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02 Sep 2013

The many unknown benefits of moringa leaf


Moringa is called the Miracle Tree for good reason. Moringa oleifera tree has been called the tree of life in many cultures around the world, including Nigeria. It has many names based on its many uses: clarifier tree, horseradish tree and drumstick tree (referring to the large drumstick shaped pods) and in East Africa moringa is known as “mother’s best friend”.
Here in the Nigeria, its names include Ewe Igbale in Yoruba, Zogelle in Hasusa and Idagbomonoye in Igbo.
It is estimated that at least 300 diseases can be cured by taking this supplement along withhundreds of other health benefits, thanks to its more than 90 nutrients, 46 different antioxidants, and all eight essential amino acids. Here is a more in-depth look at the health benefits of Moringa leaves and seeds.
Scientific studies have shown that it contains specific antioxidants and health promoting ingredients that offer palliatives to malnutrition, hunger and diseases.
Moringa is rich in many vitamins, including Vitamin A, several forms of Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Vitamin E. In fact, it has more of these vitamins than a variety of foods that all claim to be excellent sources of them, such as carrots, oranges and milk. These vitamins provide a number of recognized health benefits. Moringa leaves have a few specific benefits that must be touched on as well. Protein is a vital nutrient found in the leaves ofthis tree.
There is twice as much calcium in Moringa leaves than in milk. Iron is found in large quantities in Moringa leaves as well. In fact, there is three times as much iron in this plant than in spinach.
Along with these specific nutrients, the leaves can be consumed to stimulate your metabolism, thus aiding in weight loss. This is possible because Moringa provides energy without sugar. The leaves can also be used to beautify your skin, thus they are commonly taken as supplement by women looking for healthier skin.Moringa seeds have a number ofbenefits specific to them as well.
They contain iron, just like the leaves, and they also contain amino acids along with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. That means if you have minor injuries like bruises, cuts or burns, you will heal faster when you take Moringa supplements.
Along with these specific health benefits, you can even put its seeds in dirty water and they will attract the impurities and make the water drinkable. As far as science is concerned, Moringa is an all time find.

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02 Sep 2013

Phytonutrients


The term“phyto”originated from a Greek word meaning plant. Phytonutrients are certain organic components of plants, and these components are thought to promote human health. Fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and teas are rich sources of phytonutrients. Unlike the traditional nutrients (protein, fat, vitamins, minerals), phytonutrients are not “essential” for life, so some people prefer the term “phytochemical.”
Rui Hai Liu, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Food Science at Cornell University, has examined antioxidant activity in various fruits. Dr. Liu estimates there are probably thousands of phytonutrinets in plant foods, and that each one works with others to perform many protective functions. These include stimulating the immune system, warding off damage from free radicals and putting the brakes on cell growth.
What are the major classes of phytonutrients?
Some of the common classes of phytonutrients include:
Carotenoids
Flavonoids (Polyphenols), including Isoflavones (Phytoestrogens)
Inositol Phosphates (Phytates)
Lignans (Phytoestrogens)
Isothiocyanates and Indoles
Phenols and Cyclic Compounds

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02 Sep 2013

Aspartic Acid


ASPARTIC ACIDhelps rid your body of ammonia created by cellular waste.Whenthe ammonia enters your circulatory systemit can act asa highly toxic substance whichcan damage your central nervous system.Recent studies have also shown that aspartic acid maydecrease fatigue and increase endurance.
*.CYSTINEfunctions as an antioxidant and is a powerful aid to the body inprotecting against radiation and pollution.It can helpslow the aging process, deactivate free radicals, and neutralize toxins. It also aids in protein synthesis and presents cellular change. It is necessary for theformation of new skin cells, which aids in the recovery from burns and surgical operations.
*.GLUTAMIC ACIDis food for the brain. Itimproves mental capacities, helps speed the healing of ulcers, reduces fatigue, andcurbs your sugar cravings.
*.GLYCINEpromotes the release of oxygen required in the cell-making process. It is also important in the manufacturing of hormones responsible for astrong immune system.
*.HISTIDINEis used in thetreatment of rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, ulcers, andanemia.A lack of histidine may lead to poorhearing.
*.SERINEis important in storing glucose in the liver and muscles. Its antibodies helpstrengthen your body’s immune system. Plus, it synthesizes fatty acid sheaths around nerve fibers.
*.PROLINEis extremely important for theproper function of your joints and tendons. It also helpsmaintain and strengthen heart muscles.
*.TRYROSINEtransmits nerve impulses to your brain. Ithelps overcome depression; improves memory; increases mental alertness; plus promotes the healthy functioning of the thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary glands.
Chlorophyll
Benefits of Chlorophyll
Natural healer
*.Neutralizes toxins
*.Flushes toxins from the body
*.Purifies the liver
*.Removes heavy metals pollutants
*.Helps strengthen the immune system
*.Assists in building red blood cells
*.Rejuvenates at cellular level
*.Reduces the ph level in the body
Chlorophyll
One of thephytonutrientsin Moringa
Chlorophyll, the green pigment of plants, is analkalinizing compound found in plants that helps offset the acidifying effect of the typical high-fat, high-protein Western diet. Because chlorophyll is not known to be an essential nutrient, a “deficiency” does not exist. People who do not eat plenty of green foods lack chlorophyll in their diets.
“Chlorophyll is involved in the most importantchemical reaction on earth, photosynthesis. Our lives would not be possible without it. Chlorophyll is the master chemical at the base of all of our food supply and oxygen production.
Chlorophyll, often referred to as “the blood ofplants”, is closely related to hemoglobin – the red pigment of red blood cells responsible foroxygen transport in many animals. The main difference between the two molecules is the metallic element in the center. In human blood hemoglobin consists of iron, while in chlorophyll, the metallic element is magnesium. Some people believe that this resemblance helps the chlorophyll to be better absorbed and used to “build up” bloodand fight anemia. Some scientists and nutritionists do not believe it is absorbed internally (to reach the blood) but rather that it may act locally to support the health of the mouth, stomach and intestinal tract.
In either case, there is much evidence that chlorophyll could cure or ease acute infection of the respiratory tract and sinuses, chronic ulcers, and bad breath; it also accelerates wound healing and has been shown in animal studies to nullify the cancer-inducing effects of a variety of environmental (including food) toxins. Other studies have shown that chlorophyll supports liver function and detoxification of the body.
Moringa is one of the very few foods that contain chlorophylltogether with so many other nutrients (vitamins, minerals, proteins, beneficial fats), and has a great taste. Dark green vegetables and herbs like Romaine lettuce, spinach, or parsley are excellent sources of chlorophyll, but they do not provide many of the other nutrients of Moringa.”
Excerpt from
Miracle Tree,
by Monica Marcu, Pharmagologist
Phytonutrients
Moringa, is loaded with phytonutrients;
but what are phytonutrients and where arethey found?

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02 Sep 2013

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins


Just as different letters of the alphabet are used to form different words, soare different amino acids used to build different proteins.
The human body is capable of manufacturingonly 12 of the 20 different amino acids needed to build proteins used to grow, repair, and maintain cells. The other eight areknown asessential amino acidsbecause since the body cannot manufacture them, theymust come from a person’s diet,usuallyred meat or dairy products.
This is not as simple as it sounds sincefrequently the full range of amino acids a body needs to be healthy are lacking in our food.As one pharmacist noted, “I see a lot of overweight people, but they’re all malnourished.”
Wellness exists and disease begins in the individual cell
Cells go through regeneration as often as every couple of days. Our skin is totally replaced every 27 days and our skeleton is renewed every two years. Every day billions of cells replace the ones that came before. Every regeneration must be a perfect copy. This process of regeneration is threatened bymany things: pollution in the air, water, and soil, radiation from the sun, stress, lifestyle choices, and even the ingredients in our over processed foods. One thing is certain; to be healthy a body needs the tiny biomolecules called amino acids. As small as they are,amino acids play a big role in a body’s healthy nutrition.In the right bio-available amounts, they fortify the body against the most common health concerns, and have been shown in studies to combat the aging process.
BecauseMoringa Tea,is naturally packed with 18 of the 20 amino acidswhich are highly absorbable and absolutely crucial to good health. According to clinical pharmacologist, Dr. Monica G. Marcu,“Amino acids are best absorbed from a complex, naturally occurring food or plant source.”Ann Hirsch, PhD, Professor of Botany at University of California, Los Angeles, concurs saying,“One of the things that impresses me most about Moringa is the fact that it has the full complement of the essential amino acids that humans beings need; there are eight of them that we cannot synthesize, so we have to get them from our food.”Moringa is one of very few plants that contain all eight essential amino acids;
All Eight Essential Amino Acids
Here is a list of the complete range of naturally occurring amino acids found in Moringa and a brief explanation of why our bodies require them:
*.ISOLEUCINEbuilds proteins and enzymes and it provides ingredients used to create other essential biochemical components in your body, some of whichpromote energy and stimulate the brain to keep you alert.
*.LEUCINEworks with isoleucine to build proteins and enzymes whichenhance your body’s energy and alertness.
*.LYSINEinsures your body absorbs the right amount of calcium. It alsohelps form collagenused in your bone cartilage and connective tissues. And lysineaids in the production of antibodies, hormones, and enzymes.Recent studies have shown lysineimproves the balance of nutrients that reduce viral growth.
*.METHIONINEprimarily supplies sulfur to your body. It isknown to prevent hair, skin, and nail problemswhilelowering cholesterol levelsas it increases your liver’sproduction of lecithin. Methioninereduces liver fat and protects the kidneys, which reduces bladder irritation.
*.PHENYLALAINEproduces the chemical needed to transmit signals between your nerve cells and your brain. It can helpkeep you alert, reduce your hunger pains, plus improve your memory and your mood.
*.THREONINEis an important part of collagen,elastin, and enamel proteins. Not only doesitassist metabolism, threonine helpsprevent fat build-up in the liverwhileboosting your body’s digestive and intestinal tracts.
*.TRYPTOHYANsupports your immune system, alleviates insomnia, reduces anxiety, depression, and the symptoms ofmigraine headaches.It also isbeneficial indecreasing the risk of artery and heart spasmsas it works with lysine toreduce cholesterol levels.
*.VALINEis important inpromoting a sharp mind, coordinated muscles, and a calm mood.
Ten Non-Essential Amino Acids
These non-essential amino acids, which canbe manufactured by your body with the help of proper nutrition, are also found abundantly in Moringa:
*.ALANINEis important when it comes tobuilding energyin your muscle tissue, brain, and central nervous system. Itstrengthens your immune systemby producing antibodies. Alanine alsohelps inthe healthy metabolism of sugars and organic acids in your body.
*.ARGININEhas been shown in studies tocause the release of the growth hormones considered crucial for optimal muscle growth and tissue repair. It alsoimproves immune responses to bacteria, viruses, and tumor cells while promoting the healing of your body’s wounds.

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02 Sep 2013

Inflammation as potentas cholesterol


Independent studies that appeared in theNew England Journal of Medicine say inflammation is as potent as cholesterol.Anarticle in Men’s Health (Dec 2004), Bonfires of the Arteries, concurs, reporting that“inflammation is the slow burn that sparks thousands of heart attack and strokes every year”.
According to Paul Ridker, MD, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, “Half of all heart attacks and strokes in the United States each year occur among people with essentially normal cholesterol levels”. Dr. Ridker continued, “There is more to heart disease than just lipids.A heart attackoccurswhen plaque ruptures inside your vessels. Rupturingis not dependant just on how much plaque is present, but also on the level of inflammation”.
According to a 2003 report from the University of South Florida, chronic inflammation partly due to an estrogen deficiency may renderpostmenopausal women vulnerable to degenerative conditions such asarthritis, osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Low-grade inflammation is also underneathaging and age-related disease, according to dermatologist Nicholas V. Perricone, MD. Perricone says, “The skin is always getting inflamed by sun, weather, pollution, and products because it is our interface between the environment and our body. Sothe best ways to decrease disease risk and slow the aging process is to take nutrients with powerful anti-inflammatory activity on a regular basis.Through a three-tier approach involving diet, supplements, and creams, we can control the rate at which we age”.
Moringa contains36 anti-inflammatories.
Moringa and Skin Health
Moringa contains a recently discoveredcytokinin(plant hormones that induce cell division, growth, and delay aging of cells). Moringa Tea hasnamedthis unique compoundMoringa YSP.In recent clinical tests, this naturally occurring substance increased both the growth and yield of agricultural products and,when added to the dietsof dairy cattle, significantlyincreased their milk production and furthermore promoted more rapid cellular regeneration.Clinical studies have shownMoringa YSPproduces anti-aging properties in humans.The human skin life cycle is approximately 300 days. Every minute more than 40,000 individual skin cells die. With theuse ofMoringa YSPthe human skin cycle wasaltered by the fact that new skin cells grew faster than the older cells died. This resulted inan amazing reduction of wrinkles on the face and other parts of the body.
Zeatin, one of the compounds in Moringa YSP, is a supreme anti-oxidant with powerful anti-aging properties.Zeatinslowsthe aging processby helping the body replace cells at a faster rate than they age, giving a more youthful appearance to the skin. A 2004 study by Seneteck PLC shows that Zeatin does not interfere with the genetic control of cellular lifespan, that itpromotes maintenance of small cell size (key determinant of youthful skin),and prevents the accumulation of macromoleculardamage in the cell. It was also found the Zeatin increases the activity of anti-oxidants to counter act the damage caused by free radicals during cell aging and protects healthy cells from the stress of daily life.Moringa has several thousand times more Zeatin than any other known plant.
Dietary and Health Benefits of Moringa
Until recently, only a smattering of research had been completed in India, its bordering countries, and in parts of Africa. Even less research had been done in the West. Then, not long ago, the University of Leicester in England performed a number of studies. The results from thesestudiesalong with the limited number of studies conducted in the United Statesconfirm the dietary and healthbenefits of the Moringa,with some of the results showing to lower cholesterol, assist the respiratory system and minimize the effects of asthma.Moringa has no known impurities or adverse reactions when consumed.
While some of the benefits of the Moringa plant have been tapped by various impoverished civilizations, the plant’s nutritional potential was not “discovered” by modern societies until the late nineteenth century. The indigenous knowledge and use of Moringa is referenced in more than 80 countries and known in over 200 local languages, has over 300 references to it in ayurvedic medicine. Even with the known value of this plant, little has been done to introduce its amazing benefits to the world.
Amino Acids
Amino Acids: Can’t Live Without Them
What are they and exactly what do they dofor us?
You can’t live without them. You’re unhealthy with too few of them. But in the right amounts they keep your body systems strong

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