Why Eat Coconut Butter not Cow Butter?

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Chinese Proverb: When someone shares something of value with you and you benefit from it, you have a  moral obligation to share it with  others..

I am passing on to you what has been shared with me!

   

According to Bruce Fife, ND, author of The Healing Miracles of Coconut Oil: “Coconut oil is in essence, a natural antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiprotozoal food.”
Coconut oil becomes a solid below 78 degrees Fahrenheit. In the solid state, coconut oil is called coconut butter. Coconut oil and coconut butter is actually the same thing.

Coconut butter is a raw saturated fat that contains no cholesterol and does not elevate bad (LDL) cholesterol levels.  Unlike other oil/butters, coconut butter is stable up to 170 degrees Fahrenheit.  Dr. Peat recommends increasing one’s coconut butter intake for women with hormone imbalances.

Recommended daily intake: 1 to 4 tablespoons.

  • Improves digestion.
  • Provides quick energy.
  • Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.
  • Relieves stress on the pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.
  • Can be easily absorbed and utilized by those who have trouble digesting fats or who have gallbladder disease.
  • Improves calcium and magnesium absorption for the development of strong bones and teeth.
  • Aids in the absorption of minerals and fat-soluble vitamins.
  • Is lower in calories than any other fat.
  • Supports thyroid function.
  • Supports and aids the immune system.
  • Helps protect against disease-causing bacteria, viruses, yeast, fungi, and parasites.
  • Is heart healthy; does not increase blood cholesterol or platelet stickiness.
  • Does not create free radicals like other vegetable oils and is stable under cooking temperatures.
  • Helps protect the body from free-radical damage.
  • Helps you to look and feel younger.
  • Makes skin smooth and soft.
  • Reduces the need for essential fatty acids.
  • Does not deteriorate like polyunsaturated oils so has a long shelf life.

STORAGE:

Coconut butter should be stored in a cool, dark area. It can be refrigerated after opening, but this is not required to insure freshness and the label usually suggests not to refrigerate. All butters and oils are light-sensitive, they should be sealed in black containers to insure no light penetrates the container and damages the oil.

In a nut shell, no pun intended. These are just a few reasons why you should switch to eating coconut butter and not dairy butter or margarine. Most coconut butters are organic and do not contain remnants of vaccines like those found in milk taken from cows that had been injected with bacteria killing vaccines. The dairy industry at the penning of this blog has no intention to stop these injections or the Bovine Growth Hormone, rBGH.

Source:  Fats and Oils: Formulating and Processing for Applications, Richard D. O’Brien 1998

NOTE: Some margarines are no longer processed with hydrogenation.

Finally, regarding margarine, it was originally manufactured to fatten turkeys.  When it killed the turkeys, the people who had put all the money into the research wanted a payback so they put their heads together to figure out what to do with this product to get their money back.

It was a white substance with no food appeal so they added the yellow coloring and sold it to people to use in place of butter.  How do you like it?  They have come out with some clever new flavorings.

DO YOU KNOW: The difference between margarine and butter?

  1. Both have approximately the same amount of calories.
  2. Butter is slightly higher in saturated fats at 8 grams; compared to 5 grams for margarine.
  3. Eating margarine can in crease heart disease in women by 53% over eating the same amount of butter, according to a recent  Harvard  Medical Study.
  4. Eating butter increases the absorption of many other nutrients in other foods.
  5. Butter has many nutritional benefits where margarine has a few and
    only  because  they are added!
  6. Butter tastes much better than margarine and it can enhance the flavors of other foods.
  7. Butter has been around for centuries where margarine has been around for less than 100 years.

And now, back to margarine.

  1. Very High in Trans fatty acids. 
  2. Triples risk of coronary heart disease.
  3. Increases total cholesteroland LDL(this is the bad cholesterol) and lowers HDL cholesterol, (the good cholesterol)
  4. Increases  the risk of cancers up to five times..
  5. Lowers quality of breast milk.
  6. Decreases the immune response.
  7. Decreases the insulin response...  And, Margarine is merely ONE  MOLECULE away  from being PLASTIC… and shares 27 ingredients with PAINT

These facts alone should be enough to have you avoid margarine for life  and anything else that is hydrogenated (this means hydrogen is  added,  changing the molecular structure of the  substance).

Do your own Experiment, Here you go!

Purchase  a tub of margarine and leave it open in your garage or shaded  area.  Within a couple of days you will notice a couple of things:

*  no flies, not even those pesky fruit flies will go near it  (that should tell you something)

*  it does not rot or smell differently because it has no nutritional value; nothing will grow     on it.  Even those teeny-weeny microorganisms will not a find a home to grow.  

    Why?   Because it is nearly plastic.

    Would you melt your Tupperware and spread that on your toast?

Give the multi-purpose coconut butter a try~! …

Healthy Never Tasted So Good

Health Disclaimer http://www.mamavega.com

All information in this article is provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information; instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals and conduct their own independent research on any matter relating to their health and well-being.

The information and opinions expressed here are believed to be accurate, based on the best judgment and research available to the authors at this time, and readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries.

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Headache Home Remedies

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Here are some great drug-free ways to ease the pain of a headache or a migraine. These may also help to soothe the symptoms that accompany a migraine, like nausea. This website has recipes for a headache balm, a soothing foot bath, massage oils, and a simple quick fix involving just a couple of essential oils. Take a deep breath and dive into this much needed information on headaches from EasyAromatherapyRecipes.com!

http://www.easy-aromatherapy-recipes.com/headache-home-remedies.html

Chianti for MamaVega

Recipes for Grillin Healthy

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It’s “Grillin Time!”  You ask: What about the carcinogens? How can I tenderize the meats? What will help my system digest the meats and proteins? Are there any good marinade suggestions or recipes?

Carcinogens

When meats are grilled, carcinogens are created. Unlike meat, vegetables don’t create carcinogens when they char.  Scientists have come up with ways you can dramatically reduce the hazard of carcinogens in grilled meat.  according to Fitness and Freebies, scientists have come up with ways to reduce carcinogens in grilled foods. the following are a few of those suggestions:

  • Flip your burgers often. By turning burgers once a minute and cooking them over a low heat you reduce HCAs and kill potentially deadly E. Coli bacteria. In addition, use a meat thermometer to make sure the meat reaches 160 degrees. This is the temperature needed to deactivate E. coli. The appearance of the meat being brown does not mean it is thoroughly cooked.
  • Use the right marinade. Marinate raw meat in a thin, liquid sauce for at least ten minutes. When thick commercial sauces are used, the HCAs triple. Dilute thick sauces.
  • Microwave first. Partially cook burgers, poultry, ribs and fish in a microwave oven for at least ten minutes before grilling. Be sure you discard juices when done. By practicing this procedure, you eliminate 90-percent of HCAs.
  • Add anti-cancer soy. Mix 1/2-cup of textured soy protein into a pound of ground meat before grilling. This cuts 95-percent of the expected HCAs in burgers without affecting taste.
  • Enhance with vitamin E . Add vitamin E to raw meat grinders. 120 milligrams of vitamin E powder mixed into or sprinkled on 3.5-ounce patties can reduce HCA formation as much as 72-percent. You can use a capsule of vitamin and crack it open for contents.
  • Try a fruit burger. This will not be for everyone but the fact is if you mix a pound of ground meat with a cup of tart, ground cherries before grilling, you suppress 90-percent of HCA formation. Other deep -colored fruits rich in antioxidants work as well. These include grapes, blueberries, and plums.
  • Add garlic and herbs. Garlic, rosemary and sage reduce HCAs when mixed into burgers. In addition, use them in marinades or just eat them in a meal with grilled meat. Antioxidants in citrus fruits also block HCAs.
  • Do not order meat very well-done. The longer you cook meat at high temperatures the more HCAs you produce. This applies in grilling, broiling and frying. If you cook a steak well done as opposed to medium-well, you double HCAs.
  • Drink tea with your barbecue. Chemicals in black and green tea help detoxify HCAs. Hot or iced tea from bags or loose tea is what you want to drink. Bottled teas or powdered, instant teas are not beneficial. If you wish, you can also marinate meat, poultry and fish in concentrated tea. Let the tea bag steep in 1/4-cup of hot water for five minutes.
  • Skip meat entirely and grill greens. Fruits and vegetables do not contain creatine, the animal protein needed to make HCAs. Pineapple and peppers are very good when grilled. In addition, eating fruits, vegetables and green salads along with barbecued meat lessens the cancer hazard.

Tenderize:

Below are a few natural ingredients to tenderize meats:

  1. fresh raw unripened papaya contains an enzyme, papain, which breaks down the meat’s connective tissue when it comes in contact with the meat; red meat is the preferred meat to tenderize this way
  2. fresh pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that is  anti-inflammatory and aids digestion
  3. Asian pears – when cooked used to tenderize meats
  4. fig – has the enzyme called ficin which breaks down both muscle fiber protein and both types of connective tissue fibers.
  5. kiwi – contains a sulfhydryl protease enzyme,  acitinidin which mildly tenderizes when over ripe kiwi is used
  6. kachri melon – contains the enzyme called  cucumin, tenderize spent hen meat, tough sheep and buffalo meat successfully,
  7. ginger – contains a protease enzyme, zingibain, acts on the collagen and actomyosin of meat which contributes to the tenderness of meat.

    Papain Characteristics

    If you score the skin of a raw Papaya with knife, the fruit will exude a milky white substance known as the latex that contains Papain.  The Papain enzyme activity depends on two factors: pH factor, and the temperature.

    Effect of the pH factor

    pH for optimal Papain activity: 6.0-7.0

    The enzyme is active when the pH factor is neutral (pH = 7) to slightly acid (pH = 6). The pH of most of the meats is neutral to slightly acid.

    Effect of temperature

    Temperature for optimal Papain activity: 149 °F
    Inactive Papain: 170°F to 185 °F
    Active Papain Range: 140 °F to 160 °F

    If you just store the meat with the papaya paste in the refrigerator, it will do nothing to tenderize meat. It starts to become active at 140 °F, slows down at 170 °F, and dies at 185 °F.

  8. yogurt –  this is the preferred ingredient to tenderize chicken,

Preparing Yogurt Marinate

The live culture, fat, and lactic acid are the key components of yogurt that help with tenderizing.

In Punjab, Tandoori spices are added to yogurt to enhance flavor.

Tandoori Marinate Chicken / Seafood

– As a minimum, the marinate should include salt

– Add tomatoes to increase the acid

– Add Ginger for enzymes

– Add oil to increase the fat

How long to marinate meat?

It depends on pH factor, temperature, fats, type of meat. Marinating also infuses the flavors in the meat. I use the following table.

Seafood: 30 minutes at room temperature

Chicken/ lamb :  8 to 12 hours in the refrigerator

Chicken/ lamb :  4 to six hours at room temperature

Digestion of meats:

Ingredients that assist with the digestion of meats as well as they have other health benefits:

  1. garlic – antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic,
  2. pineapple – contains bromelain, an enzyme that is  anti-inflammatory and aids digestion
  3. ginger – ease digestive complaints and nausea
  4. turmeric – combined with parsley aids digestion, cancer preventative, stimulates the gall bladder to release bile, a substance that helps fat digestion
  5. peppermint – causes the muscles of the stomach to relax, allowing food to move into the intestines faster and digestive gases to be passed,
  6. anise – member of the parsley family, aids digestion, reduces gas, naturally promote breast milk,
  7. basil – has flavonoids (which provide protection at the cellular level), anti-bacterial properties that inhibit several species of pathogenic bacteria – which have been shown to be resistant to commonly used antibiotics.
  8. black pepper – increase circulation, regulate blood pressure, reduces pain during joint movement, during digestion,  helps reduce free radicals and prevents the useless breakdown of vitamin A,
  9. cinnamon – mild energy boost, relieves abdominal spasms and gas,
  10. fennel – works well with cinnamon. Fennel is a also a good source of niacin, calcium. vitamin C, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and copper.
  11. lemon peel
  12. parsley –  combined with turmeric aids digestion, three times as much vitamin-C as oranges, double the calcium as broccoli,
  13. cardamom – aid to digestion, stimulates metabolism and  has aphrodisiac properties.
  14. coriander – vitamin C, coriander is also believed to help reduce swelling and cholesterol levels, and eliminate mouth ulcers, anemia and menstrual disorders.
  15. dill – rich in minerals, vitamin C and flavonoids; one tablespoon has more calcium than 1/3 cup of milk.
  16. bay (laurel) leaf –  also beneficial in treating migraines and diabetes,
  17. oregano – antibacterial  inhibit the growth of many kinds of bacteria, including those that can cause food borne illnesses.
  18. rosemary – improve memory, treat colds, headaches, nervous tension and as an antispasmodic

Marinades and Recipes:

Teriyaki Sauce

One garlic of clove
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup water
Mix all. Pour over meat, fish or poultry. Marinate at least ten minutes. 1-cup

Turmeric Garlic Marinade

2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 cup orange juice
Mix all. Pour over meat, fish or poultry and marinate at least ten minutes. 1/2 cup.

Rosemary Tea Marinade

1/2 cup concentrated tea (two bags brewed in 1/2 cup hot water for five minutes)
1 teaspoon crushed rosemary
1 garlic clove, crushed
2 teaspoons honey
2 teaspoons soy sauce
Add rosemary, garlic, honey and soy sauce to hot tea. Cool slightly. Pour over steaks, ribs, burgers, chicken or fish. Marinate at least ten minutes. 1/2 cup.

Preparing Papaya or Pineapple Tenderizer Paste

Raw Papaya

1. Peel green skin up about 1/8th to ¼” deep off the raw papaya or pineapple or combination of both.

2. Add ¼ teaspoon of salt per two Tablespoons of Papaya.

3. Grind to a paste. You need 2 Tablespoon of Papaya paste for one pound of meat.

Preparing Yogurt Marinate

The live culture, fat, and lactic acid are the key components of yogurt that help with tenderizing.

In Punjab, Tandoori spices are added to yogurt to enhance flavor.

Tandoori Marinate Chicken / Seafood

– As a minimum, the marinate should include salt

– Add tomatoes to increase the acid

– Add Ginger for enzymes

– Add oil to increase the fat

How long to marinate meat?

It depends on pH factor, temperature, fats, type of meat. Marinating also infuses the flavors in the meat. I use the following table.

Seafood: 30 minutes at room temperature

Chicken/ lamb :  8 to 12 hours in the refrigerator

Chicken/ lamb :  4 to six hours at room temperature

Health Disclaimer http://www.mamavega.com

All information in this article is provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information; instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals and conduct their own independent research on any matter relating to their health and well-being.

The information and opinions expressed here are believed to be accurate, based on the best judgment and research available to the authors at this time, and readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries.

Related articles

Natural Remedies for Anxiety

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What is Anxiety?

Although it’s normal to feel anxious from time to time, if you feel anxious without reason and if these worries persist and affect your day-to-day life, you may have generalized anxiety disorder.

Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder may include restlessness, feeling tense or on edge, irritability, impatience, or poor concentration.

People may also notice changes in their physical health such as headaches, jaw pain, muscle tension, difficulty falling or staying asleep (insomnia), dry mouth, fatigue, chest tightness, indigestion, bloating, excessive sweating, and headache.

It’s important to be evaluated by your doctor for a proper diagnosis and to rule out other medical problems that may resemble anxiety.

Natural Remedies for Anxiety

These are some of the natural remedies that are being explored for anxiety.

  • Passionflower

    The herb passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) was used as a folk remedy for anxiety and insomnia.

    Two studies involving a total of 198 people examined the effectiveness of passionflower for anxiety. One study found passionflower to be comparable to benzodiazepine drugs. There was also improvement in job performance with passionflower and less drowsiness with passionflower compared with the drug mexazolam, however, neither was statistically significant.

    Side effects of passionflower may include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and rapid heartbeat. The safety of passionflower in pregnant or nursing women, children, or people with kidney or liver disease has not been established. There have been five case reports in Norway of people becoming temporarily impaired mentally after using a combination product containing passionflower. It’s not known whether the other ingredients in the supplement played a role.

    Passionflower should not be taken with sedatives unless under medical supervision. Passionflower may enhance the effect of pentobarbital, a medication used for sleep and seizure disorders.

  • Bodywork

    Massage therapy, shiatsu, and other forms of bodywork are widely used to diminish muscle tension, relieve stress, and improve sleep.

    What is Massage Therapy?
    10 Massage Styles
    10 Embarassing Massage Questions

  • Mind/Body Techniques

    Mind/body breathing exercises, physical exercise, yoga, tai chi, self-hypnosis, meditation, and biofeedback are just some of the stress reduction techniques used for anxiety. Try different techniques and determine which routine you can stick to with a hectic schedule.

    Diaphragmatic Breathing, Step-by-Step
    The Relaxation Response
    Mindfulness Meditation

  • Valerian

    The herb valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is best known as a herbal remedy for insomnia. Valerian is also used in patients with mild anxiety, but the research supporting its use for anxiety is limited.

    For example, researchers with the Cochrane Collaboration reviewed studies on valerian for anxiety. Only one study met their quality criteria. It was a four-week study comparing valerian, the medication diazepam (Valium), and a placebo in 36 people with generalized anxiety disorder. No statistically signficant differences were found between the groups, perhaps due to the small size of the study.

    Valerian is usually taken an hour before bedtime. It takes about two to three weeks to work and shouldn’t be used for more than three months at a time. Side effects of valerian may include mild indigestion, headache, palpitations, and dizziness. Although valerian tea and liquid extracts are available, most people don’t like the smell of valerian and prefer taking the capsule form.

    Valerian shouldn’t be taken with many medications, especially those that depress the central nervous system, such as sedatives and antihistamines. Valerian shouldn’t be taken with alcohol, before or after surgery, or by people with liver disease. It should not be used before driving or operating machinery. Consultation with a qualified health practitioner is recommended. For more information about valerian, read the Valerian Fact Sheet.

  • Kava

    Native to Polynesia, the herb kava (Piper methysticum) has been found to have anti-anxiety effects in humans.

    The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), however, has issued an advisory to consumers about the potential risk of severe liver injury resulting from the use of dietary supplements containing kava. To date, there have been more than 25 reports of serious adverse effects from kava use in other countries, including four patients who required liver transplants. Learn more about kava; What is Kava?

  • Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA)

    GABA is an amino acid that is known to play a role in the physiology of anxiety. Some prescription drugs for anxiety work by affecting GABA receptors in the brain. The degree to which orally ingested GABA supplements can reach the brain, however, is unknown.

  • Aromatherapy

    Plant essential oils can be added to baths, massage oil, or infusers. Essential oils that are used for anxiety and nervous tension are: bergamot, cypress, geranium, jasmine, lavender, melissa, neroli, rose, sandalwood, ylang-ylang. Lavender is the most common and forms the base of many relaxing blends.

    What is Aromatherapy?
    Tips on Buying Essential Oils
    Using Essential Oils Safely

  • Other Natural Remedies for Anxiety

    Pantothenic acid
    Calcium
    Magnesium
    B vitamins
    Chamomile


    Sources

    Andreatini R, Sartori VA, Seabra ML, Leite JR. Effect of valepotriates (valerian extract) in generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. Phytother Res. 16.7 (2002): 650-654.

    Ernst E. Herbal remedies for anxiety – a systematic review of controlled clinical trials. Phytomedicine. 13.3 (2006): 205-208.

    Miyasaka LS, Atallah AN, Soares BG. Valerian for anxiety disorders. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006 Oct 18;(4):CD004515.

    Miyasaka L, Atallah A, Soares B. Passiflora for anxiety disorder. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Jan 24;(1):CD004518.

    • Your Heart Beats for You…protect it!

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    Celebrating with Food and Loved Ones:

    We visualize the month of February with pictures of hearts, roses and people displaying love and affection for one another. We go out to dinner eating various foods and most definitely chocolate, but how many of us stop to think that February is National Heart Healthy Month.

    Foods for Your HEALTHY Heart:

    Magnesium has been shown to be one of the most important minerals for your heart as it affects the ability of blood vessels to dilate and relax. Potassium is another mineral that can positively assist your heart in maintaining its health.

    Did You Know?

    “Heart disease and strokes are among the top 5 leading causes of death for women”, AV Hospital

    A Quick Reference for you:

    Bottom Line! Potassium and Magnesium are two of the most important minerals for your heart. Combining them together seems to have a synergistic additive effect on controlling blood pressure.

    One caveat – before increasing the amount of these minerals especially if you have a history of kidney problems, consult your physician.

    Potassium cantaloupe (2x the amount in bananas), squashes, avocados, tomatoes, figs, oatmeal, blueberries, red bell pepper, oranges, salmon, tuna, crab, DARK chocolate, cocoa, fresh raw coconut meat, sweet potato, cherries, pistachio, plums, eggs, macadamia, hazel nuts, Brazil nuts, Pumpkin seeds, beet greens, broccoli, Blackstrap molasses, Halibut, chicken breast, apricots, raisin, dried uncooked peaches,
       
    Magnesium lentils, cashews, almonds, spinach, Swiss chard, oatmeal, wheat germ, brown rice, blueberries, papaya, DARK chocolate, cocoa, carrots, sweet potato, pistachio, dark green vegetables, eggs, macadamia, Brazil nuts, Pumpkin seeds,

    Suggested Recipe Ingredients by Date

    Show your family some love all month long with heart healthy dishes! The amount of potassium and magnesium varies by ingredient and how prepared which may require combining several ingredients to get the maximum mineral amount as well as maximum absorption. 

    DATE NATIONAL DAY OF HEART HEALTHY INGREDIETS
    1 Baked Alaska Dark chocolate, cocoa chips, eggs, coconut
    3 Carrot Cake Carrots, walnuts, coconut meat shredded, eggs
    4 Homemade soup Tomatoes, red bell peppers, lentils, dark green vegetables
    7 Fettuccine Alfredo Vegetable pasta, shredded carrots, dark green vegetables
    9 Cream Cheese Brownie Dark chocolate, cocoa, pistachio,
    10 Peppermint Patty Dark chocolate
    11 Plum Pudding Plum, brown rice, almond milk, coconut meat
    14 Valentine Day Dark chocolate, cocoa,
    16 Almond Almond, spinach
    18 Crab Stuffed Flounder

    & Drink Wine

    		 Crab, spinach, red wine
    19 Chocolate Mint Dark chocolate
    20 Cherry Pie Cherry, egg
    22 Cook a Sweet Potato Sweet potato, walnut
    23 Banana Bread Banana, oatmeal
    24 Tortilla Chip Vegetable chips
    26 Pistachio Pistachio, coconut, papaya
    27 Kahlua

    Strawberry

    		 Cream, strawberries, Kahlua
    28 Chocolate Soufflé Dark chocolate,


    LIKE Facebook.com/MamaVegaFoods February 4 – February 10 to receive:                                              

    YOUR FREE Heart Healthy Recipe

     About Dr. (Hon.) Charmène M. Vega aka Mama Vega

    Dr. (Hon.) Charmene M. Vega is Founder, President and CEO of Mama Vega Enterprises (www.MamaVega.com).  She is also a philanthropist, published author, Medical Nutrition Therapist, holder of a Master of Science degree in Special Education and an Honorary Doctor of Humanities.

    Dr. Vega believes in giving back to the communities where Mama Vega products are sold. For every Mama Vega product purchased, a percentage of each sale is donated to those communities’ non-profit organizations.

    Legal Disclaimer

    While Mama Vega Enterprises strives to make the information as timely and accurate as possible, all information is subject to change without notice. Mama Vega does not warrant or assume any legal liability and makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, usefulness or adequacy of the contents presented, and expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions herein. You are responsible for your own actions should you use any information found in this article.

    If you suspect you may have an ailment or illness that may require medical attention, you are encouraged to consult with a licensed physician without delay. As a functional nutritionist, Mama Vega primarily educates and motivates clients to assume more personal responsibility for their health by adopting a healthy attitude, lifestyle, and diet

    Fight prostate cancer with pomegranates

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    (NaturalNews) Researchers from the University of California, Riverside, have identified yet another medicinal use for the pomegranate. According to Manuela Martins-Green, a professor of cell biology and author of the recent study, certain pomegranate compounds work to fight prostate cancer cells and prevent them from growing and spreading throughout the body. The findings support earlier work that has also identified the anti-cancer properties of pomegranates.

    In order for prostate cancer cells to take hold and spread, they need a steady supply of testosterone. But in the presence of phenylpropanoids, hydrobenzoic acids, flavones and conjugated fatty acids — four specific types of compounds found in pomegranates — prostate cancer cells are unable to interact with the hormone and spread. These same compounds prevent prostate and other cancers from spreading to the bones, and they even cause existing cancer cells to die.

    In a previous prostate cancer study, researchers also noted that the ellagitannins in pomegranates work not only to slow the growth of cancer cells in general, but also to induce cancer cell death (http://www.naturalnews.com/022495.html).

    “Because the genes and proteins involved in the movement of prostate cancer cells are essentially the same as those involved in the movement of other types of cancer cells, the same … components of the juice could have a much broader impact in cancer treatment,” explained Martins-Green.

    The findings were presented at the 50th annual meeting of the American Society for Cell Biology in Philadelphia. They add to the growing body of evidence about the powerful medicinal qualities of pomegranates that include their ability to prevent and treat infections, inflammation, high cholesterol, tissue damage, heart disease, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, and cancer (http://www.naturalnews.com/pomegran…).

    Sources for this story include:

    http://www.emaxhealth.com/1020/pome…

    Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/030728_pomegranates_prostate_cancer.html#ixzz187a07GCF

    Cilantro: herb assists in heavy metal detoxification

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    (NaturalNews) Heavy metals have inundated most of our bodies and they’re a source of many serious health problems. In fact, when you understand how pervasive heavy metals are and the problems they cause, it’ll probably become important to you to remove them from your body. Fortunately, with the help of a little cilantro, you can do effective heavy metal detoxification right in your own home.

                                                                                                                                                                                                   Ashley for Mama Vega

    Treat depression with omega-3 fatty acids

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    (NaturalNews) Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago have confirmed that omega-3 fatty acids exhibit powerful antidepressant and brain boosting benefits that have not received the high level of attention they deserve. The team, led by Dr. John M. Davis, discovered that eicosapentenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) — two types of omega-3 fatty acids recognized for their powerful nutritional benefits — are effective enough at improving mood that they may potentially eliminate the need for many people to take antidepressant drugs.

    The researchers analyzed 15 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies about omega-3s and found that taking either EPA alone or EPA together with DHA helps to alleviate depression symptoms And since DHA alone did not exhibit antidepressant benefits, the team has identified EPA as the primary active compound in improving mental health.

    “Our analysis clarifies the precise type of omega-3 fatty acid that is effective for people with depression and explains why previous findings have been contradictory,” explained Davis. “The EPA predominant formulation is necessary for the therapeutic action to occur.”

    People who are deficient in omega-3s are more likely to experience depression than people have consume adequate amounts. Davis and his team found in a previous study that pregnant women deficient in omega-3s are more prone to depression during and after pregnancy than those who get enough of it.

    “There is a huge amount of evidence now linking omega-3 deficiency and depression,” explain Gary Null and Amy McDonald in their book The Food-Mood Connection: Nutrition-based and Environmental Approaches to Mental Health and Physical Wellbeing. “Around a quarter of the dry weight of our brains is made up of omega-3s and if you are deficient in them, the cells in your brain malfunction and you are much more likely to become depressed.”

    Sources for this story include:

    http://www.prnewswire.com/news-rele…

    Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/030713_omega-3s_depression.html#ixzz187cGE2nM

    Macular Degeneration – Prevent the Major Cause of Blindness

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    (NaturalNews) Thirty years ago, diabetes was the most common cause of blindness in the USA. Now macular degeneration is the common cause of blindness. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is much more common now than a few decades ago. After age 50, odds for AMD occurring are one in ten. That`s why it`s important to understand AMD, its symptoms, and the nutritional protocol to prevent it now.

    “I don`t think there`s any doubt we have an epidemic”, asserts Dr. Paul Beaumont, an ophthalmologist with the Macular Degeneration Foundation. He has seen a tenfold increase of AMD in the last 30 years.

    What Macular Degeneration Is

    Like cancer, macular degeneration develops slowly. AMD progressively affects the macula. The macula is located in the center of the retina, which is inside of the eyeball sending signals through the optic nerve to the brain. The macula is responsible for focusing central vision.

    A lack of focus makes it difficult to see well straight ahead while retaining decent peripheral vision. Retina and macula cells deteriorate when the tiny blood vessels in the eye become damaged or clogged. Cellular nourishment, oxygenation, and waste removal become clogged. Then the cone cells in the macula lutea wither and die. Blindness is not sudden, but impaired vision is.

    Early symptoms include blurred straight ahead vision with intact peripheral vision, wavy lines when viewing a grid, poor color discrimination, and extreme sensitivity to glare, making it difficult to see well in bright lightor to switch focus from bright to dark. The most serious symptom is central scotoma. Central scotoma is a gray, black, or blind spot in the middle of one`s vision. Some levels of advanced macular degeneration

    Vaccines lower immunity

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    (NaturalNews) Vaccinations are even worse than what most have thought. Vaccine injuries that can happen to anyone randomly amongst the vaccinated are not the only issues. Some experts claim vaccines lower immunity for everyone who receives them. The increased disease count for any given populace matches its increased vaccination schedule.

    Posted by Ashley Contreras
    ashley_contreras@mamavegasbistro.com
    Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/032484_vaccines_immunity.html#ixzz1NyFurhip