Pomegranate: How To Clean Your Arteries With One Simple Fruit

The future of cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment will not be found in your medicine cabinet, rather in your kitchen cupboard or in your back yard growing on a tree.

Pomegranate Found To Prevent Coronary Artery Disease Progression

A new study published in the journal Atherosclerosis confirms that pomegranate extract may prevent and/or reverse the primary pathology associated with cardiac mortality: the progressive thickening of the coronary arteries caused by the accumulation of fatty materials known as atherosclerosis.[i]

Mice with a genetic susceptibility towards spontaneous coronary artery blockages were given pomegranate extract via their drinking water for two weeks, beginning at three weeks of age. Despite the fact that pomegranate treatment actually increased cholesterol levels associated with very low density lipoprotein-sized particles, the treatment both reduced the size of the atherosclerotic plaques in the aortic sinus (the dilated opening above the aortic valve) and reduced the proportion of coronary arteries with occlusive atherosclerotic plaques.

Remarkably, the researchers also found that pomegranate extract treatment resulted in the following beneficial effects:

• Reduced levels of oxidative stress
• Reduced monocytie chemotactic protein-1, a chemical messenger (chemokine) associated with inflammatory processes within the arteries.  
• Reduced lipid accumulation in the heart muscle
• Reduced macrophage infiltration in the heart muscle
• Reduced levels of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and fibrosis in the myocardium
• Reduced cardiac enlargement
• Reduced ECG abnormalities

How can something as benign and commonplace as a fruit extract reverse so many aspects of coronary artery disease, simultaneously, as evidenced by the study above?  The answer may lie in the fact that our ancestors co-evolved with certain foods (fruits in particular) for so long that a lack of adequate quantities of these foods may directly result in deteriorating organ function.  Indeed, two-time Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling argued that vitamin C deficiency is a fundamental cause of cardiovascular disease, owing to the fact that our hominid primate ancestors once had year-round access to fruits, and as a result lost the ability to synthesize it. 

Discussion

This study adds to the already extant body of clinical research indicating that pomegranate can help unclog your arteries.  For instance, back in 2004, the journal Clinical Nutrition published the results of a three year clinical trial in an Israeli population, finding that the daily consumption of pomegranate juice reversed carotid artery stenosis by up to 29% within 1 year.  Remarkably, the blockages in the control group increased 9%, indicating that pomegranate's artery unblocking effects were even greater than at first apparent. [ii]

Pomegranate's value in cardiovascular disease is quite broad, as evidenced by the following experimentally confirmed properties:

• Anti-inflammatory: Like many chronic degenerative diseases, inflammation plays a significant role in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis. There are five studies on GreenMedInfo.com indicating pomegranate's anti-inflammatory properties.[iii]
• Blood-Pressure Lowering: Pomegranate juice has natural angiotensin converting enzyme inhibiting properties, [iv] and is a nitric oxide enhancer, two well-known pathways for reducing blood pressure. [v] Finally, pomegranate extract rich in punicalagin has been found reduce the adverse effects of perturbed stress on arterial segments exposed to disturbed flow.[vi]
• Anti-Infective: Plaque buildup in the arteries often involves secondary viral and bacterial infection, including hepatitis C and Chlamydia pneumoniae.[vii] Pomegranate has a broad range of anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.
• Antioxidant: One of the ways in which blood lipids become heart disease-promoting (atherogenic) is through oxidation. LDL, for instance, may be technically 'elevated' but harmless as long as it does not readily oxidize. Pomegranate has been found to reduce the oxidative stress in the blood, as measured by serum paraoxonase levels.  One study in mice found this decrease in oxidative stress was associated with 44% reduction in the size of atherosclerotic lesions. [viii]

For additional research on pomegranate's heart friendly properties read our article: Research: Pomegranate May Reverse Blocked Arteries

Also, view our dedicated research section on reversing arterial plaque: Clogged Arteries

---

Resources

• [i] Aishah Al-Jarallah, Fatima Igdoura, Yi Zhang, Christine B Tenedero, Elizabeth J White, Melissa E Macdonald, Suleiman A Igdoura, Bernardo L Trigatti. The effect of pomegranate extract on coronary artery atherosclerosis in SR-BI/APOE double knockout mice. Atherosclerosis. 2013 May ;228(1):80-9. Epub 2013 Mar 7. PMID: 23528829

• [ii] Michael Aviram, Mira Rosenblat, Diana Gaitini, Samy Nitecki, Aaron Hoffman, Leslie Dornfeld, Nina Volkova, Dita Presser, Judith Attias, Harley Liker, Tony Hayek. Pomegranate juice consumption for 3 years by patients with carotid artery stenosis reduces common carotid intima-media thickness, blood pressure and LDL oxidation. Clin Nutr. 2004 Jun;23(3):423-33. PMID: 15158307

• [iii] GreenMedInfo.com, Pomegranate's Anti-Inflammatory Properties

• [iv] Mahalaxmi Mohan, Harshal Waghulde, Sanjay Kasture. Effect of pomegranate juice on Angiotensin II-induced hypertension in diabetic Wistar rats. Phytother Res. 2009 Dec 17. PMID: 20020514

• [v] Filomena de Nigris, Maria Luisa Balestrieri, Sharon Williams-Ignarro, Francesco P D'Armiento, Carmela Fiorito, Louis J Ignarro, Claudio Napoli. The influence of pomegranate fruit extract in comparison to regular pomegranate juice and seed oil on nitric oxide and arterial function in obese Zucker rats. Nitric Oxide. 2007 Aug ;17(1):50-4. Epub 2007 May 5. PMID: 17553710

• [vi] Filomena de Nigris, Sharon Williams-Ignarro, Vincenzo Sica, Lilach O Lerman, Francesco P D'Armiento, Russell E Byrns, Amelia Casamassimi, Daniela Carpentiero, Concetta Schiano, Daigo Sumi, Carmela Fiorito, Louis J Ignarro, Claudio Napoli. Effects of a pomegranate fruit extract rich in punicalagin on oxidation-sensitive genes and eNOS activity at sites of perturbed shear stress and atherogenesis. Cardiovasc Res. 2007 Jan 15;73(2):414-23. Epub 2006 Sep 1. PMID: 17014835

• [vii] Yasunori Sawayama, Kyoko Okada, Shinji Maeda, Hachiro Ohnishi, Norihiro Furusyo, Jun Hayashi. Both hepatitis C virus and Chlamydia pneumoniae infection are related to the progression of carotid atherosclerosis in patients undergoing lipid lowering therapy.Fukuoka Igaku Zasshi. 2006 Aug;97(8):245-55. PMID: 17087362

• [viii] M Aviram, L Dornfeld, M Rosenblat, N Volkova, M Kaplan, R Coleman, T Hayek, D Presser, B Fuhrman. Pomegranate juice consumption reduces oxidative stress, atherogenic modifications to LDL, and platelet aggregation: studies in humans and in atherosclerotic apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000 May ;71(5):1062-76. PMID: 10799367

Anise or Aniseed - This herb has many benefits including maintaining a healthy digestive system.

Historically, oil has been used for dry, irritable coughs, bronchitis, and whooping cough. These are still applicable uses today. In recent times, Anise oil is also used for arthritis/rheumatism and cancer.

Other uses of Anise oil include alkalosis, blood oxygenation, colitis, constipation, digestion (accelerates), diverticulitis, estrogen (increases), fertility, flatulence, hormonal imbalance, irritable bowel syndrome, menopause, parasites, pms, prostrate cancer (blended with frankincense), and respiratory system (strengthens).

How is all of this possible from one essential oil? It's in the properties. The therapeutic properties of anise are anticoagulant, anesthetic/analgesic, antioxidant, antiseptic, estrogen-like, antispasmodic, antitumoral, diuretic, tonic (heart), and a stimulant (heart).

Fragrant Influence 
Sniff this amazing aromatic oil and it will open emotional blocks and recharges vital energy. If you don't feel like going around with amber bottles close to your nose, simply diffuse it.

Origin 
Good Anise comes from Turkey or Egypt. Pay attention to country of origin when purchasing any aromatherapy oil and know where the best comes from.

Precautions 
Anise can irritate sensitive skin and has been known to cause dermatitis in some individuals. It is best if you use it in moderation.

Application 
Dilute 1 part essential oil to 1 part carrier oil. Apply 1-2 drops on location, on Vita Flex points, directly inhale or diffuse. GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe to ingest)

Fun Fact 
Anise essential oil was listed in Dioscorides' De Materia Medica (A.D. 78), Europe's first authoritative guide to medicines, that became the standard work for herbal treatments for over 1,700 years.

Companion Oils 
Anise oil can be difficult to use in blending. Use only very small amounts. Blends with Bergamot, Blue tansy, Fennel, Ginger, Juniperberry, Lemongrass, Patchouli, Black pepper, Peppermint, Tangerine, Tarragon, and Ylang ylang.

Inexpensive, yet powerful, Anise essential oil is one of aromatherapy's best kept secrets. Until now, that is!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1025629_538403062886035_972470531_o.jpg

Got Prunes? Drop the Milk for This Exceptional Bone Builder

Ask anyone to name the one food that is best for building strong bones and you will, of course, hear overwhelmingly that it is milk. But not so fast - when it comes to improving bone health in postmenopausal women — and people of all ages for that matter — one researcher says prunes are a superstar for preventing fractures and osteoporosis.

Bahram H. Arjmandi, a Florida State professor and chairman of the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences, tested 100 postmenopausal women over a 12-month period. 

One group of 55 women was instructed to consume 100 grams of dried plums (about 10 prunes) each day. Second control group of 45 women was told to consume 100 grams of dried apples. 

All of the study's participants also received daily doses of calcium (500 milligrams) and vitamin D (400 international units).

The results of the study published in the British Journal of Nutrition showed that the women eating prunes had significantly higher bone mineral density in the ulna (one of two long bones in the forearm) and spine, compared to the dried apple group. Arjmandi attributes the effect in part to the ability of prunes to suppress the rate of bone resorption, or the breakdown of bone, which tends to exceed the rate of new bone growth as people age.

Arjmandi recommends eating up to 10 prunes a day.  After years of comparing them to other fruits including figs, dates, strawberries and raisins, he says prunes are exceptional in their effect on bone mineral density.  That's not a surprising statement considering that his research was funded in part by the California Dried Plum Board.  But is it really true?   

The real bone magic in prunes is their high concentration of polyphenols.  These are powerful antioxidants that can help reduce bone loss.  And prunes are a good source of boron and copper, two trace minerals important in the formation of bones.

But many other fruits are also rich in polyphenols including apples, blackberries, cantaloupe, cherries, grapes, pears, pomegranates, raspberries, and strawberries.

And some of them might be better than prunes for another reason.  Prunes (along with cranberries and blueberries) are one of the few fruits that tend to shift your blood pH from alkaline to acid.  When that happens too much and acid levels are too high, your system can leach calcium from your bones to bring itself back to a healthy acid/alkaline balance. 

That's not to say that you shouldn't eat prunes, cranberries or blueberries.  It's all about moderation and balance.  Bone health requires a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, as well as bone-building fish, meat and stocks. 

So, yes, prunes are good for your bones.  But keep in mind that just eating 10 prunes a day, even if you love them, is not a quick fix for building a strong skeleton. 

   

For more about feeding your bones a healthy diet, research the hundreds of natural compounds that have been studied to support bone health, and read Dr. Annemarie Colbin's The Whole-Food Guide to Strong Bones: A Holistic Approach.

Turmeric Found to Be Beneficial for Lung, Liver and Colon Health

Turmeric, containing the active ingredient curcumin, is one of nature's most powerful healers. The medicinal properties of this spice have slowly revealed themselves over the centuries. Turmeric is documented as effective in conditions ranging from cancer to Alzheimer's disease. New research is now revealing its benefits as a preventative and treatment for lung, colon, and liver diseases.

Studies and Results – Lung Disease

In the 2007 Journal of Experimental Medicine and Biology researchers report that existing drugs have not been shown to be effective in the treatment of lung conditions resulting from occupational and environmental exposures to mineral dusts, airborne pollutants, cigarette smoke, chemotherapy, radiotherapy an other causes of acute and chronic inflammatory lung disease.

Several experimental animal models tested curcumin on lung fibrosis. Results demonstrated that curcumin attenuates lung injury and fibrosis caused by radiation, chemotherapeutic drugs, and toxicants. The researchers also note that studies support the conclusion that curcumin plays a protective role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute lung injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and allergic asthma. Its therapeutic action is on the prevention or modulation of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Molecular Nutritional and Food Research, March 2008, reports that corticosteroids have been one of the major modes of therapy against various chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, these corticosteroids have failed to be effective against these disease conditions because they don't reduce the effects of oxidation.

Researchers reported that naturally occurring polyphenols in curcumin offer a safer alternative treatment. Curcumin can directly scavenge free radicals such as superoxide anion and nitric oxide, and modulate important signaling pathways. These polyphenols also down-regulate expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, and up-regulate desirable gene expression in the lungs. Researchers concluded that curcumin is a potential therapeutic agent against chronic lung diseases.

Colon disease

In the March edition of Molecular Nutritional Research, mice given an inflammatory agent that normally induces colitis were protected when curcumin was added to their diet five days beforehand. The mice receiving curcumin lost less weight than the control animals. When researchers checked their intestinal cell function, all the typical signs of colitis were greatly reduced. While the researchers are not yet sure exactly how curcumin achieves its protective effects, they think its benefits result from its antioxidant activity as well as its power to inhibit a major cellular inflammatory agent, NF kappa-B.

Another interesting feature of these results is that although curcumin has been found to be safe at very large doses, it was effective in this study at a concentration as low as 0.25 percent, an amount easily supplied by simply enjoying turmeric in your favorite dishes.

Liver disease

In the May 2008 edition of Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery, researchers studied the effects of erythropoietin (a hormone that promotes formation of red blood cells) and granulocyte colony stimulating factor alone or in combination with curcumin, a liver protective antioxidant, in a model of delayed liver regeneration. Rats underwent a 70% liver resection and were grouped according to treatment following surgery.

Twenty four hours after surgery, blood and tissue samples were collected. Markers of liver regeneration, function, and hepatocellular damage were determined. Researchers concluded that erythropoietin alone did not improve liver regeneration. However, the combination of erythropoietin and curcumin resulted in highly significant stimulation of liver regeneration, which was accompanied by reduced oxidative stress.

What is turmeric?

Turmeric (curcuma longa) is the bright yellow of the spice rainbow, and is what gives curry its color. It was traditionally known as Indian saffron. Turmeric is also a powerful medicine that is one of the staples in Chinese and Indian healing. Oil of turmeric has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity in a variety of experimental models. The yellow or orange pigment of turmeric, called curcumin, is more potent than the oil, and is believed to be the primary pharmacological agent in turmeric.

Numerous studies have shown curcumin to be as potent against inflammation as hydrocortisone, phenylbutazone, and over the counter NSAID drugs like Motrin. Unlike these drugs, which are all associated with significant toxic effects, curcumin produces no toxicity.

Additional benefits of turmeric

Curcumin's powerful antioxidant effects make it a popular, natural, therapeutic agent for diseases such as arthritis, where free radicals cause joint inflammation and eventual damage to the joints.

Epidemiological studies have linked frequent use of turmeric to lower rates of breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer. Curcumin can prevent tumors from forming, and a recent study suggests that even when breast cancer is already present, curcumin can help slow the spread of breast cancer cells to the lungs.

Curcumin is able to do this by acting as a transcription factor, or a master switch. Transcription factors regulate all the genes needed for tumor formation. When they are switched off, the growth and invasion of cancer cells is halted.

Turmeric may prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the body. It is oxidized cholesterol that damages blood vessels and builds up in the plaque that can lead to heart attack or stroke. Turmeric also contains vitamin B6 which is needed to keep homocysteine levels from getting too high. High homocysteine levels damage blood vessel walls and are considered a significant risk factor for blood vessel damage, atherosclerotic plaque build-up, and heart disease.

Evidence is mounting that turmeric may afford protection against neurodegenerative diseases through its ability to cross the blood brain barrier. Alzheimer's disease is thought to occur when a fragmented protein accumulates in brain cells producing oxidative stress and inflammation, and forming plaque between nerve cells in the brain that disrupt function. Curcumin may prevent this oxidation and inflammation.

Using turmeric

Dried turmeric is widely available, but the best sources may be local spice stores or ethnic markets. Try to select organically grown turmeric since you will then know that it has not been irradiated. Color is not a criterion of quality. Turmeric has a much higher content of curcumin than does curry powder and can often successfully replace curry powder in recipes. Turmeric should be stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark, dry place.

Wonderful recipes using turmeric can be found online. If you're not into cooking, you can easily mix turmeric into rice. It is also a tasty addition to egg salad and brightens its color. If you are doing a cancer preventative version of the Budwig diet, see (http://www.naturalnews.com/022418.html) , you can mix a spoonful into your morning cottage cheese/flax oil combo, and maybe add in some cayenne too.

If you want to take the really easy way, you can buy Turmeric in capsule form, although this is the expensive way to do it. Nature's Way makes the only readily available turmeric extract capsule that is free of magnesium stearate. Although the directions say 1 capsule up to 3 times per day, many natural healers recommend 3 capsules, 3 times a day when you begin, and then reducing the amount as your inflammation decreases.

Additional Sources:

(www.healthdiaries.com)

(www.ezinesarticles.com)

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/023287_turmeric_curcumin_disease.html#ixzz2UTHhI0ki

Turmeric Improves Cell Health, Boosts Immune System, Protects Against Cancer and More

Turmeric is one of the main ingredients in many curries. In India, it has been used for centuries to help treat various health conditions while, at the same time, it is also widely used in Chinese Medicine. In a recent study conducted at Michigan University, it was found that curcumin, the bright yellow pigment present in turmeric, can help boost cell health by improving the behavior of their membranes.

Findings of Study

Curcumin is the known active compound in turmeric. In the said study, the researchers had found that curcumin helped improve the "orderliness" of cell membranes, which in turn made the cells more resistant to infection and malignancy.

"The membrane goes from being crazy and floppy to being more disciplined and ordered, so that information flow through it can be controlled," wrote study leader Professor Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric has long been lauded for its healthful properties. Useful nutrients contained within the herb are carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals. More specifically, it is a good source of vitamin C and potassium.

Turmeric is said to help boost appetite, lower blood pressure, improve bile secretion and reduce pain; it has anti-inflammatory effects, too.

Under the Ayurvedic system of healing, turmeric has been prescribed to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, menstrual problems, arthritis, infections, jaundice, coughs and rheumatic pains. It is also used to cleanse the body. In Chinese medicine, turmeric is used to deal with liver and gallbladder issues.

More recently, the positive effects of turmeric against cancer have been proven using modern scientific protocols. In one specific study which was conducted on smokers, it was found that turmeric supplements helped to significantly lower the excretion of certain possible cancer indicators. In another study conducted on skin cancer patients who could not be helped by the conventional cancer protocols of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, turmeric supplements or ointments helped to markedly lower the severity of their symptoms; this included factors such as itching, pain levels and even the size of skin growths.

Health Benefits of Curcumin

Zooming in, curcumin, too, has a number of known beneficial effects. It is an anti-inflammatory compound which also helps to protect against stomach ulcers. Further, curcumin is a strong antioxidant which helps to protect cell DNA from damage. In addition, it has immune boosting effects.

Significantly, curcumin has strong inhibitive effects on cancer cells, preventing or slowing the onset as well as growth of tumors. In fact, laboratory studies conducted on animals have shown curcumin to be poisonous to tumor cells.

Conclusion

Antioxidant properties, healthier cells, detoxification, reduction of pain, anti-inflammatory effects, and even protection against cancer, among others -- with such a long list of important health benefits, you may want to consider making turmeric a regular part of your health-promoting diet.

References

Turmeric makes membranes behave for better health: study (http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/099200903071322.htm)


Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/025908_health_turmeric_cancer.html#ixzz2UTDdf6gy

More research verifies powerful anti-cancer properties of turmeric

A growing body of research continues to pile up, showing that turmeric and its naturally occurring compounds have potent anti-cancer properties.

Turmeric root is one of the most important spices and traditional medicines across vast sections of Asia, and has been for hundreds of years. Scientists attribute many of turmeric's health benefits to the trio of naturally occurring chemicals known as curcuminoids, which give the root its characteristic yellow-orange color. The name curcumin, which technically refers to only one of the curcuminoids, is sometimes also used to refer to the entire group.

Although many studies have been performed on curcumin rather than on turmeric root itself, it is important to note that the body absorbs curcumin much more effectively from the root than from supplements.

Reviewing the data
As early as 1996, enough research had been conducted on the cancer-fighting benefits of turmeric and curcumin that scientists were able to conduct a comprehensive review of these studies in the journal Nutritional Reviews. The authors noted that studies had shown that even at low doses, turmeric inhibits the accumulation of mutations in DNA. Turmeric tablets were also found to lower the concentration of mutagenic chemicals in the urine of smokers. These tablets also reduced DNA damage and helped repair precancerous lesions. In addition, the reviewers found that turmeric inhibits tumor formation in the skin, breast, mouth and gut.

Since the publication of this review, new research has only strengthened the evidence for turmeric's anti-cancer prowess. For example, one study conducted by researchers from Siebold University of Nagasaki, Japan, and published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition in 2010, found that healthy people who took turmeric tablets had higher blood concentrations of the cancer-fighting chemical geranylgeranoic acid (GGA) four hours later.

Turmeric targets cancer cells
In another study, published the same year in the journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, researchers from the University of Michigan found that a solution of curcumin and piperine (the chemical that makes black pepper spicy) stopped the propagation of breast cancer stem cells while leaving healthy breast cells unaffected. The piperine appeared to boost the natural tumor-suppressing powers of the curcumin. Notably, even the typically hard-to-treat hormone-receptor negative tumors were suppressed by curcumin.

A 2011 study conducted by researchers from Zheijian Provincial People's Hospital in China backed this up, finding that curcumin actually induced apoptosis (programmed cell death) in triple negative breast cancer cells - the most lethal form of breast cancer. Another 2011 study, by researchers from the University of Texas, noted that curcumin is remarkable for its effectiveness at inducing apoptosis while not just leaving non-cancerous cells alone, but actually improving their health.

The benefits of turmeric don't stop there. Curcumin is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and therefore can help fight a number of chronic health conditions from heart disease and diabetes to dementia. In fact, studies have shown that curcumin actually suppresses the formation of the amyloid plaques linked with Alzheimer's disease. It has also been proven useful at relieving arthritis and improving the health of the liver and gall bladder.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.vitasearch.com/get-clp-summary/39183

http://www.vitasearch.com/get-clp-summary/17965

http://www.naturalnews.com/039718_turmeric_exercise_aging.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/028763_cancer_tumors_curcumin.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/028556_turmeric_anti-inflammatory.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/037879_curcumin_cancer_cells_turmeric.html

http://www.naturalnews.com

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/040177_turmeric_curcuminoids_cancer_cells.html#ixzz2UTAv4mxs