Cactus contains thousands of phytochemicals that perform myriad functions in the body. Besides regulating the immune system, they also help wound healing. 

Scientists tested a topical application that consisted of cactus extract and found that phytochemicals in cactus accelerated tissue regeneration by inhibiting inflammation, stimulating fibroblasts (cells that aid in wound healing) [...]]]> CACTUS Herbs

Cactus contains thousands of phytochemicals that perform myriad functions in the body. Besides regulating the immune system, they also help wound healing. 

Scientists tested a topical application that consisted of cactus extract and found that phytochemicals in cactus accelerated tissue regeneration by inhibiting inflammation, stimulating fibroblasts (cells that aid in wound healing) to move to the wound area, speeding up collagen formation and growth of new blood vessels

The polysaccharides in cactus also contribute to wound healing and immune system regulation through modulating macrophage (multi-tasking immune cells) function.

Cactus contributes fiber and strengthens antioxidant activity as it contains nutrients such as pectin and beta-carotene. It also has the 8 essential amino acides – histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine and valine, which is rare for any plant.

Technorati Tags: cactus herbs, healthy plants, Immune System Booster, nutritional immunology, Phytochemicals

If you need to consume meat, choose [...]]]> Having a fiber-rich snack half an hour before lunch or dinner can also stop us from over eating. Apart fro mginseng berry, soy and psyllium husk, our meal choices can include more  phytochemical rich cactus, polysacharide rich mushrooms as well as antioxidant rich broccoli, asparagus and leafy vegetables

If you need to consume meat, choose fish instead of red meat. Studies have linked high consumption of red meat with cancers suchas breast and colorectal cancer as well as heart disease. For example red meat consumption has been said to give Singaporeans 2.2 times more risk of getting colorectal cancer. This is mainly because red meat is very high in saturated fats. Fish, in contrast, contains more heart healthy fat such as omega 3 fatty acids.

Many thnk that vegetarians rarely suffer from chronic diseases but this is not true. First, many vegetarians tend to choose the same types of fruits or vegetables without giving themselves more varied plant food diet. Second, many pre packaged vegetarian foods tend to be over processed, where valuable nutrients are destroyed. A vegetarian diet also tends to be rich in carbohydrates without sufficient phytochemicals, antioxidants and poly saccharides. It is therefore critical for a vegetarian to choose a diet rich in these diesease fighting nutrients. Supplementing a vegetarian diet with soy also provides phytochemicals and plant protein.

(extracted from Enjoying “Health & Longevity with Nutritional Immunology”, can be found from “I RECOMMEND” in left column,  my health bible )

Technorati Tags: Antioxidants, Chronic Diseases, Colorectal, Colorectal Cancer, Diesease, Diet, Food Diet, Leafy Vegetables, main meal, Meal Choices, Meat Consumption, nutritional immunology, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Phytochemicals, Plant Food, Plant Protein, polysaccharides, Protein Extracted From, Psyllium, Psyllium Husk, Red Meat, Saccharides, Saturated Fats, Suggestion, Types Of Fruits

Researchers at the Harvard Medical School discovered that people who took daily breakfast were a third less likely to become obese than those who skipped this meal. This is because eating first thing in the morning is believed to help regulate appetite [...]]]> It is important to start the day right by eating a nutritionally-balanced breakfast.

Researchers at the Harvard Medical School discovered that people who took daily breakfast were a third less likely to become obese than those who skipped this meal. This is because eating first thing in the morning is believed to help regulate appetite and enhance energy. Breakfast eaters are also less likely to be hungry throughout the day and hence, less likely to overeat.

Having breakfast is also believed to keep blood sugar in check – this prevents diabetes or high cholesterol, which in turn, prevents heart disease. The best benefits, say the researchers, comes from eating whole grain cerealsfor breakfast. Whole grain cereals are rich in fiber, which stabilizes blood sugar, curbs appetite and keeps the heart healthy.

However, it is still important to not overeat for breakfast as this burdens the digestive system and stops it from working optimally.

Nutritional Immunology urges that a healthy breakfast should be highly nutritious without burdening the immune and digestive systems. Nutrients such as phytochemicals and fiber are ideal. Eating ingredients such as ginseng berry, soy and psyllium husk in the morning supplies the body with an ideal amount of phytochemicals and fiber.

(extracted from enjoying health & longevity with Nutritional Immunology

Technorati Tags: Blood Sugar, Burdens, Cereal, Curbs, Diet, diet for diabetis, diet for heart attack, Digestive System, Digestive Systems, Fibre, Ginseng, Ginseng Berry, Harvard Medical School, Healthy Breakfast, Heart Disease, High Cholesterol, immune, Longevity, morning diet, Nutrients, nutrition, nutritional immunology, nutritious, Phytochemicals, Psyllium, Psyllium Husk

The more phytochemical-rich foods we eat, the lower our risk of various types of chronic diseases, [...]]]> Phytochemicals are compounds unique to plant foods, and have natural components that can protect against diseases. Research has shown phytochemicals to possess enormous healing and disease-preventing properties because of their amazing ability to nourish and bolster the immune system.

The more phytochemical-rich foods we eat, the lower our risk of various types of chronic diseases, including cancer, coronary heart disease, dibetes and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

(extracted from Excellent word, June 2008)

Technorati Tags: Chronic Diseases, Compounds, Coronary Heart Disease, Dibetes, Diseases Research, Fruits, Heart Disease, immune system, Macular Degeneration, Natural Components, nutrition, phyto chemical, Phytochemicals, Risk

We must control our diet. Do not eat excessively. Watch the nutritional intake and keep a regular dietary habit. Avoid oily, high calorie foods such as sweet pastries, deep fried snacks, etc. Take adequate portions of various nutrients such as antioxidants, polysaccharides and phytochemicals, which help prevent the ageing process and optimize [...]]]> 1. Balanced Diet

We must control our diet. Do not eat excessively. Watch the nutritional intake and keep a regular dietary habit. Avoid oily, high calorie foods such as sweet pastries, deep fried snacks, etc. Take adequate portions of various nutrients such as antioxidants, polysaccharides and phytochemicals, which help prevent the ageing process and optimize the body’s immune system.

2. Regular work and rest

Sleep and wake up early. Do not overwork.

3. Stable emotions

Always maintain good emotions. Do not take things too seriously, and always remain joyful.

4. Adequate exercises

Do some simple exercise in the morning such as taking a slow walk. Take a stroll at the park after dinner. It will not only strengthen our body, it will also allow us to make new aquaintances.

5. Regular check up

Health checks are very important. We must go for regular health checks to detect any problem and go for early treatment if required.

6. Self-improvement and learning

Attend a languate or drawing class during spare time. While broadening our knowledge, it also provides a source of spiritual solace as we partake in the fun of lifelong learning.

7. Leisure activities

Pick up some hobbies or nurture some sense of humor. This helps relieve our tension. Activities such as chess playing, calligraphy and traveling are excellent pastimes.

8. Social welfare activities

If we have the time, why not spend some of it on social welfare activities or voluntary jobs. Regular meetings not only help kill the extra time, but will also keep us abreast of the latest happenings in the community, exchanging views, sharing our experiences and keeping in touch with younger pople, so that we feel remarkably younger.

9. Retirement planning

The greatest principle among old people would be to preserve our wealth and sense of security.

10. Great time with grandchildren

Spend more time with family, and make arrangements for common activities. If staying with children, we must learn to understand the minds of the young people so that we can enjoy truly harmonious family life.

(extracted from Excellent Word June 2008)

Technorati Tags: Calligraphy, Fried Snacks, Health Checks, healthy life style, High Calorie Foods, Latest Happenings, Leisure Activities, Lifelong Learning, Pastimes, Phytochemicals, polysaccharides, Pople, Sense Of Humor, Sense Of Security, Simple Exercise, Social Welfare Activities, Spiritual Solace