FIGHT CANCER, APPETITE, FATIGUE, DIABETES.

Best Vegetables for Health

2009-12-16T09:16:00.000-08:00

SUPER VEGETABLES
We've posted in the past that Americans do not eat the best health protecting vegetables. Here is an alphabetical list of vegetables/fruit that we think are among the best ... it does not mean that others may no be just as good. The vegetables/fruit are Broccoli and its cousins cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, mustard and other crucifera, Carrots, Garlic and its cousins onion, leeks, chives and and onions, Grains, Spinach, Berries and Tomatoes.

Broccoli - Broccoli and cousins such as cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and other crusifera contain glocosinolates which generate Sulforaphane. Sulforaphane stimulates our genes to synthesize glutathione a potent anti-oxidant that destroys cancer causing chemicals such as cigarette smoke, air pollutants etc. Studies seem to indicate that sulforaphane helps fight cancers in general. Broccoli sprouts are greatly superior to mature plant in supplying Sulforaphane

To follow - information on the other greatly beneficial vegetables.

BELIEVER OF NUTRITIONAL CLAIMS-BE AWARE!

2009-03-06T10:06:00.000-08:00

YOUR HEALTH INFO/NOTES
Dr. Peter Pantel, Ph.D. 410-823-6663

I find recent phytonutrient research papers inadequate in presenting good research … the impression that I get in reading recent research is that phytonutrients are either useless or that they are terrific!

The questions I have mulled over is “why is this so”? And I feel that I have part of the answer … and it is that much of recent research is funded and performed by people that have a special financial interest in the results being reported! THIS IS A NO-NO!

The special interests are:
The big pharmaceutical companies that do not want the phytonutrients to compete with their expensive pharmaceuticals
The providers of phytonutrients that want to sell us their products

An example of pharmaceutical special interest funded research can be read in a most respected journal praising the benefits of a pharmaceutical in preventing heart disease … the research was funded by the maker of the pharmaceutical and was carried out by persons that stood to gain financially by this type of information.
Or of a university that did a study on sprout benefits that was funded by the sprout grower, tried to patent the growth of sprouts while giving sales right to the head researchers' family.

An example of phytonutrient special interest might be applied to the seller of a currently very popular fruit drink … the fruit was always around, especially in the Mediterranean area, but did not sell very much here until somebody paid for some type of research to show how healthy it is.

I’ve decided that I will read and report mostly older publications, (15-40 years old) reporting on results obtained before the pharma companies and other special groups took over the information that is feed to us about health products.

So, before we accept published results, we should keep in mind the question:
Who paid for the research?
Who did the research?

Farmed Fish

2009-01-16T10:26:00.000-08:00

FARMED CATFISH AND TILAPIA NOT THE BEST FISH TO EAT FOR OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS

Omega-3 fatty acids provide a wide range of health benefits for people of all ages.
They are essential ( the body cannot make them) and found in all cells of our bodies.

We are advised to eat fish because they are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. In a study reported in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, December 2008, it was determined that farm raised tilapia fish and catfish (which most of us buy, possibly without knowing that they are farm raised) have much lower amounts of omega-3 fatty acids than the amounts found in wild tilapia and cat fish … actually they have 1/8th of the amount found in wild fish ... but they are cheaper, so we buy them thinking that we are taking good fatty acid nutrition.

Tilapia and catfish are the fifth most popular fish in the U.S. and, in addition to being eaten as fish, they are also used to make fish sticks, fish burgers, artificial crab meat, and other items.

In eating fish to obtain Omega-3 benefits one should consider this:
· Humans and (fish) must have, but cannot make their own fatty acids. They get it from their food
· In addition to Omega-3s, there is another group, Omega-6s, that is essential for a healthy fatty acids intake
· The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 is one of the criteria for comparing health benefits of these fatty acids.
· The healthy Omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is between 1:1 to 1:2. In reality, the American intake ratio is close to 1:20. Farm raised Tilapia and Catfish average 1:11, similar to chickens.

Why the Fuss about Omega-3/Omega-6 Ratio?
Because this ratio is important in determining the level of our immune response to disease ... the higher the ratio the more likelihood of support for a hyper-immune reaction situation.

We eat tremendous amounts of Omega-6s, and not much Omega-3 from fast foods, snack foods/cakes and pre-prepared meals. … the Omega-6s are a lot cheaper than the Omega-3s so manufactures of these items make more profit by using oils rich in omega-6 in their preparation, and the buyer be damned.

A healthy immune system is essential to our survival by fighting infections, cancers etc. But, if the system over-reacts, it attacks the body and causes hyper-immune diseases such as inflammation, allergy based diseases, risk for heart attacks, certain cancers, asthma and others.

Omega-3 fatty acids help prevent and lower such an over-responses by providing for the production prostaglandins that turn down immune system. On the other hand, Omega-6s stimulate the immune system, for better or for worse, based on the nature of the response.

It should be understood that Omega-6s are beneficial and necessary … the bad thing is an imbalance in the Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio..

Bottom line - Eat wild fish such as salmon, trout, tuna, sardines, anchovies, mackerel or herring. Or for Omega-3 concerns alone, cautiously take these fish raised in farms.

Or, take Flax oil or Sprouts (Flax seeds are difficult to take and must be ground before they become digestible) because they are extremely rich in Omega-3 and low in Omega-6s.
Further, they eliminate the risk of mercury, insecticides and antibiotics and provide high amounts of soluble fiber and lignans.

Healthy Vision Protect

2008-12-22T13:20:00.000-08:00

Protect Your Vision

Age related Macular Degeneration is an eye disorder that causes progressive loss of central vision due to damage to the Macula area of the eye.This damage causes blurring or darkness in the center of vision which interferes with reading, driving, etc.

There are two types of Macular Degeneration, the dry type, which is responsible for some 90% of age related macula problems and the wet type. Some say that a possible early indication of macula dysfunction is the perception that horizontal and/or vertical straight lines appear bent when viewed by a defective macula

Cataracts are a result of 'clouding' of the lens of the eye. This clouding causes a dimming, loss of acuity, a clouding of vision and other symptoms which interfere with reading and other such functions.

Many antioxidants are beneficial to the retina/macula of the eye. The ones strongly associated with eye protection and function are the yellow carotenoids, especially the luteins, zeazanthin meso-zeazanthin and luteolin. Luteins and Zeazanthin are 1000 times more concentrated in the macula than in any other organ in the body. Because of this and of experimental studies, it is concluded that an adequate amount of these phytonutrients is essential for proper macular function and protection.

Controllable Risk Factors
· Smoking
· Direct sunlight to the eye
· Diets poor in antioxidants, especially Luteins

Phytonutrients and Macular Degeneration/Cataracts
There are many plant products that can supply these phytonutrients, among the best being:

Berries, especially Bilberries and Blueberries
Marigold petals Natural vitamin Kale, Spinach, Carrot, Celery, Thyme, Mint and other dark greens
Onions
Citrus fruit, strawberries, Peaches

A Good Supplement for Eye Health Should Do Several Things Well to Provide Vision Health:
· Provide the richest lutein containing plants items including Marigold petals, Bilberry, and vegetable nutrients such as spinach, carrots, etc.
· Provide Natural Vitamin C and other natural balanced anti-oxidants
· Provide ALL the luteins in natural, balanced form as they are in natural foods/items, not synthetics or partial extracts. FOR MORE ITEM INFORMATION

Dr. Peter Pantel, Ph.D. 410-823-6663 800-937-4881

HEALTH PROTECT - Careful Reading of Labels and Information

2008-11-12T09:46:00.000-08:00

AstraZeneca's Cholesterol Win - Crestor sales are going to go up--a lot.
The only question is how fast.

The above comes from an article in Forbes magazine and refers to a study done to determine whether lowering blood C- Reactive Proteins (CRP) ( blood factors which seem to be indicative of inflammation associated with of heart disease risks) can help prevent heart disease.

The study was published in the current issue of the New England Jour. Med. and seems to indicate that taking statin type drugs, i.e. Crestor, provides a 50% decrease in heart attack risk, 20% decrease of dying from any cause and some 46 % lower need of heart surgery.

These figures are impressive but one has to wonder why statins were picked to study the effects of drugs on heart disease via CRP … when there are other drugs available that can decrease CRPs without the interpretation pitfall of statins.

Lets take a look at the results:

1- The 50% decrease in heart/stroke - a different type of analysis indicates that it was really only some 0.8% reduction

2- While the number of deaths in the study group was lowered, the Crestor group decrease seems to be no better than the placebo

In interpreting this study, perhaps it may be significant to note that:

The study was headed by Dr. Paul Ridker, who helped develop the test for CRP and receives royalties from their sale and

The study was funded by AsteraZeneca, the seller of Crestor

The above is an explanation of how we read the results of the study. Perhaps some one can enlighten us

Dr. Peter Pantel, Ph.D.

HEALTH PROTECT

2008-10-14T10:41:00.001-07:00

Your Health Info/Notes Dr. Peter Pantel, Ph.D. 800-937-4881 http://www.rejuvenan.net/

Ulcers and Crucifera Family - Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Crest, Horseradish, Kale, Kohlrabi, Mustard, Radish, Rutabaga, Turnip - All same family!

A while back we read a publication by a Hopkins group that broccoli sprouts help fright/prevent/protect ulcers ... in a test tube.

That made us think of older information that we had read, namely that cabbage juice really puts a dent in ulcer problems.
Dr. Garnet Cheney, (who may have been one of my teachers in college) performed a cabbage juice study using guinea pigs and found that he could not produce ulcers in the animals being given that cabbage juice. In another study, with people, he demonstrated that cabbage juice reduced healing time of gastric ulcers by 83%. In another people study with cabbage concentrate, he reported a 92% cure.
That this has a valid foundation comes from information that an ulcer healing drug, gefarnate, is found in cabbage.

There is a 'but' here. One has to drink about a quart of this juice a day for about a month ... this is rather cumbersome and we do not know of this amount of cabbage juice has any hidden effects. Perhaps taking smaller volumes for a longer period can do the same thing.

Don't think that cabbage is a one disease treatment vegetable . Cabbage, a member of the crucifera family, seems to offer protection against radiation, extend life and fight colon and other cancers.

Small Health Quiz on Health Protect

2008-10-08T11:55:00.000-07:00

Recently, Canadian scientists did some studies to determine which vegetables might be best to help protect against cancer. So they performed some tests tube studies with vegetable juices. Lets see how we do in selecting the best Health Protect vegetables.

The studies were done with stomach, liver, lung, breast, pancreas, skin, prostate and brain cancer cells. The groups of 'vegetables' studied were:

Crucifera such as as kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage.
Alliums such as garlic, onions, shallots.
Tomato, carrots, lettuce potato.

Which ones do you think were best against cancer? Vegetables in #1, #2 or #3?

The study showed that the most popular vegetables ( 60% of us eat them rather than the others) were least effective against cancer cells ... so the answer is that group #3 of tomato, carrot, lettuce and potato are not as Health Protect as broccoli or onion!

The Canadians plan to do more studies with other type of vegetable preparations to determine whether this study might be a little misleading.

The researchers further point out that in addition to eating the wrong greens, we do not eat as much of them as we should ... like 5-9 good servings of green a day.

HEALTH PROTECT RED FLAGS

2008-09-25T11:07:00.000-07:00

The information below is an extract of a publication in Jour. Amer. Medical Assoc. - Vol. 300 No. 11, September 17, 2008 send to a friend

STUDIES SHOWING THAT BPA FOOD CONTAINER COATING HARMFUL

Here is some information we should know:
Bisphosphol A (BPA) is used to coat the surfaces of metal cans (soft drinks, beer), plastic containers, (milk, water, condiments, baby food bottles,) etc.
The study below found that exposure of people to BPA treated container, may put them in harms way.
The study cited found that the people with the highest amount of BPA in their body had 3X the risk of heart disease and more than 2X the risk of diabetes ... and this even though people with the highest BPA/disease levels in this study, still had BPA levels below currently established as 'safe level". So, how much higher would the disease incidence have been if the levels of BPA were higher?

These could be much worse if applied to babies because:

Though bottles and formulas, milk and water babies, on an exposure to pound basis they get more BPA than adults. Also, they can't get rid of this BPA from their body as quickly as adults, leaving the door open for more serious damage.
It may not be given in the journal but I recall reading, although not 100% certain, that BPA breaks down to estrogen, the female sex hormone. A nice piece of destruction to palce in baby food!
The National Toxicology Program says that there should be "some concern".
The fda says, based on 2 studies (out of many others) funded by plastics manufacturers, that "products containing BPA currently on the market are safe, and exposure levels are below those that may cause health effects". This even though the levels present in the people participating in this study and getting diseases were much lower that the currently recommended "safe level" and their conclusions
Association of Urinary Bisphenol A Concentration With Medical Disorders and Laboratory Abnormalities in Adults
=================================================================

Context Bisphenol A (BPA) is widely used in epoxy resins lining food and beverage containers. Evidence of effects in animals has generated concern over low-level chronic exposures in humans.

Objective To examine associations between urinary BPA concentrations and adult health status.
Main Outcome Measures Chronic disease diagnoses plus blood markers of liver function, glucose homeostasis, inflammation, and lipid changes.
Results
Higher urinary BPA concentrations were associated with cardiovascular diagnoses
Higher BPA concentrations were also associated with diabetes
In addition, higher BPA concentrations were associated with clinically abnormal concentrations of the liver enzymes Conclusion Higher BPA exposure, reflected in higher urinary concentrations of BPA, may be associated with avoidable morbidity in the community-dwelling adult population.

VEGAN POMEGRANATE IN CAPSULES

2008-09-17T10:04:00.000-07:00

YOUR HEALTH INFO/NOTES

Dr. Peter Pantel, Ph. D. 800-937-4881

POMEGRANATES - The Wonder Fruit - Human studies are documenting singnificant health benefits from Pomegranate polyphenoles ... especially in the improvement of arterial health.

Now Encapsulated, Whole Pomegrante Concentrates, not selected, unbalanced extracts, are available.

Pomegranates have been a symbol of health and fertility since ancient times. There has been much recent research which demonstrates that pomegranates are very rich in polyphenol antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents and other phytochemicals that help fight cancer, heart disease and other chronic diseases. To Purchase

Pomegranate has been shown to exceed the amount of the polyphehol phytochemicals found in green tea or red wine, both considered among the most promising anti-cancer agents, and may contain large amounts of conjugated Omega-3 fatty acids ...the anti-colon cancer. anti-arthritic and anti-allergic fatty acids. And, one capsuleof powdered pomegranate provides approximately as much polyphenols an eight ounces of juice.

A new study at the University of Wisconsin Medical School reports that Pomegranate juice intake indeed may be able to inhibit prostate cancer growth. In this recent study researchers found that intake off pomegranate juice dramatically reduced the size of the prostate tumor as well as slow the growth of prostate cancer cells.

The findings are significant because more that 230,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year with this form of cancer, emerging as the second leading cause of death among American men.

Unfortunately, the fruit was not very well known in the US and where available is expensive ... but it is very widely available and used in the Mediterranean basin.
You can now obtain Pomegranate Powder Concentrate.

Natural Supplements To Protect Against Cancer, Heart Disease, Fatigue

2008-08-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

(Follow up on Prior Broccoli Blog)

Broccoli - Richest in Sulforaphane -

BROCCOLI – Works by stimulating a gene called GST which controls the production of Glutathione, the body’s own anti antioxidant which activates the destruction of Phase II enzymes that are responsible for the destruction of cancer causing chemicals.

Because our body is stimulated to produce this potent anti-oxidant, the amount of anti-oxidant present in the body is many times more than any supplement can provide.

Broccoli Sprouts Have 20-50 Times More Sulforaphane than Mature Broccoli and More than Any Other Vegetable or Fruit.

USES

ANTI CANCER - Broccoli, because of its high provision of Sulforaphane, is ranked first in the United States National Cancer Institutes list of all around , anti-cancer vegetables. I'm still looking for the exact document for this)

Specifically, the sulforaphane in broccoli sprouts stimulates the production of Phase II enzymes which are responsible for the destruction of both internally produced and from external exposure cancer causing chemicals.

ATHEROSCLEROSIS -The high antioxidant content of broccoli and its role in the in the stimulation of Glutathione synthesis helps prevent LDL or 'bad cholesterol' from forming plaques in the arteries and causing to heart disease and stroke.

ULCERS - In earlier literature one reads that Cabbage/Cabbage juice and Radish can be used to treat and cure ulcers. More recent literature, generated by research in 2007 at Johns Hopkins, among others, seems to demonstrate that broccoli sprouts help prevent ulcers.

FATIGUE - One of the nicest, unexpected, easily noticeable benefits of Broccoli sprouts is that they really give a nice boost in energy levels...more pep.

WEIGHT LOSS - Another noticeable benefit is that it brings about a loss of weight. It has been noted by many takers of Super/Veggies Broccoli that they lose about 15-20 pound (but not more) in 10-30 days and jelp maintain this loss.

GENERAL NUTRITION BENEFITS - The vitamin C, Vitamin A, Carotenes, Vitamin E, Luteins and Fiber contents of broccoli improve general nutritional status and help ward off chronic diseases. Natural, Organic Nutritional Supplements

If you find this information useful and/or presented usefully, or badly, please comment & let us know.

HEALTH INFO/NOTES

2008-08-15T10:34:00.000-07:00

BROCCOLI PHYTONUTRIENTS AND THERAPEUTICS

THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS OF BROCCOLI - as described in 1985.
Lower risk of cancer – This was the listing for broccoli in a book published in 1985.

We’ll consider some of the benefits ascribed to broccoli up to 1985 and then update the data to 2008.

Broccoli tops the list as the best fighting vegetable against:
Cancer of the esophagus
Cancer of the stomach
Cancer of the colon
Cancer of the lung
Cancer of the larynx
Cancer of the prostate
Cancer of the mouth and
Cancer of the pharynx.

Like many vegetables, broccoli is rich in carotenoids, Vitamins, etc. But what makes broccoli and other members of the Brassica family different is their content of glucosinolates. When eaten, Glucosinolates provides us with Sulforaphane and Indole-3- carbinol … phytochemicals effective against cancer and other diseases.

All other members of the broccoli Cruciferous/Brassica relatives, such as Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, kohlrabi, mustard, rutabaga, turnips, bok choy, radish, horde radish, water cress and others, contain such sulfur based chemicals..

There is good, pre 1985 literature pertaining to broccoli and cancer. For example, Dr. S. Graham reported that the risk of rectal and colon cancer was cut significantly, by ½, in people that ate ½ cup of broccoli 21 times a month than in people that ate it less than 10 times a month.

Similarly, broccoli protected smokers and non-smokers against lung cancer. People that ate broccoli, and other dark green vegetables, only 3 times a week had double the risk of developing lung cancer than people what ate the green every day.

Another study done in the 1950s by the Army, reported that broccoli, better than other vegetables studied, protected animals exposed to lethal doses of radiation by some 65%. By the way cabbage, a cousin of broccoli, protected the animals by some 52%.

WHAT should be noted here is that, in the older studies, nothing is mentioned about Sulforaphane, Class II enzymes, glutathione, gene modulation , Broccoli Sprouts, great anti-oxidant properties and protection against heart disease, ulcers etc. THE MOST EXCITING THING ABOUT BROCCOLI IS THE PROPERTIES OF BROCCOLI SPROUTS.THIS INFORMATION WILL FOLLOW SHORTLY.

YOUR HEALTH INFO/NOTES

2008-08-15T10:11:00.000-07:00

Your Health Info/Notes
Dr. Peter Pantel, Ph.D. 41 0-823-6663

BROCCOLI - POSSIBLE THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS - as described in 1985.

Broccoli tops the list as the best fighting vegetable against cancer, at 1985 literature:
Cancer of the esophagus
Cancer of the stomach
Cancer of the colon
Cancer of the lung
Cancer of the larynx
Cancer of the prostate
Cancer of the mouth and
Cancer of the pharynx.

We’ll consider some of the benefits ascribed to broccoli up to 1985 and then update the data to 2008
Like many vegetables, broccoli is rich in carotenoids, Vitamins, etc. But what makes broccoli, and other members of the Brassica family, different is their content of Glucosinolates. When eaten Glucosinolates provides us with Sulforaphane and Indole-3- carbinol … phytochemicals effective against cancer and other diseases.

All other members of the broccoli cruciferous relatives, such as Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, kohlrabi, mustard, rutabaga, turnips, bok choy, radish, horde radish, water cress and others, contain such sulfur based chemicals..

There is some older literature pertaining to broccoli and cancer. For example, Dr, S. Graham reported that the risk of rectal and colon cancer was cut significantly, by ½, in people that ate ½ cup of broccoli 21 times a month than in people that ate it less than 10 times a month.

Similarly, broccoli protected smokers and non-smokers against lung cancer. People that ate broccoli, and other dark green vegetables, only 3 times a week had double the risk of developing lung cancer than people what ate the green every day.

Another study done in the 1950s by the Army, reported that broccoli, better than other vegetables studied, protected animals exposed to lethal doses of radiation by some 65%. By the way cabbage, a cousin of broccoli, protected the animals by some 52%.

WHAT should be noted here is that, in the older studies, nothing is mentioned about Sulforaphane, Class II enzymes, glutathione, gene modulation , Broccoli Sprouts and protection against heart disease, ulcers etc. THE MOST EXCITING THING ABOUT BROCCOLI IS THE PROPERTIES OF BROCCOLI SPROUTS.THIS INFORMATION WILL FOLLOW SHORTLY.

2008-08-14T09:32:00.000-07:00

HEALTH INFO/NOTES
Dr. Peter Pantel, Ph.D.

Lutein, Zeaxantin and Zink reduce risk of Macular Degeneration.
Those who consume the most lutein and zeaxanthin least likely to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Macular Degeneration - The macula is part of the eye that allows the eye to see fine details at the center of the field of vision. Degeneration of the macula is most noted in an aging person, and results in loss of vision at the center fo the field of vision ... resulting in near blindnes.

Accoding to this study, people whose diets contained the most lutein, zeaxanthin and zinc had the least risk for going blind in the center of the field of vision.

Researchers from the University of Sydney, Australia, followed over 2000 men and women for 5 and 10 years. Scientists also measured nutrients in the diet (not synthetic or concentrates) including alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cyptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, vitamins A, C and E, iron and zinc.

Those who consumed the most lutein and zeaxanthin were 65% less likely to develop Age Related Mcaular Degeneration.

Those who consumed just above average amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin were 34% less likely to develop early signs of AMD (reticular drusen), compared to those below average.

Those who consumed the most zinc were 44% less likely to have any type of AMD compared to those who consumed less zinc. Doctors noted that the results support results reported in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, a large multi-center U.S. study funded by the National Eye Institute that followed 4,700 participants and found that antioxidants protect against AMD.

The richest sources of Lutein and Zeaxanthin are Marigold petals (about 20 times more than spinach), dark green vegetables such a spinach, kale and collard greens, carrots, Super/Veggies and egg yolk(but yolks introduce the cholesterol factor.

Ophthalmology: July, 2007.

Help Prevent Macular Degeneration

2008-08-14T09:27:00.000-07:00

HEALTH INFO/NOTES
Dr. Peter Pantel, Ph. D.
410-823-6663

Lutein, Zeaxantin and Zink reduce risk of Macular Degeneration.
Those who consume the most lutein and zeaxanthin least likely to develop age-related macular degeneration
Accoding to this study people whose diets contained the most lutein, zeaxanthin and zinc had the least risk for going blind in the center of the field of vision, a condition known as age-related macular degeneration or AMD, according to a new study.

Researchers from the University of Sydney, Australia, followed over 2000 men and women for 5 and 10 years. Scientists also measured nutrients in the diet (not synthetic or concentrates) including alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cyptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, vitamins A, C and E, iron and zinc.

Those who consumed the most lutein and zeaxanthin were 65% less likely to develop Age Related Mcaular Degeneration. Those who consumed just above-average amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin were 34% less likely to develop early signs of AMD (reticular drusen), compared to those below average.

Those who consumed the most zinc were 44% less likely to have any type of AMD compared to those who consumed less zinc.Doctors noted that the results supported results reported in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, a large multi-center U.S. study funded by the National Eye Institute that followed 4,700 participants and found that antioxidants protect against AMD.

Ophthalmology: July, 2007.

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS

2008-07-02T09:26:00.000-07:00

YOUR HEALTH INFO/NOTES Dr. Peter Pantel, Ph. D.

OMEGA-3

Omega 3-fatty acid is an essential nutrient for humans. We cannot make it and must get it from eating plants or from animals that get it from eating plants. Fish can’t make Omega-3. They get it by eating algae or other fish.

The American Heart Association recommends eating at least two servings weekly of Omega-3 rich foods. This includes most fish, especially cold water fish, and many plants, especially whole flax products.

Americans do not eat enough omega-3 and eat an excess of Omega-6 fatty acids... this causes many problems, especially relating to allergies and other immune reactions. An accepted, healthy ratio of Omega-6/Omega-3 is approximately 2:1. Because of our fast food kind of diet, most of us have a 1:10 to 1:20 ratio … not a healthy balance.

Omega-3 can:

Help prevent blood platelets from clotting and sticking to artery walls causing cholesterol plaque formation.
Help prevent inflammation in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
Help prevent attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and mood disorders, such as post-partum depression.

As a point of information, farm-raised fish, in general, have as much omega-3 as wild fish. However, all fish contain methyl mercury which causes nerve damage. Since methyl mercury accumulates in meat, older or bigger the fish, such as tuna, swordfish contain, weight for weight, the highest amount of methyl mercury.

One does not need to eat fish to get Omega-3. You can get Omega-3 by eating flax seed products, whole grains, beans, such as soybeans and seeds . Flax seeds are the richest plant source of Omega-3 … and the have a very low ratio of Omega-6/:Omega-3.

The Food and Drug Administration recommends that pregnant women and women who might become pregnant, nursing mothers, and young children not eat shark, swordfish, mackerel, and tilefish. If a pregnant woman chooses to avoid seafood, she should make sure she gets plenty of Omega-3's from seeds such as flax seed products, or, less desirable, from supplements.

Our opinions and the references are for information only, and are not intended to diagnose or prescribe

Prevent Chronic Diseases

2008-06-30T11:39:00.000-07:00

YOUR HEALTH INFO/NOTES
Dr. Peter N. Pantel, Ph. D.

LIST OF SOME PRINCIPLES FOR AVOIDING HEART DISEASE ... HOW MUCH PROGRESS?

ALL WAYS = PREVENT-PREVENT-PREVENT! TYPE OF DIET AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IS EVERY THING! Who said this and when?

Do not get fat. If fat, reduce weight. Reduce saturated fats: Fats in beef, pork, lamb, sausage, margarine and solid shortenings and fats in dairy products.
Prefer vegetable oils to solid fats and keep total fats to under 30% of your diet calories. Favor fresh vegetables, fruit and non fat dairy products.
Avoid heavy use of salt and refined sugars.
Good diets do not depend on drugs. Get plenty of exercise and outdoor recreation.

WHO SAID THIS? Drs. Ancel & Margaret Keys - Fifty Years Ago.
So much for seller driven attempts of 'modern' nutritional research and advice.
Some products that are organic, natural, pure that can help to improves your diet. For more information, please click here.

AND TEN BEST WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF NOT BEING HEALTHY!
1- Smoke. The more the better
2- Gain weight. The more the better
3- Avoid natural, fresh foods.The less eaten the better.
4- Eat mostly processed, canned or boxed foods.The more the better.
5- Do not eat a variety of foods
6- Do not eat fruit and vegetables.
7- Eat mostly trans and saturated fatty acids.
8- Best in fast food chains, cookies, chips etc..
8- Believe health & nutritional claims in food packages.
9- If you can walk it, don't. Use car.
10- Do not even think about any type of work out, even fast walking.

OR TO BE HEALTHY, EAT BALANCED MEALS, NATURAL, WHOLE UNPROCESSED FOODS, EAT YOUR FRUIT AND VEGETABLES AND AVOID SATURATED AND TRANS FATS.

PHYTONUTRIENTS

2008-06-25T09:02:00.000-07:00

HEALTH INFO/NOTES
Dr. Peter Pantel

Antioxidants

Lutein, Zeaxantin and Zink reduce risk of Macular Degenearation

Those who consume the most lutein and zeaxanthin least likely to develop age-related macular degeneration

Those whose diets contained the most lutein, zeaxanthin and zinc had the least risk for going blind in the center of the field of vision, a condition known as age-related macular degeneration or AMD, according to a new study.
Researchers from the University of Sydney, Australia, followed over 2000 men and women for 5 and 10 years. Scientists also measured nutrients in the diet (not synthetic or concentrates) ncluding alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cyptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, vitamins A, C and E, iron and zinc.
Those who consumed the most zinc were 44% less likely to have AMD.
Those who consumed the most lutein and zeaxanthin were 65% less likely to develop Age Related Mcaular Degeneration. Those who consumed just above-average amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin were 34% less likely to develop early signs of AMD (reticular drusen), compared to those below average. Those who consumed the most zinc were 44% less likely to have any type of AMD compared to those who consumed less zinc.
Doctors noted that the results supported the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, a large multi-center U.S. study funded by the National Eye Institute that followed 4,700 participants and found that antioxidants protect against AMD.
Ophthalmology: July, 2007.

Effect of Nutrional Changes on Prostate Cancer

2008-06-20T08:08:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we are told that cancer is genetic and there's not much that can be done to prevent it. Now, take a look at a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, June 17, 2008; http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/full/105/24/8369).

In this study, men followed a diet consisting of low fat foods, whole foods, plant foods, soy tofu/powder, fish oil, vitamin C, vitamin E, did light exercise and avoided meat, saturated fat, and processed or refined foods.

After just three months on this type of diet and life style, it was shown that more than 500 genes that promote abnormal prostate growth/cancer were turned off or reverted toward normal, while tumor fighting genes became more active.

This study seems to support our urging to take whole food supplements that provide phytonutrient rich, balanced, whole food supplements (for the 90% of us that do not eat the healthy 5- 9 servings of vegetables each day).

Natural Foods or Synthetic Pills?

2008-06-18T11:41:00.000-07:00

YOUR HEALTH INFO/NOTES

Dr. Peter Pantel, Ph.D. 410-823-6663

Experts that know will tell you to GET YOUR NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS FROM FOOD, NOT PILLS

The FDA. NCI, ACS, AHA, ADA and other government and health associations all advise that we eat a 5-9 serving of fruit and vegetables each day to help prevent chronic diseases such as lung cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, heart disease and strokes, appetite, diabetes, macular degeneration, cataracts, allergies, memory loss and other diseases.

Hippocrates, the father of medicine, said ‘Eat Properly and Leave Drugs on Your Pharmacists' Shelf’. So, no one really says “Pop a Pill”.

Why We Need Supplements – In the Linnaeus classification system, Animals are defined as Mobile, Multicellular Organisms Unable to Synthesize their Own Nutrients. This means that all animals must eat Plants (or other animals that have eaten plants) in order to exist. In our view, nutrients might be described as follows:

Nutrients- including proteins, carbohydrates and lipids.
Vitamins – A, Bs, C, D, E, etc. Essential substances used in the synthesizing processes of the body
Regular Minerals – copper, iron, calcium zinc, magnesium sodium, potassium and others that are found in rather large amount in the body such as blood, bones etc.
Trace Minerals - Minerals present in minute quantities that help certain processes in the body- chromium selenium, molybdenum, boron and others.
Phytochemicals – non vitamin, non-nutrient, non-mineral chemicals found only in plants which provide the body with protection against degrading, cell damaging processes.

Over the millions of years, we have evolved to take nutrients (vitamins and other phytochemicals ) from plants and use them to make the chemicals that our bodies need in order to function. Further, we have evolved to:

receive very large numbers of whole plant nutrients
utilize a large number of these nutrients, some similar and some very different, to make chemicals that we need in order to function
utilize many plant nutrients that are balanced and work in a balanced way so as to not overwhelm our own chemistry.

This scenario certainly does not sound like the supplements we get from pills are a good substitute for whole food supplements when instead of thousands, contain one or several products, are synthetic or extracted from rocks, are unbalanced with excesses of some and deficient in other nutrients, and are not identical to the whole food products.

More to follow onspecific phytochemicals and their use.

Ten Ways to NOT Being Healthy

2008-03-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

YOUR HEALTH INFO/NOTES Dr. Peter N. Pantel, P.h. D. 410-823-6663

Ten Ways to Improve Your Chances of NOT Being Healthy

Smoke. The more the better
Gain weight. The more the better
Avoid natural foods. The less eaten the better
Eat mostly processed foods. The more the better
Do not eat a variety of foods
Do not eat fruit and vegetables
Eat mostly trans and saturated fatty acids.
Best in fast food chains, cookies, chips, etc..
Take heavy doses of synthetic nutritional supplements.
If you can walk it, don’t. Use car.
Do not even think about any type of work out, even fast walking.

OR TO BE HEALTHY, EAT BALANCED MEALS, NATURAL WHOLE, UNPROCESSED FOODS, EAT YOUR FRUIT AND VEGETABLES AND AVOID SATURATED AND TRANS FATS.