polyphenols in green tea may protect health of diabetics

(NaturalNews) Having a cup of tea involves a lot more than meets the eye -- and the taste buds. It turns out that many varieties of teas contain phytochemicals loaded with a host of health benefits. For example, as NaturalNews has previously reported, green tea in particular may help prevent and treat osteoporosis (http://www.naturalnews.com/027194_g...) and research has shown it could fight lung cancer, too (http://www.naturalnews.com/028877_l...). Now scientists have documented how a catechin (a polyphenol plant compound) in green tea known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) may protect people with high-glucose conditions such as diabetes and the pre-diabetic metabolic syndrome from heart disease and other medical ills.

Polyphenols, including EGCG, comprise around 30% of the dry leaf weight of green tea and researchers think EGCG is one of the most beneficial types of all the natural phytochemicals. In fact, recent studies have shown EGCG has a positive impact on arthritis, mental health problems, oral health, heart disease and even weight loss.

Researchers have also noted a link between consuming green tea and the risk of developing diabetes. In a new study just published in the journal Food Chemistry, a team of researchers from the Department of Food Science and Biotechnology at National Chung-Hsing University and the National Institute of Cancer Research in Taiwan have determined that under high-glucose conditions, EGCG may trigger beneficial processes in the body. This suggests the green tea component can protect diabetics and those with pre-diabetic conditions from serious complications.

In lab experiments, the scientists found that EGCG appears to play a role in controlling low-density lipoprotein (LDL or the "bad" cholesterol) and, perhaps most importantly, it protects from a reaction called glycation that can produce an array of health problems. Glycation (sometimes called non-enzymatic glycosylation) occurs when simple sugar molecules, such as fructose or glucose, become attached to proteins or fats without the moderation of an enzyme. This results in rogue molecules known as advanced glycation end products that can produce health risks by impairing the function of various biomolecules.

For their new study, the Taiwanese researchers set out to determine the antioxidant and antiglycation effects of EGCG under high-glucose conditions that mimicked high blood sugar conditions in diabetics and pre-diabetics. Working in lab experiments, they used human plasma that was treated with EGCG. Then LDL was removed from the plasma and challenged to oxidation testing. The results showed the treatment with the green tea EGCC made the "bad" type of blood fat resistant to oxidation, suggesting it helps fight heart disease. In addition, the EGCG was bound to the LDL and that inhibited glycation.

Bottom line: these finding suggest that the green tea extract protects from the harmful cascade of detrimental effects that are known to be triggered by high glucose levels.

"This study suggests that loading plasma with EGCG is an efficient way to increase the content of this phytochemical in LDL, which may imply favorable in vivo activity of EGCG in diabetes," the researchers wrote. They added that the green tea component seemed to possess a "rather specific and somewhat different degree of antiglycative action and lipoprotein-binding activity" than has been noted with other polyphenols. In other words, it may be a particularly powerful natural way to help prevent the harms associated with high blood sugar levels.

SAUNA HEALTH BENEFITS

"Give me a fever and I can cure any disease." -Hippocrates "Sauna is a poor-man drugstore." -Ancient Finnish saying Why Sauna is good. “When you take a sauna, the heat pumps up blood circulation near the skin and stimulate sweating. It helps the body rid itself of unwanted materials and improves general circulation. In medieval times, healers relied on saunas to cure illnesses, and priests used their heat to chase away evil spirits.” (Dr. Andrew Weil) Although often misunderstood as a symptom of disease, fever actually is a part of the body's natural healing response. Steam baths, sauna, and other heat-inducing treatments elicit similar healing responses in the body, and consequently are often called "artificial fevers". Sweat bathing helps by stimulating the autonomic nervous system, the pituitary gland, and the adrenal glands. Flu and Cold Researchers aren't clear about the exact role saunas play in prevention, but one 1989 German study found that people who steamed twice a week got half as many colds as those who didn't. One theory: When you take a sauna you inhale air hotter than 80 degrees, a temperature too hot for cold and flu viruses to survive. Prevention of Heart Disease "If you have [tendency to] high blood pressure or heart disease, saunas may be good for you" (Dr. Andrew Weil). In recent research provided by Japan scientists came to the conclusion: "Sauna baths help the heart the same way exercise does." "Repeated sauna treatment improves [blood vessel] function, resulting in improvement in cardiac function and ... symptoms," write study author Takashi Kihara, MD, and colleagues from Kagoshima University and Nanpuh Hospital in Kagoshima. Detoxification Sweat bathing, acting as a general toxic eliminator. The heat produces an artificial "fever" and urges every organ of the body into action. While outwardly relaxed, your inner organs are as active as though you were jogging or mowing the lawn. At the same time, you are being cleansed from inside out by the skin, your body's largest organ and its excretion, sweat. The utilization of heat stress for removal of poisons from the body dates back to ancient times. Through a variety of non-invasive detoxification modalities such as sauna therapy, nutritional detoxification, and other supportive physical therapy procedures, toxic residues can be significantly reduced from the body. This is the only method of detoxification evidenced in current nutritional, medical, and bio-chemical literature capable of significantly reducing or eliminating stored toxic residue with scientifically proven safety, according to Dr. David W. Schnara, Science Advisor to the Environmental Protection Agency. 20 minutes in the sauna equals 24 hours work by the kidneys. Immune System Stimulant There is evidence that artificial fever works as an immune system stimulant by increasing the number of white blood cells in the body. In a 1959-review of studies on the effects of heat treatments, Mayo Clinic researchers found that the number of white blood cells in the blood increased by an average of 58% during artificially induced fever. Researchers also have found increases in the activity of the white blood cells during induced fever. As production of white blood cells, the primary agents of the immune system, is increased, the rate of their release into the blood stream also goes up. The generation of antibodies speeds up, as does the production of interferon, an anti viral protein that also has powerful cancer-fighting properties. In addition, as in the case of bodily-induced fever, the raised temperature during the artificial fever reduces the growth rate of most bacteria and viruses, giving the immune system time to mobilize its own forces. Indeed, many regular steam or sauna bathers have experienced that a good, long sweat bath at the early onset of a cold or flu can help ward off the disease before in manifests as actual symptoms. Skin Problems With the strong increase in blood flow (not blood pressure) and the subsequent removal of excess lactic acid the pores in the skin are opened up and deeply and thoroughly cleaned, clearing away oil, dead skin cells, cosmetics, blackheads and acne-producing bacteria. The skin will look healthier, fresher, and more youthful. The increased blood circulation also promotes the healing of skin cuts by bringing a greater supply of red and white blood cells to the surface. Problems of Athletes and Bodybuilders Intense muscles activities cause muscles to become sore. This is due to the build up of large amounts of lactic acid and carbon dioxide in the muscles. The faster this waste is cleared, the faster the stiffness in the muscles disappears. In sauna excess lactic acid, which builds up during exercise is removed, tired and sore muscles relax, and joint stiffness is relieved. Athletes often use saunas after strenuous exercise.

Note: You should always check with your doctor or physician first. Your physician will notify you of any restrictions related to the sauna.

MENU DIET 13 DAYS WITHOUT SALT

13 DAY DIET MENU
Taboo: SALT
REQUIREMENTS:
1. One day drink 8 glasses of plain water (not ice water), approximately 2 liters of water
2. Fried beefsteak in Danish Butter / Coconut Oil / Butter unsalted (fresh)
3. Vegetables are usually 1 bunch spinach, do not be boiled too long (without salt), and lettuce eaten raw
4. Last supper pk. 18:00
5. Drinkable water every hour
6. Should stay at home because we pee a day to reach 8x
7. Bowel rarely because almost all the food is absorbed by the body
8. This diet only remove fat, do not be afraid no side effects

ADVANTAGES:
1. This diet, if followed completely (do not deviate at all), will lower your weight 7-8 kg
2. This diet has been investigated that the chemical conditions in the body the better, so there is no possibility to become fat again
3. Provided that after the 14th day, eat normally again (no exaggeration)
4. This diet is done once a year

TO NOTE:
If forgotten,or suddenly eating something that deviates from the diet, this diet must be started again from the first day. For the future though our weight down, but likely to be fat again will happen with the existence of these irregularities.

detox diet

This is a sample menu for a day on the detox diet.

Upon rising

• 1/2 lemon squeezed into a glass of warm water
  
• 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds in a glass of water
  

Breakfast

• breakfast smoothie made with pear, rice milk and rice protein powder
  
• supplements: vitamin C
  

Snacks

• apple juice diluted with water
  
• water
  
• vegetable broth
  
• celery sticks and hummus
  

Lunch

• chunky vegetable soup made with vegetable stock and your choice of vegetables
  
• steamed broccoli with sesame seeds and beets sprinkled with lemon juice on brown rice
  
• apple sauce
  
• supplements: multivitamin
  

Snacks

• carrot sticks with hummus dip
  
• water
  
• supplements: milk thistle
  

Dinner

• curried lentils on quinoa
  
• salad with mixed greens, red peppers, artichokes and sprouts drizzled with salad dressing of garlic, lemon juice and olive oil
  
• vegetable broth
  

Before bed

• 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds in a glass of water

Atkins’ diet menu

The Atkins diet is a high protein low carb diet which was introduced in the 1960’s by Dr. Robert Atkins. Atkins diet system claims weight loss and has noted several success stories. Dr Atkin resolved his own overweight condition and successfully treated thousands of patients on his diet plan. He popularized his diet in a book series called Dr. Atkins Diet Revolution in 1972. Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution, is his revised copy with updated ideas but basic concepts remained same.

The majority will sequentially pass through this as they successfully shed their excess weight.
Supplementary diets are provided for those who cannot follow the majority route, like those with a high metabolic resistance and those with food intolerances.

Atkins’ diet menu - What can you eat on the Atkins’ diet

The Atkins’ diet menu lets you eat foods that many dieters only dream about. The Atkins’ diet plan is said to work even if other diets have left you feeling depressed and deprived.

About Dr. Atkins diet:

• Atkins diet menu sets few limits on the amount of food you eat. Instead, it severely restricts the kinds of food permitted on your plate: no processed and refined sugar, milk, white bread, starchy vegetables, white rice and white flour. This includes cereals and pasta made from white flour.
• The Atkins diet lets you eat foods traditionally regarded as "rich": meat, eggs, cheese, and more.
• Atkins diet plan claims to cut down your appetite in the process.
• On Dr Atkins’ diet, you eat almost pure protein and fat.
  
  You can liberally eat nutrient-rich unprocessed foods like animal flesh (meat, fish and poultry). You can have red meat, fish (including shellfish), fowl, and regular cheese (not "diet" cheese, cheese spreads, or whey cheeses). You can also cook with butter, have mayo with your tuna, and add olive oil on your salads.

Then again, carbs are restricted (about 20 grams of net carbs per day, meaning total carbs minus fiber) in the first two weeks. That translates to three cups of loosely packed salad or two cups of salad with two-thirds cup of certain cooked vegetables each day.

The Atkins’ diet menu does allow for adding fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods after the two-week induction period.

How Atkins’ diet works?

Dr. Atkins diet is predominantly based on the theory that overweight people eat too many carbohydrates. Our bodies tend to burn both fat and carbohydrates for energy, but carbs are used first. However, our bodies naturally lose weight by burning stored body fat more efficiently by drastically reducing carbs and eating more protein and fat.

Researchers claim that, fewer the carbohydrates present in a diet, the more sustained the blood sugar level remains throughout the day. This is because sugar is always metabolized first. Craving is caused by blood sugar fluctuations aggravated by carbohydrate consumption. However, by cutting down carbohydrates, a person’s blood sugar can retain a more even level throughout the day. As a result, he or she will have no cravings and refrain from in-between meal snacks.

Also, diets high in sugar and refined carbohydrates tend to increase the body’s production of insulin. When insulin levels are high, the food is more quickly turned into body fat in the form of triglycerides. High triglyceride levels appear to be one of the greatest risk factors for heart disease. You are able to cleanse the burned stored fat out of their cells, by using the fat cells for energy thus causing the dramatic drop in weight.

Atkins diet – Pros and Cons: What the experts say?

Critics of Dr. Atkins diet say that meat-heavy; high-protein eating patterns could be linked to osteoporosis, heart disease, colon cancer, and renal disease. The great majority of experts and nutritionists maintain that Dr. Atkins’ theories still remain unproven. They are concerned that a high-protein, high-fat diet could cause a lot of problems, especially for the large segment of the population that is at risk for heart disease. Further, the. Atkins diet plan does not include a high intake of fruits and vegetables, recommended by most nutrition experts because of the numerous documented health benefits from these foods.

Dr Atkins diet pros and cons

No one can deny that the Atkins Diet is probably the most successful diet of the last few years. There are many pros and cons that could be linked to this diet.

Advantages of Atkins diet

Experts say that only benefit of the Atkins’ diet may be quick weight loss and possibly eating as much foods as desired to some people. Rapid weight loss is what motivates people at first. However since so many foods are off-limit, a high rate of the followers just drop out before reaching the fourth, maintenance level.

Disadvantages of Atkins diet

Many health experts disagree with the Atkins philosophy. They call it an unhealthy way of losing weight.

They point out that one negative allowance the Atkins diet offers is eating as much protein as one possibly can. High protein foods are also high in fats; and high levels of fats increase the levels of the “bad” cholesterol. The general fat allowance is only 30% of a person’s daily calorie intake. Dr. Atkins diet menu promotes eating as much fat as desired.

Atkin’s diet can also be taxing on the kidneys. Such high protein consumption increases the renal load on the kidneys and can be detrimental to kidney function in the long run.

However, by far the biggest disadvantage of the Atkins diet is that although the pounds may be shedding quickly, the weight levels off (returns back) over six months to one year.

If you are looking for a worthy diet plan then you can try atkins or even take the advantage of free atkins diet plan.

Dukan Diet Menu

This diet plan has 4 different phases you need to go through. Some of them help you to lose weight while the others simply help to maintain it. On each phase, your food options are different so we’ll break down your menu according to each phase:

Attack Phase – This is an all protein phase that lasts 3 to 10 days, according to how much you have to lose. As all you can eat on this phase are high protein foods some of your options include:

• Eggs
• Meat such as beef, veal, and ham.
• Fish
• Seafood
• Poultry (remove the skin and avoid duck). Chicken is excellent.
• Fat free dairy products.

You need to cook these foods with no oil or as little of it as you can. You can drink water, tea, and coffee as well as other no sugar beverages.

As you can imagine, this is the hardest phase of the diet. It will be good to do it with a weight loss buddy and to increase your consumption of liquids to reduce hunger and sense of deprivation.

Cruise phase – This is the second phase you follow to lose weight after the initial attack phase. This phase will result in a more gradual weight loss and you should follow it until you reach your target weight.

On the cruise phase, you can add vegetables to your diet but you must avoid starchy ones such as potatoes, peas, and beans. Basically, you alternate between all protein days and protein and vegetables days, so this is sort of a half-attack phase. Being able to add salads to your diet makes it a lot easier.

However, this can still be a challenging few weeks as it can take a while for you to reach your target weight. For more on this phase read the following Dukan Diet review.

Consolidation Phase – On this phase you begin to go back to a normal diet, introducing bread, fruit and more carb rich foods to your diet.

You still need to eat lots of protein so the menu builds up on that of the previous phases. There are so many ways you can now eat and combine fruit, bread, and the pasta you’re now allowed so this is a phase with lots of freedom. In addition, you have two free-meals each week. You can eat what you like on them. I won’t give you any ideas about what you can eat but I’m sure that you’ll be able to come up with something.

Stabilization phase - On this final phase, you just need to have an all protein day once a week. Other than that, you have practically complete freedom to choose what you like and enjoy it. I wouldn’t start stuffing myself with candy and chocolate, but you can definitely enjoy yourself more. The theory is that the one all protein day will be enough to maintain your weight for years to come.

This is how the Dukan Diet menu is arranged phase after phase.

Dukan Diet Tips

1. Make sure to drink lots of water each and every day.
2. Don’t overdo the attack phase. It is somewhat extreme.
3. You should make sure to stock your kitchen with phase correct foods and nothing else.
4. You can and should eat a spoonful of bran oats each day.
5. Do try to enjoy yourself on the free meals.
6. After the attack phase, workout on a regular basis. Do both strength training and cardio exercises.

I hope you found this short additional article on the Dukan Diet helpful. I wish you luck in trying to lose weight.

1000 Calorie Diet Sample Menu

Drinks throughout the day can include water, black tea and/or coffee without sugar and negligible calorie carbonated drinks such as Diet Coke.

This menu provides 1000 calories, 60g protein, 145g carbohydrate, 21g fat.

Breakfast

• Banana sandwich made with 2 small slices of wholemeal bread and a small banana.
• 200ml glass of orange juice

Morning Snack

• 100g pot of low fat fruit yoghurt

Lunch

• 1 wholemeal roll (45g) filled with 70g tuna (canned in brine) and 10g reduced calorie mayonnaise
• Mixed salad of 50g lettuce, 50g red or yellow sweet peppers, 10g spring onions.

Afternoon Snack

• 28g bag of lower fat crisps (eg. Walkers Lites)

Dinner

• 70g Roast Chicken breast (without skin)
• 80g Potatoes, mashed with 30ml semi-skimmed milk
• 60g Broccoli, steamed or boiled
• 50g Carrots, boiled
• 100ml Gravy (made from granules)

Evening

• 1 serving of low calorie Hot Chocolate Drink made with powder and water (eg. Cadbury's Highlights)

Women will lose 2-4 lbs in a week, men 3-5 lbs in a week, depending on start weight and activity level. It is not recommended that calories be so restricted for more than one week - for most people this level of calories is too low to obtain enough nutrition, and may have the effect of slowing metabolism.