The Diet Review Zone

Posts Tagged ‘Antioxidants’

Chaga grows as a black cankerous mass on birch, dead or living. It may rarely be found on beech, elm, ash or hornbeam as well.

In Europe and Asia, chaga has been used for centuries to treat cancers of the heart and liver, digestive ailments, and tuberculosis. [121]

The traditional use was to peel the black skin of the mushroom and then boil it into a tea. Being a compact and easily portable medicinal made it very valuable to healers throughout history.

Today’s scientific focus on chaga extract is primarily as an anti-tumor remedy. In fact, it was approved in Russia as a cancer drug already in 1955, successfully used to treat cancers of the stomach, lungs, breasts and cervix. [122]

A 1998 study on chaga extract showed that it did inhibit growth of cervical cancer in a lab. [123] And a 1995 study reported both growth inhibition and death of melanoma cells, also in a lab (in vitro). [124, 25]

Further research has confirmed that some of the active compounds of Siberian chaga do decrease cancer cell growth. [125, 126]

Betulin is a medically active compound from the birch tree that gets concentrated in the black outer skin of the chaga mushroom, which has been found to contain 30% betulin, [127] whereas the inside of the chaga mushroom contains fungal lanostanes. It would therefore be suggested that chaga tea is better made from the whole mushroom, including the black skin.

The best chaga extracts are made not only from the whole mushroom fruit body but also the mycelia (“roots”), which contain more medically active protein compounds than the fruit bodies.

Other research has found chaga to possess powerful anti-viral properties. In 1996, two studies published results of inhibitory effects on both influenza virus [127] and HIV. [128] Considering the nature of viruses, the most likely scenario is that chaga works on viruses by enhancing the body’s own immune system, a theory confirmed by a paper published in 2002 and another in 2005. [25, 129] The same mechanism may explain the reported anti-inflammatory effect of chaga. [130]

Furthermore, alcohol extract of chaga mushroom has been found to lower blood sugar levels. [131] Chaga also demonstrates significant antioxidant properties that help protect the genetic integrity of the cells. [132, 133]

As an interesting anecdote that does not relate to human health but demonstrates the curative power of the Chaga mushroom, Paul Stamets mentions a Quebec arborist who uses a chaga poultice to cure chestnut blight. It not only cures the infection but the tree even becomes blight resistant after treatment. [134]

Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any herb (or mushroom) except as advised by a licensed medical practitioner.

Credits: Thank you, Paul Stamets, for research references.

Dr. Markho Rafael has worked with natural health since finishing Chiropractic College in 1996. He currently focuses on medicinal mushrooms in cooperation with Cordyceps Reishi Extracts, LLC, a U.S. business offering Chaga Mushroom Extract and much more. For the research references to this article, go to the Siberian Chaga Extract page and click on any number indicating a reference.

The amazing acai berry is found in Central and South America. Comparatively high in antioxidants, this berry has generated a loyal following. Calcium, omega fatty acids, and protein along with high levels of vitamin A are all available within this little powerhouse.

The berry is actually a drupe. Like an apricot, it contains a big seed with a thin layer of flesh all around. This tree descended from the palm which was prized for its heart. The abundant nutrients are encased in the fleshy part of the acai berry.

Acai berry products can apparently be found anywhere. The berry pops up in anything from juices to powders and capsules. There are even famous television broadcasters who promote acai’s benefits. It can all seem overwhelming.

Regardless of all the hype, medical studies indicate that the antioxidants available in the acai berry are useful in fighting some types of free radicals. The freeze-dried version seems to be higher in at least one antioxidant that combats peroxyl radicals.

Identify the supplier of your acai berry products. There are a remarkable number of fly-by-night companies online that want to make a profit. Do the research before handing over your hard-earned money.

One of the best questions to ask is what percent of the product you are purchasing actually comes from acai berries. Find out how the product is processed, stored and shipped. You dont want to spend a lot of money for something that has only a passing acquaintance with the acai and has been mishandled to the point of uselessness.

Products containing acai berries have been shown to be good for your heart. The fiber, antioxidants and healthy fats are a powerful combination. As always you should talk with your physician before you add acai products to your regimen, especially if you take medications for any condition.

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If you want to get big and strong, don’t forget to take your protein powder. Bodybuilders have long relied upon protein powder to make sure they get the high level of protein needed to beef up their bodies through lifting weights and exercise.

However, protein powder is not just for bodybuilders or 98-pound weaklings hoping to bulk up.

Research has shown that ingesting protein powder every day can boost immune system health, facilitate the healing of wounds after surgery or injury, and promote healthy skin – in addition to fostering muscle strength and development.

So if you put that protein powder immediately after your workout that’s gonna help with that muscle recovery the second you’re done working out.

Luckily, it has been found that most varied diets – including vegan get plenty of protein through daily intake of various food combinations. However, some people like to supplement their protein intake, or occasionally substitute a fast, easy protein shake for a meal.

A lot of people struggle with getting enough protein at their breakfast. Stir that protein powder into your milk, pour that over your cereal, perfect. Stir it into your oatmeal.

Protein powders can also be a combination of one or more ingredients.

These concentrated sources of protein are processed into the powdered form, to be reconstituted into liquid form as a protein shake, or mixed with fruit juice or milk. Additionally, protein powders can be sprinkled on cereal, stirred into soups or stews, and cooked into baked goods.

Such as glutamine (a muscle enhancer, endurance builder, and muscle deterioration reducer), the content from high quality whey protein not only can, but will help one’s muscles recover and grow faster by bring up the levels of protein.