0 Omega 3 Fats are Essential to Prevent Nerve Damage after Traumatic Injury

People that have suffered a traumatic injury face an uphill battle as they attempt to regain their health and fight the risk of depression as a long term consequence of the event. British researchers from Queen Mary at the University of London have published the result of a studyin the Journal of Neuroscience that explains how omega-3 fatty acids play a significant role in preventing and protecting nerves from injury.

The research focused on peripheral nerve cells which transmit signals between the brain and the spinal cord to the rest of the body. Omega-3 fats from food sources including sardines, salmon, walnuts and flaxseeds provide for decreased cell death from injury and may offer significant protection against future damage.

Omega-3 Fats Help Prevent Nerve Damage and Assist the Repair Process

Current research indicates that our nerves do have a limited capacity to regenerate, but recovery is severely limited depending on the extent of the injury. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the bodys normal growth and development and have been well researched for their health benefits, largely focused on brain and heart health. The body is unable to manufacture its own Omega-3 fat supply, so it is necessary to obtain sufficient intake from foods such as oily fish, nuts and seeds or through supplementation.

Researchers studied the effect of Omega-3 fats on isolated mice nerve cells, known to parallel human nerve responses. They simulated nerve damage caused from an accident or injury by either stretching the cells or starving them of oxygen. Both types of damage can kill a significant portion of nerve cells, but enrichment with omega-3 fatty acids in cells gave them significant protection and decreased cell death.

EPA and DHA Fats Lower Sciatic Nerve Injury Damage and Prevent Muscle Wasting

The study also examined sciatic nerve damage in the mice. They found that a high level of omega-3 fatty acids helped mice to recover from sciatic nerve injury more quickly and more fully, and that their muscles were less likely to waste following nerve damage. The team leader, Dr. Adina Michael-Titus, Professor of Neuroscience concluded“Our previous research has shown that these fatty acids could have beneficial effects in a number of neurological conditions. This new study suggests that they could also have a role in treating peripheral nerve injuries.”

The findings from this research should come as no surprise to integrative health followers. The Omega-3 fats EPA and DHA are essential building blocks to all cellular structures in the body and are particularly dominant in the brain and nervous system. A healthy supply of Omega-3 fatty acids allows for natural cell repair and the effective chemical and electrical communications that are important to optimal nerve function. Consuming fatty fish three to four times a week or supplementingwith molecularly distilled fish oil (1 to 2.4 grams total EPA/DHA) supports the nervous system and regeneration process after injury.

0 What are the benefits of eating orange

Orange strengthens your emotional body, encouraging a general feeling of joy, well-being, and cheerfulness. They are popular with athletes because they can be easily eaten for a burst of energy. Delicious and juicy orange fruit contains an impressive list of essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals for normal growth and development and overall health and well-being.

Eating oranges provides many benefits. They are rich in Vitamins C and A, flavonoids, antioxidants, calcium, magnesium, potassium, dietary fiber etc. Oranges have more than 60 flavonoids and 170 phytonutrients that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour and anti-oxidant properties.

It is no wonder that they are one of the most popular fruits in the world. Oranges are generally available from winter through summer with seasonal variations depending on the variety.Botanically, orange is the citrus fruit belonging to the family of Rutaceae of the genus; Citrus and scientifically known as "Citrus sinensis." 

An orange is a real powerhouse of phytochemicals which may help to prevent age related illness. Phytochemicals are plant chemicals that appear to offer no nutritional benefit for the body, but combine together to give protection to cells. This is already seen in plants and scientists believe that the same effect occurs in human cells. Oranges can be had not only as a snack but also as a major recipe ingredient in various dishes.

Here are some of the health benefits for oranges.

1) Natural source of Vitamin C

Oranges, like other citrus fruits, is an excellent source of vitamin C (provides 53.2 mg per 100 g, about 90% of DRI); Vitamin C is a powerful natural antioxidant. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the blood.

2) Appetite booster

Studies have shown that the pectin present in oranges can help to suppress appetite for up to four hours after eating. This means that oranges are an excellent food for dieters.

3) Anti aging
Oranges help to activate the bodys own detoxification process and even the skin and zest of this fruit contain anti-oxidants which help to transport oxygen around the body and protect the skin from free radicals which cause signs of aging. In other words, eating oranges can help to keep the wrinkles away.

4) High in fiber
Oranges are an excellent source of dietary fiber and can be added to salads. Slices of orange can really liven up a boring salad, especially if you are watching your weight.

5) Lowers cholestrol

Oranges are full of soluble fiber, which is especially beneficial for lowering cholesterol levels. Soluble fiber attracts water in your gut, forming a slow-moving gel. As this gel substance travels through your intestinal tract, it picks up some of the excess cholesterol compounds and pushes them out through fecal waste. Your cholesterol levels will go down over time, decreasing your risk of suffering from heart disease.

6) Helps prevent cancer

Vitamin C is the primary water-soluble antioxidant in the body, disarming free radicals and preventing damage in the aqueous environment both inside and outside cells. Inside cells, a potential result of free radical damage to DNA is cancer. Especially in areas of the body where cellular turnover is especially rapid, such as the digestive system, preventing DNA mutations translates into preventing cancer. This is why a good intake of vitamin C is associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer. It also helps to fight skin, lung, breast and liver cancer.

7)Prevents Kidney Diseases
The regular intake of orange juice prevents kidney diseases. It also reduces the risk of forming calcium oxalate stones in the kidney. But take the juice in moderate amounts. Otherwise it can cause the decay of bones and teeth.

8) Boosts Heart Health
Oranges are full of potassium, an electrolyte mineral is responsible for helping the heart function well. When potassium levels get too low, you may develop an abnormal heart rhythm, known as an arrhythmia. Oranges are a good source of vitamin B folate which helps to support the production of haemoglobin and also help keep blood pressure under check due to the presence of magnesium, thus protects the heart.

According to a study in Finland, women who ate oranges regularly had 50% less risk of heart disease compared to those who didnt eat them regularly. This is thought to be because the flavanoids in this fruit are helping to protect the cells. One orange provides more than 7% of the daily requirement of potassium which is needed to keep the fluid levels within the body in proper balance.

9) Promotes good vision

Oranges are rich in vitamin A, which includes a group of compounds that protect your eyes. Carotenoid compounds of vitamin A, like lutein, beta carotene and zeaxanthin, can help prevent age-related macular degeneration, a condition that leads to blindness.

10) Fights Against Viral Infections
Studies show that the abundance of polyphenols in oranges protects against viral infections.

11) Relieves Constipation
Oranges are full of dietary fiber which stimulates digestive juices and relieves constipation.

12) Promotes bone health

Oranges are also good for your teeth and bone. They are rich in calcium. The high level of calcium in oranges helps to keep the bones and teeth strong.

13) Good for mens

Orange is also good for men because it helps keep their sperm healthy. According to studies, there is a compound in orange called folate. Folate is said to contain nutrients good for the health of a sperm. Folate besides keeping the sperm healthy also protects it from genetic damage.

14) Provides Smart Carbs
Oranges like all fruits have simple sugars in them, but the orange has a glycemic index of 40. Anything under 55 is considered low. This means as long as you don’t eat a lot of oranges at one time, they won’t spike your blood sugar and cause problems with insulin or weight gain.

Oranges are highly beneficial for your body. A medium, 2 1/2-inch orange offers lots of vitamins, minerals and fiber, all for a measly 60 calories. While orange juice is also full of nutrients, youll miss out on fiber, so it is better to consume the whole fruit. Oranges are easy to tote around, since the thick skin protects them from bruising. Toss one in your bag for a quick mid-morning snack, add orange wedges to a grilled chicken salad or find other ways to add more oranges to your diet

0 Lentil Soup with Sausage Brown Rice and Spinach Things Are Looking Up

Today on Serious Eats: Swiss Chard and Turkey Sausage Over Polenta. So simple. So seductive delicious.

Painful things I have done recently (SPOILER ALERT):

Dislocated and/or broke my left pinky toe on a door frame. That’ll teach me to ... uh ... walk.  

Read the entire Lord of the Rings series. Fellow nerds! Hear my call! Why did no one tell me the books were butt-awful? Sweet bejeezus, Tolkien dedicated entire CHAPTERS to whether Frodo and Sam should take a left at the scary-looking rock, and exactly two pages on the death of Gollum, destruction of the ring, and collapse of Mordor. By the ancient sword of Elendil, Charles *freaking* Dickens would been like, “This needs fewer words, old chap.” 

Admitted my English degree has been fairly useless. With apologies to the Bronte sisters, Jane Eyre does not prepare you for the intricacies of expense reports. 

Watched Precious. “Hm,” I thought halfway through the film, “The only thing that could possibly make this more depressing is if they gave Precious AIDS.” (ten seconds pass) “Aaaaand there you go.” 

Threw out my old music cassette tapes. Oh, man. Here’s something they don’t tell you when you move: Carrying 90 boxes up a flight of stairs isn’t the hardest part. It’s chucking beloved, but outdated and useless possessions, like Open Up and Say ... Ahh!, the 1988 multiplatinum classic from Poison. Every rose has it’s thorn, indeed.

A very enjoyable thing I did recently: 

Ate Double Lentil, Sausage, Brown Rice, and Spinach Soup from the stupendous Kalyn’s Kitchen. Speaking of which, Kalyn just published her Top 10 Recipes of 2010, which you should gaze upon immediately.

HOTUS and I had guests for the first time at our new apartment. As it turns out, it’s impolite to starve company, so thus, the soup. And it tasted good. Real good. So good, there was slurping. From guests! Even my sister liked it, and she hates food.

I made two medium-sized changes to Kalyn’s original recipe: I substituted water in for part of the chicken broth, and used a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for Spike Seasoning, which I couldn’t find in Brooklyn. Also of note: Kalyn and I both used a 3.5-quart slow cooker. If you don’t own one, she includes instructions to adapt the recipe for the stovetop at Kalyn’s Kitchen. (They’re not included here).

A wonderful thing I have recommenced recently: 

Blogging. Its good to be back, sweet readers.

~~~

If this recipe floats your boaty, these will surely make you gloaty. (Sorry.):

• Pasta with Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe
• Slow Cooker Pork Chops, Apples, and Sweet Potatoes
• White Bean and Kale Soup with Turkey Sausage

~~~

Double Lentil, Sausage, Brown Rice, and Spinach Soup
Serves 6.
Adapted from Kalyn’s Kitchen.

1/2 medium onion, diced small
1 carrot, peeled and diced small
2 stalks celery, diced small
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
A few shakes each: kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, paprika
3 links pre-cooked chicken or turkey sausage, chopped into 1/3-inch pieces
1 (15-ounce) can petite dice tomatoes, undrained
2 (15-ounce) cans chicken broth
2-1/2 cups water
1/4 cup brown or green lentils
1/4 cup red lentils
1/4 cup long-grain brown rice
4 cups chopped fresh spinach
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1) Heat olive in large skillet over medium high heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Saute until ever-so-slightly softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Saute an additional 2 minutes.

2) Pour onion mixture into crockpot. Add sausage, tomatoes, broth, water, and all lentils. Stir to combine. Cook on high 3 hours.

3) Add rice and spinach. Stir to combine. Cook 1 more hour.

4) Add balsamic vinegar. Stir to combine. Cook 15 minutes. Serve, with crusty bread and “Parmesan cheese if desired.”

Approximate Calories, Fat, Fiber, Protein, and Price Per Serving
226 calories, 7.8 g fat, 7.3 g fiber, 15.5 g protein, $1.72

Note: Calculations are for Chef Bruce Aidells Chicken & Apple Sausage from CostCo., since the numbers were easily available online. I personally used a different, yet similar brand, the label of which I cant remember, and is currently buried under two feet of garbage.

Calculations
1/2 medium onion, diced small: 23 calories, 0.1 g fat, 0.8 g fiber, 0.5 g protein, $0.17
1 carrot, peeled and diced small: 25 calories, 0.1 g fat, 1.7 g fiber, 0.6 g protein, $0.08
2 stalks celery, diced small: 17 calories, 0.2 g fat, 2 g fiber, 0.9 g protein, $0.25
1 tablespoon olive oil: 199 calories, 13.5 g fat, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein, $0.13
3 cloves garlic, minced: 13 calories, 0 g fat, 0.2 g fiber, 0.6 g protein, $0.20
1 teaspoon dried thyme: 3 calories, 0.1 g fat, 0.4 g fiber, 0.1 g protein, $0.12
A few shakes each: kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, paprika: negligible calories, fat, fiber, and protein, $0.03
3 links pre-cooked chicken or turkey sausage: 480 calories, 30 g fat, 1.5 g fiber, 42 g protein, $4.34
1 (15-ounce) can petite dice tomatoes, undrained: 70 calories, 0 g fat, 3.5 g fiber, 3.5 g protein, $1.69 (ugh, I know)
2 (15-ounce) cans chicken broth: 67 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g fiber, 13.1 g protein, $1.33
2-1/2 cups water: negligible calories, fat, fiber, and protein, $0.00
1/4 cup brown or green lentils: 119 calories, 0.5 g fat, 14.7 g fiber, 12.4 g protein, $0.37
1/4 cup red lentils: 119 calories, 0.5 g fat, 14.7 g fiber, 12.4 g protein, $0.37
1/4 cup long-grain brown rice: 171 calories, 1.3 g fat, 1.6 g fiber, 3.7 g protein, $0.18
4 cups chopped fresh spinach: 28 calories, 0.5 g fat, 2.6 g fiber, 3.4 g protein, $0.86
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: 20 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein, $0.20
TOTALS: 1354 calories, 46.8 g fat, 43.7 g fiber, 93.2 g protein, $10.32
PER SERVING (TOTALS/6): 226 calories, 7.8 g fat, 7.3 g fiber, 15.5 g protein, $1.72

0 Cigarettes are more deadly for passive smokers

Cigarettes are more deadly for passive smokers - Smoking kills around six million people every year. Ironically, more than 600,000 people die from smoking each year found to have never smoked. They die from exposure to secondhand smoke and continue to inhale other peoples smoke.

It is an ironic fact given by the World Health Organization (WHO). By Dr. Ullas Batra from New Delhi, about 66 percent of cigarette smoke is not inhaled by the smoker, but going into the air and inhaled by other people around who do not smoke.

Exposure to secondhand smoke is more dangerous and deadly than being an active smoker. This is because passive smokers inhale more nicotine and tar is removed by active smokers. Not only that, passive smokers also inhale more carbon monoxide and ammonia camium containing very high amounts. Also contains carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide poisonous gas that can be deadly.

With the presence of such hazardous substances, passive smokers 25 percent higher risk of developing lung disease and a 10 percent higher risk of heart disease, as reported by Health Me Up. Even so, the effects of smoking can be different for many people. For people who are sensitive, inhaling cigarette smoke in a short time can cause cancer.

People who smoke are not only harming themselves, but also others. Many people who die from cancer and lung diseases, even though they do not smoke. Its good the government began to enforce a ban on smoking in public places or in certain environments.

Quitting smoking is the best way to prevent illness and death for both active and passive smokers. If there are people smoking around you, do not hesitate to remind them, because they can turn off the smoke for you.

0 4 Fatty foods are good for health

4 Fatty foods are good for health - The food you eat every day can affect your health. Theore many health experts recommend eating a healthy diet consisting mostly of fruits and vegetables. Rarely do they encourage you to eat fatty foods because it is believed to add weight which of course is bad for health.

But here are 4 fatty foods are actually good for you consume for the sake of your health.

1 . Butter

Butter milk contains a lot of fat which is certainly not good for weight loss. But butter has many health benefits. Butter can improve mood because the content of selenium in it that can make the body become relaxed nerves. Additionally butter can also prevent the body from thyroid damage as vitamin A in it.

2 . Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate or dark chocolate is known to be good for health because it is rich in antioxidants that are useful to counteract free radicals.

3 . Potato

Potatoes have long been known as a replacement for carbohydrates in the diet due to a lower sugar content than rice or bread. Besides the potato is rich in potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc are very good for skin health.

4 . Eggs

Either egg white or egg yolk contains 13 types of minerals that are essential to the body, among which are calcium, magnesium, iron, potasiu, sodium, and selenium. Eggs also contain essential amino acids that help the bodys ability to absorb calories.

Thats 4 types of fatty foods which is critical for the health of the body. You are allowed to eat them every day but still with a limited number so it will not interfere with health.

0 My Clothes are Getting Looser in the Dryer

Hi,

Ive been wearing my same old clothes that I used to wear but now, when I put the pants on, especially, I think about being caul or they could fall off. It must be the dryer. Ha! Isnt that what we used to tell ourselves when they were getting tighter? Its the dryers fault. The idea of them getting looser in the dryer made me laugh so I thought Id use as my title today.

I always weigh myself every day. It keeps me honest. It can be frustrating when you see a pound or two increase, but it also is a warning signal to look at what I ate yesterday (in my journal) and pay attention. Im not always obedient, but I always know which direction Im going. It is nice to be hovering around 317-320 instead of around 330 as I was before I started to do the 24-hour fasts four weeks ago.

Im nearing the end of this weeks fast, today. It is 3:02 as I write and it will end at 4:30. It may not be of unusual interest to the masses but it is interesting to me to observe the feeling of hunger inside my body -- and not only to simply observe it, but to embrace it. I actually do kind of like it. That seems odd, even to me, but along with a little bit of a feeling in my tummy which is easily satisfied with liquids like water or unsweet tea, my head feels clear and easy. My body feels lighter and I like the feelings that I experience as I fast. It makes the fasting much easier than I thought it would be.

I like to think about how my body is using this time to rid itself of toxins and burn up excess fat. It is kind of a healthy rest where processes can take place that get hampered by eating three times a day, every day. It occurred to me the other day that women feed their babies with their bodies. Once we are weaned our bodies feed themselves in a rather similar way. The stored fat is from excess food that the body keeps for future use. If we never get to the part where the body needs to feed itself, then we just keep adding more fat to it. Fasting is a way to let the body take care of itself for a change. When you fast, especially for at least 24 hours, your body is actually still taking care of itself by feeding itself from its own fat pantry. What an interesting way to look at it. I guess fasting makes you think differently.

I had the right eye procedure done and am super happy with the results. It was nearly overwhelming to see the world so differently. It is so much sharper, and shinier than I had been experiencing. The colors are more vibrant and there are edges to the trees. Isnt it funny that I did not realize I was not really seeing the individual trees clearly? They had become like walls or barriers to me. Now that I can see them, and see the individual leaves glistening and shaking in the sunshine, they are quite stunning to look at. Sometimes I get out of the car and just look around. It is so nice. I thank God that I was able to get this done. I thank God that He inspired some person to think up this procedure. I thank God that I can see well again.

I talked to my eye doctor again about the little blurry spot that moves in my left eye and she said it could be a small "bubble" that has gotten itself stuck to my retina. She offered to dilate my eyes and check it out, but I did not want to go through that again so soon. This explanation was much less scary to think about than what I had been thinking. There is a certain kind of blindness (cant think of the name) where your vision begins to get blurry right in the center and proceed from there. I had been worried that that was what I had and wondered if there is anything now-a-days that they can do about it. The news that because it moves around, indicates that it is a "bubble" (of some kind) that could just as easily get unstuck and stick somewhere else in my eye was really quite a relief. I noticed the last time I was reading my Bible that I did not see the little blurry place. It was nice. She said there is nothing they can do about the bubble but I got the impression that it is not dangerous and can improve on its own so that is a relief. 

I will still need to get glasses, but Ive worn glasses since my mid-twenties so that is not a problem to me. I was really surprised to see how much the frames at the doctors office cost. I had set aside $300 to get my glasses thinking I should be able to get a really nice pair with that amount of money. I discovered that the frames can cost as much as that without any glasses in them. That is quite outrageous to me. A couple of friends pointed out that if I have some frames I like I can reuse them and get new lenses for them and save myself quite a lot. I do have one pair, for sure, and maybe two pairs that I can "ill" so I think I shall go that route, instead. No sense wasting money when it is so easy to preserve it.

I have a doctors appointment tomorrow with my regular doctor. I will be happy for them to see the weight loss, but my blood pressure is still not under control. I am not interested in taking more drugs for the problem because Im likely to have some dangerous reaction to it. So perhaps when they can see that Im finally losing weight again, that the blood pressure should not be far behind. Ive actually had a couple of days where the reading was normal, but they are few and far between. Im still encouraged by the fact that they have started to show up every once in a while. Its a nice change from always being too high.

Well, Ive got about an hour to go to finish up my 24 hours and Ive started thinking about what Ill eat to end it. It will probably be the left overs from my meal, yesterday, so nothing fancy. I often find when the fast ends that I get hungry again rather quickly after my first small meal, so I might get a lo-carb burger at Hardees later. It is a great hamburger without a bun. They wrap it in lettuce and paper to hold it all together and it is mighty tasty. My mouth is watering so I better move on. I can think about eating later.

I hope things are going well for you. Comment below and let me know how you are doing.

Be back soon,

Marcia

0 6 Types of Fruits are Safe for Consumption With Diabetes

Sugar or fructose in fruit is often associated with negative effects for diabetics and overweight. However, other types such as oranges, melons and pears can still enjoy. Fruits this would serve to control insulin.

As reported by the Times of India, there is a miraculous fruit that can be easily found and consumed by people with diabetes. Some of these fruits is:

1. Melon
It was sweet with tender flesh tender enough water content. Melon is rich in vitamins B and C, beta-carotene, potassium and lycopene. A slice of melon contains a number of vitamins that the body needs.

2. Fruit Berry
Strawberry, raspberry and blueberry is one type of berry fruit. The content of antioxidants in it to kill the toxins in the body. Berries also contain fiber, vitamins and low in carbohydrates. You can consume this fruit is 100 grams per day.

3. Apple
Red and green-skinned fruit is yellowish flesh. Watery soft texture is sweet with a little sour. Because the skin is rich in antioxidants, so no need to peel. Apples also contain fiber and vitamin C.

4. Kiwi
Kiwi contains a lot of water. Nutritional content too much, such as potassium, fiber and vitamin C. The fruit is safe to eat low carb for diabetics. One kiwi fruit can be consumed every day.

5. Pears
Potassium and fiber contained in a pear. Low calorie consumption suitable for dieters and diabetics. It was a sweet juicy matching eaten fresh.

6. Orange
Oranges contain vitamin C famous for its. The fruit is also low in carbohydrates and rich in potassium. Orange safe to eat for people with diabetes, this fruit can also be used as a snack or dessert.

0 What are the benefits of passion fruit

 Passion fruit bears its name rightfully. It is highly aromatic, has a very pleasant taste and provides many health benefits. It is a true gem of fruit and has very powerful healing properties. It can also be referred to as purple granadilla. Passion fruit is a tropical type of fruit and is characterized by orange, pulpy inside and its seedsare edible as well.

 
Its tantalizing aroma is so delicious and it provides a very strong calming effect. One can consume passion fruit in its raw form, straight from the rind or squeeze its juice and enjoy its magnificence. Passion fruit is known for being very low in fat and it is also an extraordinary source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, dietary fiber, potassium, carbohydrates and proteins. Passion fruit provides one with almost all the dietary needs on a daily basis and it is very efficient in relieving headaches anxiety insomnia and muscle tension.


Benefits of Passion Fruit

Passion fruit is abundant in vitamin C which means it is very efficient in boosting the immune system, protecting the body from various types of cancers and heart diseases and helping with the healing processes. Vitamin C is also known for its potent antioxidant properties. Since passion fruit is an excellent source of vitamin A as well as it is beneficial in improving the vision, protecting from numerous ailments and illnesses and fighting various types of infections. Passion fruit is abundant in potassium and it helps in the maintenance of normal levels of body fluids.

Potassium is efficient in lowering the blood pressure, controlling seizures, promoting faster healing, relieving headaches maintaining a proper balance of muscle energy and helping with different arthritic symptoms. Iron is another important nutrient which can be found in passion fruit. It is beneficial in improving overall immunity, helping in transportation of the oxygen through the blood boosting the levels of energy and helping those who suffer from a restless sleep. Passion fruit is a good source of fiber which is needed for the lowering of the levels of fats and bad cholesterol in the blood and it also helps in preventing constipation.

The passion fruit leaves contain certain types of alkaloids which are efficient in lowering the blood pressure and they have important antispasmodic and sedative properties. The leaves can be used for the treatment of nervousness, insomnia, asthma, gastrointestinal problems and menopausal symptoms. The polyphenols and caroteinoids contained in the passion fruit have strong anti-cancer properties. The antioxidants from the passion fruit peel are also very beneficial in the reduction of wheezing while the flavonoids can be very helpful in the reduction of inflammations and numerous allergic reactions.

0 Centrum vitamins are owned by Pfizer

Feeling a little run down? Are you stressed? Someone in the house ill, and you dont want to get it? In situations like these, many reach for vitamins. By definition vitamins are "organic components in food that are needed.... for maintaining good health." But do you know how to read the ingredient label on your vitamins? Do you know what those words mean, where the ingredients come from? Who makes them? Most people dont.

Whats in a brand?

To make sure the money you spend on vitamins is worth it, a good place to start is researching the brand you buy. What is the name of the company that owns and makes your preferred brand? One of the most popular vitamins on the market today is Centrum. Turns out, Centrum is made by Pfizer, the worlds largest pharmaceutical company. Why does this matter? Well for starters, a company that makes billions of dollars in revenue each year on prescription drugs, vaccines, cancer drugs, cardiovascular and metabolic disease treatments, pain, etc. may have a conflict of interest in your having good health. Pfizer was founded as a "manufacturer of fine chemicals." Chemicals, especially man-made ones (that can be patented for profit), are isolated substances and are processed by the human body as toxins. This is not how vitamins should be made; vitamins made that way cannot be used by the body. Furthermore, Pfizer has a history of health care fraud and illegal marketing of its products.

The old adage "you get what you pay for" is true when it comes to vitamins. You can find inexpensive vitamins in pharmacies, grocery stores, and other big box stores. However, not only are they not good for you, they may be harmful to your health. Purchasing vitamins made with synthetic ingredients is essentially you paying corporations to take their toxic waste off their hands for them. They are made with things such as coal tar, waste and fecal matter, petroleum by-products, stones, metal, animal by-products, etc. Vitamins worth buying are made from whole foods, by companies that make vitamins, not pharmaceuticals. You should be able to look them up, and call and ask what sources their ingredients come from, should you be so inclined.

Beware of marketing

Not to sound jaded but beware of marketed vitamins. If you have to be bombarded to buy, is it really that good? It also takes tons of money to market that way, which raises questions about their bottom line, their ethics toward their customers and the quality of their products. Centrum is the number one selling multivitamin, not because it works but because of its multi-billion dollar ad campaign.

Part of the huge ad campaign includes trumped up claims. Just last week Pfizer faced allegations of deceptive advertising on its Centrum vitamins from a consumer watchdog group. The nonprofit group, Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) threatened to sue Pfizer over deceptive claims regarding "breast health," "heart health," "colon health," "bone health," and "energy and immunity." Watchdog groups such as CSPI have been taking the lead in policing health claims on supplements since the FDA doesnt do enough to help consumers in this area.

Just as with "real" food, "real" vitamins dont need to be marketed on t.v. during prime time. Products that work keep customers coming back and get increased sales through word of mouth.

Currently there is not a whole lot of regulation of supplements. This is a good thing in that the pharmaceutical companies are so big and have so much money that were legislation to make it through, their lobbyists would warp and restrict the supplement industry in a way that would be very bad for consumers, good health, and makers of true vitamins. The down side is that you as a consumer have to take the responsibility for educating yourself as to what you put in your body. Vote with your dollars, and keep good quality supplements on the market.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.reuters.com

http://www.naturalnews.com/021653.html

http://www.thedoctorwithin.com

http://www.foodkills.org/synthetics.html

http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Vitamins