Healthrob » Tiredness

6 – Seaweeds: Microalgae and Chlorella

Healthrob — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:00:29 +0000

Microphytes or microalgae are microscopic algae, typically found in freshwater and marine systems. There are 20,000 species. They are unicellular species which exist individually, or in chains or groups.Depending on the species, their sizes can range from a few micrometers (µm) to a few hundreds of micrometers. Unlike higher plants, microalgae do not have roots, stems and leaves. Microalgae, capable of performing photosynthesis, are important for life on earth; they produce approximately half of the atmospheric oxygen and use simultaneously the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide to grow photoautotrophically.

Most of these microalgae species produce unique products like carotenoids, antioxidants, fatty acids, enzymes, polymers, peptides, toxins and sterols. Microalgae such as microphytes constitute the basic foodstuff for numerous aquaculture species, especially filtering bivalves. They provide them with vitamins and polyunsaturated fatty acids, necessary for the growth of the bivalves which are unable to synthesize it themselves.
Microalgae have a high content of Astaxanthin, a carotenoid belonging to a larger class of phytochemicals known as terpenes. It is classified as a xanthophyll, which means “yellow leaves”. Like many carotenoids, it is a colorful, lipid-soluble pigment. Professor Basil Weedon was the first to map the structure of astaxanthin. Unlike some carotenoids, it does not convert to Vitamin A (retinol) in the human body. Too much Vitamin A is toxic for a human, but astaxanthin is not. However, it is a powerful antioxidant; it is claimed to be 10 times more capable than other carotenoids. However, other sources suggest astaxanthin as slightly lower antioxidant activity than other carotenoids.

Chlorella is a fresh water single-celled microalga. Chlorella emerged over 2 billion years ago, and was the first form of a plant with a well-defined nucleus. Because Chlorella is a microscopic organism, it was not discovered until the late 19th century, deriving its name from the Greek, “chloros” meaning green and “ella” meaning small. In fact that chlorella contains the highest amount of chlorophyll of any known plant.It is thought to boost the immune system and help fight infection. It has been shown to increase the good bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, which helps to treat ulcers, colitis, diverticulosis and Crohn’s disease. It is also used to treat constipation, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Chlorella has been used to treat cancer and also help protect the body from the effects of cancer radiation treatment.

The algae, which is a popular food supplement in Asia and has been used as energy-producing food for centuries, is often used to prevent or curb the spread of cancer, enhance immunity, promote a good balance of bacteria in the gut, and lower blood cholesterol. In Japan, it is traditionally used as a treatment for duodenal ulcers, gastritis, hypertension, diabetes, hypoglycemia, asthma, and constipation. More recently, it is has been treated as an effective therapy for elevated cholesterol levels, a prophylactic to ward of infections and, and adjunct treatment for cancer.

Chlorella is now used as an adjunct supplement during radiation treatment for cancer. Its abundance of chlorophyll is known to protect the body against ultraviolet radiation.

It is a nutrient-dense superfood that contains 60% protein, 18 amino acids (including all the essential amino acids), and various vitamins and minerals. One of its unique properties is a phytonutrient called CGF.
• Chlorella is a powerful detoxification aid for heavy metals and pesticides. Numerous research projects in the U.S. and Europe indicate that chlorella can also aid the body in breaking down persistent hydrocarbon and metallic toxins such as mercury, cadmium and lead, DDT and PCB while boosting the immune system response. In Japan, interest in chlorella has focused largely on its detoxifying properties – its ability to remove or neutralize poisonous substances from the body.
• Chlorella gets its name from the high amount of chlorophyll it possesses. Chlorella contains more chlorophyll per gram than any other plant. This makes chlorella great for blood cleansing and a great stimulator for the production of red blood cells in the body.
• Chlorella stimulates the activity of macrophages and T-cells by increasing interferon levels thus enhancing the immune system’s ability to combat foreign invaders whether they are viruses, bacteria, chemicals or foreign proteins.
• Chlorella is Alkaline and Helps Balance Your Body’s pH.
• Studies have shown that chlorella tends to normalize blood sugar in cases of hypoglycemia.
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5 – Seaweeds: Blue-green algae and Spirulina

Healthrob — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:00:54 +0000

Blue-green algae is a well known source of over 64 vitamins and mineralsand is known for its immune and anti-inflammatory benefits.
However, now it appears that even more positive research is emerging that demonstrates its positive effects on immunity, inflammation, and nervous functions, which encompasses a staggering list of health conditions. It also is looking like it can benefit conditions that don’t seem to have anything to do with immunity or inflammation, such as depression, and even blindness.

Spirulina is a blue-green algae containing complete, balanced protein and a wide range of valuable nutrients. Spirulina is approximately 70% easily digestible protein and contains 18 out of 22 amino acids, including all of the essential amino acids, making it a great vegetarian source of complete protein. Even better, spirulina protein is 95% digestible compared to meat sources, which may be only 20% digestible. In addition, spirulina is an excellent source of B vitamins, vitamin E, highly bioavailable iron, and 14 naturally chelated minerals and numerous trace elements.

Phycocyanin, the blue pigment in spirulina, can act as a free radical scavenger and powerful antioxidant. Rat studies have demonstrated that phycocyanin can exert a wide range of anti-inflammatory effects. Experiments in mice show that phycocyanin can accelerate wound healing and may help in the healing of ulcers. A heaping tablespoon of spirulina provides about 100 mg of phycocyanin.
The non-toxic pigment, phycocyanin, is used in the food and beverage industry as a natural blue coloring agent. It is used in sweets, soft drinks, chewing gum, ice cream, and other desserts as well as cosmetics. Spirulina is also added to health drinks.

There is data showing that spirulina possesses some anti-viral and anti-tumor properties. Preliminary animal data also suggests it may be useful as a lipid-lowering agent.

Typically, blue-green algae is sold in tablet, capsule, or powder form. It is safe to use when consumed in recommended doses of 1 to 2 grams taken three times a day. Side effects are few, but allergies are known. Skin reactions, nausea and upset stomach have also been reported. Because of its high nucleic acid content, excessive consumption of spirulina may increase blood uric acid levels to undesirable levels. Due to the high iodine content of spirulina, patients with thyroid conditions should not use spirulina as it may decrease the action of thyroid hormone.

Melatonin: readjust your body clock

Healthrob — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:36:38 +0000

Our sleep pattern during the day – are influenced to a great extent by our exposure to light and darkness. A key factor in these patterns may be a natural hormone called melatonin.

Melatonin is a naturally occurring bodily hormone, whose levels rise at night and fall during the day. It is produced by our pineal gland, responsible for your body’s patterns and rhythms, During the day, the pineal is inactive, however, as the sun goes down, darkness activates the pineal, and melatonin production begins. When melatonin levels in our blood rise, we become sleepy and the next morning, with daylight, melatonin decreases and we are alert again.

Melatonin levels rise for about 12 hours, from around 9:00 p.m until approximately 9:00 a.m. Although the time of the night and day affects melatonin levels, light and darkness can be even more important factors. In addition to sunlight, artificial indoor lighting can be bright enough to prevent its release. This may be a special problem for shift workers, particularly those who work late night/early morning rotations. First, natural body rhythms encourage night time sleepiness, but bright indoor lighting can help them stay awake. At the conclusion of their shifts, they go into the daylight, which further inhibits the release of the melatonin needed to help them sleep when they get home.

One of the major functions of melatonin supplements is to readjust the body’s biological clock thereby treating insomnia, jet lag and other sleep disorders.
In addition to its hypnotic properties (inducing or maintaining sleep), melatonin may also act as a chronobiotic (or circadian) drug, since if taken at appropriate times, it has been found to advance or delay the sleep-wake cycle. Depending on when it is taken, melatonin can re-set the circadian clock that affects alertness and sleepiness, a characteristic that can be helpful for travelers suffering from jet lag.

People who decide to take melatonin should stick with the recommended dosage because like all hormonal supplements, it also has potential side effects but there are natural products on the market that contain melatonin in safe, recommended dosages along with other therapeutic nutrients that can enhance its effectiveness.

The appropriate dose can vary enormously from person to person. For example with tablets (or capsules) of 1 mg and 3 mg the initial dose should be a 1mg tablet (or capsule) each night before bed-time, increasing it gradually if needed.
People who take melatonin should normally wake up refreshed and full of energy. Waking up feeling a little tired you should reduce your dosage until you wake up feeling well refreshed.
Melatonin should only be taken at nighttime, usually about thirty minutes prior to going to bed. If you are traveling on a long trip you may want to take a dosage prior to getting on your flight and a higher dosage pill prior to going to bed.
Melatonin is one of the least toxic substances known. The only consistent side effect of high doses has been drowsiness and a slower reaction time. However pregnant or nursing women should avoid it (since whether excessive exposure to the hormone might affect a fetus or infant is unknown) as well as people with severe allergies or autoimmune diseases (melatonin could exacerbate such conditions by stimulating the immune system) and healthy children (who already produce it in abundance).
Women trying to conceive should also think twice about taking the hormone, since high doses can act as a contraceptive.
As with any substance introduced into your body, if you have a medical condition you should always consult your physician first before taking melatonin.
Melatonin is claimed to have also anti-aging properties.
Some tests on mice have shown that melatonin caused a significant 20% increase in their lifespan.
If melatonin does allow you to live longer and healthier it could do so because melatonin may reduce free radical damage; stimulate an aging immune system; protect the cardiovascular system; preserve a youthful circadian rhythm; stimulate the production of growth hormone.

4 – Seaweeds: popular types of brown seaweeds

Healthrob — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:00:08 +0000

Brown seaweed is a type of algae with a high content of fucoxanthin, a carotenoid found naturally in edible brown seaweed such as wakame and hijiki.
Fucoxanthin can also be found in red and green seaweed, but in much smaller amounts. Although the richest source of fucoxanthin is brown seaweed, a person would have to eat an unrealistic amount of it daily to get fucoxanthin levels close to those used in research studies. In fact, to eat the proper amount of fucoxanthin could be very dangerous as the iodine levels would be extremely high. By consuming too much edible seaweed at once, you’re running the risk of iodine poisoning. Fucoxanthin is a popular nutrient in Asia and Europe. One of the first benefits discovered by scientists was the ability of fucoxanthin to help us lose belly fat.

Fucus vesiculosus, known by the common name bladder wrack, is a seaweed found on the coasts of the North Sea, the western Baltic Sea, and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, also known by the common names black tang, rockweed, bladder fucus, sea oak, black tany, cut weed, dyers fucus, red fucus, and rock wrack.It was the original source of iodine, discovered in 1811, and was used extensively to treat goitre, a swelling of the thyroid gland related to iodine deficiency. In the 1860s, it was claimed that bladder wrack, as a thyroid stimulant, could counter obesity by increasing the metabolic rate and, since then, it has been featured in numerous weight-loss remedies.

Kelp is high in iodine (great for treating thyroid issues) which must be present for proper glandular function and metabolism. It also contains phosphorus and calcium, as well as magnesium and potassium. Kelp is a source of vitamins A, B1, B2, C, D and E, plus amino acids. Because kelp is the saltiest of sea veggies, it makes a popular salt substitute. However, it’s been tested to be low in sodium. there are thousands of different types of kelp and it is exceptionally rich in iodine,. It is also rich in iron, magnesium and folate.

Wakame has anti-obesity properties and is very high in EPA, an essential fatty acid. It can be added to soups and stews. This seaweed is iron-rich and 10 times more calcium than a glass of milk!

Arame (a type of kelp) like all other seaweed, is a rich source of calcium, zinc and iodine. It is also a good source of Lignans which help fight cancer.

3 – Seaweeds: popular types of Laver

Healthrob — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:00:56 +0000

Laver is a type of alga local to the British isles. Green or red, this type of sea green is particularly rich in iodine and iron.

Nori is commonly used in sushi.It is rich in iodine, iron, protein, vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, magnesium, and riboflavin.It has twice as much Vitamin C as oranges, packed with beta-carotene like carrots, rich in calcium for your bones, iodine and iron for thyroid, and are great in making sushi.

Dulse is very nutritious, with around 10 to 20 percent protein and many vitamins and mineral including iron, magnesium, and beta-carotene.As well as its health benefits, it is used in skin care and cosmetics. Dulse grows widely along the shorelines of the North Atlantic. It has been harvested as a source of food for thousands of years, and continues to be popular in Northern Ireland, Iceland, and parts of Canada. In addition to being eaten plain as a food source, dulse seaweed and other algae are processed for inclusion in various packaged foods, typically as a thickener or stretcher.

Carrageen is rich in retinol and minerals and is used to thicken foods. It is the vegetarian equivalent of gelatine.Known also under the common name Irish moss, or carrageen moss (Irish carraigín, “little rock”), is a species of red alga which grows abundantly along the rocky parts of the Atlantic coast of Europe and North America. The principal constituent of Irish moss is a mucilaginous body, made of the polysaccharide carrageenan of which it contains about 55%; the plant also has nearly 10% of protein and about 15% of mineral matter, and is rich in iodine and sulfur. When softened in water it has a sea-like odour, and because of the abundant cell wall polysaccharides it will form a jelly when boiled, containing from 20 to 100 times its weight of water.

2 – Seaweeds: their benefits on health and nutrition

Healthrob — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:00:05 +0000

Seaweeds have innumerable benefits deriving mainly by their high content of minerals and antioxidants (carotenoids).
Let’s see where they are most beneficial:

To Keep the mind sharp.
Significant amount of vitamins, protein, ionic minerals and trace minerals enhances your brain’s performance (specifically Asparagine, which energizes the brain and also boosts the immune system, while Boron improves mental clarity as it assists in unclogging arteries).

To preserve good eyesight.
Sea vegetables are the leading sources of natural carotenes like Vitamin A (beta carotene) and bioflavonoids – antioxidants that help clear up the cellular debris that accumulate in the eyes. Bioflavonoids for one, works with prolonging Vitamin C action in the eyes, which help prevent swelling and inflammation of ocular tissues. Vitamins A and C keep vision 20/20 and help prevent “dry eye” syndrome.

To improve gum health and strengthen teeth.
Aside from calcium, sea vegetables are also rich in vitamin C, one of the most essential vitamins, which keeps the gums in the pink of health. 26x the calcium of milk, seaweed strengthens teeth (and bones!). It also has Fluorine that fights tooth decay.

To strengthen the immune system.
Polynutrients in ocean vegetables help strengthen the immune system and keep the body resistant to illness.
Overflowing with vitamin B, C, minerals and amino acids and anti-inflammatory properties, sea plants enhance resistance to allergies and other infection.
Seaweed’s strong anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties help prevent against colds, flu and other respiratory problems.
An army of antioxidants fights dangerous free radicals (cells that go wayward) for a super strong and protected immune system.

To reduce cancer risks and stops tumor growth..
Powerful antioxidants (lignans) and anti-cancer properties help inhibit abnormal cell growth by a whopping 95%! Iodine and amino acids combine to significantly reduce breast and uterine fibroids; help prevent cysts from forming.

To promote energy
Energy-boosting B vitamins, Vitamin C and minerals fight stress and fatigue so you stay active and alert.
Promote beauty and rejuvenation, beautiful and healthy skin, hair and nails and help eliminate cellulite
Replete with phytochemicals and anti-ageing properties, sea plants enhance cell regeneration and rejuvenation thus, delaying ageing.
Rich in beta-carotene, Vitamin A, minerals and amino acids, sea veggies maintain collagen (a property necessary for smooth functioning of connective tissues) making skin supple, soft to touch. Laugh lines and wrinkles are reduced.
Amino acid, minerals and vitamin content of sea vegetables nourish the skin. Trace mineral Serine enhances skin beauty while Theonine improves skin tone.
Antioxidants in seaweed increase your body’s fat-burning ability; help skin tissue and fat cells absorb minerals. These minerals then break the chemical bond that seals the fat cells and hasten their release out of the body (through the kidneys and bladder) halting cellulite build-up.
Amino acids, vitamins and minerals help strengthen hair strands and texture resulting in lustrous hair. Biotin, which belongs to the family of B vitamins, promotes healthier and shiny hair.
Vitamins, amino acids, minerals and enzymes in seaweed keep nails strong and healthy.

To lower blood pressure and improve blood circulation.
Sea vegetables are a very good source of magnesium, which has also been known to reduce high blood pressure; prevent stroke.
Seaweed curbs the formation of blood clots to help prevent atherosclerosis or hardening of the heart vessels.

To normalize cholesterol levels.
Effectively lowers blood cholesterol;

To support bone health and joint function.
High magnesium content stimulates production of calcitonin (hormone), which helps increase calcium in the bones. Seaweed is also a terrific source of natural vitamin D, essential for calcium absorption, bone health and muscle function. Its Fluorine content improves bone density helping prevent osteoporosis (bone disease) in the process.

To fuel weight loss naturally by aiding digestion.
Virtually fat-free, essential fatty acids (EFAs), plant fiber and algin fuel weight loss and amazingly continue to do so even as you age.
Polysaccharides (a form of soluble fiber) in sea greens, aid in digestion by soothing the digestive and intestinal tracts.

To maintain healthy thyroid, liver, kidneys and prostate.
Abundant natural, organically-bond iodine extracts maintain healthy thyroid function, help prevent goiter.
Seaweeds contain important vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes, which help prevent fatty liver development, toxic build-up and other related diseases.
Minerals in seaweed act like electrolytes, which help kidneys regain optimum function. Then, too, its fiber content aids in kidney stone prevention.
High in mineral content, seaweed helps maintain healthy prostate (gland) especially in middle-aged men.
Detoxify heavy metals and pollutants.
Minerals, amino acids and fiber work in unison to detoxify heavy metals and pollutants that enter the body through food and the air we breathe (Chlorella).

To maintain the body’s natural equilibrium.
Major and trace minerals, which are plentiful in ocean vegetables, keep life-sustaining activities in the body and maintain proper PH balance for optimal health. Sea vegetables alkalize the body, making it less acidic. And the more alkaline the body, the younger it is!

Avoid hangover to really enjoy your parties :)

Healthrob — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 18:07:49 +0000

Help yourself to avoid the ‘morning after feeling’ by following a few easy steps:

1 Eat before a night drinking: alcohol without food gets absorbed much more (as if it was poured directly in the bloodstream) and while the liver works hard to deal with it, it cannot metabolise glucose well with the result that blood sugar levels drop producing shakes and sweats. The heart pumps harder, resulting in a rise in blood pressure (which is also why some people suffer heart attacks the morning after).
Munching on fatty food (kebabs, hot dogs etc.) on the way home will only worsen the situation.

2 Do not underestimate genetics: there is a different quantity of enzymes in the stomach to break down alcohol between sexes (women have less therefore they get drunk quicker).
The good news on that is women as they get older catch up with men in terms of fat-muscle (and enzymes) ratio and their brain shrinks slightly too making them less prone to headache.

3 Prevent dehydration: alcohol has diuretic properties, so while drinking kidneys produce more urine than normal which will deplete the blood levels of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium.
Alcohol causes swelling in the brain which results in the typical headache. This can be avoided by alternating an alcoholic drink with a soft drink to maintain hydration. Drinking a pint of water before going to sleep actually works.

4 Know what you are dealing with: despite brands and types all alcohol works the same way when it comes to hangover. What counts is actually what is mixed with it: browner drinks (such as rum, brandy, whisky and port) generally cause heavier hangover than transparent spirits (vodka in particular is least likely to cause a heavy hangover because it’s repeatedly filtered to remove impurities). Beer is the least dangerous to drink but the most calorie-rich (1 pint equals more or less 170/200 calories)

5 Know that taking painkillers to cure hangover is dangerous: aspirin irritates the stomach and can cause bleeding while paracetamol triggers liver damage if combined with alcohol.

Apparently there is no evidence of the effectiveness of artichoke extract and yeast (main ingredients in hangover pills).

The best way to avoid hangover is taking the precautions above the night before as the only cure for it is waiting until it goes .

Juicing the juice of life

Healthrob — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 22:13:28 +0000

Fruit & veg are necessary to a healthy diet and we need to eat at least 5 pieces of fruit (or portions of vegetables) a day.
When you do that every day you immediately see the results on your skin: it’s more supple, smooth, toned and the pores are tighter.

Antiaging and beauty results aside, eating fruit & vegetable is beneficial to keep balanced cholesterol levels (remember the cholesterol lowering effects of plant sterols? if not read here) and to improve our metabolism (and consequently keep us from gaining weight).

So how do we manage to eat a minimum of 5 portions of fruit & veg a day when we rush to work in the morning and don’t have time to think about eating healthy?

We can eat a salad or a vegetable soup (some ready made soups contain up to 6 portions of vegetables in a single pack) every day at lunch or dinner, carry an apple, carrots, a banana or a nectarine in our bag, have at least one freshly pressed juice per day, drink a green, herbal or black tea at least once a day (or maybe a miso soup with seaweed) and have a jar of mixed seeds, dried fruit and nuts always on our desk to nibble on during the working hours.

But we can also push it further and have more than 5 portions a day and save money by making fresh juices at home that we can easily carry around in a small bottle.

A bottle of ‘real’, freshly pressed juice containing ‘bits’ (the pulp) is usually equivalent to 2 portions or more of the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance), contains healthy liquids (which are crucial to our hydration) and using a juicer allows us to create our favourite juice mix.

Also we could try juice fasting for a few days and detoxify our body feeding our body only with juice, flushing out all our toxins and cleaning up our system with the oxygen and minerals provided by fruit and vegetables juice.

In order to do this we need to choose the right juicer:

the average electric juicer operates at high speed which heats up the fruit & veg and decreases its content of enzymes, vitamins and beneficial nutrients.

Blenders have the same high speed = high heat problem added to the fact that we need to add some type of milk to make a smoothie and most of people are milk intolerant and don’t like alternatives to it.

Manual juicers have the advantage of pressing fruit and vegetables at a low temperature and being cheaper.

Masticating juicers are the best option because they operate at low speed, they won’t damage the juice by introducing too much oxygen or making it too foamy and they are designed to give you all the amazing, life-enhancing goodness of fruit & veg.

Buy a masticating juicer from the selection below.

Buy a juicer in the UK:

Buy a juicer in the US: