Astragalus Root: Beneficial For Both Health & Beauty

Ever since the ancient of times, the Astragalus root has been used in countries such as China, Japan, and Korea, to strengthen the chi and ensure a better state of health. Today, the astragalus root is used all over the world, being appreciated for the benefits that it has to offer, not only for one’s health but also when it comes to beauty. The root is known to ensure beautiful skin, keeping the signs of aging at a safe distance. At the same time, it stimulates the proper functioning of the immune system, and it builds stamina, helping those who suffer from immune deficiency conditions.

Astragalus root, a solution for those who suffer from arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammatory condition, characterized by some discomforting symptoms, such as pain, stiffness, and inflammation. According to an article published in 2003, in the Alternative Medicine Review, astragalus root can be used to stimulate the immune system. This is because it contains polysaccharides, which work to heal the body and improve the symptoms associated with immune-deficiency conditions, such as the different types of arthritis.

Beauty benefits – astragalus root, an excellent weapon against the aging process

From a certain age, it becomes difficult to hide the signs of aging, no matter how many cosmetic products we may use. You might not be aware of this, but Astragalus root is an excellent weapon against the aging process, helping you make both neck and chest wrinkles less visible. An article published on the subject of astragalus, in Natural Herbal Living, cites a study undertaken by researchers in China. It seems that these researchers discovered astragalus root to be rich in flavonoids, which are antioxidants. These are known to reduce inflammation within the body, including at the level of the skin, thus improving its overall appearance.

The benefits of the astragalus root about beauty and aging have been confirmed in another study as well. The study was undertaken in 2013 and published in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, concerning the natural weapons and strategies for the skin aging. The astragalus root was presented as a popular Chinese herb, well-known for its beneficial properties. According to the study, the root could be used to stimulate the natural production of hyaluronic acid at the level of the skin. This is rather important, as the deficit of hyaluronic acid is one of the main reasons, for which the signs of aging become visible, even from an early age.

An amazing solution to cancer

For many years now, scientists have been trying to discover cancer treatments that work. According to a study undertaken in 2016 and published in the Scholars Research Library, astragalus root presents anti-carcinoma properties. Interestingly enough, the study revealed that not only the root but also the leaves and the stems of the plant have anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties. Among the types of cancers that could be treated with this natural remedy, there are breast, ovarian, colon, gastric, cervical, stomach, colorectal, liver, lung and nasopharyngeal. The astragalus root was confirmed to present highly-efficient anti-carcinoma effects.

Diabetes patients can benefit from the astragalus root

According to a study undertaken in 2013 and published in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, astragalus root could be efficiently used in patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. The natural root is already part of many Chinese herbal formulas recommended for patients who suffer from this chronic condition. The high content in immune-modulating polysaccharides confirmed that this natural remedy could be more than beneficial for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Pancreatic cells are protected, as the astragalus root has anti-inflammatory properties and blood sugar levels are kept at constant levels. However, further research is still necessary, to determine the exact way, in which the astragalus root could be turned into such a treatment for diabetic patients.

The astragalus root can increase the level of circulating testosterone

Low levels of circulating testosterone have been associated with a wide range of health problems in men, with infertility standing at the top of the list. According to a study undertaken in 2014 and published in Plant Biochemistry & Physiology, the astragalus root is one of the natural herbal remedies, which could be turned into a supplement and administered for the increase in circulating testosterone levels. However, the authors of the study drew attention to the fact that further research is necessary, as there are no additional studies to currently confirm such properties.

Other benefits of the astragalus root

According to an article published online by the University of Maryland, Medical Center, the astragalus root has a wide range of other benefits. It can reduce the level of stress within the body, thus keeping some medical conditions at a safe distance. Moreover, it can be safely administered in patients diagnosed with anemia, heart disease and liver disease (hepatitis). It is recommended as a natural remedy for the commonhold, it can help patients to recover from cancer treatments (chemotherapy), and it can also be useful when it comes to dealing with seasonal allergies.

Final words

As you have probably understood by now, the astragalus root is one of the most versatile herbs out there, having a great number of benefits to offer, for both health and beauty. It is especially recommended to patients who suffer from immune-deficiency conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Moreover, it can keep the signs of aging at a safe distance, and it can ensure an excellent state of health.

Astragalus Root: Beneficial For Both Health & Beauty

Astragalus Root: Beneficial For Both Health & Beauty

Ever since the ancient of times, the Astragalus root has been used in countries such as China, Japan, and Korea, to strengthen the chi and ensure a better state of health. Today, the astragalus root is used all over the world, being appreciated for the benefits that it has to offer, not only for one’s health but also when it comes to beauty. The root is known to ensure beautiful skin, keeping the signs of aging at a safe distance. At the same time, it stimulates the proper functioning of the immune system, and it builds stamina, helping those who suffer from immune deficiency conditions.

Astragalus root, a solution for those who suffer from arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammatory condition, characterized by some discomforting symptoms, such as pain, stiffness, and inflammation. According to an article published in 2003, in the Alternative Medicine Review, astragalus root can be used to stimulate the immune system. This is because it contains polysaccharides, which work to heal the body and improve the symptoms associated with immune-deficiency conditions, such as the different types of arthritis.

Beauty benefits – astragalus root, an excellent weapon against the aging process

From a certain age, it becomes difficult to hide the signs of aging, no matter how many cosmetic products we may use. You might not be aware of this, but Astragalus root is an excellent weapon against the aging process, helping you make both neck and chest wrinkles less visible. An article published on the subject of astragalus, in Natural Herbal Living, cites a study undertaken by researchers in China. It seems that these researchers discovered astragalus root to be rich in flavonoids, which are antioxidants. These are known to reduce inflammation within the body, including at the level of the skin, thus improving its overall appearance.

The benefits of the astragalus root about beauty and aging have been confirmed in another study as well. The study was undertaken in 2013 and published in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, concerning the natural weapons and strategies for the skin aging. The astragalus root was presented as a popular Chinese herb, well-known for its beneficial properties. According to the study, the root could be used to stimulate the natural production of hyaluronic acid at the level of the skin. This is rather important, as the deficit of hyaluronic acid is one of the main reasons, for which the signs of aging become visible, even from an early age.

An amazing solution to cancer

For many years now, scientists have been trying to discover cancer treatments that work. According to a study undertaken in 2016 and published in the Scholars Research Library, astragalus root presents anti-carcinoma properties. Interestingly enough, the study revealed that not only the root but also the leaves and the stems of the plant have anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties. Among the types of cancers that could be treated with this natural remedy, there are breast, ovarian, colon, gastric, cervical, stomach, colorectal, liver, lung and nasopharyngeal. The astragalus root was confirmed to present highly-efficient anti-carcinoma effects.

Diabetes patients can benefit from the astragalus root

According to a study undertaken in 2013 and published in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, astragalus root could be efficiently used in patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. The natural root is already part of many Chinese herbal formulas recommended for patients who suffer from this chronic condition. The high content in immune-modulating polysaccharides confirmed that this natural remedy could be more than beneficial for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Pancreatic cells are protected, as the astragalus root has anti-inflammatory properties and blood sugar levels are kept at constant levels. However, further research is still necessary, to determine the exact way, in which the astragalus root could be turned into such a treatment for diabetic patients.

The astragalus root can increase the level of circulating testosterone

Low levels of circulating testosterone have been associated with a wide range of health problems in men, with infertility standing at the top of the list. According to a study undertaken in 2014 and published in Plant Biochemistry & Physiology, the astragalus root is one of the natural herbal remedies, which could be turned into a supplement and administered for the increase in circulating testosterone levels. However, the authors of the study drew attention to the fact that further research is necessary, as there are no additional studies to currently confirm such properties.

Other benefits of the astragalus root

According to an article published online by the University of Maryland, Medical Center, the astragalus root has a wide range of other benefits. It can reduce the level of stress within the body, thus keeping some medical conditions at a safe distance. Moreover, it can be safely administered in patients diagnosed with anemia, heart disease and liver disease (hepatitis). It is recommended as a natural remedy for the commonhold, it can help patients to recover from cancer treatments (chemotherapy), and it can also be useful when it comes to dealing with seasonal allergies.

Final words

As you have probably understood by now, the astragalus root is one of the most versatile herbs out there, having a great number of benefits to offer, for both health and beauty. It is especially recommended to patients who suffer from immune-deficiency conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Moreover, it can keep the signs of aging at a safe distance, and it can ensure an excellent state of health.

Astragalus Root: Beneficial For Both Health & Beauty

Phytic Acid – Anti-nutrient or Beneficial?

Phytic acid, also known as inositol-6-phosphate or phytate in its salt form, is a unique chemical compound found naturally in many plant foods that include grains, seeds, legumes/beans, and nuts. It is also found in small amounts in roots and tubers.

It is thought by some people as an “anti-nutrient” because it prevents your body from absorbing minerals from your guts. It does that by binding to minerals, because of which makes mineral such as zinc, iron, and calcium less available to your body.

Some people especially those on the Paleo diet stay away from foods containing it for it supposed “anti-nutrient” properties.

Misconception

It’s a misconception to think that if you eat a phytic acid containing food in a particular day would subsequently make minerals from any type of mineral-rich foods you eat afterward would become less available.

The effect of phytic acid in preventing mineral absorptions only applies to a single meal, whether you eat a phytic acid containing food or eat other foods together with it, not overall nutrient absorption throughout the day.

Suppose you drink a glass of soy milk between meals. The impairment of the amount of iron, calcium, and zinc from the soy milk absorbed by your body only occurs during that particular food intake. It won’t affect the meal you eat a few hours later.

However, if you eat phytic acid-rich foods with most of your meals, mineral deficiencies may develop sooner or later.

Too Much Soy Food

I have heard a story of a woman who has died of breast cancer which is believed to be caused by her indiscriminate intakes of soy foods for many years. Soy contains isoflavones, particularly genistein and daidzein which act as anticancer.

However, indulge yourself with lots of soy products over time especially those lacking phytic acid-reducing preparations pose you not only to zinc deficiency (a vital mineral in promoting better immune system functions) but also to be lacking in many vital nutrients which are found in other foods you deprived of.

That said, if you eat well-balanced diets especially by eating mineral-rich foods and using Himalayan crystal salt in cooking, you shouldn’t worry about the possibility to experience mineral deficiencies.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Antioxidant

Phytic acid was found to bind to iron resulting in blocking iron-driven hydroxyl radical generation and suppresses lipid peroxidation. In other words, it acts as an antioxidant that can prevent oxidative damage.

Anti-inflammatory

Its antioxidant properties contribute to the prevention of inflammation in your body.

Prevent Kidney Stones

“In vitro” and “in vivo” studies, as well as clinical studies clearly demonstrated that phytic acid may play an important role in inhibiting calcium salt crystallization.

Lowers Cholesterol

It has been suggested that consuming phytate-rich foods may help reduce serum and hepatic lipid (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hepatic triacylglycerol, and total cholesterol) levels.

Anti-diabetic

Based on a study performed in mice, phytic acid-rich foods may possibly be used to reduce blood glucose levels in diabetics.

Anticancer

Studies have shown phytic acid may be protective against cancer.

The most striking effect of phytic acid has been documented in cancer prevention by controlling tumor growth, progression, and metastasis. Its anti-cancer actions involve boosting immunity, antioxidant properties, reducing cell proliferation and inducing differentiation of malignant cells.

Colon Cancer

Dietary phytic acid has a strong iron ion-chelating ability, which possibly suppresses iron ion-induced oxidative damage in the gastrointestinal tract. Scientists have even suggested that phytic acid actions possibly part of the mechanism whole grains may cut the risk of colon cancer.

Ovarian, Breast, and Liver Cancers

Phytic acid antioxidant activities have been suggested as possible mechanisms in preventing ovarian, breast, and liver cancers.

Pancreatic cancer

A study has demonstrated that treatment of pancreatic cancer cells with phytic acid significantly decreased cellular growth and increased apoptosis.

How to Optimize Mineral Absorption

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is said can counteract the phytic acid load of a meal. Add more vegetables and fruits containing vitamin C to your phytic acid-rich diet may help. Adding lemon/lime juice to veggie and fruit salads may also help.

Animal Protein

Animal protein intakes may help promote better absorptions of iron, zinc, and copper. Therefore, adding small amounts of animal protein to your phytic acid-rich diets may help increase the absorption of these minerals in the body. Note: dairy/casein, however, seems to prevent iron and zinc absorption.

Gut health

Balancing the level of beneficial bacteria in the GI tract, for instance, by taking probiotics or fermented foods such as kimchi may help promote better mineral absorptions.

Phytic Acid – Anti-nutrient or Beneficial?

Vitamin D is not just beneficial, it’s a necessity | Letter

Great to see vitamin D on your front page at last (Vitamin D ‘proved to cut risk of colds and flu’, 16 February). Those of us in the British Society for Ecological Medicine, a group of doctors who take the nutritional aspects of our patients’ treatment very seriously, have been banging on about the benefits, and indeed the necessity, of vitamin D for decades. Indeed, the society’s president, Dr Damien Downing, published a book about it back in 1988 entitled Day Light Robbery – The Importance of Sunlight to Health.

I would just like to add two points: first, vitamin D is vital not only to the health of the immune system, thereby in fact reducing the likelihood of cancer as well as of infections, it is also essential for mental health. In young people with depression and in older people with onset of dementia, we find desperately low levels of vitamin D. Vegans are particularly at risk, because in the British climate they have virtually no source of vitamin D at all.

Second, with regard to the proposal to add vitamin D to our food: it is crucial that this be the real thing, vitamin D3, cholecalciferol. Too often, what is added to foods and cheap multivitamins is vitamin D2, ergocalciferol, which is synthetic and far less useful.

Thank you again for publicising this excellent research.
Dr Jenny Goodman
Barnet, Hertfordshire

• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com

• Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters

Vitamin D is not just beneficial, it’s a necessity | Letter

A proof of idea for an HIV cure exists. Now even our setbacks are beneficial | Françoise Barré-Sinoussi and Sharon Lewin

It was a sad and disappointing turn of events: the kid known as the Mississippi child, in remission of HIV infection for much more than two many years right after discontinuation of antiretroviral treatment (Art), now has clear evidence of HIV rebound. The announcement will undoubtedly be viewed by some as a setback in the renewed quest for an HIV cure.

It doesn’t want to be. We require to take the highs and lows in our stride. We have a proof of idea that a cure for HIV is attainable in the Berlin Patient, Timothy Brown, who acquired a bone marrow transplant and remains virus free off therapy for more than six years.

We also have the situation of the French Visconti cohort, now comprising twenty HIV-positive men and women who have been taken care of very early with HIV medication, but then stopped treatment. Right after virtually ten many years off therapy, they are keeping the virus under tight manage.

Only one person, who is now in remission for a non Aids-connected cancer, reinitiated Artwork despite his HIV infection even now currently being controlled at the time that he obtained anti-cancer therapy.

The lows – if the Mississippi infant case can be called a reduced – provide main insights into the scientific problems that lie ahead for the researchers, scientists and others gathering at the Aids 2014 symposium in Melbourne this week.

Comparable to the Mississippi infant, the Boston patients – two guys who received bone marrow transplants that appeared to rid them fully of HIV – also relapsed, and are now back on antiretroviral treatment.

What has been most encouraging for all three sufferers was that the time the virus stayed beneath management off remedy, or in remission, was drastically longer than what we have ever witnessed before. The Boston patients were virus-free of charge for 12 and 32 weeks, and the Mississippi infant virus-totally free for a impressive 27 months.

Nevertheless, as we have discovered above the past 3 decades, HIV has many tricks up its sleeve.

An minute sum of virus – which none of our present exams are even shut to detecting – was capable to persist in these 3 patients and reappear at any time, with absolutely no warning.

The Mississippi baby, and the Boston sufferers, tell us that to attain extended phrase HIV remission we will likely need to have to tackle the difficulty on multiple fronts – lowering as much as attainable the quantity of extended-lived, latently contaminated cells existing in the entire body, as effectively as bolstering the host defence. 1 can not be carried out without the other.

We have usually known that the search for an HIV remedy wasn’t going to be easy. We have to be optimistic, and hope that situations like the Mississippi infant will demonstrate to be one more piece in the jigsaw puzzle that is an HIV remedy.

To attain this objective will need substantial academic collaboration as nicely as public-private partnerships that can drive innovative and effectively-funded strategic research over the prolonged term.

We have to proceed the search for an HIV remedy. We owe it to the 35m men and women living with HIV.

A proof of idea for an HIV cure exists. Now even our setbacks are beneficial | Françoise Barré-Sinoussi and Sharon Lewin