Study looks at cannabis ingredient"s ability to help children"s tumours

British scientists are investigating whether a compound found in cannabis could be used to shrink brain tumours in children.

The study of the effects of cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, was prompted by a growing number of parents giving it to children with a brain tumour after buying it online. The lead researcher, Prof Richard Grundy of Nottingham University’s children’s brain tumour centre, said in the last six months there had been a surge in parents administering it without medical advice in the belief it might help.

While no research has been done into how CBD can help children’s brain tumours, some work has been done looking at how cannabis-based molecules can help adult cancer patients. Products containing cannabidiol can be bought online, although recent changes mean companies now require a licence to sell them.

“New ways to treat childhood brain tumours are urgently needed to extend and improve the quality of life in malignant brain tumour patients, so we are excited at the prospect of testing the effect of cannabidiol on brain tumour cells,” said Grundy.

Brain tumours kill more children in the UK than any other type of cancer. Around 1,750 under-18s each year are diagnosed with cancer, of which about 400 are cancers of the brain and spinal cord.

The study, thought to be the first of its kind in the world, will seek to establish whether CBD reduces tumours. The researchers will grow cells from different brain tumours in lab conditions, some with the addition of cannabidiol molecules and others without. They will then compare how the presence of tumour cells differs in both samples through a technique called cell staining. This will help them see how many of the cells are dividing and whether any are dying.

Grundy said: “We expect the cells – brain tumour and normal brain – grown in our standard conditions to be healthy and actively dividing. We expect that normal brain cells grown in cannabidiol will remain healthy. However, we expect the brain tumour cells grown in cannabidiol to stop growing and die.”

Katie Sheen, of the Astro Brain Tumour Fund, which is co-funding the study, said if it proved to be successful CBD could be a gentler, less toxic way of treating cancer than chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Dr Wai Liu, a research fellow at St George’s University of London, said: “We have performed experiments using CBD in leukaemia and it can deactivate signalling pathways, making cells more responsive to chemotherapy.”

He said some drug companies combined CBD with psychoactive component tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with positive responses, especially when combined with chemotherapy.

Liu added: “All cells need to communicate and these communications get jammed up, and CBD tries to correct this by restoring them. This ultimately results in these cells being able to undergo cell death.”

“People think that children’s cells are more flexible so there is a possibility that CBD may have a slightly different effect. We will only be able to understand the precise mechanism and value of this treatment when studies like this are done.”

Among those supporting the project are the parents of William Frost, a four-year-old who was diagnosed with a ependymoma brain tumour in 2014 and is being treated at the Nottingham centre. William’s father, Steve, said: “We were told halfway through 2016 that nothing more could be done for William. We couldn’t bear to accept the news and decided to look into alternative treatments.

“We started William on a low-carbohydrate (ketogenic) diet and cannabidiol. Six months later William’s tumour had shrunk by two-thirds. He is slowly improving and attending school part-time.”

Study looks at cannabis ingredient"s ability to help children"s tumours

3 Miracle Ingredients You Need to Detox Your Skin

-Pollution and dirt from the environment are clogging your pores and damaging your skin;

-Both sun exposure and free radical are big causes of skin damage;

-Toxins from the foods you eat are harming and causing your complexion to suffer;

-The chemicals in some beauty products are causing red, irritated skin and allergies;

-Smoking, as well as other bad habits, are also ruining your skin.

An unhealthy skin will result in wrinkles, acne, pimples, redness and even skin cancer. So it’s time to learn what you can do to avoid the damages to your skin and protect this largest organ in your body properly.

Now you know the importance of detox your skin, but how? A few changes to your skincare routine, life habits and diet may help improve the look of your skin.

Increase the intake of organic vegetables, fruits and drink enough water will help your body detox the toxic chemicals that may result in unhealthy skin. And there are lots of natural ingredients that clear your skin from the inside out.

1-Lemon Juice

Lemon juice helps your liver detox all the organs in your body, including skin. Simply mixed lemon juice with water and drink a cup every day, you will notice the differences in just a few days: fewer wrinkles, less dark or brown spots and it helps with both dry and oily skin types.

Natural Ways to Use Lemon Juice For Skin

Lemon juice + Honey + Aloe Face Wash

Make your face wash by mixing lemon juice, aloe, honey, and water. Wash your face with it every morning.

Natural Lemon Mask

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice


• 1 tablespoon powdered milk


• 1 teaspoon raw honey


• A few drops of essential oil that you like

Mix them together and put this mask on your face, wash it off after half an hour.

Homemade Lemon Juice Moisture Cream

Mix equal parts of lemon juice, honey and olive oil, use the mixture on the dry areas on your face and let it stay for 15 minutes before washing off.

2-Pineapple

Pineapple has great anti-inflammatory properties, it makes your skin looks clearer by decreasing the infections and removing toxins from the bloodstream. Pineapple is also a good source of vitamin C, which is an effective acne treatment.

Pineapple Juice Face Wash

Apply pineapple juice onto your face and let it dry, wash it off with cold water. Do it regularly will make your skin clear.

Ripe Pineapple Facial Mask

Mash a ripe pineapple, mix raw honey within and apply it on your face. It makes a simple but very effective facial mask to improve your skin condition.

Pineapple Slices

Rub pineapple slices onto the acne, pimples, dark spots and blemishes to cure them. Keep in mind of that wash it off after 5 minutes, or the acids in pineapple may burn your skin.

3-Turmeric

Turmeric has been widely used as a natural remedy for treating skin problems, this miracle spice contains curcumin, which cleanses your blood, increases circulation and has great anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric also has antibacterial properties, thus helping reduce acne and pimples.

Anti-wrinkle Facial Mask

Mix turmeric powder, rice powder and tomato juice to get a paste, apply it onto your face, it will help peel off the dead skin cells and reduce wrinkles.

Oil-control Mask

Mix sandalwood powder, turmeric powder and orange juice to make a paste, apply it onto your face ad wash it off after 10-15 minutes. This mask works effectively for oily skin.

Turmeric + Lemon Juice + Cucumber Juice

This mask made with turmeric powder, lemon juice and cucumber juice works well to reduce skin tanning and pigmentation. Apply the mask on the affected areas, and rinse off with warm water after 20 minutes.

Sources: everydayhealth.com, mybeautynaturally.com, med-health.net

I have written articles on various physical and mental health related conditions, including diabetes/ heart disease/ autism/depression/Nutrition/fitness/diets/fad diets/herbs/alternative therapies/weight loss/obesity in children and adults/smoking risks/alcohol risks/fast foods/disease….

3 Miracle Ingredients You Need to Detox Your Skin

Ingredients To Look For When Buying The Best Foot Cream

Newspapers, magazines, television and even websites on the internet are filled with advertisements that promoted different kinds of products.

Each product claims to be the best at its specific function and claims to beat the competition. Unfortunately, we cannot always rely on information we see in an advertisement.

Companies who design advertisements tend to over exaggerate and may even make false claims sometimes. You might see an advertisement telling you that their product can help you lose five pounds in one week, but after buying the product and using it for a month, you still haven’t lost a single pound. When it comes to choosing the best foot cream, the situation is similar.

You might see a number of advertisements that claim their product can heal your feet, take away any cracks and make it smoother than it ever was before – after buying the product and using it, you could not see or feel any difference.

To buy an effective product, you should not rely on what advertisements say. Instead of listening to the many claims made by models and actors, or the catchphrases they use in magazines and on the internet, rather learn about ingredients that are effective and then look for a product that contains those ingredients.

Glycerin

Glycerin is probably the most popular ingredient used in foot creams. This substance is a natural by-product that is created during the process of soap-making. Glycerin is classified as a humectant. This means that, when applied to the skin, it will attract moisture to the skin.

It is also known as a good solvent, thus used in many beauty and skin care products as well – not just those that treat feet, but also hand creams, hand lotions and body moisturizers.

Tea Tree Oil

Different types of foot creams exist on the market and they all have their own unique benefits. One common problem a lot of people face is fungal infections on their feet.

Fungal infections can also appear on the nails. Treating these infections can help remove the color stains these infections create and give your feet a health boost.

If you suffer from toenail fungus or even infections on the skin of your feet, then you should look for a foot cream that contains tea tree oil.

Lavender Oil

Similar to tea tree oil, lavender oil is also classified as an essential oil. This specific essential oil has different benefits that tea tree oil. Lavender essential oil has the ability to improve blood circulation, to relieve muscle tension and pain, to disinfect the scalp and it may help to speed up wound healing.

These are only a few ingredients that you can look for when choosing a foot cream to use on your own feet. Other ingredients that may also be beneficial include olive oil, alpha hydroxyl acids, macadamia oils and other essential oils.

Companies will do anything to sell their product – in some cases, they even make false claims in order to get people to buy their products. No matter your feet’s skin condition, practicing a daily routine to care for your feet is essential.

We recommend looking for ingredients that are found in the best foot cream in order to benefit from the product without falling for false claims.

References:

http://pioneerthinking.com
https://www.footcreamreviews.com
http://www.goodhealthacademy.com

Ingredients To Look For When Buying The Best Foot Cream

11 Delicious Key Ingredients that Make The Mediterranean Diet So Nutritious

The Mediterranean diet represents the traditional foods that people used to eat in countries like Italy and Greece in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Studies have shown that the diet can be beneficial to cause weight loss and help prevent heart attacks, strokes, type 2 diabetes and premature death.

This article will discuss 11 amazing ingredients in the Mediterranean diet by focusing more on the traditional diet eaten during that period.

Olive Oil 

Olive oil dominates the varying dietary patterns that make up the overall Mediterranean diet. Olive oil, especially extra-virgin, is rich in tocopherols, carotenoids, and polyphenols, all of which provide it antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

One of the polyphenols, a major antioxidant known as hydroxytyrosol, has been shown by a study that it may prevent cancers by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells and inhibit cancer cell-division cycles. Oleuropein is another antioxidant/anti-inflammatory polyphenol that has been studied extensively.

Olive oil is the principal source of dietary fat, used for cooking and baking. Contrary to popular beliefs, high-quality extra-virgin olive oil has a high smoke point up to 410 degree Fahrenheit due to lower free fatty acid contents. Polyphenols in olive oil are said to act as natural preservatives that protect it from heat degradation.

Olive

Olive fruits, commonly known as olives, are universally eaten whole, and widely used for cooking and flavoring. The fruits, which the oil is derived from, are rich sources of fiber, carotenoids, and polyphenols. The last two phytochemicals exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Wheat

Wheat is the main grain eaten as a staple in the Mediterranean. Farro or emmer, an ancient wheat, is likely to be found accompanying dishes in many Mediterranean restaurants. Durum is another wheat variety famously used in an unrefined form in making pasta and bread. Its yellow color is due to beta carotene. Both farro/emmer wheat and durum offer high fiber, vitamin Bs, and antioxidant contents. They are good sources of proteins and mineral, including magnesium, zinc, and iron.

Wine

Antonia Trichopoulou, in a review article, states that alcohol consumption was common in the traditional Mediterranean diet, but generally in moderation and in the form of wine and, as a rule, during meals.

NOTE: Consider the following advice by Harvard School of Public Health on alcohol consumption, 

‘Moderate drinking can be healthy—but not for everyone. You must weigh the benefits and risks; For most moderate drinkers, alcohol has overall health benefits especially for middle-aged individuals; Non-drinkers, shouldn’t feel the need to start drinking to improve their health; Heavy drinkers, with their increased risk of cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, cirrhosis, and dependence should cut back or stop drinking altogether.’

Wild Greens

Greens are used to make tortes/tortas and savory pies, a staple dish, in Southern France, Italy, and Greece as well as other countries of the Mediterranean. On the Greek island of Ikaria alone there are more than 150 types of wild greens, some of which includes fennel, dandelion greens, rocket (arugula), cardoon, purslane, and chicory.

Dark leafy greens are rich in carotenoids, bioflavonoids, vitamins C and E, and minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and iron. Their nutritional composition may vary between species, varieties, and cultivars.

In North America, available edible wild greens include chicory, chickweed, dandelion greens, milk thistle, watercress, and purslane, among others.

Consuming a varied intake from different species over time is a great way to get an array of other nutrients and phytonutrients.

Capers

Capers, the unripened flower buds of Capparis spinosa var. dermis, prickly, perennial plants native to the Mediterranean and some parts of Asia, are generally used as a flavorful seasoning or garnish, and are an important ingredient in tapenade. Their use, mentioned as food in the Sumerian epic of Gilgamesh, dates back to more than 2000 B.C.

Antioxidant-rich capers have long been a favorite in the Mediterranean region. They impart a piquant sour and salty flavor to salads, sauces, dressings, vegetables and a variety of main dishes. Capers’s pungency and sharp flavor made it particularly common in Sicilian cooking and used in the Milanese sauce with anchovies.

Studies have exhibited that capers may have strong antioxidant activity and contained high levels of antioxidant compounds. A study has shown capers to contain several types of polyphenols which may be responsible for their antioxidant properties. The same study also found capers to contain high zinc and iron levels.

The authors conclude that capers appear to be a good source of antioxidants and minerals that might serve to protect the health and combat several diseases.

Chickpeas (Garbanzos)

Chickpeas, one of the earliest known cultivated legumes, are the key ingredient in hummus, a famous creamy sauce.  The soup consists of black and regular chickpeas, lentils, fava beans, and whole wheat is an important traditional dish in Puglia, Italy.

Chickpea flour is traditionally used to make a pancake or crêpe in Italy and France.

Chickpeas high proteins (15% Daily Value (DV)) and fiber contents (25% DV) help increase satiety. Glycemic index of chickpeas is 28, which falls into the range for low-glycemic index foods. They are good sources of iron, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, potassium, thiamine, folate, riboflavin and vitamin B-6.

Lemons

Lemons and oranges originate from the Far East, and Arabs brought them to the Mediterranean. A typical habit in the Mediterranean is to squeeze lemons on salads, soups, beans, fish, and into drinking water, which help lower the glycemic load of the entire meal.

The acidity and high flavonoid content of lemon peels found to be a mechanism of lemon beneficial impact on blood glucose that can help control or prevent diabetes.

Lemon bioflavonoids, limonoids, coumarins, vitamin C and citric acid contents exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Garlic

Garlic is an essential ingredient in many Mediterranean cuisines and it varies in it uses from province to province. Garlic contains approximately 33 sulfur compounds responsible for its pungent odor and most of its health benefits, which include anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.

Herbs

Herbs and spices are widely used in the Mediterranean cuisine. Herbs are sources of high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, especially polyphenols. They have been found to contribute significant flavonols and flavones in levels via overall dietary intake of the traditional Greek cuisine.

Feta and Yogurt

Traditional feta is a white salty Greek cheese made from the milk of ewes or goats. The Turks are believed to have first introduced yogurt, which was more commonly used in the old Ottoman Empire (eastern Mediterranean).

Both feta and yogurt are fermented, provides additional proteins, make them good additions to the Mediterranean diet that’s largely plant-based.

Studies have shown probiotics play significant roles in not only taking care of your gut microbiota diversity but also have a positive influence on the immune system and the brain.

Take Home Message

The Mediterranean diet offers a flavorful template of healthful plant-based meals to your daily diet. If you’re not local to the Mediterranean you could try to adjust your diets to the principles of the traditional Mediterranean diet.

As for the types and nutritional values of foods are concerned, you can always acquire new and dynamic knowledge readily available 24/7 by reading great articles on the net written by dietetics or nutrition experts.

11 Delicious Key Ingredients that Make The Mediterranean Diet So Nutritious

Herbal supplements" illegal ingredients pose health risk, experts warn

Many herbal supplements, including for obesity and erectile dysfunction, contain hidden unlicensed pharmaceutical ingredients that could endanger people’s health, experts have warned.

The research team, from Queen’s University Belfast, Kingston University in London and the life sciences testing company LGC, concluded that not only do such supplements often make unverified claims as to their benefits but some have illegal ingredients which could pose a threat – potentially causing low blood pressure or an increased risk of heart attacks.

The substances are unlicensed medicines as they are appearing in products classified as food supplements. Among the most common substances identified was sibutramine, according to the study, published in the Journal of the Association of Public Analysts.

Sibutramine was licensed as the medicine Reductil until 2010, when it was withdrawn across Europe and the US due to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes associated with the use of the drug.

Tadalafil and sulfoaildenafil were among the most frequently undeclared ingredients in products for erectile dysfunction. When taken with other medicines containing nitrates, they can lower blood pressure drastically and cause serious health problems.

Emeritus professor Duncan Burns, from Queen’s University’s Institute for Global Food Security, said: “We have found that these supplements are often not what customers think they are – they are being deceived into thinking they are getting health benefits from a natural product when actually they are taking a hidden drug.

“These products are unlicensed medicines and many people are consuming large quantities without knowing the interactions with other supplements or medicines they may be taking. This is very dangerous and there can be severe side effects.”

The research team analysed adverse findings recorded by the European Union’s rapid alert system for food and feed (RASFF) between 2009 and 2016 inclusive. The database is designed to inform member states who can then take appropriate action locally. Consumers can access the database but, unlike authorities in member states, they often cannot see the product names.

The experts believe the pharmaceutical ingredients are sometimes added accidentally but on other occasions deliberately in an attempt to enhance products.

They identified 63 instances of food supplements containing sibutramine between 2009 and 2016, including 47 after 2010, when Reductil was withdrawn. There were 29 instances of tadalafil being found in food supplements in the eight-year period examined and 68 of sulfoaildenafil and chemical substances similar to it.

People suffering from conditions such as diabetes and hypertension are frequently prescribed nitrate-containing medicines. Erectile dysfunction is often associated with these conditions, raising the prospect that patients may be tempted to try herbal supplements, which they do not know contain tadalafil or sulfoaildenafil, which can interact negatively with the nitrates.

Burns said: “People who take these products will not be aware they have taken these substances and so when they visit the doctor they may not declare this and it can be difficult to determine what is causing the side effects. It is a very dangerous situation.”

Another common substance was yohimbine, found in 30 supplements, which has been said to have aphrodisiac-like effects but has been known to increase blood pressure and induce anxiety.

Burns said the RASFF list was unlikely to be comprehensive “unless they went to every health food shop and every herbalist in the country”.

He advised consumers: “Be cautious about supplements you buy and use reputable websites. Discuss any concerns with your GP and always tell them what you’re taking.”

Herbal supplements" illegal ingredients pose health risk, experts warn

5 Food Ingredients That Damage Your Brain

5 Food Ingredients That Damage Your Brain

6 Best Ingredients For Healthy Smoothies

When choosing ingredients for a smoothie, you have to consider what each ingredient brings to the table. There are some ingredients which simply do more for your body than others, and it should be considered during preparation. Just remember to choose organic options of the ingredients below to reduce the number of pesticides on the food you consume.

Greek Yogurt – The great thing about Greek yogurt is that it contains calcium and protein, both of which are important in a smoothie especially if it is going to take the place of a meal. It contains other important things like vitamin B12, which gives you energy and increases brain function, not to mention the probiotics in the Greek yogurt are good for your digestive system. Plus, the thicker, creamier texture makes it more enjoyable to some people compared to regular yogurt. Additionally, Greek yogurt is low in sodium and high in calcium, which needs to be balanced out in a healthy diet.

Kale – Packed full of vitamins and nutrients as well as antioxidants, kale is one vegetable that adds a whole lot of good stuff to a smoothie with a very low calorie count, which is only about 33 calories per serving and it is an excellent source of vitamin C. Kale is also a great choice if you are trying to lose weight. Even though it is low in calories, it does have a higher water content which should help you to feel full longer. Kale is a super healthy and earthy food to add to your smoothie instead of sticking with just fruits.

Avocado – In addition to making tasty guacamole, you can use this nutty flavored ingredient to add some healthy fat to your smoothie. Research suggests that the avocado’s anti-inflammatory properties help lower incidences of heart disease and liver damage. And when eaten with other raw foods, studies show that it helps your body absorb other nutrients and flavonoids that protect the body against free radical damage. One study also found that avocados may even help reduce cholesterol levels.

Cranberry Juice – A good smoothie typically needs a juice base, and cranberry juice is a great place to start. It also brings an interesting, flavorful spin to any smoothie. A chemical compound of cranberry juice also prevents the growth of the bacteria which are known to cause cavities and other tooth decay. Cranberry juice is also a guard against things like sore throats and colds and can help to prevent kidney stones.

Blueberries – Like Kale, blueberries are also high in nutrition while low in calories. In addition to the antioxidants and vitamins, they also contain a reasonable amount of fiber, and an entire cup contains only 15 carbohydrates. Blueberries are also known to protect against things like high blood pressure, heart disease and certain types of cancer. Compared to other fruits blueberries are moderate in sugar and have been found to improve insulin sensitivity and low blood sugar levels, so they are helpful in preventing diabetes.

Flaxseed – Studies have shown that flaxseed is a great choice if you are trying to lose weight because it is full of fiber and healthy fats, so it works to make you feel full for longer, curbing appetite along the way. Along with vitamins and other nutrients flaxseed is also known to contain omega 3 which is all around beneficial to physical health and is also considered to be a “brain food.” Certain properties of flaxseed are thought to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, and it can even help with menstruation in women to achieve and maintain cycle regularity.

Sources:

6 Best Ingredients For Healthy Smoothies

8 Worst Toxic Food Ingredients To Avoid

8 Worst Toxic Food Ingredients To Avoid

4 Ingredients Tea- Suppress Pain Caused By Inflammation, Prevent Type-2 Diabetes & Fight Day-to-Day Illnesses

Turmeric is a herbaceous perennial plant in the ginger family. It has been around for thousands of years and known as the “king of spice.”

Turmeric tea is a natural medicine with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help improve our day to day illness. Make a turmeric tea is one of the easiest ways to consume turmeric.

Turmeric Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

-1/3 cup / 80 ml good, raw honey
-2 1/2 teaspoons dried turmeric
-Lemon
-Freshly ground black pepper

Ground pepper makes the turmeric compelling. Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric, and black pepper allows our bodies to absorb it more efficiently.

Directions:

Mix turmeric into the honey until it forms a paste.
You can store this mixture in a jar and keep it on hand whenever you want to make a mug of this tea.
For each cup of tea, place a heaping teaspoon of the turmeric paste in the bottom of a mug.
Pour hot water into the mug but make sure it isn’t boiling.
Stir well to dissolve the turmeric paste.
Squeeze juice from a lemon, and black pepper.
Stir again to incorporate everything and drink right away.

Turmeric Extract Prevents Type 2 Diabetes

Turmeric has an effect on blood sugar and insulin, it lower blood glucose levels and reverse insulin resistance. It has been found that turmeric extract was 100% successful at preventing prediabetic patients from becoming diabetic over the course of a 9-month intervention. Another study found that its blood sugar-lowering abilities are much stronger than a common antidiabetic drug.

Fights Inflammation

The powerful anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities of turmeric have made its a precious gift of nature! It found that curcumin is the most potent anti-inflammatory compared to aspirin and ibuprofen, the most prescribe painkiller worldwide.

Other Health Benefits of Turmeric Tea

-Detoxifies the body and liver
-Eases symptoms of coughs and colds
-Improves skin complexion
-Reduces bad cholesterol
-Boosts immunity by enhancing liver function and protects liver tissue
-Cleanses and purifies the blood

Sources:

–http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/turmeric-for-diabetes.html?t=HHL

–http://theonlinegrill.com/turmeric-tea-benefits/

–http://draxe.com/turmeric-health-benefits/

Read:

4 Ingredients Tea- Suppress Pain Caused By Inflammation, Prevent Type-2 Diabetes & Fight Day-to-Day Illnesses

How This Basic 5 Ingredients Remedy Pass The kidney Stones?

How This Basic 5 Ingredients Remedy Pass The kidney Stones?