Used in Japan for years, spirulina is a microalgae grown in alkaline, warm-water lakes. Spirulina’s green colour is due to its chlorophyll content. Chlorophyll acts as an antioxidant and may have medicinal benefits against cancer. Spirulina is also rich in phycocyanin, a pigment with anti-cancer properties.

Studies show the anti-cancer properties of spirulina.

Beta carotene is one of the most effective substances for deactivating free radicals, which damage cells, leading to cancer. Spirulina is the richest beta carotene food known, having over ten times more beta carotene than any other food, including carrots. Studies show that vitamin A and beta carotene inhibit the development of various cancers and tumors. Beta carotene (and not the preformed Vitamin A from animal sources) correlated with lower cancer rates.

A 1987 Israeli study demonstrated natural beta carotene is more effective than synthetic beta carotene. Natural beta carotene is better assimilated by the body because it contains the 9-cis carotenoid isomer which is lacking in synthetic carotene molecules. This means that beta carotene in algae and vegetables has a greater antioxidant power than synthetic beta carotene.

An Indian study found that spirulina inhibits the growth of oral tumors: “We evaluated the chemopreventive activity of Spirulina fusiformis (SF) (1 g/day for 12 mos) in reversing oral leukoplakia in pan tobacco chewers in Kerala, India. Complete regression of lesions was observed in 20 of 44 (45%) of subjects supplemented with SF, as opposed to 3 of 43 (7%) in the placebo arm.”

The Harvard University School of Dental Medicine reduced oral cancer cells with spirulina extracts. A beta carotene solution applied to cancerous tumours in mouths of hamsters reduced the number and size of tumours or caused them to disappear. When a beta carotene extract was fed to 20 hamsters pre-treated to develop mouth cancer, none developed the disease. Tissue samples contained an immune stimulating substance believed to have destroyed cancer cells before they could multiply.

Spirulina as a supplement

A traditional food source in parts of Africa and Mexico, spirulina is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and protein, GLA (essential fatty acid) and one of the few vegetable sources of vitamin B12. AS well as its potential anti-cancer properties, spirulina is a good supplement with many benefits.

References:

Amotz, B.A. Presentation to Polysaccharides from microalgae workshop. Duke University, 1987.

Balch, P.A. and Balch, J.F. Prescription For Nutritional Healing.

Mathew B, Sankaranarayanan R, Nair PP, Varghese C, Somanathan T, Amma BP, Amma NS, Nair MK. Evaluation of chemoprevention of oral cancer with spirulina fusiformis. Nutrition and Cancer 1995; 24(2):197-202.

Menkes, et al. Serum beta carotene, vitamins A and E, selenium, and the risk of lung cancer. N.E. Journal of Medicine, Nov. 1986, p. 1250.

Pitchford P. Healing with Whole Foods.

Schwartz, J., Scklar, G., Suda, D. Inhibition of experimental oral carcinogenesis by topical beta carotene. Harvard School of Dental Med. Carcinogenesis, May 1986, 7(5) 711-715.

Shekelle,R.B.etal. DietaryVitaminA and risk of cancer in Western Electric study. Lancet,1981,8257:1185-1189.

Molasses is made from sugar cane. Juice is extracted from crushed sugar cane and boiled. This causes sugar to crystallise so it can be extracted. The left over syrup is molasses, which is high in minerals and vitamins. This process is performed three times; the syrup from the third boiling is called blackstrap molasses. Blackstrap molasses has the lowest sugar content and the highest nutrient content. Sulphur is sometimes added to molasses as a preservative; look for un-sulphured blackstrap molasses.

Blackstrap molasses contains vitamins and minerals

Blackstrap molasses contains large amounts of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese and potassium. Blackstrap molasses still contains some sugar, but is much healthier than pure sugar. Two teaspoons will give you 10-20 percent of your daily requirement of these minerals as well as 5 percent of your daily vitamin B6 needs.

Using blackstrap molasses

Blackstrap molasses has a sweet, but strong flavour. Some people use blackstrap molasses in place of sugar in tea or other hot beverages. Blackstrap molasses may be used in baking in place of sugar with varying degrees of success. This probably works best in simple baked food such as cookies.

If you want to take blackstrap molasses as a supplement, but don’t like the taste, simply take a teaspoon twice a day and wash it down with water.

Note that molasses is often fed to livestock as a mineral supplement.

Blackstrap molasses cures

Blackstrap molasses has been said to cure or help with many conditions such as constipation, diabetes, amenia, anxiety, acne, fibroid tumours, insomnia, arthritic pain, high blood pressure, heart palpitations and symptoms of menopause. Some people have reported grey hair returning to the original colour.

Some of these folk remedies are unproven, so do your own research and consult your medical practitioner. As a sweetener that is much healthier than sugar, consider adding blackstrap molasses to your diet in moderation.

References:

Scott, C. Crude Black Molasses: a natural “Health -food”. 1948

Wikipedia

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats in human nutrition and cannot be manufactured by the body, and must be consumed in the diet. The two main biologically active omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are found in fish oil. There is also alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) which is found in vegetable oils.

Omega-3 fatty acids reduce mortality

Swiss researchers published results of clinical trials in the April 2005 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine showing decreased risk of mortality using omega-3 fish oil. The trials also included statin drugs. The results combine 10,000 clinical trials from 1965 to 2003 which included 275,000 subjects.

In the trials statin drugs reduced overall mortality by 13 percent. Statin drugs advocated by conventional medicine to reduce cholesterol have side effects such as muscle pain, muscle loss, memory loss, liver failure, and fatigue. Omega-3 fatty acids reduced overall mortality by 23 percent.

Cholesterol

There are two types of cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is bad cholesterol that can lead to heart disease. HDL cholesterol is the good cholesterol. Low HDL cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease.

Not only do omega-3 fatty acids reduce the bad LDL cholesterol, they also increase the good HDL cholesterol.

Sources of omega-3 fatty acids

Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseed, walnuts, and soybean oil. Cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines have high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids. To maintain the heart-healthy benefits of fish, bake or grill it. If dietary intake is insufficient, take fish oil capsules.

Other factors

Many other contribute to cholesterol levels and overall health. Maintain a normal body weight, avoid smoking and eat healthy food.

References:

Studer M, Briel M, Leimenstoll B, Glass T, Bucher H. Effect of Different Antilipidemic Agents and Diets on Mortality: A Systemic Review. Archives of Internal Medicine 2005 April 11; 165(7):725-30.

Vaccination has enjoyed an unchallenged reputation after the elimination of many diseases such as polio, but is this reputation earned and has this reputation lead to complacency when it comes to the increased use of vaccines? Many scientists are now challenging the fundamentals of vaccination. Is vaccination really the saviour we are lead to believe or is profit the main motive?

Polio epidemic caused by vaccination

Statistics for four USA states are listed below, showing the number of cases of polio during 1958 before compulsory vaccination, and during 1959, after the polio shots became compulsory.

(From U.S. Public Health Reports)

Polio increased 300% in states which had compulsory vaccination. “Every one of the handful of polio cases each year in the United States is caused by the vaccine itself.” (Peter Radetsky).

The late Dr Robert Mendelsohn, Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Illinois wrote that the great polio epidemics in the U.S.A. in the 1940s and 1950s were caused by: the previous almost total disappearance of breast-feeding, the national change to junk-food diet and the widespread use over the preceding decades of whooping cough vaccine.

Hygiene the key to health

“All the major medical historians of our century agree that the decline of the epidemics which had wrought havoc in the Middle Ages was not due to the introduction of vaccination, but of hygiene, for they had diminished long before large-scale inoculations had begun. And hygiene, in the broadest sense of the word, physical, mental and alimentary, is the only key to health. The overwhelming majority of people vaccinated all over the world against polio have been inoculated with potentially carcinogenic substances. i.e. theoretically capable of producing cancer.”
(Hans Ruesch, Slaughter of the Innocent.)

Vaccines are affecting our children’s health

Recent studies show a relationship between vaccines and various health problems in chidren. For example, many USA manufactured vaccines contain thimerosal which contains ethyl mercury, a known neurotoxin. Thimerosal has been linked to many cases of autism, ADHD, OCD, Tourette’s Syndrome, and anorexia . It is interesting to note that the Amish in the USA do not vaccinate their children. They have only 3 cases of autism out 150,000; one was adopted from overseas already vaccinated, the other two were vaccinated in the USA. Note, the rate of autism in the USA has risen from 1 in 10,000 in 1970 to 1 in 500 in 1990; it estimated as 1 in 150 today.

Build immunity without vaccines

How do we build immunity without vaccines? The answer may lie in sunlight, and it is free. A crucial vitamin, vitamin D, is produced by our bodies when exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D increases the body’s production of anti-microbial peptides which destroy the cell walls of bacteria and viruses including the influenza virus. Vitamin D cannot be obtained in sufficient quantities from food, so modest exposure to sunlight or a vitamin D supplement is needed. Also important for building a healthy immune system are: Vitamins A, C, E and the minerals iron, zinc and selenium.

As well as ensuring an adequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals, foods that weaken the immune system should be avoided. This includes alcohol, sugar, refined carbohydrates, excess fat and processed foods.

References:

Institute of Medicine. Immunization Safety Review: Thimerosal Containing Vaccines and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Washington, DC: Institute of Medicine; 2001.

Mendelsohn R.S. Confessions of a Medical Heretic. 1990.

Neustaedter, R. OMD, FLU: Alternative Treatments and Prevention. North Atlantic Books, 2005.

Radetsky, P. The Polio Problem. N.Z. Listener, October 29 1990. p98.

Ruesch, H. Slaughter of the Innocent.

Ruesch, H. Naked Empress.

Sheppard, J. Super Healthy Kids, Strengthening Your Child’s Resistance to Disease.

The American Diabetes Association states: ‘The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.’ Where is the mystery? It would be interesting to know the incidence of diabetes before the introduction of sugar and refined carbohydrates to the western diet.

Diabetes is a condition where the body either fails to produce insulin or fails to properly utilise the insulin produced. Insulin is produced by the pancreas. So what is affecting the pancreas? Let’s look at some common ingredients of the American diet, which is unfortunately becoming popular in many other countries.

Soft drinks. Many contain more than 10 teaspoons of sugar per can. What about the so-called diet soft drinks where a chemical is used instead of sugar? Aspartane is used as an artificial sweetener, but this chemical has been linked to an increased incidence of brain cancer and symptoms including: severe headaches, nausea, vertigo, insomnia, loss of control of limbs, blurred vision, blindness, memory loss, slurred speech, hyperactivity, gastrointestinal disorders, seizures, skin lesions, rashes, anxiety attacks, muscle and joint pain, numbness, mood changes, loss of energy, menstrual cramps out of cycle, hearing loss or ringing in the ears.

Refined white flour. Pancakes, doughnuts, cakes, biscuits, bread and so on. Not only is refined white flour lacking in nutrients, it often contains a chemical called alloxan. Alloxan damages the beta cells of the pancreas. Scientists use alloxan to induce diabetes in lab animals for their research.

Bacon. Bacon contains sodium nitrate which becomes a carcinogenic chemical in the body with damaging effects on the pancreas and other organs.

Bottled fruit juice. This often has a high glycemic index and may contain sugar and various chemicals.

The above ‘foods’ are not only high in sugar but they are low in essential vitamins, minerals and fibre. It is obvious that diet is a major factor in causing diabetes, but can a change in diet cure diabetes? In a clinical trial at UCLA, 50% of patients with type 2 diabetes were able to cure themselves of diabetes in three weeks by altering their food intake. “The study shows, contrary to common belief, that Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome can be reversed solely through lifestyle changes,” according to lead researcher Christian Roberts of University of California, Los Angeles. The diet used in the study was low in fat, moderate in protein and high in unrefined carbohydrates: whole grains (5 serves a day), vegetables (4 or more serves), fruit (3 or more serves), soy, beans, nuts, low fat diary with small amounts of fish and chicken.

So, will you remove all sugar and refined carbohydrates from your diet?

References:

American Diabetes Association website. www.diabetes.org

Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soft_drink

“Effect of a diet and exercise intervention on oxidative stress, inflammation, MMP-9, and monocyte chemotactic activity in men with metabolic syndrome factors,” by Christian K. Roberts, Dean Won, Sandeep Pruthi, Silvia Kurtovic, and R. James Barnard, of the Department of Physiological Science at UCLA; Ram K. Sindhu of the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Molecular Medicine at Charles R. Drew University, Los Angeles; and Nosratola D. Vaziri of the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine at University of California, Irvine is in the online issue of the Journal of Applied Physiology published by the American Physiological Society.

Studies have shown that moderate exercise combined with a Mediterranean diet, can increase life expectancy.  A Mediterranean diet is high in fish, nuts, olive oil, raw fruits, raw vegetables, and low in red meat.  A recent study showed that individuals aged 70 to 90 years eating a Mediterranean-like diet, who were non-smokers, moderately consumed alcohol, and engaged in physical activity had more than a 50% lower risk of death.   In another study based on surveys over one year with a five year follow up study, men and women aged 50 to 71 on a Mediterranean diet were 21 percent less likely to die over five years.

There are many countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, and the diet of these countries will vary.  Here are the key elements of a Mediterranean diet:

• Minimal intake of red meat with no consumption of bacon, sausage or other high fat meats.
• Regular consumption of fish. Fish is high in Omega 3 fatty acids.
• Bread is eaten without butter or margarine. No breads from white, heavily refined flour.
• Modest fat intake, but only good fats from sources such as olive oil and nuts. Olive oil does not increase cholesterol like saturated fats.
• Generous amounts of fruits and vegetables, around 10 servings a day.
• Small amounts of diary food. Goat cheese is used which is high in calcium.
• No more than four eggs a week.
• Red wine in moderation. Red wine is known to have strong antioxidant properties, however, if you don’t drink alcohol, you don’t need to start now.

The Mediterranean diet is a good balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates with plenty of fibre. Don’t starve yourself on a low fat or low carbohydrate diet.  Here are some the possible benefits of the Mediterranean diet:

• Reduced risk of heart disease.
• Reduced risk of cancer.
• Protection from diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
• Relief from rheumatoid arthritis.
• Lower cholesterol  and blood pressure.
• Assistance with weight management.

The Mediterranean diet might be the delicious, healthy diet you are seeking. Don’t forget to exercise.

References:

Harriss L.R.,English D.R., Powles J., et al. Dietary Patterns and cardiovascular mortality in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study. American Journal Clinical Nutrition. 86:221-9 (2007)

Knoops KT, de Groot LC, Kromhout D, Perrin AE, Moreiras-Varela O, Menotti A, van Staveren WA. Mediterranean diet, lifestyle factors, and 10-year mortality in elderly European men and women: the HALE project. JAMA. 2004 Sep 22;292(12)1433-9.

Mayo Clinic. Mediterranean diet for heart health.  June 21, 2006.

Panagiota N. Mitrou, Victor Kipnis, Anne C. M. Thiébaut, Jill Reedy, Amy F. Subar, Elisabet Wirfält,  Andrew Flood, Traci Mouw, Albert R. Hollenbeck, Michael F. Leitzmann, Arthur Schatzkin.  Mediterranean Dietary Pattern and Prediction of All-Cause Mortality in a US Population. Archives of Internal Medecine. 2007;167(22):2461-2468.

Simini, Bruno . Serge Renaud: from French paradox to Cretan miracle. The Lancet 355:9197:48 (1 January 2000).

A recent study involving 1,179 healthy women from rural Nebraska indicates that high levels of vitamin D combined with calcium may help in the fight against cancer.  One group of women was given calcium (around 1500 mg daily) and vitamin D (1100 IU daily) while another group was given a placebo.  Over four years, the group receiving the calcium and vitamin D supplements showed a 60 percent decrease in cancers.

The amounts of vitamin D taken are several times the recommended levels.  The cancer industry opposes these high levels of supplementation.  You would almost think they wanted people to get cancer. Calcium and vitamin D are low cost supplements.  Sunlight exposure also produces vitamin D; we make our own vitamin D when our skin is exposed to sunlight.  Sunscreen prevents the body from making vitamin D; a SPF 8 sunscreen reduces the body’s ability to make vitamin D by 95%.  Of course we don’t want to get sunburn. It is suggested that long walks in the sun without sunburn are possible if your diet is high in anti-oxidant super foods and fresh produce.  Try eating more sprouted seeds, avocado, spirulina, nuts, fresh fruit and vegetables. Increase your sun exposure slowly to avoid sunburn.

It is interesting that dark skin pigmentation blocks ultraviolet radiation.  This means that black people need more sun exposure to make useful amounts of vitamin D.  Perhaps it is no coincidence that black men show high levels of prostrate cancer and black women show extremely high rates of breast cancer.  Surely these simple facts are well known by the medical industry?  The idea that you can greatly reduce your risk of getting cancer simply by walking in the sun, must be a big worry to the cancer industry.

In the body, vitamin D is converted into a steroid hormone, and genes responding to it play a crucial role in fixing damaged cells and maintaining good cell health.  “There is no better anti-cancer agent than activated vitamin D. I mean, it does everything you’d want,” said Dr. Cannell of the Vitamin D Council, a non-profit, California-based organization.

How much sunlight is needed to produce adequate levels of vitamin D?  Only 10 to 15 minutes a day of full body exposure without sunscreen can be enough, but the actual amount needed depends on skin colour and location.  Latitude is the main factor, the further the location from the equator, the longer the necessary exposure time.  Those who receive no regular sunlight exposure must obtain vitamin D from food or supplements.  Multivitamins typically do not have enough and it is impractical to drink three litres of milk a day. A daily supplement of 1000 IU of vitamin D is recommended by many health professionals.

References:

Holick, Michael Dr.  The UV Advantage.
Moritz, Andreas. Heal Yourself with Sunlight. 2003

During the Incan empire, maca was cultivated for use as both a nutritious food, and for its enhancement of energy and sexual function. Maca has been used for thousands of years to relieve menopausal symptoms and increase energy, libido, stamina, and mental clarity. Traditional consumers of maca have a saying: “Maca is Life, Maca is Health”.

Maca (Lepidium Meyenii) is a plant that grows at high altitudes in the Peruvian Andes where the soil is very rich in minerals. Maca has been consumed for thousands of years by the indigineous population of the Peruvian highlands. The Incan warriors consumed maca before battle for increased stamina. Studies show that consumption of maca can increase libido in both men and women. It is no wonder it is often known as “Peruvian Gingseng” and “Peruvian Viagra”.

The Spaniards discovered Maca during their conquest of South America. The high altitudes were playing havoc with the fertility of their animals. At the suggestion of the locals, the Spaniards fed maca to their livestock. The results were dramatic; in fact the Spaniards began collecting taxes in maca as well as gold. Maca was shipped back to Spain where it was well known for its potency increasing qualities.

Maca should be regarded as a food rather than a medicine. Maca works as an adaptogen, acting through the hypothalamus and pituitary, balancing hormone production according to the specific needs of the individual. Through optimizing the functioning of the hypothalamus and pituitary master glands it also balances and optimizes the functioning of the adrenal glands, the thyroid and the pancreas.

Maca only grows in mineral rich soils making maca an important dietary source of many minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and silica with traces of many other minerals. The 250 mg of calcium per 100g of maca makes maca a very rich source of this vital nutrient. Maca is used in Peru to treat and prevent osteoporosis. Maca also contains over 55 naturally occurring, beneficial phyto-chemicals. The vitamins B1, B2 and C are found in maca in significant quantities.

“Nine years after Medicine Hunter Chris Kilham took an exploratory trek to the Peruvian highlands, a treasured traditional super-food called Maca has entered the U.S. consumer mass market. Today, Wal-Mart has placed Medicine Hunter Maca Stimulant(R) on the shelves of 3480 stores, coast-to-coast.” PR Newswire, May 14, 2007.

“This product opens a new chapter in healthful rapid action energy stimulation,” explains ethnobotanist Kilham, who is Explorer in Residence at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. “Maca is one of the greatest super-foods of all time”.

Maca has no known side effects; the Peruvians have eaten maca for five thousand years. Maca is eaten as a staple food, so you can eat as much as needed. Start with 1 teaspoon a day. Maca is a great addition to your smoothie.

References:

Kilham, Chris. Maca: secret of the Incas. Better Nutrition, Sept, 1999.

Peruvian Maca. Healthy & Natural Journal. December 1, 2000

Gonzales GF, Cordova A, Gonzales C, Chung A, Vega K, Villena A. Lepidium meyenii (Maca) improved semen parameters in adult men. Asian Journal of Andrology. 2001 Dec;3(4):301-3.

Gonzales GF. (2004) Of Maca and Men: Peru. In: Sharing Innovative Experiences Vol. 9: Development of Pharmaceutical Products from Medicinal Plants in the Developing World. UNDP/TCDC, TWNSO and TWAS: Trieste, Italy. 2004.

Gonzales, G. F., Gasco, M., Córdova, A., Chung, A., Rubio, J., Villegas, L. Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on spermatogenesis in male rats acutely exposed to high altitude (4340 m). Journal of Endocrinology, 2004 (Vol. 180) (No. 1) 87-95

Wright, Tim. Move over Viagra: an overview of the latest on sexual function nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals World, June 1, 2002