SkinSelfRenewal Blog

Nam Dang, from University of Florida (USA), and colleagues studied extracts of papaya leaf to ascertain the cellular mechanism of action of its potential role in inhibiting the growth of tumor cell lines. The team found that four strengths of papaya leaf extract slowed the growth of ten types of cancer cell cultures, including cancers of the cervix, breast, liver, lung and pancreas. Positing that the papaya may beneficially alter the immune system, the researchers write that: “… papaya leaf extract can mediate a Th1 type shift in human immune system …[Papaya] leaf extract may potentially provide the means for the treatment and prevention of selected human diseases such as cancer.

Nitrosation is a cellular process in which substances in foods and the water are converted into cancer-causing compounds. Earl H. Harrison, from Ohio State University and colleagues developed a new urine test that measures for compounds related to cancer risk while detecting the levels of N-nitrosoproline and N-acetyl-S-allylcysteine, compounds abundantly present in garlic. The team found that the greater the markers of garlic compounds, the less strongly they found the marker for cancer risk. Writing that “3 to 5 grams of garlic supplements inhibited [Nitrosoproline] NPRO [excretion],” a key marker of nitrosation, the researchers observe that: “It is possible that allyl sulfur compounds found in garlic may inhibit nitrosation in humans.” Posted on 2010-03-22 06:00:00 in Cancer | Functional Foods

Previously Mohsen Meydani, from Tufts University (Massachusetts, USA), and colleagues have shown that phenolic antioxidants in oats obstruct the ability of blood cells to stick to artery walls. In new research, the team has found that another oat compound, avenanthramides, decrease the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The study provides additional indications of the potential health benefit of oat consumption in the prevention of coronary heart disease beyond its known effect through lowering blood cholesterol.
“Oats: Cooling Inflammation and Unhealthy Cell Proliferation.” Agricultural Research Magazine, February 2010, ,Vol. 58, No. 2, page 10.

Chocolate May Combat Stroke Risk
Posted on 2010-02-25 06:00:00 in Functional Foods | Stroke |
"Rich in flavonoids, a potent type of antioxidant, chocolate has been found by previous studies to beneficially impact the risk of cardiovascular disease. Sarah Sahib, from McMaster University (Ontario, Canada), and colleagues analyzed various studies involving chocolate consumption to ascertain its effects on stroke risk. One study revealed an association with stroke for chocolate consumption once a week as opposed to none per week, with another study suggesting that flavonoid intake from eating chocolate weekly lowered death caused by a stroke. The team concludes that: “Higher flavonoid intake from chocolate sources may be associated with lower incident risk of stroke and stroke-related mortality"
 Great news for us chocolate lovers!, BUT it is not the milk chocolate low in cacao and high in milk fat and sugar. I get a daily dose of 100% organic cacao of 80% concentration.

I am excited to add breast thermography to the services at Azani Medical Spa. Breast thermography has no radiation and can detect pre cancerous changes. We can then modify the course with lifestyle and nutritional changes. I recommend that every woman get breast thermography instead of annual mammograms. For a free report go to http://www.azanimedicalspa.com/wellness-services/Breast_Thermography . To schedule your thermography go to http://www.azanimedicalspa.com/contactus/patient-forms and download the patient form, call us at 610-625-3000 or email us at info@azanimedicalspa.com Next date is October 22.

Chronic inflammation is known to be associated with increase risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and arthritis. One way to fight that inflammation is through nutrition. According to a study conducted by Swiss researchers, oregano is the "ultimate inflammation fighter" thanks to its active ingredient betacaryophyllin (E-BCP). E-BCP is also known to be present in many other spices and herbs, such as basil, rosemary, cinnamon and black pepper. Other studies have found that oregano also contains the powerful antifungal agents, phytochemicals thymol and carvacrol. And oregano oil has a strong antibacterial action against a range of bugs including those responsible for E.coli, salmonella and the common cold. I recommend that my patients take a daily nutraceutical of organic whole foods such as Metacore manufactured by Innate Response. It contains organic basil among many other powerful nutrients.  Contact Azani Medical Spa if you are interested in adding pharmaceutical grade nutritional supplements for great health!

What are fish oil and flaxseed oil?

Fish oil is derived from the tissues of fatty fish.
Flax Seed Oil is a blue flowering plant that is grown on the Western Canadian Prairies.
These natural oils are highly recommended for the general well being and whole body nutrition.
They contain omega-3, B vitamins, potassium, lecithin, magnesium, fiber, protein, and zinc .

Should you add fish or flax seed oil to your diet?

Some nutritionists, researchers, and scientists believe that it could be the most important health-promoting supplement next to a multi-vitamin. Nearly every system in the body can benefit from these oil's natural properties.

Just look at this list of facts and studies of what these Oils can and may accomplish:

- Research shows low incidence of breast cancer and colon cancer in populations that have high amounts of lignan in their diet. Flax is 100 times richer in lignan than most whole grains.
- Studies show that Omega-3 fatty acids help lower cholesterol and blood triglycerides, and prevent clots in arteries, which may result in strokes, heart attacks and thromboses.
- Helps protect the body against high blood pressure, inflammation, water retention, sticky platelets and lowered immune function.
- Shortens recovery time for fatigued muscles after exertion.
- Increases the body's production of energy and also increases stamina.
- Eases weight loss in people afflicted with obesity.
- Stimulates brown fat cells and increases the metabolic rate making it easier to burn off fat.
- Helps prevent Atherosclerosis (the accumulation of fatty deposits inside the blood vessels, especially the large and medium-sized arteries, that many people experience during the aging process).
- Lowers high blood pressure in Hypertension sufferers.

I took my omega-3 oil today as well as my Vitamin D3, Resveratrol and Whole Food Organic vitamins.         Did you?

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