Healthrob

Bamboo wear: Sensitive Fashion

Healthrob — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:00:17 +0000

Bamboo fabric is a breakthrough in the clothing industry for its breathability, high absorption, comfort, durability, natural antibacterial qualities and eco-friendliness.

• Bamboo clothing is UV protective (it cuts out 98% of harmful UV rays) and antibacterial. This makes it ideal for sensitive or allergy prone skin.
This quality has helped bamboo become incredibly successful in the wild. The plant itself kills on contact almost all types of bacterial pests that try to grow on it.

Bamboo fiber made into socks can stop foot odor and prevent athletes’ foot. Operating masks and gowns have been produced to help prevent cross infection in sterile environments. Bamboo fabric will also resist yeast, mould and fungus cultivation.

No other fabric has this quality so where your cotton shirts will eventually show signs of yellowing in the pits, the antibacterial matter will kill the bacteria in sweat thus ensuring that your shirts retain a clean, fresh appearance. The natural antibacterial qualities of bamboo will also help naturally eliminate odors.

• Bamboo fabric absorbs and evaporates sweat in a split second, is anti static, so it sits very well next to skin because it doesn’t stick to it. Its extraordinary natural breathability keeps you comfortable and dry for longer.
It’s well documented that bamboo absorbs moisture far more efficiently than cotton.
Most active individuals, whether hikers, cyclists, climbers or fisherman, will tell you that cotton is the best textile to use as a base layer because it breathes and it absorbs moisture, thus keeping the wearer warm, dry and comfortable. Bamboo breathes as well as cotton, but it absorbs moisture twice more than cotton and let’s it evaporate in seconds, keeping the wearer dry for far longer than cotton has ever been able to.

• Bamboo Thermo-control qualities: bamboo fabric is highly breathable in hot weather and also keeps you significantly warmer in the cold keeping you more comfortable in all temperatures.
One of the reasons why bamboo garments are taking the fashion industry by a storm is the fabric’s amazing breathability.
If you’ve ever touched bamboo you’ll have noticed that even when the air temperature’s soaring, bamboo remains cool. The bamboo plant’s fiber has the ability to remain cool even in its fabric form. In fact, compared with cotton and other comparable fabrics, bamboo garments are 2-3 degrees cooler in warm weather.

Each fiber in bamboo plants is filled with thousands of micro-openings (tiny holes), each of which acts as an insulator offering excellent moisture absorption and increased ventilation.
When worn during hot weather, bamboo clothing helps keep the wearer feeling cooler and fresher, especially because the fabric doesn’t stick to the skin, a problem that’s guaranteed to make you feel uncomfortable during summer.

Because bamboo garments breathe, they’re also useful during winter. Most of us have heard that several thin layers are warmer than one thick layer but if those layers don’t breathe, we can soon start feeling clammy and moisture rashes can appear on the skin. Thanks to the fact that bamboo garments breathe, the air circulates easily and moisture escapes, keeping us warm, dry and comfortable.

•Bamboo is set to revolutionize the clothing industry because, quite simply, it has all the advantages of cotton plus durability.
There’s absolutely no doubt that cotton is comfortable to wear but because bamboo fiber is very thin, hollow and perfectly round, it’s much lighter and softer than cotton. By twisting several fibers together, bamboo can be made into clothing of the same thickness ranges as cotton but will feel much softer against the skin. The thinness of its fibers doesn’t make bamboo clothing less resilient to wear and tear. Bamboo fibers are actually extremely resistant. One of the reasons cotton is such a popular textile is due to its ease of maintenance. You can throw it in the washing machine, put it in the tumble dryer and iron it time and time again and it still looks good. So it is with bamboo textiles, too.

Bamboo clothes are easier to iron at lower temperature in order to keep them looking good, which will ultimately save on energy use. Because of its deodorizing qualities, bamboo fabrics will also refresh with just a rinse in cold water.

•Bamboo is 100% naturally grown, 100% sustainable and the bamboo fiber is 100% biodegradable
According to the World Wildlife Federation, the carcinogenic and ecologically unfriendly agrochemicals used in large scale cotton production have been associated with the loss of bio-diversity in the regions where cotton is grown while bamboo propagation doesn’t require fungicides or pesticides and could provide a sustainable income to farmers in some of the world’s poorest areas.
As the fastest growing plant in the world, bamboo grows to its maximum height in about 3 months and reaches maturity in 3-4 years. It spreads rapidly across large areas. Because of this, bamboo is known to improve soil quality in degraded and eroded areas of land.

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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!

Turmeric for antiaging and cholesterol

Healthrob — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:38 +0000

Turmeric can be legitimately called a superfoods. It has been extensively studied and researched.

It is a spice that has been around for centuries and researchers are now discovering its health benefits and learning how turmeric may help with common anti-aging conditions.

Turmeric is a ginger-like plant whose roots are gathered, dried and made into a spice for it’s flavor and health benefits. The scientific name of turmeric is Curcuma longa. It is a popular spice in many Indian and Asian dishes and a critical ingredient of curry.

The turmeric spice found in grocery stores is the boiled, dried and powdered root of the turmeric plant (picture the ginger you see in the grocery store). Turmeric has a distinct yellow color and can stain clothes (it is also used as a dye or as food coloring).

The most interesting nutrient in turmeric is curcumin. This nutrient has received attention from the media because researchers are interested in curcumin’s possibilities in fighting cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

The curcumin in turmeric is thought to work because it is a strong anti-inflammatory agent.
The research on turmeric so far appears to be very favorable.
It appears that turmeric mainly affects LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) and triglyceride levels.
In one study turmeric appeared to lower LDL cholesterol levels and triglycerides, as well as preventing LDL from being oxidized.
Oxidized LDL has been shown to greatly accelerate the formation of atherosclerosis.
The cholesterol lowering effects of turmeric have remained consistent in these studies.
In fact, one study even concluded that LDL cholesterol was lowered anywhere between one-half and one-third of those subjects consuming turmeric in comparison to those not receiving it.