Guava Benefits and Diabetes

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Guava (Psidium guajava) is a tropical fruit. Large quantities of the guava fruit are produced in Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, and Venezuela. The whole of the guava fruit along with the  rind and the seeds is edible. The fruit, leaves, and juice are used as remedy.

Guava Benefits

GuavaIt is considered a super fruit, including vitamin C, polyphenols, caratenoids, lycopene, lutein, cryptoxanthin, beta-carotene, potassium and manganese. Vitamin C contained in the guava is 4 times more than vitamin C contained in oranges. In laboratory experiments, extracts from apple guava leaves or bark are implicated in medicinal effects against bacterial infections, inflammation, pain and cancer.

Diabetes

Guavas help slow down the sugar absorption in the body and are hence helpful to diabetic patients. Researches have shown that a diet that is high in fibre is linked to a reduce risk of developing Type 2 diabetes (non- insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus). Compounds in the guava leaf tea inhibit the absorption of 2 types of sugars,  sucrose and maltose, helping to control blood sugar levels after meals. According to a research reported  in 2010 in Nutrition and Metabolisme, of leaf tea inhibits alpha-glucosidase enzymes.

Antioxidant

Vitamin C is an important antioxidant found in the guava fruit. Antioxidants block some of the damage caused by free radicals, substances that damage DNA. Antioxidant properties of vitamin C have been demonstrated in many experiments in vitro. The role of vitamin C in the functioning of immune cells is well proven. Vitamin C has been shown to stimulate both the production and function of leukocytes, particularly neutrophils, lymphocytes and phagocytes. Lymphocytes  produce antibodies that work along with phagocytes to fight infection. A study reported in the journal “Cancer Letters”demonstrated that oil derived from the guava inhibited the growth of cancer cell lines.

Beta-Carotene Lutein and Lycopene

Carotenoids are natural pigments which are synthesized by plants and are responsible for the bright colors of different vegetables and  fruits. The carotenoids absorb light energy of specific frequencies and transfer it to chlorophyll for use in photosynthesis. Beta carotene has strong antioxidant effects, helps the body scavenge free radicals, therefore limiting the damage to cell membranes, DNA and protein structures in the cell. Lutein are carotenoids found in the human eye. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association provided the of evidence that lutein supplements, taken in capsule form  6-30 mg per day, can lower the risk of macular degeneration up to 43 percent. Lycopene has powerful antioxidant properties and researches indicate that it can help avoid certain cancers, macular degeneration and heart disease. 10 to 30 milligrams per day has been found to be effective in combating free radicals. In addition to preventing oxidative damage to cell membranes, lycopene can avoid oxidation of proteins and DNA.

Potassium

Guava contains high potassium. Potassium is an electrolyte that is necessary to electrical reaction in your body, including heart. A normal potassium level is between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L. Inadequate potassium is defined as a potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L. A diet too high in salt and too inadequate in potassium doubles the risk of death from heart disease, according to a “Center for Disease Control” study led by researcher Elena V. Kuklina. Patients hospitalized after a heart attack who had blood potassium rates of between 3.5 and less than 4.5 mEq/L had a lower risk of death than patients with potassium rates that were higher or lower than this range, according to a research in the January edition of “JAMA“.

High Blood Pressure

Guava it decreases blood pressure.High blood pressure is a risk factor for congestive heart failure, heart disease, and stroke. In clinical trials, the usage of guava fruit for twelve weeks was shown to decrease blood pressure by an approximately 8 points. Also, guava extract was reported to be a strong anticoagulant agent in a study reported in 2007 in Food Chemistry.

Fiber

Guava is rich in dietary fiber. The highly soluble fiber works as a laxative and avoids constipation. The fiber content helps protect the colon mucous membrane by decreasing exposure  time to toxins. A medium-sized guava includes approximately 36% of the recommended daily fiber. This fruit is also contain pectin that helps in promoting digestion and improving appetite.

Amla Benefits and Medicinal Uses

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Indian gooseberry or Amla (Emblica officinalis) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. The tree is found in all deciduous forests throughout the Indian  subcontinent. Has many types but the Kalami Amla is  most important. Though all parts of the tree have pharmacological effect, it is the fruit which constitutes the basic medication. Indian gooseberry is a commonly used food in most of the Ayurvedic supplementation in the form of fresh fruits, dried fruits, fruit pulp or as extract.

Amla Benefits

AmlaAccording to ayurvedic medicine, Emblica officinalis may be used as a rasayana to promote longevity, and has also been used to increase digestion, developed heart health, helps purify blood and stimulate hair growth. Amla has antioxidant, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, antitumor, antiulcerogenic, and antibacterial activity in vitro and in vivo. The effects of Indian gooseberry is attributed to its antioxidant constituents, such as vitamin C, polyphenols, tannins and flavonoids. Ripe fruit contains more vitamin C than an unripe fruit.

Antioxidant

Includes high levels of Vitamin C Amla helps in increasing the number of red blood cells in body. Lab tests demonstrated that every 100 grams of fresh fruit provides 470 – 680 mg of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants block some of the damage caused by free radicals, substances that damage DNA. Studies performed at the Niwa Institute of Immunology in Japan have demonstrated Indian gooseberry to be a strong scavenger of free radicals. Free radicals and other reactive oxygen species are produced during normal life-sustaining aerobic metabolism. In excess, these molecules can cause protein and lipid oxidation and DNA damage.

Vitamin C is important for bones and connective tissues, immune system and blood vessels. Vitamin C has been shown to stimulate both the production and function of leukocytes, particularly neutrophils, lymphocytes and phagocytes. Lymphocytes produce antibodies that work along with phagocytes to fight infection. Vitamin C is important for maintaining a healthful heart and blood vessels by reducing oxidative stress and promoting vasodilation increasing nitric oxide bioavailability.

Alongside its strong antioxidant activity, the fruit of Amla has been reported to possess immunomodulatory, chemopreventive, antimutagenic, antiproliferative and effects that are useful in the prevention and therapy of cancer. Aqueous extract of Amla was found to be cytotoxic to L 929 cells in culture in a dose dependent manner. Vitamin C, decrease cellular DNA damage that is the critical first step in cancer initiation and as well as reduce the inflammatory changes that allow a malignant cell to grow into a dangerous tumor. A study performed by researchers at the “Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Nagasaki University” demonstrated through that amla fruit extracts avoid the growth of cancerous cells.

Liver

Indian gooseberry strengthens the liver, helping it in eliminating toxins from the body. Amla is rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, gallic acid, and tannins, which may protect against hepatoxicity-induced liver injury. Regular use  helps purify the blood and support the functions of the liver. Aqueous and  alcoholic extracts of  amla have shown hepatoprotective effects  in experiments  in animals. Animal-based study reported in the March 2005 edition of “Phytotherapy Research” found that amla fruit extract has activity that may protect the liver against negative effects of medicines (isoniazid, rifampicin) used to treat tuberculosis. According to another experiment; amla extract counteracts N nitrosodiethylamine-induced liver injury via its antioxidant, anti-inflammation,  anti-autophagy, and anti-apoptosis effects.

Inflammation

Amla was shown to decrease inflammation in laboratory experiments. Anti-inflammatory herbs protect against the long-term negative effects of chronic inflammation like diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. Some studies  found that 500 mg of Amla a day for three months lowered  CRP (C-reactive protein) levels.

Pancreatitis

This herb, may be useful as a complementary treatment for pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, the organ that secretes digestive enzymes into the gastrointestinal tract. Pancreatitis may be caused by gallstones, trauma, alcohol, drugs, tumors, infections, and genetic abnormalities. Amla is a medicinal herb used to treat pancreatic diseases.  In an experiment on animals; Nucleic acid content, rate of DNA synthesis, pancreatic proteins, and pancreatic amylase content were significantly improved with the therapy.

Heart Health

Indian gooseberry extracts are powerful antioxidants and help prevent lipid peroxidation, which is a key step in arterial hardening and cardiovascular illness. Emblica officinalis extracts decrease total cholesterol and LDL in animal experiments. Amla has been shown in studies to decrease Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by 16 percent while increasing High-density lipoprotein (HDL) by 25 percent. An study performed on animals has revealed that the juice of Indian gooseberry helps in reducing the level of triglycerides in blood.

Antimicrobial Effects

Researches performed on Amla fruit suggest that it has antiviral effects and tasks as an antifungal and antibacterial agent. In vitro studies aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Amla demonstrated positive effect against  pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and fungi.

Diabetes

The presence of chromium helps to control the blood sugar level which is quite important in type 2 Diabetes (non- insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus). Regular use of Indian gooseberry helps in the secretion of insulin by stimulating the cells and reduces the blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes. In a new study, 3 g of powdered  Indian gooseberry a day was shown to be more effective than diabetic drug at controlling fasting blood sugar levels.

Digestive System

Indian gooseberry is a herb used to alleviate gastric upset, including excess acidity in the stomach. Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Amla have shown protective and therapeutic activity in induced gastric ulcers in animal experiments. Animal-based research reported in the 2010 Research Journal of Medicinal Plant article found that Amla extract had protective activity against enterocolitis. Due to its potent, laxative effects Amla is beneficial for diarrhea and dysentery.

Hair Health

Amla nourishes scalp and hair roots and encourages hair growth. The dried fruit is used as shampoo.  A fixed oil obtained from the berries strengthens and  promotes the growth of hair. Amla oil is also, gives a cooling sensation to the skin similar to the aloevera gel effects.

Tryptophan Dosage and Benefits

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SerotoninTryptophan (molecular formula is C 11 H 12 N 2 O 2) is one of the essential amino acids that the body cannot produce. Was discovered by Dr. Frederick Hopkins in 1901. L-tryptophan plays an critical role in the production of serotonin and melatonin. These chemical messengers carry nerve impulses from one cell to other. The first phase in synthesis of serotonin is the transformation of tryptophan to 5-HTP by the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase. The body uses tryptophan to create 5-HTP (5-hydroxy-tryptophan), which is then changed to serotonin. Serotonin is necessary for sleep and mood regulation and transmits nerve impulses from the brain. Researches show that individuals who suffer with depression have low levels of the tryptophan. Body cannot produce tryptophan on its own. Therefore, can be obtained through supplements or through food. Also, body uses the tryptophan to create vitamin B3. Vitamin B3 promotes healthy nervous system function.

Food Sources

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is found naturally in foods like turkey, red meat, chicken, cheese, milk, eggs, bananas, chocolate, soy products, nuts, almonds, sesame seeds, peanut butter, brown rice, wheat germ, oatmeal, and shrimp.

Tryptophan Benefits

Tryptophan is used for low mood, sleeplessness, sleep apnea, anxiety, depression, facial pain, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and ADHD (attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder). Was also used as an complement in the therapy of alcohol, cocaine, amphetamine, and other medication misuse.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are a class of compounds typically used as antidepressants in the therapy of depression, anxiety disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, social phobia, and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, work by boost the level of serotonin  by blocking its reuptake by adjoining neurons. Commonly used SSRIs are citalopram (Cipramil), fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), fluvoxamine (Luvox), and paroxetine (Paxil).

The amino acid tryptophan, serves as a precursor for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps the body regulate sleep and mood. When amount of serotonin are high, in a better mood, sleep better, and have a higher pain tolerance. In order for tryptophan to carry out its bodily functions efficiently, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, magnesium and vitamin C is required.

Serotonin is the important brain chemical that generates feelings of relaxation and optimism. Also, critical a role in certain brain functions such as the ability to focus, motor coordination and reflexes. The symptoms associated with serotonin deficiency include depression, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, anger and chronic pain. Researches of cerebrospinal fluid, whole blood, and plasma have shown that serotonin levels are decreased in depression patients. Autopsies have demonstrated that a very low  brain level of serotonin is one biological marker to suicide.

Serotonin is involved in mood, sleep, depression, anxiety, appetite and impulse control. In a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study, 30 participant with major depressive disorder were treated for over 8 weeks with 20 mg of Fluoxetine per day and either tryptophan (daily dose 2 –  4 g ) or a placebo. The findings were  a pronounced greater reduce in depression scores in the tryptophan/fluoxetine group than in the placebo/fluoxetine group. A Dutch researcher showed that the combination of vitamin B6 (125 mg 3 times daily) and tryptophan (2 g used at night)  could restore participants with anxiety-type depression to normal in 4 weeks. The findings demonstrate that tryptophan in doses of 1 grams or more produces an improve in rated subjective sleepiness and a reduce in sleep latency. In an study, eight severe chronic insomniacs took 2 g for four nights. All participants developed significantly and no adverse effects were seen.

In a study, reported in the Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology in September 2007 edition, tryptophan caused a decrease in social anxiety disorder. Double-blind a study has demonstrated that tryptophan can improve tolerance to acute pain when taken in dosage of at least 2 grams per day. Article in the December 2011 edition of Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, the scientists say further studies are needed to definitively determine whether l-tryptophan supplement is an useful treatment for mood disorders.

Tryptophan Dosage

A  review article reported in “Psychopharmacology” found that amino acid tryptophan is useful for the therapy of insomnia in doses ranging from 1 to 15 grams. Some researches have confirmed tryptophan to be effective in the therapy of chronic insomnia at doses of between 1 to 4 g at bedtime. Some uncontrolled studies report that 3 to 6 grams per day of tryptophan helps develop mood in patients with depression. For the treatment of depression, tryptophan should be given in at least 2 divided doses per day, in order to reduce fluctuations in plasma L-tryptophan concentrations. In a clinical trial at St. Mary’s Hospital, scientists gave 6,000 mg of tryptophan to PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) participants. After seventeen days of therapy, starting at ovulation till the third day of menstruation, it was found that tryptophan developed mood symptoms. 100 mg of 5 HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is equivalent to 500mg L-tryptophan.

Side Effects

Do not take l-tryptophan together with full doses of serotonin-enhancing drugs. This therapy should be undertaken only with a physician supervision. In addition; do not use tryptophan if taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Sarsaparilla Benefits and Uses

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Sarsaparilla root (Smilax regelli) is a perennial plant that is native to the rainforests of South America, Caribbean and the Jamaica. The herb belongs to the lily family. Root is the most common part of the sarsaparilla vine that is used for therapeutic purposes. This root has a pleasant fragrance and spicy sweet taste. One of the most important ingredients in sarsaparilla root are saponins, a chemical substance.

Sarsaparilla Benefits

Conventionally, sarsaparilla root, as a tonic and blood purifier, and has been used for gonorrhea, syphilis, rheumatism, arthritis, fever, cough, gout, anorexia, liver protection, digestive disorders, wounds, psoriasis, eczema, skin disorders. Also, sarsaparilla includes beta-sitosterol which has anti-inflammatory effects.

SarsaparillaThis plant, used to treat syphilis in the 1800’s and was exported to Europe. From 1820 to 1910, was registered in the US Pharmacopoeia as a therapy for syphilis. Chinese researches indicate sarsaparilla root, in combination with  other plants, was tested as a cure for syphilis. Clinical observations showed that smilax was effectual in approximately 90 percent of acute and 50 percent of chronic cases.

Smilax binds with toxins and is used to improve  blood and liver functioning. The active chemicals of the sarsaparilla herb are its saponins, which help to reduce the body’s toxic load. It binds to toxins and causes them to be eliminated from the bowel readily.

Sarsaparilla is usually used in connection with psoriasis, eczema, and other skin problems. Specific root phytochemicals, have soothed psoriasis, probably by disabling bacterial components called endotoxins. Patients with psoriasis have been found to have high levels of endotoxins circulating in the bloodstream. A Chinese study shows a sarsaparilla formula is an effectual potential therapy for psoriasis. “The New England Journal of Medicine” reported study in 1942 showing that  extract of sarsaparilla was effective in reducing psoriasis symptoms, 62 percent of the 92 participants studied demonstrated important development in their symptoms, while 18 percent showed  complete removal of their psoriasis symptoms.

Lecithin Benefits and Side Effects

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Lecithin is a phospholipid or fat that’s needed in small levels by all cells in body.  Was first isolated in 1846 by the French chemist Theodore Gobley. Lecithin is an important component of every cell. However the highest concentration is found in the vital organs like your brain, heart, liver and kidneys. Almost 30 percent of your brain is composed of lecithin. As a important component of the cell membrane, lecithin acts as an emulsifier, keeping the essential fatty acids apart from other molecules within the cell. Lecithin consists mainly of B vitamins, inositol, choline, and phosphoric acid, with some linoleic acid.

Natural Lecithin Food Sources

Foods rich in lecithin include egg yolks, soybeans, legumes, grains, peanuts, wheat germ and yeast.

Lecithin Benefits

Researches demonstrates that lecithin may have numerous effects, including the maintenance of a wholesome liver, a healthy heart and circulatory system, and healthy pregnancy and child improvement. Choline, (a major component of lecithin), has been shown to support wholesome nervous system function. Also, lecithin helps the body to absorb vitamin E, which is a fat-soluble vitamin.

Heart Health

Lecithin acts as a solvent for triglycerides, cholesterol, and other fats. Lecithin is an emulsifier that helps break down fats, so helping to maintain a wholesome heart and blood vessels. Some researches showed that lecithin has important effects on lowering triglyceride and cholesterol levels, while increasing HDL cholesterol, in the blood. One study by the “Washington University School of Medicine” found that reduce cholesterol levels by regulating fat metabolism in the liver. In 2002 scientists at Wake Forest University School of Medicine demonstrated that a lack of lecithin could increase atherosclerosis. According to a research reported in the 2009 of  ‘ Cholesterol,’ lecithin reduced total cholesterol by up to 42%, and LDL-cholesterol (low density lipoprotein) by up to 56% in participants with high cholesterol. A new study published in 2010, was  40% to 50 % reduction in total and LDL cholesterol levels.

Brain Health

LecithinA critical factor in healthy  brain and nerve transmissions is the presence of cellular substance named acetylcholine. Lecithin is used by the body to produce the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, helping to keep a limpid mind. Acetylcholine deficiencies are linked with the neurological disorders Friedrich’s ataxia, tardive dyskinesia, olivopontocerebellar atrophy, myasthenia gravis and Alzheimer’s disease.

Studies have shown that individuals taking lecithin have noteworthy amelioration in memory test scores and fewer memory lapses than those who took the placebos. Helpful effect on long-term memory has been showed after administration of 35 g lecithin for four to six weeks. In 1975, researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) proved that lecithin choline has a prompt effect on the brain’s capability to make a chemical  important for nerve signal transmission.

Alzheimer’s can be caused by a change in production of acetylcholine. Lecithin produces the neurotransmitter acetylcholine which enables communication and signal-transmission between brain cells. Lecithin is part of the myelin sheath that surrounds and insulates nerve fibers. Autopsies demonstrate that multiple sclerosis (MS) individuals have less lecithin in the brain and myelin sheath than normal persons.

Liver Health

Lecithin includes phosphatidylcholine which is an component of cellular membrane. Phosphatidylcholine has shown to be useful against liver diseases such as liver damage, alcoholic fibrosis, liver cirrhosis. In one double-blind study, it developed the effect of interferon in patients with chronic hepatitis C. In Europe, phosphatidylcholine is  used to treat liver ailments, such as alcoholic fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, viral hepatitis and liver cirrhosis.

Gallstone

Bile, made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Cholesterol makes up most types of gallbladder stones. Inadequate levels of lecithin in bile may increase the risk of gallstones. Lecithin is  a natural fat emulsifier, and provides protection against the negative effects of bile salts.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes long-term inflammation in part of your digestive tract. Ulcers form where inflammation has killed the cells that generally line the colon. Symptoms include rectal bleeding, diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal cramps, rectal bleeding, fatigue and fevers. Long-term ulcerative colitis is a risk factor for colon cancer. Also, among young children, this disease, may delay growth and development. A double-blind, placebo controlled study of 60 participant whose ulcerative colitis was poorly responsive to corticosteroids were randomized to receive either phosphadylcholine (two grams daily dose) or placebo for twelve weeks.  Half of the patients taking phosphadylcholine demonstrated a important development in symptoms versus just 10 percent taking placebo.

Side Effects

Using lecithin supplements is usually considered safe. But, some people taking high dosages experience side effects, such as abdominal discomfort, gas, bloating, diarrhea, and nausea.