooked Brassicaceae and its effect in reducing the risk of cancer and heart disease found that Anti-proliferative and chemoprotective effects towards DNA oxidative damage of fresh and cooked vegetable extracts were evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium and Comet assays on HT-29 human colon carcinoma cells. The fresh vegetable extracts showed the highest anti-proliferative and antioxidant activities on HT-29 cells (broccoli>cauliflower = Brussels sprouts). No genotoxic activity was detected in any of the samples tested. The cooking methods that were applied influenced the anti-proliferative activity of Brassica extracts but did not alter considerably the antioxidant activity presented by the raw vegetables. Raw, microwaved, boiled (except broccoli) and steamed vegetable extracts, at different concentrations, presented a protective antioxidative action comparable with vitamin C (1 mm), according to "Anti-proliferative activity and chemoprotective effects towards DNA oxidative damage of fresh and cooked Brassicaceae" by Ferrarini L, Pellegrini N, Mazzeo T, Miglio C, Galati S, Milano F, Rossi C, Buschini A.(a)

2. Colon cancer
In evaluation of iquid chromatography-electrospray ionization (LC-ESI) mass spectrometry two glucosinolates, glucoiberin and 3-hydroxy,4(α-L-rhamnopyranosyloxy) benzyl glucosinolate of the aqueous extract of Brassica oleraceae L var. italica found that when myrosinase hydrolysate was tested for cytotoxic activity on the colon cancer cell line it showed very high activity - 95% lethality up to 0.78 µg/mL, according to "Myrosinase Hydrolysates of Brassica oleraceae L. Var. italica Reduce the Risk of Colon Cancer" by Hashem FA, Motawea H, El-Shabrawy AE, Shaker K, El-Sherbini S.(b)

3. Antioxidant capacity
In the classification of polyphenols, flavonoids and glucosinolates of vegetables belonging to the Brassicaceae family and theirs antioxidant effects found that the antibacterial activity was determined against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. York cabbage extract exhibited significantly higher antibacterial activity against Listeria monocytogenes (100%) and Salmonella abony (94.3%), being the most susceptible at a concentration of 2.8%, whereas broccoli, Brussels sprouts and white cabbage had moderate to weak activity against all the test organisms. Good correlation (r2 0.97) was found between total phenolic content obtained by spectrophotometric analysis and the sum of the individual polyphenols monitored by HPLC-DAD, according to "Phenolic composition, antioxidant capacity and antibacterial activity of selected Irish Brassica vegetables" by Jaiswal AK, Rajauria G, Abu-Ghannam N, Gupta S.(c)

4. Anti inflamatory effect
In the research of Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) found abundantly in Brassica vegetables and it anti inflammatory effect found that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and Akt was suppressed by BITC. BITC also inhibited ear edema formation and the protein expression of iNOS and COX-2 in mouse skin treated with TPA. We demonstrate that BITC is a potent anti-inflammatory agent, and the anti-inflammatory properties of BITC may result from the downregulation of NFkappaB signaling, according to "Benzyl isothiocyanate exhibits anti-inflammatory effects in murine macrophages and in mouse skin" by Lee YM, Seon MR, Cho HJ, Kim JS, Park JH.(d)

5. Arthritis
In the observation of 3,3'-Diindolylmethane (DIM), a natural compound formed during the autolysis of glucobrassicin presented in Brassica food plants and its anti-arthritis effect, found that the inhibition of kappa B ligand (RANKL) by DIM. DIM has shown anti-arthritis activity in animal models via inhibiting the expression of RANKL, and thus may offer potential treatments for arthritis and associated disorders, according to "3,3'-Diindolylmethane attenuates experimental arthritis and osteoclastogenesis" by Dong L, Xia S, Gao F, Zhang D, Chen J, Zhang J.(e)

6. Etc.

B. Health benefits according to concentration
1. Vitamin C
In the evaluation of pulmonary dysfunction. and it effects on pulmonary dysfunction found that At present, evidence from randomised-controlled trials is insufficient to recommend a specific role for vitamin C in the treatment of asthma. Further methodologically strong and large-scale randomised controlled trials are needed in order to address the question of the effectiveness of vitamin C in children with asthma but some outcome data showed effectiveness on lung function, symptom scores, IgE levels and inhaled steroid use. One small study showed a significant difference in % drop in FEV1 post-exercise, according to the study of "Vitamin C supplementation for asthma" by Kaur B, Rowe BH, Arnold E.(I)

2. Vitamin K
Vitamin K not only plays an important role in protecting our skin from aging, it is also needed for the proper clotting of blood, thus decreasing the risk of excessive bleeding, in a study of "Delayed vitamin K deficiency as a cause of bleeding: still a concern in the 21st century!" by Kasatkar P, Shetty S, Ghosh K., posted in PubMed, researchers found that Laboratory tests confirmed acquired bleeding diathesis due to vitamin K deficiency, which was corrected after adequate vitamin K supplementation. VKDB is not an uncommon phenomenon and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a child with bleeding diathesis.

3. Folate
In the investigation of the prevalence and multifactorial etiology of anemia among Indian human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children and its effect on anemia, found that Anemia, particularly iron deficiency anemia and anemia of inflammation, is highly prevalent among children with HIV infection. Micronutrient supplements (iron and, folate) combined with ART(antiretroviral therapy) improved anemia in HIV-infected children, according to "The prevalence and etiology of anemia among HIV-infected children in India" by Shet A, Arumugam K, Rajagopalan N, Dinakar C, Krishnamurthy S, Mehta S, Shet AS.(II)

4. Vitamin B6
c. 1. Vitamin B6 or Pyridoxine beside is important in enhancing the developing red blood cells by stimulating the production of hemoglobin, it also helps to keep blood sugar levels steady during the process of breaking down stored energy in gestation pregnancy, according to the study of "Improvement of oral glucose tolerance in gestational diabetes by pyridoxine" by Bennink HJ, Schreurs WH., posted in PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1131652)

c.2. It also plays a pivotal role as a methyl donor in the basic cellular process of methylation, through which methyl groups are transferred from one molecule to another, resulting in the formation of a wide variety of precess, including regulation of gene expression, protein function, and RNA metabolism. When levels of B6 are inadequate, it may cause faulty Methylation with high levels of homocysteine that can cause variety of disease, including cervical dysplasia, faulty detoxification and impaired DNA repair, etc., according to the study of "Back To Life Natural Health Center - Healthcare Through Natural Methods"(http://www.backtolifehealth.com/Methylation.htm)

5. Potassium
Potassium beside is important in maintaining the regular contraction and relaxation of the muscle, that helps to reducing the risk of hypokalemia, it also helps the lymphatic system in regulating the levels of fluid in the body, thus lessening the risk of lymphedema, swelling caused by the accumulation of lymph fluid. In a study of "Narrative review: evolving concepts in potassium homeostasis and hypokalemia" by Greenlee M, Wingo CS, McDonough AA, Youn JH, Kone BC., posted in PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19414841), researchers found that recent experimental insights into the participation of feedback and feedforward control mechanisms in potassium homeostasis. New data make clear that feedforward homeostatic responses activate when decreased potassium intake is sensed, even when plasma potassium concentration is still within the normal range and before frank hypokalemia ensues, in addition to the classic feedback activation of renal potassium conservation when plasma potassium concentration decreases.

6. Dietary fiber
Daily intake of right amount of fibers can prvent and treata. Diabetes, as Increased consumption of vegetables, whole grains, and soluble and insoluble fiber is associated with improved glucose metabolism in both diabetic and nondiabetic individuals. Improvements in insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis were more evident in participants following a plant-based diet compared with other commonly used diets, according to the study of "Efficacy of high-fiber diets in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus" by Wolfram T, Ismail-Beigi F.(III)

7. Etc.

C. Other health benefits
1. Anti-Tumors
Cauliflower contains high amount of glucosinolates which are potent inducers of protective enzymes that provide defense against cancer-causing chemicals, thus reducing the risk of developing liver, colon, mammary gland, pancreatic tumors, according to the article of "Glucosinolates" by Wikipedia(1)

2. Cancers
The compound indole-3-carbinol has exerted the peoperty in preventing the growth of tumor and cancer, as it may be considered as a potential natural cancer preventive compounds bnecuase of its mechanisms of action, according to the study of "Cancer prevention with natural compounds" Gullett NP, Ruhul Amin AR, Bayraktar S, Pezzuto JM, Shin DM, Khuri FR, Aggarwal BB, Surh YJ, Kucuk O.(2)

3. Antioxidants
Cauliflower improves the immune function in fighting against the forming of free radical due to its high amount of phytonutrients, according to the study of "Antioxidant and antigenotoxic activities of Angelica keiskei, Oenanthe javanica and Brassica oleracea in the Salmonella mutagenicity assay and in HCT116 human colon cancer cells" Kwon D, Yoon S, Carter O, Bailey GS, Dashwood RH(3)

4. Localized adjuvant Arthritis
Cauliflower contains high amount of Vitamin C that plays a role in the production of collagen, an important protein found in bones and joints that helps reduce the risk of infection and inflammation, according to the study of "Vitamin C influence on localized adjuvant arthritis" by
Davis RH, Rosenthal KY, Cesario LR, Rouw GR.(4)

5. Cardiovascular diseases
Omega 3 fatty acid helps to balance the ratio of fatty acid that reduces the risk of bad cholesterol forming of plagues that cause thickening and hardening of arterial wall, causing heart diseases, according to the study of "Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and cardiovascular diseases" by Lavie CJ, Milani RV, Mehra MR, Ventura HO.(5)

6. Etc.

Side effects

1. Excessive intake of these cauliflower may cause health problems to some people who are susceptible to purine-related problems.
2. Also, purine can cause forming of kidney stone
3. Etc.

Sources
(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22088277
(b) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22076869
(c) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21941903
(d) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19760383
(e) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19854159

(I) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19160185
(II) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22009132
(III) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20713332

(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glucosinolate
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20709209
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17119270
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2376830
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19660687

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Nuts & Seeds - Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) Seeds Health Benefits and Side Effects

[Medical Advisor journals] [The world healthy foods List] [The world healthy food recipes]
Sunflower is a genus of Helianthus, belong to the family Asteraceae and native to the Americas. It grow to heights between 5–12 ft. Sunflower seeds are usually classified by the difference of their husks and are considered as healthy snack of a meal.

Nutritional Supplements

1. Carbohydrates
2. Sugars
3. Fiber
4. Fat (Saturated, Monounsaturated, Polyunsaturated)
5. Protein
6. Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
7. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
8. Niacin (Vitamin B3)
9. Pantothenic acid (B5)
10. Vitamin B6
11. Folate (Vit. B9)
12. Vitamin C
13. Vitamin E
14. Calcium
15. Iron
16. Magnesium
17. Manganese
18. Phosphorus
19. Potassium
20. Selenium
21. Sodium
22. Tryptophan
23. Zinc
24. Etc

Health Benefits
A. Health Benefits according to studies
1. Cholesterol and triglyceride
In the experiment of extracted of coconut oil or sunflower oil fed for 6 weeks to rats, found that Cholesterol levels were significantly lowest in rats fed diets rich in M. incana oil (27% reduction), and triglycerides were significantly lower in rats receiving either M. incana or sunflower oil (36% reduction). The contents of arachidonic acid and other (n-6) fatty acids were significantly the lowest in the liver and plasma of rats that had received M. incana oil. The levels of (n-3) fatty acids were significantly greater in both the liver and plasma of rats fed M. incana oil. The ratio of (n-3)/(n-6) long-chain fatty acids in the plasma was 7 times higher in rats fed with M. incana oil than in those fed with sunflower oil and 6 times higher than in those fed coconut oil, according to "Cholesterol and triglyceride reduction in rats fed Matthiola incana seed oil rich in (n-3) fatty acids." by Yaniv Z, Schafferman D, Shamir I, Madar Z.(a)

2. Antioxidant effects
In the investigation of
Plant foods belonging to different food groups such as cereals, legumes, oil seeds, oils, green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, spices, roots and tubers and theirs effect on cardiovascular diseases found that antioxidant activity (AOA) and phenolic content (PC) was the highest in black pepper (0.43 mg food required for 50% inhibition of the coupled auto-oxidation of beta-carotene and linoleic acid in a mixture in vitro) and it had the highest PC (191 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g food). The AOA (18.4 mg) as well as the PC (not detectable) were the lowest in sunflower oil. PC in oil seeds was higher than that in the oil, which could be due to the hydrophilic nature of phenolics and suggests the need for greater use of oil seeds than oils, according to "Antioxidant activity of commonly consumed plant foods of India: contribution of their phenolic content" by Saxena R, Venkaiah K, Anitha P, Venu L, Raghunath M.(b)

3.
Atherosclerosis
In evaluation of the effects of maritime pine oil supplementation (20% w/w) for 2 weeks were compared to those of coconut and sunflower oil in mice found that After 2 weeks of dietary treatment, plasma cholesterol (p < 0.0001), triglyceride (p < 0.0003), phospholipid (p < 0.0001) and apolipoprotein B (p < 0.0001) levels were lower in mice supplemented with maritime pine oil than in those treated with coconut oil. These effects were accounted for by a lowering of LDL-cholesterol, LDL-phospholipids and LDL-triglycerides, as well as a decrease in HDL-cholesterol and HDL-phospholipids, according to "Effects of dietary maritime pine seed oil on lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis development in mice expressing human apolipoprotein B" by Asset G, Baugé E, Wolff RL, Fruchart JC, Dallongeville J.(c)

4. Sunflower seed and fish oil
In the comparison of the effect of s
unflower seed and fish oil and their potential benefits on human health found that the present study provides the first estimates of in vivo endogenous synthesis of RA (63-73 % of milk RA) from VA in goats, and shows no difference between the two lipid supplements compared, according to "Effects of fish oil and starch added to a diet containing sunflower-seed oil on dairy goat performance, milk fatty acid composition and in vivo delta9-desaturation of [13C]vaccenic acid" by Bernard L, Mouriot J, Rouel J, Glasser F, Capitan P, Pujos-Guillot E, Chardigny JM, Chilliard Y.(d)

5. Ulcers
In the
determination of the potential protective effects of ozonized sunflower oil (OSO)and its effect on gastrointestinal tract found that these protective effects of OSO are mediated at least partially by stimulation of some important antioxidant enzymes such as SOD and GSH-Px, which are scavengers of ROS and therefore prevent gastric injury induced by them, according to "Antioxidant mechanism is involved in the gastroprotective effects of ozonized sunflower oil in ethanol-induced ulcers in rats" by Zamora Rodríguez ZB, González Alvarez R, Guanche D, Merino N, Hernández Rosales F, Menéndez Cepero S, Alonso González Y, Schulz S.(e)

6. Etc.

B. health benefits according to the concentration

1. Vitamin E
a. In the evuluation of the effect of vitamin E against the risk of cardiovascular diseases, in the study of "Vitamin E and risk of cardiovascular diseases: a review of epidemiologic and clinical trial studies" by Cordero Z, Drogan D, Weikert C, Boeing H.(1), the researcher found that fifty-nine published reports from observational studies, retrospective and prospective, randomised clinical trials, meta-analyses as well as pooling analyses were reviewed. The paper provides a detailed discussion about design, quality and limitations of these studies with regard to the evidence of the hypothesized relationship between vitamin E and cardiovascular diseases.

b. Cognitive aging and dementia
Vitamin E from food sources as well as many others such as the n-3 fatty acid, DHA, found in fish, a high ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fats, and vitamin B12 and folate, have exerted the benefits of reducing the cognitive aging and diseases, according tothe study of "Nutritional determinants of cognitive aging and dementia" by Morris MC.(2)

2. Vitamin B1(Thiamin)
a. Diabetic complications
Vitamin B1 defeiciency may induce the accumulation of triosephosphates arising from high cytosolic glucose concentrations in hyperglycemia is one likely or potential trigger for biochemical dysfunction leading to the development of diabetic complications, according to the study of "The potential role of thiamine (vitamin B1) in diabetic complications" by
Thornalley PJ.(3)

b. Cardiac function
In the evuluation of diuretic treatment for heart failure may lead to an increased urinary thiamine excretion and in long-term thiamine deficiency, which may further compromise cardiac function, in the study of "Thiamine supplementation in symptomatic chronic heart failure: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over pilot study" by Schoenenberger AW, Schoenenberger-Berzins R, der Maur CA, Suter PM, Vergopoulos A, Erne P.(4), researchers found that thiamine supplementation has beneficial effects on cardiac function in patients with diuretic drugs for symptomatic chronic heart failure.

3. Meganesium
a. Osteroporosis
In the evaluation of therelationship between osteoporosis and magnesium (Mg) deficiency in the study of "A case of magnesium deficiency associated with insufficient parathyroid hormone action and severe osteoporosis" by Kanazawa I, Yamamoto M, Yamaguchi T, Yamauchi M, Yano S, Sugimoto T.(5), researchers found that Mg deficiency in this case seemed to cause impaired secretion of PTH from the parathyroid and the refractoriness of bone and kidney to the hormone, which led to the suppression of both bone remodeling and renal vitamin D production. that probably linked to her severe osteoporosis.

b. Metabolic syndrome
In the assessment of high Mg intake may reduce the risk but the possibility of confounding factors exists, given the strong association between Mg and other beneficial nutriments (vegetables, fibers, cereals), in the study of "Magnesium deficiency and metabolic syndrome: stress and inflammation may reflect calcium activation" by Rayssiguier Y, Libako P, Nowacki W, Rock E.(6), researchers indicated that Mg effect on intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis may be a common link between stress, inflammation and a possible relationship to metabolic syndrome.

4. Manganese
a. Antioxidant
Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), an enzyme located in mitochondria, is the key enzyme that protects the energy-generating mitochondria from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, according to the study of `The role of manganese superoxide dismutase in inflammation defense`by Li C, Zhou HM.(7)

b. Diabetes risk
Deficiency (too little) and efficiency (too much) of some essential trace metals may play a role in the development of diabetes mellitus, including manganese, according to the study of `Copper, chromium, manganese, iron, nickel, and zinc levels in biological samples of diabetes mellitus patients`by Kazi TG, Afridi HI, Kazi N, Jamali MK, Arain MB, Jalbani N, Kandhro GA.(8)

5. Etc.

B. Other health benefits
1. Heart diseases and stroke
Since it contains high amount of Omega 3 fatty acids, it increases the ratio of good cholesterol , thus reducing the risk of heart diseases and stroke., according to the study of "Omega-3 Fatty acids for cardiovascular disease prevention" by Defilippis AP, Blaha MJ, Jacobson TA.(9)

2. Vascular function
Since it contains high amount magnesium that increases the elastic of blood vessels and regulates the muscle relaxation and constriction, thus enhancing the blood flow in the body,according to the study of 'Oral magnesium supplementation improves vascular function in elderly diabetic patients" by Barbagallo M, Dominguez LJ, Galioto A, Pineo A, Belvedere M.(10)

3. Ulcerative colitis
Since sunflower contains high amount of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant beside is important in preventing cholesterol from being converted to plaque, it helps to enhance the immune system in fighting against irregular cells growth, virus causes of inflammation, according to the study of "Vitamin E has a dual effect of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats" by Tahan G, Aytac E, Aytekin H, Gunduz F, Dogusoy G, Aydin S, Tahan V, Uzun H.(11)

4. Etc.

Side Effects

No side effect is known

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer

For the world most healthy foods lists, visit http://healthy-foods-index.blogspot.com/2011/03/healthy-foods-list.html,
For other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/

Sources
(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10563945
(b) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17566887
(c) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11876490
(d) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20307350
(e) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17497036

(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20373188
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22067138
(3)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18220605
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22057652
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18048993
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20513641
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21977313
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18193174
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20842560
(10)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20736142
(11) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21933527

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Fruits - Grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi) Health Benefits and Side Effects

[Medical Advisor journals] [The world healthy foods List] [The world healthy food recipes]
Grapefruit is a species of Citrus × paradisi, belong to the family Rutaceae. It is an ornamental plant with ancestors of sweet orange and pomelo, native to Jamaican and Indonesia receptively.

Nutrition Supplements
1. Carbohydrates
2. Sugars
3. Fiber
4. Fat
5. Protein
6. Vitamin A
7. Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
8. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
9. Niacin (Vitamin B3)
10. Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5)
11. Vitamin B6
12. Folate (Vitamin B9)
13. Vitamin C
14. Calcium
15. Iron
16. Magnesium
17. Phosphorus
18. Potassium
19. Zinc
20. Manganese
21. Etc.

Health Benefits

A. Health benefits according to studies
1. Weight Loss
In the investigation of comsumption of grapefruit juice and its effect on weight loss found that incorporating consumption of a low energy dense dietary preload in a caloric restricted diet is a highly effective weight loss strategy. But, the form of the preload did not have differential effects on energy balance, weight loss or body composition. It is notable that subjects in grapefruit (GF) and grapefruit juice (GFJ) preload groups experienced significantly greater benefits in lipid profiles, according to "Effects of grapefruit, grapefruit juice and water preloads on energy balance, weight loss, body composition, and cardiometabolic risk in free-living obese adults" by Silver HJ, Dietrich MS, Niswender KD.(a)

2.
Degenerative diseases
In the classification of grapefruit and its effect on Degenerative diseases found that grapefruit, by virtue of its rich flavonoid content, is beneficial in the management of degenerative diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. This potentially explosive subject is reviewed here, according to "The grapefruit: an old wine in a new glass? Metabolic and cardiovascular perspectives" by Owira PM, Ojewole JA.(b)

3. Blood pressure
In the
examination of the effects of ingestion of grapefruit juice or grapefruit on the hypotensive effect and plasma concentration of dihydropyridine calcium antagonists found that a single ingestion of grapefruit juice had no effect on plasma amlodipine concentration, but rapidly increased plasma nifedipine concentration and decreased blood pressure, while the effect on blood pressure was short-lasting. Grapefruit had no effect on either drug. It should be of concern that ingestion of a relatively large volume of grapefruit juice causes rapid decrease in blood pressure when the subject is treated by nifedipine, according to "Effects of ingestion of grapefruit juice or grapefruit on the hypotensive effect and plasma concentrations of dihydropyridine calcium antagonists (amlodipine and nifedipine): a case study" by Nakagawa K, Goto T.(c)

4.
Weight and Insulin resistance
In the evaluation of
the effects of grapefruit and grapefruit products on body weight and metabolic syndrome in obese adult, found that half of a fresh grapefruit eaten before meals was associated with significant weight loss. In metabolic syndrome patients the effect was also seen with grapefruit products. Insulin resistance was improved with fresh grapefruit. Although the mechanism of this weight loss is unknown it would appear reasonable to include grapefruit in a weight reduction diet, according to "The effects of grapefruit on weight and insulin resistance: relationship to the metabolic syndrome" by Fujioka K, Greenway F, Sheard J, Ying Y.(d)

5. Weight loss and cholesterol
In the investigation of
grapefruit (GF), grapefruit juice (GFJ) and its health benefits found that incorporating consumption of a low energy dense dietary preload in a caloric restricted diet is a highly effective weight loss strategy. But, the form of the preload did not have differential effects on energy balance, weight loss or body composition. It is notable that subjects in GF and GFJ preload groups experienced significantly greater benefits in lipid profiles., according to "Effects of grapefruit, grapefruit juice and water preloads on energy balance, weight loss, body composition, and cardiometabolic risk in free-living obese adults" by Silver HJ, Dietrich MS, Niswender KD.(e)

6. Etc.

B. Health benefits according to the concentration

1. Vitamin C
a. Irregular cells growth
Since it contains high amount of vitamin C and antioxidant, it improves the immune function against forming of free radical, thus reducing the risk of tumor and cancer caused of irregular cell growth and abnormal DNA replication and cell division, according to the study of "High-dose vitamin C (ascorbic acid) therapy in the treatment of patients with advanced cancer" by Ohno S, Ohno Y, Suzuki N, Soma G, Inoue M.(1)

b. Upper respiratory infection
Vitamin C has exerted its activity as an antioxidant in preventing and treating Upper respiratory infection, according to the study of ' Dietary intake and supplement use of vitamins C and e and upper respiratory tract infection" by Fondell E, Bälter O, Rothman KJ, Bälter K.(2)

2. Dietary Fibers
a. Heart diseases and stroke
Since it contains high amount of fiber, it improves the ratio of good cholesterol (HDL) and blod vessels relaxation, thus decreasing the risk of heart diseases and stroke, according to the study of "Cholesterol-lowering effects of dietary fiber: a meta-analysis" by Brown L, Rosner B, Willett WW, Sacks FM.(3)

b. Diabetes
High amount of fibers in the grapefruits helps ito release glucose into blood strean slowly as they are hard to digest, thus improving glucose metabolism and increasing insulin sensitivity.according to the study of "Efficacy of high-fiber diets in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus" by Wolfram T, Ismail-Beigi F.(4)

3. Vitamin A
a. Cervical cancer
Vitamin A intake has exerted it inversely associated with the risk of cervical cancer, according to the study of " Vitamin A and risk of cervical cancer: A meta-analysis" by Zhang X, Dai B, Zhang B, Wang Z.(5)

b. Vitamin A and acute diarrhoea
In the assesesment of ssess the impact of vitamin A supplementation on morbidity from acute respiratory tract infections and diarrhoea in the study of "Impact of massive dose of vitamin A given to preschool children with acute diarrhoea on subsequent respiratory and diarrhoeal morbidity" by Bhandari N, Bhan MK, Sazawal S.(6)

4. Etc.

C. Other health benefits
1. Hypokalemia
Ptassium in the grapefruit is important for maintainging the proper ratio of sodium that promotes the lymphatic function in regulating the fuild in the body, thus reduing the risk of hypokalemia, according to the study of "Prevention of hypokalemia caused by diuretics' by E, Delaney V.(7)

2 Antioxidant Lycopene
Lycopene found adbudant in grapefruit has exerted it antiodant activity as a chemopreventive agent to suppress MMP-7 expression and leptin-mediated cell invasion in human colon cancer HT-29 cells, according to the study of "Cancer Chemopreventive Effects of Lycopene: Suppression of MMP-7 Expression and Cell Invasion in Human Colon Cancer Cells' by Lin MC, , Wang FY, Kuo YH, Tang FY.(8)

3. Limonoids
Limonoids in grapefruit has exhibited the inhibition of the HIV-1 replication in culture of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and on monocytes/macrophages (M/M), according to the study of "Effect of limonin and nomilin on HIV-1 replication on infected human mononuclear cells" by Battinelli L, Mengoni F, Lichtner M, Mazzanti G, Saija A, Mastroianni CM, Vullo V.(9)

4. Etc.

Side effects
1. Since it inhibits enzymes that are necessary for the clearance of some drugs and hormones, leading to an indirected role in increasesing the risk of breast cancer in post-menopausal women.
2. Certain pharmaceutical drugs combined with grapefruit juice become more potent, please check with your doctor before consuming grapefruit if you are taking any medicine.
3. Etc.

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer

For other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/
If you like what you read, please follow me at http://twitter.com/kylejnorton

Sources
(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21288350
(b) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20972517
(c) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20374180
(d) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16579728

(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19414313
(2) http://www.jacn.org/content/30/4/248.abstract
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9925120
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20713332
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22005522
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7819847
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8199766
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21923160
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14648393

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Vegetables - Carrots (Daucus carota) Health Benefits and Side Effects

[Medical Advisor journals] [The world healthy foods List] [The world healthy food recipes]

Carrots
Carrot can grow to 3ft tall. It is root vegetable with orange color normally, a sub spices of Daucus carota, belongs to the family Apiaceae, native to Asian and Europe.

Nutritional Benefits

1. Carbohydrates
2. Sugars
3. Fibre
4. Fat
5. Protein
6. Vitamin A
7. Thiamine (VittaminB1)
8. Riboflavin (Vittamin B2)
9. Niacin (Vittamin B3)
10. Vitamin B6
11. Folate (Vittamin B9)
12. Vitamin C 13. Vitamin K
14. Calcium
15. Iron
16. Magnesium
17. Molybdenum
18. Phosphorus
19. Potassium
20. Sodium
21. Etc.

Health benefits

A. Health Benefits according to studies
1. Colon cancer
Carrot juice has exerted the property in reducing the risk of colon cancer, according to the study of "Effects of carrot and tomato juice consumption on faecal markers relevant to colon carcinogenesis in humans" by Schnäbele K, Briviba K, Bub A, Roser S, Pool-Zobel BL, Rechkemmer G.(a)

2. Cardiovascular health

Drinking carrot juice can enhance the cardiovascular health as it increases the total antioxidant status and decreases the lipid peroxidation, according to the study of "Drinking carrot juice increases total antioxidant status and decreases lipid peroxidation in adults" by Potter AS, Foroudi S, Stamatikos A, Patil BS, Deyhim F.(b)

3. Leukemia
Carrot juice extract with has exerted the properties of induced apoptosis and inhibited progression through the cell cycle in the treatment of leukemia, according to the study of "Bioactive Chemicals from Carrot (Daucus carota) Juice Extracts for the Treatment of Leukemia" by Zaini R, Clench MR, Le Maitre CL.(c)

4.
Purple carrot juice
Purple carrot juice (usually orange inside) has demonstrated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in improving glucose tolerance as well as cardiovascular and hepatic structure and function, according to the study of "Comparison of purple carrot juice and β-carotene in a high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet-fed rat model of the metabolic syndrome" by Poudyal H, Panchal S, Brown L.(d)

5. Oxidative DNA damage
Carot juice may have a
possible preventive effects in disease causation and progression caused by Oxidative DNA damage due to its antioxidant properties, according to the study of "Oxidative DNA damage in human white blood cells in dietary antioxidant intervention studies" by Møller P, Loft S.(e)

6. Etc.

B. Health Benefits according to the concentration

1. Antioxidant
Carrot contains high amount of antioxidants Vitamin A, it not only improves the immune system in fighting against invasion of foreign substances and regulates the normal cell growth, thus decreasing the risk of cancer and tumor, according to the study of "Carotenoids inhibit proliferation and regulate expression of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in K562 cancer cells" by Zhang X, Zhao WE, Hu L, Zhao L, Huang J.(1), but also protects vision health as it helps the eyes to adjust to light changes by preventing night blind blindness by increasing the adaptability of the human eye to bright light and darkness, according to the study of "Culture of highly differentiated human retinal pigment epithelium for analysis of the polarized uptake, processing, and secretion of retinoids" by Hu J, Bok D.(2)

2. Coagulation and wrinkles
Carrot contains a measurable amount of vitamin K of that not only enhances the under layer of skin against skin aging, according to the study of "Vitamin K shows potential in the fight against wrinkle" katie Bird (3)by but also improve coagulation caused by bleeding of wound, acccording to the study of "Vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors deficiency" by Brenner B, Kuperman AA, Watzka M, Oldenburg J.(4)

3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C not only has been best known for its function in relieve the symptoms of common cold, according to the study of "Examining the evidence for the use of vitamin C in the prophylaxis and treatment of the common cold" by Heimer KA, Hart AM, Martin LG, Rubio-Wallace S..(5) but also lowers the risk of upper respiratory tract infection, according to the study of "Dietary intake and supplement use of vitamins C and e and upper respiratory tract infection" by Fondell E, Bälter O, Rothman KJ, Bälter K.(6)

4. Etc.

C. Other health Benefits
1. Diabetes
carrot contains high amount of fiber which helps to release the glucose slowly into blood stream as it has an inverse relationship with the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and may contribute to both the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitu, according to the study of "[Dietary fibers: current trends and health benefits in the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes].[Article in Portuguese]" by Mello VD, Laaksonen DE(7)

2. Colon cancer
The polyacetylene falcarinol, isolated from carrot may have the potential in benefiting colon cancer ,according to the study of "Biphasic effect of falcarinol on caco-2 cell proliferation, DNA damage, and apoptosis" by Young JF, Duthie SJ, Milne L, Christensen LP, Duthie GG, Bestwick CS.(8)

3. Hypertension
Potassium rich of carrot not only helps to maintain the of the levels of sodium but also reduces the rick of high blood pressure due to it diuretic effects, according to the study of "Blood pressure lowering efficacy of potassium-sparing diuretics (that block the epithelial sodium channel) for primary hypertension' by Heran BS, Chen JM, Wang JJ, Wright JM.(9)

4. Obesity
Since it contains high amount of fiber, it makes the stomach feeling fullness longer, thus reducing the risk food craving, according to the study of "The role of dietary fiber in the development and treatment of childhood obesity" by Kimm SY.(10)

4. Etc.

Side Effects

1. Over consumption of carrots can cause a benign condition of the skin turns orange.
2. Since it is a root vegetable, people with weakened kidney should consult with their doctor before consuming.
3. Etc.

Super foods Library, Eat Yourself Healthy With The Best of the Best Nature Has to Offer

For other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/
For other healthy food visit http://healthy-foods-index.blogspot.com/2011/03/healthy-foods-list.html

Sources
(a) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18254985
(b) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21943297
(c) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21864090
(d) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20619064
(e) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12144999
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21620794
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20552421
(3) http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Vitamin-K-shows-potential-in-the-fight-against-wrinkles
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19598072
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19432914
(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21917705
(7) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19768242
(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17263451
(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20091662
(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7494672