Ginko is considered the memory herb for its powerful brain boosting benefits.

The Ginkgo Biloba trees , one of the oldest trees in the world, are native to China but are now cultivated in plantations around the world for their remarkable health benefits.   These trees reach up to 40 meters in height and have characteristic greenish-yellow fan-shaped leaves.  These trees have remarkable adaptive and stress enduring qualities and have been noted to live over 1000 years of age.

Gingko Has Profound Adaptive Abilities

It is reported that the only trees that survived the Hiroshima nuclear blast were ginkgo trees.  This is an example of the profound strength and endurance these trees have against even the harshest of environmental stressors.  These same qualities of strength and endurance are passed on to the leaves and the extracts and then into the people who are consuming these botanicals.

The most powerful components of Ginkgo leaves are the flavonoid glycosides myricetin and quercetin.  They also contain terpenoid anti-oxidants ginkgolides and bilobalides.  Flavonoids are plant-based anti-oxidants that protect the cardiovascular system, neurons, and retina.  Terpenoids enhance blood flow by dilating the blood vessels and reducing platelet aggregation.

Gingko Improves Neurotransmitter Function

These molecules are shown to be non-discriminative monoamine oxidase inhibitors that maintain optimal levels of major neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in regions of the brain.  This is a similar mechanism as common pharmaceuticals that are used to treat depression and bipolar disorders.

These anti-oxidant flavonoids are also highly neuroprotective from the dangers of oxidative stress.  Prolonged oxidative stress in particular regions of the brain is the leading factor in the development of neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s Disease.  This anti-oxidant protection also boosts memory, mood, and creative thinking.

Gingko is The Memory Herb

Several different studies have showed that ginkgo can improve memory and attention span in healthy individuals with peak performance coming about 2 hours after ingestion.  Ginkgo also improves vision and overall eye health as it prevents against macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts.

The ginkgolides are potent antagonists against platelet activating factors and are very useful in protecting against thrombus, endotoxic shock, intermittent claudication and myocardial ischemia.  Ginko has been shown to improve blood flow into all regions of the body which is particularly useful for sexual dysfunction in women and erectile dysfunction in men.

Gingko Is Approved By The World Health Organization

The World Health Organization has reported that gingko can benefit individuals suffering from cerebrovascular insufficiency which may be experienced as poor concentration, memory problems, and headaches.  They also endorse its use for peripheral arterial occlusive diseases which include claudication or painful walking, Raynaud’s disease, and diabetes.  It has also shown to benefit individuals with vertigo and dizziness.

Optimal dosage of ginkgo appears to be between 120-600 mg per day.  Very high doses may cause side effects such as nausea, dizziness, headaches, rapid heartbeat, and allergic reactions.   Be sure to always get organic gingko from the highest quality sources.

Sources For This Article Include:

• http://www.kew.org/plants-fungi/Ginkgo-biloba.htm
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginkgo_biloba
• http://www.naturalnews.com/038299_Ginkgo_biloba_Alzheimers_brain_function.html
• http://www.newsmax.com/FastFeatures/Health-benefits-of-ginkgo/2010/11/10/id/371447

Colostrum is the thin fluid produced by breast feeding mothers of the mammalian species.  It is produced in abundance during the very first few milkings. With each milking less is produced.  Colostrum introduces immunoglobins from the mother to the infant and turns on the child’s immune system.  Colostrum has incredible immune balancing benefits.

Colostrum contains a rich array of nutrients including growth factors, lipidic and glucidic factors, oligosaccharides, antimicrobials, cytokines and nucleosides.  This substance introduces the newborn to more than 95 different compounds that balance and stabilize the immune system.  It also brings in eight growth factors that promote normal cell growth, DNA synthesis, fat utilization, and increased mental acuity.

Bovine colostrum has an identical structure to the natural colostrum produced by humans.  Research has attributed many health benefits to bovine colostrum.  These benefits include improved gut stability and nutrient absorption.  Colostrum also provides immunological balance, increases energy, and reduces inflammation and illness.

Colostrum and Gut Health

The gut is responsible for nutrient absorption, detoxification, and immunological balance.  Researchers believe the microbial balance in the gut plays a role in roughly 70% of our immunological control.  The major player here is a special immunoglobin protein called secretory IgA (sIgA).

Individuals with chronic gut problems, IBS, Candida, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and austism typically have low SIgA.  This is a sign of chronic stress in the body that has drained the immune system and the adrenals. Chronic infections, environmental toxins, and poor lifestyle could all be the major causes behind this.

Colostrum is the most prolific substance for boosting sIgA levels in the gut. It provides a balancing effect on the immune system by reducing inflammatory cytokines and reducing pathogenic species in the gut. Colostrum also helps provide raw materials to help repair a damaged gut lining.  The intestinal membrane replaces cells every three days and colostrum supplementation can help heal intestinal problems such as leaky gut syndrome and other permeability issues.

Colostrum and The Immune System

Colostrum provides over one hundred times the amount of immunoglobins as regular milk. Colostrum is also rich in transfer factors that educate and modulate the immune system and successfully teach it to recognize specific antigens. These transfer factors also help coordinate the immune system to be able to recognize the difference between normal tissue and pathological microbes or abnormal tissue growth. These important transfer factors include hydrogen peroxide and IgG immunoglobins.

The transfer factors from colostrum are able to boost natural killer cell (NK) activity and calm a hyperactive immune system through activating T suppressor cells. This improves the intelligence of the immune system and allows it to function with greater efficiency.  These transfer factors also act as a catalytic memory agent for the immune system to alert naïve immune cells of an impending danger.

These colostrum based IgG immunoglobins can literally save someone’s life who is suffering from acquired immune-deficiency syndrome (AIDS).  In this condition, the individual is not able to effectively produce sufficient IgG on its own to combat pathogenic microbes like cryptosporidium parvum.  According to the Health Science Institute’s Underground Cures, “colostrum is able to ameliorate or completely eliminate the clinical symptoms of those suffering from cryptosporidiosis.”

Getting Clean Sources of Colostrum

The best form of colostrum is from raw, grass-fed milk cows. You can get this from a local farmer or order it online from several different sources. It is important to get colostrum in a minimally processed organic form that is free of chemicals and high heat pasteurization. Be sure to get it in powdered or capsule form for best quality.

Colostrum is important to take on an empty stomach in water so it gets into the digestive system with minimal interruption of saliva and stomach acids.  There are no major side effects of colostrum supplementation, but some individuals have experienced major pathogenic die-off symptoms when using large dosages. A good starter dosage would be 250 mg .  See how you tolerate that.  You can easily work your way up with 250 mg increments till you get to 1-2 grams daily.   Experiment with different dosages until you find the right spot for you.

Sources For This Article Include:

• http://www.naturalnews.com/022851_Colostrum_studies_health.html
• http://oforganicminds.com/super-food-review-colostrum-benefits/
• http://www.naturalnews.com/009912_Colostrum_immune_system.html

Pesto is that dish.   It’s simple, yet complex.  It’s cheap, but healthy.  And most of all, it’s your comforting friend on a quiet night that easily doubles as a crowd pleaser when unexpected guests turn up.

This is a “throw-together” pesto recipe that’s bursting with nutrients, including Spirulina; the most concentrated protein source on the planet.  Spirulina adds a level of richness to the pesto and has numerous health benefits, keeping you fuller for longer, regulating energy levels, normalizing thyroid and adrenal gland function, and supporting healthy hormones.

Serve it drizzled over veggies or meat or simply stirred through cooked quinoa or pasta.

Ingredients

• 100 grams of basil (1/4 pound)
• 50 grams of baby spinach/rocket/kale (1/8 pound)
• 50 grams of raw pine nuts
• 4 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 teaspoon of Himalayan salt
• 1 garlic clove, chopped finely (or more for a little extra zing)
• 1 teaspoon of spirulina powder

 Instructions:

1. Put basil leaves, spinach/rocket/kale, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, nuts and salt in a blender and blitz until smooth
2. Stir in spirulina
3. Store in a glass jar in the fridge

Our ancient ancestors’ utilized fermentation as a means of food preservation , creating probiotic enriched foods that were eaten on a regular basis. Many ancient medicine men and physicians began utilizing fermented foods to treat certain ailments. These probiotic enriched foods are one of the most important attributes of a healthy diet and lifestyle.

In the early 20^th century, Nobel Prize winning scientist Ilya Ilyich Mechinikov attributed the remarkable health of a group of Bulgarian people to their daily consumption of probiotic enriched foods. He named the unique bacterial species that made up much of their fermented products Lactobacillus bulgaricus. He theorized that probiotic bacteria could have a much greater impact on human health than the much feared pathogenic strains of bacteria.

Every culture around the world has their own unique fermented foods. The Europeans use cabbage, beets, and cucumbers to make foods like sauerkraut, kvass, and pickles. The Koreans make a spiced, fermented cabbage they call kimchi. Asians ferment soy to form products such as tempeh, miso, and natto. They also created a fermented drink known as Kombucha. Many different cultures also made their own fermented sourdough style breads.

Traditional Fermented Foods

Sauerkraut is made by fermenting cabbage, oftentimes in vinegar. Raw cabbage naturally contains probiotics and enzymes that are exponentially multiplied during the fermentation period. Fresh (not canned) sauerkraut is a fantastic source of living enzymes and active lactobacillus and pediococcus strains of probiotics.

Kimchii is most commonly made with Chinese cabbages. There are also other variations of kimchii using cucumbers, eggplants, leeks, radishes, and other seasonal veggies. Often these are prepared with a combination of fermented veggies, giving it among other things, unique antioxidants, live enzymes, and the special organism lactobacillus kimchii.

Fermented soy comes in three major forms: miso, tempeh, and natto. Miso and tempeh often incorporate brown rice and barley fermentation with two unique probiotic yeast species. These yeasts enhance the bioavailability of the amino acids and produce high amounts of B vitamins. The bacillus subtilis bacterium is used to produce natto, which is rich in proteolytic enzymes and vitamin K2.

Fermented Dairy as a Staple of a Healthy Diet

Almost every region has their own fermented raw dairy products. The Bulgarians eat yogurt, the Indians eat Lassi, the Africans have Amasi, and the Eastern Russia/Slovakia areas have kefir, to name a few. Each of these dairy products are fermented with lactic acid based bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, and Leuconostoc, among others.

These raw, fermented dairy products share many of the same bacterial strains. In particular, they share the lactic acid based lactobacillus family of bulgaricus, kefir, parakefir, brevis, casei, etc. Raw, fermented dairy also provides a variety of healthy yeast saccharomyces species. These include saccharomyces unisporus, turicensis, cerevisiae, and exiguous.  Finally, these dairy products contain one of the most potent probiotic strains, bacillus coagulans. The combination of these probiotic organisms’ works in synergy to repair and protect the gut and destroy even the harshest of opportunistic organisms, such as the Candida yeast species.

Many individuals struggle to digest the milk sugar lactose and the protein casein. Fermented raw milk products such as those listed above have not only metabolized lactose but provide large doses of the enzyme lactase to assist in digestion. Most individuals who are naturally lactose intolerant do very well with fermented raw milk products.

Milk coming from cows that produce Beta Casein A1 can be problematic even after undergoing fermentation. It is best to purchase fermented, raw dairy from 100% green-fed animals that are completely free of Beta Casein A1. These acceptable animals would include goats and cows that have been selectively bread to no longer produce Beta Casein A1.

Further Reading:

• How to Kill Candida and Balance Your Inner Ecosystem

Sources:

• http://www.probiotics-help.com/probiotic-foods.html
• http://theconsciouslife.com/top-probiotic-foods.htm
• http://www.naturalnews.com/027763_friendly_bacteria_probiotics.html

Green tea is a common Asian drink that has picked up popularity throughout North America.  Many are choosing green tea as a healthy alternative to coffee and other warm drinks.  Research has shown that green tea is rich in polyphenol anti-oxidants that have extraordinary health benefits.

Green, black, and oolong tea are all part of the same species called Camellia sinensis.  Local growing conditions create variability and a multitude of distinctive leaves.  The processing of the leaves plays the biggest role in the creation of the three types of teas.  The length of time they are processed dictates the color, taste, and nutrient content of the different varieties of tea.

Green Tea is Highest in Anti-Oxidants

Green tea is the least processed of the three and contains the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbency Capacity) of the three teas.  Green tea is rich in the polyphenol anti-oxidant catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).  This anti-oxidant is thought by most to be responsible for the health benefits linked to green tea consumption.

ECGC is considered to be one hundred times more potent than vitamin C and twenty-four times stronger than vitamin E.  The powerful ability to scavenge free radicals makes green tea one of the best anti-aging herbs.  ECGC is one of a handful of unique anti-oxidants that has shown an ability to influence mutant DNA formations to reverse chronic disease states.

Green Tea Lowers Mortality Risk

A September 2006 study in the Journal of American Medical Association showed that drinking green tea lowers the risk of mortality from all causes including cardiovascular disease.  This was an eleven year study following 40,530 adults ranging in age from 40-79 in the northeastern region of Japan.  Eighty percent of this population drinks green tea and over half consume at least three cups per day.

Those who drank five or more cups a day had a significantly lower risk of death from all causes than those who drank less than one cup of green tea daily.  Men had a 12% lower risk of mortality, 22% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, and 42% lower risk of dying from stroke.  Women had a 23% lower mortality rate and 31% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and 62% lower risk of dying from stroke.

Green Tea and Cancer

A metanalysis of thirteen studies that was published in Carcinogenesis July 2006 demonstrated that women who drink green tea have a 22% lower risk of developing breast cancer than women who do not drink green tea.

A study published in December 2004 in Cancer Research discussed how ECGC in green tea was able to decrease insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) while increasing levels of IGF binding protein-3, which binds IGF-1.  This reduces the risk of breast, colon, prostate and lung cancer.  It also inhibits key cancer survival proteins and reduces the expression of compounds associated with cancer metastasis.

A study published in Cancer Research in March 2005 showed that ECGC inhibits the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), which cancer cells need in order to grow.  In fact, DHFR is a common target of many expensive and toxic cancer drugs such as methotrexate.  ECGC does not bind as strongly and is not as powerful as methotrexate , but it does not have the negative effects on normal cells found with methotrexate use.

Green Tea Boosts Immunity and Prevents the Flu

A November 2005 issue of Antiviral Research demonstrated how EGCG inhibits the flu virus from replicating in a cell culture.  Scientists found that it blocks the hemagglutinin enzyme in the virus which inhibits its ability to infect other cells.  It also suppresses viral RNA synthesis by altering key properties of the viral cell membrane.

ECGC has been shown to suppress the pathogenic viruses such as Epstein Barr, herpes simplex, HIV-1 and the influenza virus.  Green tea contains high levels of L-theanine which has been shown to activate human gamma-delta T lymphocytes to proliferate and make interferone gamma If-G.  If-G is a potent antimicrobial cytokine that is the first line of defense in the blood stream against infection.

Green tea also contains small amounts of alkylamines which are also present in pathogenic organisms.  When we drink green tea, the alkylamines present act as relatively weak antigens that don’t fully activate the immune system but get it in a ready state.  This primes the immune system against bacterial and viral invaders.

Green Tea as a Th2 Immune System Stimulator

Some natural health practitioners have labeled green tea as a Th2 stimulating agent.  Although this hasn’t yet been proven through research, there are various case studies indicating that green tea may have this effect.  This herb would be particularly effective for individuals with a Th1 dominance as it will help balance out the immune system.

It is advisable for individuals with Th2 dominant conditions to do a supplement challenge where they intentionally see how their body responds to green tea or another Th2 stimulating compound before they begin indiscriminately using it .  If it is shown through a cytokine blood test or through an herbal or supplemental challenge that the individual has a Th2 dominance, then it is best to avoid green tea.

Green Tea Caffeine Content and ContraIndications

Green tea contains caffeine, but it is less than half of that found in coffee.  The amount of caffeine found in green tea  varies depending upon the amount of tea used, the brand, and the quality.  The first infusion of green tea leaves is the highest quality and has the most amount of caffeine.

It is extremely important to get organic green tea since the conventional tea may be highly sprayed with toxic pesticides and herbicides.  Many coffee shops and big companies carry green tea that is commercially produced and contains an abundance of environmental toxins.  This is not healthy and should be avoided.

Pregnant women and newborns shouldn’t drink large amounts of green tea as its ability to bind to DHFR may increase the risk of folate deficiencies in the newborn and increase the risk of spina bifida or other neural tube disorders.

Sources For This Article Include:

• http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=146
• http://www.naturalnews.com/034218_green_tea_flu_season.html
• http://www.naturalnews.com/042071_pine_bark_extract_immune_boosting_power_natural_medicine.html

SuperCharge Your Health with Chia Seeds!

Chia seeds are an ancient fuel source used for centuries by some of the world’s healthiest people.  These super seeds contain an abundance of life-enhancing nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and anti-oxidants.  Super charge your health by incorporating chia seeds in your diet.

Chia seeds are native to South America where they were revered by two of the most powerful tribes: the Aztecs and Mayans.  These tribes considered chia to be more valuable than gold.  The Aztecs would traditionally consume chia for extra energy and stamina before going into battle or before a big hunt.

Chia is easy to grow as it survives in very temperate environments and is quite self-sustaining.  It is hardly bothered by insects and grows very efficiently.  An individual could survive quite well on chia alone due to the rich blend of nutrients it provides.

Chia’s Nutritional Profile

Chia boasts an impressive array of flavonoid and polyphenol anti-oxidants including quercetin, kaempferol, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid.  It has three times the amount of anti-oxidants as blueberries for equal volume.  Chia is also loaded with the small chain omega-3 fatty acid ALA and soluble and insoluble fibers.  These key nutrients make chia a powerful defense against everyday stress and chronic disease processes.

Improve Blood Sugar Sensitivity

Chia seeds’ nutritional components include healthy fats, anti-oxidants, clean proteins, and fiber. Chia contains no sugar and very minimal amounts of non-fibrous carbohydrates.  Chia also contains high levels of calcium, magnesium, and potassium.   This combination is perfect for healthy blood sugar levels and sustained energy.  A diet that includes chia seeds is a powerful combatant for diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome.

Healthy Gut Function

The healthy gut bacteria that our digestive system depends upon thrive off of different forms of fiber.  Sugar is the enemy of these life giving microorganisms because it feeds the parasitic organisms that are in competition.  Chia’s makeup of essential fats, antiparasitic anti-oxidants, and a rich array of fibers is a perfect nutritional blend to build a healthy gut.

The chia fibers are able to absorb ten times their weight in water which helps to hydrate the colon and move toxins out of the gut.  The blend of insoluble and soluble fiber helps to sweep and sponge microorganisms and environmental toxins out of the colon and into the feces.

Boosts Mental Function

Chia is loaded with omega 3 fatty acids and nueroprotective anti-oxidants such as quercetin, caffeic, and chlorogenic acid.  These essential fats and anti-oxidants produce cell membranes that are more flexible and efficient.  Healthier cell membranes results in more efficient nutrient delivery systems and faster nerve transmission processes.  This improves brain function including memory and concentration.

Using Chia in Everyday Life

Chia seeds can be used in a wide variety of dishes including soups, no-grain cereals, smoothies ,and baked goods.  They are also a great addition to any salad or veggie sauté.  Many vegans are lacking healthy proteins and fats in their diet while many carnivores lack anti-oxidants and fibers in their diet.  Chia, being a complete protein source, is the perfect addition for both of these groups.

To optimize your health look to add two to four tablespoons of this superfood into your diet daily.  Two tablespoons of chia give you seven grams of fiber, four grams of protein, and five grams of omega 3 fatty acids.  The most bioavailable form of chia is sprouted and enzymatically activated for optimal nutrient delivery.

Sources for this Article Include:

• http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/top-10-health-benefits-chia-seeds-6962.html
• http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/super-seed-the-case-for-chia.html
• http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/exercises/five-health-benefits-of-chia.html
• http://www.naturalhealth365.com/food_news/chiaseeds.html

Foods that have an incredible array of health benefits that go well beyond just their nutrient value are considered superfoods.  These foods are typically loaded with a combination of critical fatty acids, anti-oxidant phytonutrients, and essential amino acids. Goji berries contain an extraordinary amount of unique nutrients and anti-oxidants , which give them amazing power as a superfood in our diets.

Goji berries are classically grown from an evergreen shrub found in China, Mongolia, and in the Himalayan Mountains of Tibet.  Goji berries are also called wolfberries in many of these countries.  These berries are a member of the Solanaceae family of plants that is also called nightshade veggies.  The relatives include tomato, potato, peppers, eggplant, tomatillo, and tobacco.

Goji Berries are Loaded with Nutrition

Goji berries contain all 18 amino acids as well as mega doses of vitamin A (beta carotene), B1, B2, B6, and vitamin E.  Goji berries also contain more vitamin C by weight than any other food on Earth.  They also contain more iron than spinach as well as 21 other key trace minerals.  Goji’s are extremely rich in the unique phytonutrient anti-oxidants lutein and zeaxanthin ,which are some of the most important nutrients for healthy eyes and a healthy nervous system.

Goji berries are also rich in unique compounds known as Lycium barbarum polysaccharides.  These nutrients have been shown to enhance immunity and have a similar chemical structure to immune stimulating compounds within maitake mushrooms and Echinacea.   These polysaccharides provide immune cells with special sugars that enable them to communicate more effectively.

Key Polysaccarides Enhance Immunity

These polysaccharides are also one of the preferred fuel sources of good intestinal bacteria, bacteria which also helps to orchestrate a healthy immune response . By supporting the immune cells and probiotic cells with their preferred fuel, these polysaccharides present in goji berries modulate immunity and reduce inflammation.   Famous author and pharmacist Earl Mindell believes that these polysaccharides are master molecules because of their influence on many of the body’s biochemical defense systems.

These polysaccharides are very effective at enhancing detoxification within the body.  They aid in the removal of metabolic waste products such as lactic acid that accumulates in muscles during exertion.  They also support the liver and protect it from damage that may occur during intense periods of exercise.

In Asia, goji berries have been used as a cultural medicinal for inflammatory based disorders such as asthma, allergies, chronic pain, and cancer.  The polysaccharides also show promise in blunting auto-immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Crohn’s disease.

Goji Berries Stimulate HGH

Goji berries are also a rich source of sesquiterpenoids which help to stimulate human growth hormone secretion by the pituitary gland.  This is the only known food source that is known to stimulate HGH.  Additionally, goji berries contain L-arginine and L-glutamine along with potassium.  These nutrients further promote growth hormone production.

These key nutrients synergize to have a very powerful effect on the key endocrine glands such as the adrenals, thymus, thyroid, and pituitary.  Goji berries can be classified as an adaptogenic aid in that they enhance the body’s ability to successfully adapt to stress.  This unique array of supernutrients make goji berries one of the world’s premier foods for optimal performance and longevity.

Sources for this article include:

• http://www.naturalnews.com/035473_blueberry_superfood_brain_function.html
• http://www.marksdailyapple.com/goji-berries/#axzz1w1FSecAf
• http://www.naturalnews.com/028098_goji_berries_antioxidants.html#ixzz1w1KR1BXN
• http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/goji-berry4.htm