Groundbreaking Study Finds Turmeric Extract Superior to Prozac for Depression

A new study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research has confirmed for the first time in a randomized, controlled clinical trial that the primary polyphenol in turmeric known as curcumin is both safe and effective in treating serious states of depression.[1]

The research was performed at the Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical College, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India, and involved patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD).  The objective of the trial was to compare the efficacy and safety of curcumin with fluoxetine (Prozac) in 60 patients diagnosed with MDD. Subjects were randomized to receive either a six week treatment with fluoxetine (20 mg) and curcumin (1000 mg) individually or their combination.

Success of the treatment was evaluated using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D₁₇). The results were reported as follows:

We observed that curcumin was well tolerated by all the patients. The proportion of responders as measured by the HAM-D₁₇ scale was higher in the combination group (77.8%) than in the fluoxetine [Prozac] (64.7%) and the curcumin (62.5%) groups; however, these data were not statistically significant (P = 0.58). Interestingly, the mean change in HAM-D₁₇ score at the end of six weeks was comparable in all three groups (P = 0.77). This study provides first clinical evidence that curcumin may be used as an effective and safe modality for treatment in patients with MDD without concurrent suicidal ideation or other psychotic disorders. [emphasis added]

Discussion

If the results of this relatively small trial are applicable to a wider population, this is truly groundbreaking news. There was already a rather sizable body of preclinical research indicating that curcumin is an effective antidepressant in the animal model,[2] but this was not enough to sway most physicians who practice so-called "evidence based medicine" into actually suggesting it to patients as a Prozac or antidepressant alternative. And this is understandable, as the lack of solid human clinical evidence supporting the use of a natural substance is no small matter from a legal-regulatory perspective. Unless a substance has passed through the approximately 800 million dollar financial gauntlet of phase I, II, and III clinical trials required to apply for FDA drug approval, and has actually received that approval, there is scant legal protection for those who use natural medicines to prevent or treat disease and who might face a lawsuit, frivolous or genuine, as a result of a claim of injury. 

Curcumin, of course, is extremely safe, with a 2010 phase I safety study finding that oral doses as high as 8 grams a day were well tolerated.[3]  Fluoxetine, on the other hand, is highly controversial due to its well-known toxicity, and its laundry list of side effects, which include suicidal ideation (not a good side effect for someone already depressed!). 

Also, even though it would appear the study found that curcumin and Prozac were equivalent in effectiveness, the fact that curcumin comes "...without concurrent suicidal ideation or other psychotic disorders," clearly proves its superiority over Prozac. There are also a wide range of additional side benefits that come with using curcumin, including its powerful neuroprotective properties. You will find no less than 109 studies on our database documenting curcumin's ability to protect, and in some cases restore brain function.  [see research here: curcumin's neuroprotective properties]

Studies like this are greatly encouraging as they confirm the timeless wisdom of plant, mineral and nutrient-based medical interventions which were once the norm before pharmaceutical medicine, only recently, attempted to dominate the spectrum of alternatives available to the public. 

Some final details that may be of assistance are: 1) curcumin is approximately 3-4% of the whole root powder by weight. 2) curcumin is poorly bioavailable, as it is alcohol and not water or fat soluble, so must be taken in higher quantities, or in combination with either carrier molecules such as the phospholipid phosphatidyl choline or bioavailability enhancers such as black pepper, or the primary compound responsible for increased absorption in black pepper: piperine. 

Why Turmeric May Be the Diseased Liver's Best Friend

You know turmeric has health benefits, most notably reducing inflammation, but did you know it may also protect and heal the damaged and diseased liver?

A new clinical trial published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine is shedding light on turmeric's remarkable liver protective and regenerative properties.[1]

South Korean researchers at the Clinical Trial Center for Functional Foods, Chonbuk National University Hospital, tested their hypothesis that turmeric may improve liver function by administering afermented form to subjects, 20 years old and above, who were diagnosed mild to moderate elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, a maker for liver damage and/or dysfunction.

Sixty subjects were randomized to receive 3.0 g per fermented turmeric powder (FTP) or placebo 3.0 g per day for 12 weeks. The treatment group received two capsules of FTP three times a day after meals, for 12 weeks.

What were the results?

Not only did FTP significantly reduce ALT levels in subjects but also reduced serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), two additional enzymes which when elevated are commonly associated with liver damage. The effects were maintained as long as the subjects remained on the treatment. Also, FTP was well tolerated and without significant adverse effects.

This study adds additional weight to a rather vast body of preclinical research that has accumulated over the past two decades confirming turmeric and its primary polyphenol curcumin's liver protecting properties.  The GreenMedInfo.com database now contains 86 studies demonstrating the ability of turmeric (and curcumin) to protect the liver against a wide range of chemical and drug exposures.[2]We recently featured a study published in the Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand which revealed the potential of turmeric to protect and regenerate the diabetic liver.[3]

Turmeric May Also Kill Liver Cancer

What may be even more remarkable is the accumulating research on the anti-liver cancer properties of turmeric (and curcumin).  The GreenMedInfo.com has 26 preclinical studies showing it kills liver cancer cells and tumors, including one case study involving a 6-month old infant with a life-threatening liver vascular tumor (hemangioendothelioma) who was reported treated successfully with a dietary supplement of curcumin, with 6-year follow-up.[4]

One of the most remarkable facts about turmeric as a potential drug and chemotherapy alternativeis its exceptionally high margin of safety. A 2001 study in cancer patients reported that quantities of curcumin up to 8 g, administered per day for three months, were not toxic and resulted in significant anti-cancer properties in a number of those treated.[5] Considering that turmeric is only 3-4% curcumin by weight, this implies that a larger quantity of turmeric can be consumed safely, as well.

Of course, while these results are promising, the real solution to elevated liver enzymes is to identify the underlying causes, e.g. infection, NSAID use, chemical exposures, dietary intolerances, etc., and remove them.  Failing that, those within the integrative medical field who are looking for evidence-based ways to address the sometimes inevitable hepatotoxicity of standard drug-based treatments may find a role for turmeric (curcumin) in their practices.  Other folks, simply looking for ways to improve their health and to prevent liver problems may wish to consume smaller doses through incorporating the spice (which must be organic to avoid the dangers of irradiation) into traditional recipes at culinary doses. [see our EATomology project for guidance on this]

For more information on Turmeric's amazing healing properties read our article: 600 Reasons Why Turmeric May Be the World's Most Important Spice.

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[1] Sang-Wook Kim, Ki-Chan Ha, Eun-Kyung Choi, Su-Young Jung, Min-Gul Kim, Dae-Young Kwon, Hye-Jung Yang, Min-Jung Kim, Hee-Joo Kang, Hyang-Im Back, Sun-Young Kim, Soo-Hyun Park, Hum-Young Baek, Yong-Jae Kim, Joon-Yeol Lee, Soo-Wan Chae. The effectiveness of fermented turmeric powder in subjects with elevated alanine transaminase levels: a randomised controlled study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2013 ;13:58. Epub 2013 Mar 8. PMID: 23497020

[2] GreenMedInfo.com, Professional Feature: Focus Turmeric's Hepatoprotective Properties Articles (86 abstracts)

[3] GreenMedInfo.com, Turmeric May Repair and Regenerative the Diabetic Liver

[4] Lewis A Hassell, Le Dinh Roanh. Potential response to curcumin in infantile hemangioendothelioma of the liver. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010 Aug;55(2):377-9. PMID: 20582974

[5] A L Cheng, C H Hsu, J K Lin, M M Hsu, Y F Ho, T S Shen, J Y Ko, J T Lin, B R Lin, W Ming-Shiang, H S Yu, S H Jee, G S Chen, T M Chen, C A Chen, M K Lai, Y S Pu, M H Pan, Y J Wang, C C Tsai, C Y Hsieh. Phase I clinical trial of curcumin, a chemopreventive agent, in patients with high-risk or pre-malignant lesions. Anticancer Res. 2001 Jul-Aug;21(4B):2895-900. PMID: 11712783

Could Eating This Simple Black Seed Prevent Alzheimer's Disease?

A new study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology reveals that the seeds of Nigella sativa, commonly known as "black seed," may provide an ideal nutritional supplement for preventing or slowing the progression of Alzheimer disease.[1]

Researchers divided forty elderly volunteers into a treatment group receiving 500 mg capsules of Nigella Sativia twice daily for nine weeks and a placebo group.  Subjects were assessed for neuropsychological state and safety profile twice before treatment and after nine weeks. The trial resulted in significant improvements in memory, attention and cognition without any measurable changes in any biochemical markers of cardiac, liver, or kidney function during the nine-week study period.

The researchers also noted that beyond its neuroprotective properties Nigella Sativa also has kidney protective, lung protective, cardioprotective and liver protective properties.

It is remarkable that a thousand years ago the Persian scholar Ibn Sīnā described Nigella sativia in his Canon of Medicine for their enlivening and tonifying effects as follows:  'it stimulates the body's energy and helps recovery from fatigue and dispiritedness.  It appears that science is only now catching up to the wisdom of the ancients, which in the case of Black Seed, was known as  'The Remedy for Everything But Death.'

Our own review of the scientific literature on the US National Library of Medicine reveals this remarkable seed's experimentally confirmed benefits articulated through 20 distinct physiological actions:

•        Analgesic (Pain-Killing)
•        Anti-Bacterial
•        Anti-Inflammatory
•        Anti-Ulcer
•        Anti-Cholinergic
•        Anti-Fungal
•        Ant-Hypertensive
•        Antioxidant
•        Antispasmodic
•        Antiviral
•        Bronchodilator
•        Gluconeogenesis Inhibitor (Anti-Diabetic)        
•        Hepatoprotective (Liver Protecting)
•        Hypotensive
•        Insulin Sensitizing
•        Interferon Inducer
•        Leukotriene Antagonist
•        Renoprotective (Kidney Protecting)
•        Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Inhibitor

Black seed, like turmeric, ginger, pepper, oregano, and cinnamon, is commonly used as both a food and medicine in traditional cultures.  As research continues to accumulate confirming ancient dietary compounds in preventing and treating disease, a genuine paradigm shift within conventional medicine is imminent.  When safe, affordable and easily accessible spices, herbs and food concentrates produce therapeutic effects often superior to the drugs, we are increasingly encouraged to look to the farm before the pharmacy.

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[1] Muhammad Shahdaat Bin Sayeed, Md Asaduzzaman, Helal Morshed, Md Monir Hossain, Mohammad Fahim Kadir, Md Rezowanur Rahman. The effect of Nigella sativa Linn. seed on memory, attention and cognition in healthy human volunteers. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013 Jul 30 ;148(3):780-6. Epub 2013 May 21. PMID:23707331

The Remarkable Heart-Friendy Properties of Avocados

There are still folks out there who believe that the 'high fat' content of avocados make them a liability for heart health. But the research on avocados simply doesn't support this lipid-phobic view. Take for example a recent study that looked at what happened when avocado was added to a heart-stopping American favorite, the hamburger meal.[i]

Researchers at the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition took eleven healthy subjects, and on two different occasions, fed them either 250 gram hamburger patty alone (ca. 436 cal and 25 g fat) or together with 68 grams of avocado flesh (an additional 114 cal and 11 g of fat for a total of 550 cal and 36 g fat).

The researchers then measured the degree of vasoconstriction following hamburger ingestion 2 hours later in test subjects given a hamburger meal either with our without avocado.  The hamburger meal resulted in significant vasoconstriction, whereas the avocado+hamburger meal saw no change at all.

Next, the researchers isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the test subjects in order to measure a protein known as Ikappa-B alpha, which is an indicator of inflammation. At 3 hours, there was a significant preservation of IkBa when avocado was consumed with the meat compared to meat lone, "consistent with reduced activation of the NF-kappa B (NFκB) inflammatory pathway."  Another blood marker, interleukin-6 (IL-6), increased significantly at 4 hours after the consumption of the hamburger, but no change was observed when avocado was added.

Finally, researchers found that post-meal triglycerides did not raise in the avocado group, despite the additional fat, whereas they did increase in the hamburger alone group.  The researchers concluded: "These observations are suggestive of beneficial anti-inflammatory and vascular health effects of ingesting added Hass avocado with a hamburger patty."

Discussion

There are two main reasons why fats are labeled "bad." First, fatty foods that are comprised of a disproportionate amount of omega-6 fats (relative to omega-3 fats) contribute to the formation of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, e.g. prostaglandin E2, leukotriene, thromboxane, etc. Corn, soy, peanut, grape, canola, and many other grain, seed and bean oils, are all extraordinarily high in omega-6 relative to omega-3 content. Peanut oil, for instance, has several thousand times more omega-6 than omega-3.

This is profoundly out of balance when you consider our evolutionarily-determined ideal ratio is closer to a 1:1-4:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3. When you feed cattle on these omega-6 rich foods, the problem only becomes exaggerated. Grain-fed cattle not only concentrate omega-6 fats in their flesh but inflammatory metabolites of omega-6 fats such as arachadonic acid, which is the fuel the Cox-2 enzyme "burns" (technically oxidizes) during the inflammatory process. This explains why the ordinary grain-fed hamburger can be so inherently toxic. And yet, there are grass-fed and organic alternatives much higher in beneficial omega-3 fats, as well as beneficial fats such as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). 

But even in this latter case, when the ratio and types of fats are generally "good," they can still undergo a process known as lipid peroxidation. This is the second way that fats can "go bad." Lipid peroxidation can occur both outside of the stomach (when grilled/cooked), or within the stomach during the normal process of digestion. Otherwise known as rancidity, lipid peroxidation results in quite a few adverse health effects, including inflammation and even damage to the arteries in our bodies. This is why antioxidants, as evidenced by avocado's beneficial role in the study above, are powerful inhibitors of this deleterious process.

Ultimately, this study speaks to the necessity of balance in what we eat.  Recipes, as we have written about previously in Have We Stripped Our Food of Its Story?, are "medical prescriptions," which is the literal translation of the French word.  Our common use of dressings, condiments and spices, in other words, are not simply aesthetical enhancements to our meals, but protect and amplify the nutrition contained within the main ingredients.

For those who have chosen a meat-based diet for themselves, the key may be making sure that the animals were raised in as humane and healthy a manner as possible, and that when consuming meat they also consume antioxidant spices, seasonings and plant foods that prevent it from going rancid or otherwise doing harm.

For an extensive list of over 50 natural compounds which reduce or eliminate lipid peroxidation view our research section on the topic: Lipid Peroxidation Research.

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Resources

• [i]Zhaoping Li, Angela Wong, Susanne M Henning, Yanjun Zhang, Alexis Jones, Alona Zerlin, Gail Thames, Susan Bowerman, Chi-Hong Tseng, David Heber. Hass avocado modulates postprandial vascular reactivity and postprandial inflammatory responses to a hamburger meal in healthy volunteers. Food Funct. 2012 Nov 29. Epub 2012 Nov 29. PMID: 23196671

Cinnamon's Infection and Diabetes-Fighting Properties Revealed

Cinnamon's medicinal potential is as rich and complex as its flavor and aroma, with blood sugar balancing and infection fighting top on the list.

Cinnamon is a familiar spice, but few are aware of just how diverse are its medicinal properties.  TheUS National Library of Medicine houses well over 1300 abstracts on the subject of the various forms of cinnamon's potential health benefits.

GreenMedInfo.com has gathered together research on no less than 60 potential health benefits of this highly valued spice on our research page dedicated to the topic: Cinnamon Medicinal Properties.

First, it must be clarified that there are a wide range of plants whose bark are sold as cinnamon. The first though less used form is known as Cinnamomum verum (literally "true cinnamon") and is sometimes called Ceylon (the ancient name of Sri Lanka) cinnamon, as it is named after the geographic region where it was first commonly cultivated.  Due to its rarity, it is more expensive and harder to find on the market.

Other forms include:

•  C. cassia (Cassia or Chinese cinnamon)
•  C. burmannii ( Indonesian cinnamon)
•  C. loureiroi (Vietnamese cinnamon)

One of the major differences between C. verum and varieties such as C. burmannii and C. cassia is that the latter types contain much higher levels of coumarin, a naturally occurring phytochemical with blood-thinning properties.  This has prompted European health agencies to warn against consuming large amounts of cinnamon varieties such as cassia.[i]  Natural blood-thinning activity, of course, within the proper context can be life-saving, but when mixed with already dangerous blood-thinning drugs such as aspirin, can be a recipe for disaster - all the more reason why folks using spices and herbs in 'pharmacological' or heroic doses should consult a medical herbalist, or physician with a nuanced understanding of the benefits and potential harms of using high-dose herbal therapies.

Another issue that the US buyer of spices must be fully aware of is the likelihood that unless explicitly labeled USDA certified organic the cinnamon they are purchasing was exposed to toxic levels of gamma irradiation in a controversial process known as "electronic" or "cold" pasteurization. To learn more about this serious threat to our food supply read: The Invisible Nuclear Threat in Non-Organic Food.

Lastly, be mindful of the differences between the powdered whole herb, various water or alcohol extracts, and the oil itself. Some of the studies below focus on solely the oil component (90% of the oil is the therapeutic substance known as cinnamaldehyde) whereas others use water soluble components. The information listed below is not provided as medical advice but to illustrate the vast potential natural substances have to be used in a therapeutic manner. 

Blood Sugar Disorders

Probably the most well-known health benefit of cinnamon is for blood sugar disorders.  And this is for good reason. There is now a rather substantial body of clinical and preclinical research showing that it may help to improve the condition of both type 2 and type 1 diabetics in the following ways:

•  Type 2 diabetics:  Improve fasting blood sugar,[ii] reduce glycated hemoglobin (A1C) and blood pressure,[iii] increase glucose optimization in a manner similar to metformin,[iv] [v]improve insulin signaling and sensitivity,[vi] [vii] and improve blood lipid profiles.[viii]
•  Type 1 diabetics: Protect against hypertension,[ix] protect against diabetes-associated kidney damage,[x] suppress post-meal blood sugar elevations,[xi] and contribute to ongoing reduction in blood sugar.[xii]

Infections

While there is extant folk medical lore indicating that honey mixed with cinnamon can help relieve a sore throat, or fight off infection, few realize it has been confirmed to have extensive anti-infective properties against a wide range of bacteria, viruses and fungi.

It makes sense that cinnamon bark would protect against infection, as one of the major biological functions of plant bark is defense against predation (i.e. infection).  

What follows is an impressive range of pathogens that appear to succumb to cinnamon:

•         Aspergillus niger[xiii]
•         Campylobacter Infections[xiv]
•         Candida Infection[xv]
•         Coronaviridae (SARS-associated) Infections[xvi]
•         Escherichia coli Infections[xvii]
•         H1N1 Infection[xviii]
•         Head Lice[xix]
•         HIV Infections[xx]
•         Insect Bites: Repellent[xxi]
•         Klebsiella Infections[xxii]
•         Legionnaires' disease[xxiii]
•         MRSA[xxiv]
•         Pseudomonas aeruginosa[xxv]
•         Staphylococcal Infections[xxvi]

Like many natural spices that have been used for thousands of years, we are only now just beginning to comprehend through scientific research how important they are in not simply flavoring our foods but helping keep us free of disease. For an impressive list of traditional spices and herbs that have now been confirmed to have medicinal properties by empirical science, view our article on the topic:When Science Confirms Tradition.

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[i] Harris, Emily. German Christmas Cookies Pose Health Danger. National Public Radio. Retrieved 2007-05-01

[ii] Paul A Davis, Wallace Yokoyama. Cinnamon intake lowers fasting blood glucose: meta-analysis.J Med Food. 2011 Sep ;14(9):884-9. Epub 2011 Apr 11. PMID: 21480806

[iii] R Akilen, A Tsiami, D Devendra, N Robinson. Glycated haemoglobin and blood pressure-lowering effect of cinnamon in multi-ethnic Type 2 diabetic patients in the UK: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Photochem Photobiol. 2004 Nov-Dec;80(3):579-82. PMID: 20854384

[iv] Wei Zhang, Yan-cheng Xu, Fang-jian Guo, Ye Meng, Ming-li Li. Anti-diabetic effects of cinnamaldehyde and berberine and their impacts on retinol-binding protein 4 expression in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Chin Med J (Engl). 2008 Nov 5;121(21):2124-8. PMID:19080170

[v] Richard A Anderson, C Leigh Broadhurst, Marilyn M Polansky, Walter F Schmidt, Alam Khan, Vincent P Flanagan, Norberta W Schoene, Donald J Graves. Isolation and characterization of polyphenol type-A polymers from cinnamon with insulin-like biological activity. Mol Cancer Ther. 2007 Mar;6(3):1013-21. Epub 2007 Mar 5. PMID: 14709014

[vi] Bolin Qin, Masaru Nagasaki, Ming Ren, Gustavo Bajotto, Yoshiharu Oshida, Yuzo Sato. Cinnamon extract (traditional herb) potentiates in vivo insulin-regulated glucose utilization via enhancing insulin signaling in rats. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2003 Dec;62(3):139-48. PMID:14625128

[vii] Bolin Qin, Kiran S Panickar, Richard A Anderson. Cinnamon: potential role in the prevention of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2010 May;4(3):685-93. Epub 2010 May 1. PMID: 20513336

[viii] P Subash Babu, S Prabuseenivasan, S Ignacimuthu. Cinnamaldehyde--a potential antidiabetic agent. Phytomedicine. 2007 Jan;14(1):15-22. Epub 2006 Nov 30. PMID: 17140783

[ix] Hany M El-Bassossy, Ahmed Fahmy, Dina Badawy. Cinnamaldehyde protects from the hypertension associated with diabetes. Food Chem Toxicol. 2011 Aug 5. Epub 2011 Aug 5. PMID: 21840367

[x] Awanish Mishra, Rajbir Bhatti, Amarjit Singh, Mohan Paul Singh Ishar. Ameliorative effect of the cinnamon oil from Cinnamomum zeylanicum upon early stage diabetic nephropathy. Planta Med. 2009 Oct 29. Epub 2009 Oct 29. PMID: 19876811

[xi] H Mohamed Sham Shihabudeen, D Hansi Priscilla, Kavitha Thirumurugan. Cinnamon extract inhibitsα-glucosidase activity and dampens postprandial glucose excursion in diabetic rats.Nutr Metab (Lond). 2011 ;8(1):46. Epub 2011 Jun 29. PMID: 21711570

[xii] GreenMedInfo.com, Cinnamon's Hypoglycemic Properties

[xiii] V C Pawar, V S Thaker. In vitro efficacy of 75 essential oils against Aspergillus niger. Mycoses. 2006 Jul;49(4):316-23. PMID: 16784447

[xiv] Sadhana Ravishankar, Libin Zhu, Bibiana Law, Lynn Joens, Mendel Friedman. Plant-derived compounds inactivate antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter jejuni strains. J Food Prot. 2008 Jun;71(6):1145-9. PMID: 18592739

[xv] GreenMedInfo.com, Cinnamon's Anti-Candida Properties

[xvi] Min Zhuang, Hong Jiang, Yasuhiro Suzuki, Xiaoguang Li, Peng Xiao, Takashi Tanaka, Hong Ling, Baofeng Yang, Hiroki Saitoh, Lianfeng Zhang, Chuan Qin, Kazuo Sugamura, Toshio Hattori.Procyanidins and butanol extract of Cinnamomi Cortex inhibit SARS-CoV infection. Antiviral Res. 2009 Apr;82(1):73-81. Epub 2009 Feb 11. PMID: 19428598

[xvii] Rosina Khan, Barira Islam, Mohd Akram, Shazi Shakil, Anis Ahmad, S Manazir Ali, Mashiatullah Siddiqui, Asad U Khan. Antimicrobial activity of five herbal extracts against multi drug resistant (MDR) strains of bacteria and fungus of clinical origin. Molecules. 2009 Feb 4;14(2):586-97. PMID: 19214149

[xviii] K Hayashi, N Imanishi, Y Kashiwayama, A Kawano, K Terasawa, Y Shimada, H Ochiai. Inhibitory effect of cinnamaldehyde, derived from Cinnamomi cortex, on the growth of influenza A/PR/8 virus in vitro and in vivo. Antiviral Res. 2007 Apr;74(1):1-8. Epub 2007 Jan 26 PMID:17303260

[xix] Young-Cheol Yang, Hoi-Seon Lee, Si Hyeock Lee, J Marshall Clark, Young-Joon Ahn. Ovicidal and adulticidal activities of Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark essential oil compounds and related compounds against Pediculus humanus capitis (Anoplura: Pediculicidae). Int J Parasitol. 2005 Dec;35(14):1595-600. Epub 2005 Sep 15. PMID: 16188263

[xx] GreenMedInfo.com, Cinnamon's anti-HIV potential

[xxi] Adrian Martin Pohlit, Norberto Peporine Lopes, Renata Antonaci Gama, Wanderli Pedro Tadei, Valter Ferreira de Andrade Neto. Patent literature on mosquito repellent inventions which contain plant essential oils--a review. Planta Med. 2011 Apr ;77(6):598-617. Epub 2011 Feb 15. PMID:21328177

[xxii] GreenMedInfo.com, Cinnamon's anti-Klebsiella properties.

[xxiii] Ching-Wen Chang, Wei-Lung Chang, Shang-Tzen Chang. Influence of pH on bioactivity of cinnamon oil against Legionella pneumophila and its disinfection efficacy in hot springs.Brain Res. 2006 Nov 20;1120(1):183-90. Epub 2006 Sep 20. PMID: 18945470

[xxiv] GreenMedInfo.com, Cinnamon's anti-MRSA properties

[xxv] Y K Ibrahim, M S Ogunmodede. Growth and survival of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in some aromatic waters. Pharm Acta Helv. 1991;66(9-10):286-8. PMID: 1758905

[xxvi] Titik Nuryastuti, Henny C van der Mei, Henk J Busscher, Susi Iravati, Abu T Aman, Bastiaan P Krom.Effect of cinnamon oil on icaA expression and biofilm formation by Staphylococcus epidermidis. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2009 Nov;75(21):6850-5. Epub 2009 Sep 11. PMID:19749058

An introduction to the benefits of eating black fungus.

Black fungus is not only delicious, nutrient-rich, but also has many therapeutic efficacy, and thus eat more benefits of black fungus. Such as black fungus with the blood, weight loss, bowel, such as the role, but also is beneficial for coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. 

1. Natural Enrich the blood products

The black fungus nutritionists called “factor in the meat, iron element 185 mg per 100 grams of black fungus, iron than spinach and 20 times higher, various meat dishes and vegetables in the highest iron content.Chinese medicine believes that black fungus sweet nature, cooling blood, hemostasis, attending hemoptysis, hematemesis, nose bleeding, bloody diarrhea, bleeding, bleeding hemorrhoids, constipation, blood, etc., because of its high iron content, may be timely for the human body add enough iron, so it is a natural blood food.

2.  The body’s scavenger

Black fungus is rich in plant collagen, it has strong adsorption, also has no intention of difficult to digest food under the hair, chaff, wood residues, sand, metal shavings and other foreign matter dissolution and oxidation. Eat black fungus can play a clean digestive tract, intestinal Qingwei polyester role.Especially for workers engaged in ore mining, metallurgy, cement manufacturing, Barber, flour processing, cotton and wool spinning air pollution serious types of work, the regular consumption of black fungus can play a good role in health care.

3. White hair can eat black fungus

We all know, hair white with nervousness, excessive concern related experts, prevention and treatment of white hair, in addition to regulating emotions, but also pay attention to the diet to increase the intake of trace elements and nutrients UFA role to promote the normal hair growth.Trace elements iron and copper are important elements to promote hair melanin synthesis, white hair people should eat more foods rich in these two elements, such as oysters, scallop and other shellfish, almonds, sunflower seeds, walnuts, peanuts, pine nuts and other nuts, animal liver, and kidney tissue. Some UFA role, such as black fungus, black sesame, black rice, seaweed and other food.     

4. Weight loss, cancer prevention, cure constipation

Black fungus is rich in cellulose and a special kind of plant collagen, these two substances can promote gastrointestinal peristalsis, promote the excretion of intestinal fat foods to reduce the absorption of dietary fat, thus preventing obesity; same time, due to two substances can promote gastrointestinal peristalsis, prevent constipation, and is conducive to the timely removal and discharge of toxic substances in the body stool, and thus play a role in the prevention of colorectal cancer and other cancers of the digestive system.

The elderly, especially constipation habit elderly, insist on eating black fungus, eat fungus porridge, the prevention of age-related diseases, anti-cancer, anti-cancer, anti-aging have good effect. Cholecystitis and stones in patients with early, every day to eat black fungus, accompanied by pain, evil and vomiting, and other symptoms can be alleviated within a week.

5. The prevention of cardiovascular disease

Black fungus contains vitamin k and rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, can reduce blood clots and prevent the occurrence of thrombosis embolism, prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

Black fungus role of promoting blood anticoagulant, bleeding disorders, unfit for pregnant women consumption.

6. Fungus + dates can lose weight

Black fungus powder jujube powder diet: Material: black fungus powder 5 grams, 20 grams of jujube powder.Practice: with the right amount of boiling water, black fungus powder red jujube powder can be drink.

7. Protect the neurons 

Efficacy: black fungus in the glial residual impurities in the digestive tract and excreted waste adsorption black fungus contains the class of nucleic acid substances, can reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.

Glia are commonly known as the glue of the nervous system; however, this is not fully accurate. Neuroscience currently identifies four main functions of glial cells:

1. To surround neurons and hold them in place,
2. To supply nutrients and oxygen to neurons,
3. To insulate one neuron from another,
4. To destroy pathogens and remove dead neurons.

Scientists Shocked to Discover Even More Health Benefits of Beans

Although legumes, such as lentils, chick peas and dried beans are an integral part of diets in other parts of the world, they are generally not featured prominently in western diets. But will this change in light of new research indicating they may improve the health of diabetics?

In the study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, scientists made some discoveries that could catapult this somewhat underappreciated food into a realm of greater importance. Researchers found that merely changing the diet can aid in lessening some of the symptoms of diabetics, as well as reducing their risk of heart disease. Moreover, rather than taking years to see improvements, the benefits can be noted in as little as a few months.

Study suggests eating beans can lead to less dependence on diabetic meds.

Canadian researchers worked with 121 type 2 diabetic patients, monitoring parameters like blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol. Half of the participants were instructed to add a cup of legumes to their diet each day, while the other half was asked to incorporate more whole wheat products into their diet.

At the end of three months the participants were retested. Both groups saw a reduction in a marker of average blood sugar, but the reduction was a little larger in the legume group. The magnitude of these reductions were considered “therapeutically meaningful,” which indicates they could result in less diabetic symptoms along with lower doses of medication needed to control blood sugar levels.

On top of this advantage, scientists discovered an additional benefit they did not expect — the legume group experienced a significant drop in blood pressure. Lead author David Jenkins states, “That came as a shock to us.”

Experts laud the health benefits of beans.

Researchers say the positive findings translate into better diabetes control and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Jenkins advises incorporating more legumes into the diet, noting, “They will help you keep your blood pressure down and your blood glucose under control, and help you keep your cholesterol down.”

Samantha Heller, a clinical nutrition coordinator at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital in Derby, Conn., adds her voice to the experts extolling the benefits of beans. “Not only do legumes have a relatively low glycemic index, they are loaded with fiber, antioxidants, protein, vitamins and minerals,” she says.

Also read: Can beans clear your brain fog?: 6 Foods That Clear Brain Fog

In addition to being heart-healthy, they are more affordable than less healthy red meat and processed meat, Heller points out. Dishes like lentil soup and bean chili are healthful substitutions for meals featuring red meat. She also suggests that beans make an excellent addition to salads and burritos, along with pasta sauces and dips.

Article Sources:

http://healthland.time.com/2012/10/23/can-chick-peas-and-lentils-help-to-control-diabetes

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2012/10/22/beans-a-boon-for-people-with-diabetes-study-finds

http://diabetes.webmd.com/news/20121022/bean-diet-health