The Healing Benefits of Bitter Gourd

This Article was posted to me and I felt compelled to let my readers know of: The Healing Benefits of Bitter Gourd. Hope you find it as useful as I did.

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BITTER GOURD HEALTH BENEFITS

by Dr. Sandra Habicht

Bitter gourd is a functional vegetable with beneficial effects on health

Bitter gourd is a popular vegetable in some Asian countries, where the health benefits of the plant are well-known—particularly, its ability to lower blood glucose in diabetics. Bitter gourd has been used to treat diabetes in traditional medicine and is now commercially available as tea (from fruits or leaves), juice, extracts, and pills. Although these products promise health benefits, most of the manufacturers do not offer scientifically proven data on the effectiveness of bitter gourd or their products. However, in recent years researchers worldwide have started to focus on the antidiabetic effects of bitter gourd. The goal is to provide safe and clear preparation and dosage recommendations so that consumers will realize the greatest benefit from consuming fresh bitter gourd or bitter gourd products.

It is scientifically proven: bitter gourd lowers blood glucose levels!

Bitter gourd treatments of cell cultures or feeding trials with laboratory animals such as mice or rats show bitter gourd does have blood glucose lowering properties. Bitter gourd is not like most medicinal drugs, which are effective only in one target organ or tissue; rather, it influences glucose metabolism all over the body.

Bitter gourd lowers dietary carbohydrate digestion

The glucose metabolism starts in the gut. Carbohydrates and sugars are metabolized to glucose (one type of sugar) before glucose is transported from the gut to the blood. Bitter gourd reduces the amount of glucose that is released into the blood by inhibiting the enzymes that break down disaccharides to two monosaccharides (e.g. glucose) (Oishi et al. 2007, Kumar Shetty et al. 2005). Bitter gourd can influence the transport channels for glucose, which also reduces glucose transport into the blood (Singh et al. 2004). This effect is important for the treatment of both Type I and Type II diabetic patients and helps to prevent high blood sugar levels after meals.

Bitter gourd plant insulin discovered

The pancreas reacts to increasing blood sugar levels by secreting insulin into the blood. Insulin helps to transport the sugar from the blood to the skeletal muscle and the fat tissue where it is used to produce energy. Insulin will also stop the liver to produce sugar from glycogen storages and to release the sugar into the blood.

Thus, insulin is necessary to lower high blood sugar levels. In Type I diabetes, also called insulin-dependent diabetes, the pancreas does not produce or secrete enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels low. Bitter gourd has been shown to be effective in treating Type I diabetes in rats or mice by increasing pancreatic insulin secretion Yibchok-Anun et al. 2006, Fernandes et al. 2007). Additionally, scientists found an insulin-like molecule in bitter gourd (Khanna et al. 1981). Although bitter gourd may reduce the number of insulin injections required to manage Type 1 diabetes, it cannot replace insulin treatment completely or heal this form of the disease.

Bitter gourd reverses insulin resistance

Bitter gourd can play a role in the prevention and treatment of Type II diabetes, which is also called insulin-independent diabetes or adult onset diabetes. This form of the disease usually occurs in people who are overweight and inactive. In Type II diabetes, the liver, skeletal muscle, and fat tissues do not respond adequately to insulin—they are “insulin resistant.” Feeding trials with insulin resistant or Type II diabetic rats and mice have shown that bitter gourd helps to prevent or reverse insulin resistance (Nerurkar et al. 2008, Klomann et al. 2010). People with insulin resistance or those with a high risk of developing Type II diabetes have a good chance to prevent and treat the disease without drugs by increasing their physical activity and changing their diet.

Bitter gourd prevents diabetic complications

Chronically high sugar concentrations from Type I and Type II diabetes increase the risk of inflammation and oxidation in the whole body, leading to blindness, diabetic feet, kidney disease, stroke, or heart attack. Consuming bitter gourd can help prevent these complications, as it not only decreases blood sugar levels, but also has some antioxidative properties (Sathishsekar und Subramanian 2005, Klomann et al. 2010).

Bitter gourd can protect the body from other non-communicable diseases

Being overweight is one of the most important risk factors for diabetes and other diseases, and Type II diabetes is often accompanied by hypertension, high plasma cholesterol, or high plasma lipids. Together, these conditions increase the risk of stroke or heart attack. For overweight Type II diabetic patients, bitter gourd can help to improve health. In mice and rats, bitter gourd has been shown to reduce hypertension (Singh et al. 2004), plasma cholesterol (Nerurkar et al. 2008), and plasma lipids (Nerurkar et al. 2008). Apart from this, bitter gourd helps weight loss. There is also evidence that bitter gourd might be effective in cancer treatment.

More bitter gourd does not help more. Please be careful!

Exclusive consumption of bitter gourd, bitter gourd juice, or other bitter gourd products can lead to dangerous hypoglycemia when consumed by diabetic patients under oral drug treatment, in too high dosages, by children, or on a hungry stomach. Pregnant or breastfeeding woman should not consume bitter gourd or bitter gourd products. Although bitter gourd can help prevent insulin resistance or severe diabetic complications, it is important to consider situations in which bitter gourd may be harmful to your health.

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Use Xylitol instead of Sugar

When a Patient comes to me who is obese or suffering diabetes or related problems, I recommend that they remove all processed foods, added sugars, fructose syrup which is generally corn syrup and food that increase the VLDL production. General Practitioners talk a lot about cholesterol eg HDL, LDL and Triglycerides but never mention or test for the main culprit VLDL.( very low density lipds)
Omega 3 and 6 help the body to use the cholesterol made by the liver, to be used by the Liver. Where as high sugars in the blood is generally stored by the body in fat. It is excess sugar that make you fat.

I also advice them to take instead of sweeteners, Xylitol.
Xylitol  as described in Wickipedia, (/ˈzaɪlɪtɒl/; Greek: ξύλον, xyl[on], "wood" + suffix -itol, used to denote sugar alcohols), categorized as a polyalcohol (alditol), has applications in hygiene and nutraceutical formulations and products. Xylitol has the formula (CHOH)3(CH2OH) and is an achiral isomer of pentane-1,2,3,4,5-pentol. Xylitol is used as a diabetic sweetener which is roughly as sweet as sucrose with 33% fewer calories. Unlike other natural or synthetic sweeteners, xylitol is actively beneficial for dental health by reducing caries to a third in regular use and helpful to remineralization, and also has been shown to reduce the incidence of acute middle ear infection.
Xylitol is naturally found in low concentrations in the fibers of many fruits and vegetables, and can be extracted from various berries, oats, and mushrooms, as well as fibrous material such as corn husks and sugar cane bagasse, and birch.
However, industrial production starts from xylan (a hemicellulose) extracted from hardwoods or corncobs, which is hydrolyzed into xylose and catalytically hydrogenated into xylitol.
Xylitol was discovered almost simultaneously by German and French chemists in the late 19th century, and was first popularized in Europe as a safe sweetener for people with diabetes that would not affect insulin levels. Xylitol is produced by hydrogenation of xylose, which converts the sugar (an aldehyde) into a primary alcohol. It can also be extracted from natural sources and is often harvested by tapping birch trees to produce birch sap. Its dental significance was researched in Finland in the early 1970s. There, scientists at Turku University demonstrated dental benefits in what became known as the "Turku sugar studies"

Carbohydrates

CarbohydratesLife begins at conception and then progresses through the many stages of development, birth, growth, puberty, maturity, old age, disease and finally death. Between Birth and Death a lot happens which determine, how long we live and the quality of life we have.Why do we die?We die for the good of the species. If we live on the fast lane we die young.The influence of the genes is associated with the development of chronic Diseases resulting in death.All Foods, pollution, drugs, oxygen, parasites etc produce free radicals. All molecules have paired arms or electron. A molecule with an unpaired electron is a free radical. They are unstable and will extract electrons from other biological molecules, which generate more free radicals. Ageing is a consequence of an over production of free radicals. Without the body's free radicals, you would die because they are integral in producing cellular energy from food, defending you against opportunistic infections, and making the hormones needed to maintain communications in your body. It's that unpaired electron that makes free radicals reactive so that they can do their assigned job. These free radicals in the process of wanting to make themselves whole again start to rob electrons from other molecules in turn making them into free radicals. Excess amount of free radicals cause oxidation of fat, proteins and damage to the nucleus of the DNA resulting in accelerating Ageing.A telomere is a region of repetitive nucleotide sequences at each end of a chromatid, which protects the end of the chromosome from deterioration or from fusion with neighboring chromosomes. Its name is derived from the Greek nouns telos (τέλος) 'end' and merοs (μέρος, root: μερ-) 'part. The Telomere segment at the end of nuclear DNA, becomes shorter with every replication of the DNA. DNA will no longer replicate beyond a certain point of the telomere reduction.During cell division, enzymes that duplicate DNA cannot continue their duplication all the way to the end of chromosomes. If cells divided without telomeres, they would lose the ends of their chromosomes, and the necessary information they contain. The telomeres are disposable buffers blocking the ends of the chromosomes, are consumed during cell division, and are replenished by an enzyme, telomerase reverse transcriptase.
CARBOHYDRATES: Carbohydrates are so called, because the carbon, oxygen and hydrogen they contain are generally in proportion to form water with the general formula Cn(H2O)n. Carbohydrates produce Heat & Energy and comes from all starches and Sugars.Most organic matter on earth is made up of carbohydrates because they are involved in so many aspects of life, including:Energy stores, fuels, and metabolic intermediaries.Ribose and deoxyribose sugars are part of the structural framework of RNA and DNA.The cell walls of bacteria are mainly made up of polysaccharides (types of carbohydrate).Cellulose (a type of carbohydrate) makes up most of plant cell walls.Carbohydrates are linked to many proteins and lipids (fats), where they are vitally involved in cell interactions.

Carbohydrates (also referred to as glycan's) have the basic composition:There are two Types of Carbohydrates: 1. Complex Starch. 2. Refined Starch.Complex Starch which is good for you and a necessary starch which come from all whole grains, potatoes, bread, fruits nuts, green and vegetables. The starches in the green vegetables are stored in their roots, stem and seeds. E.g. Roots like potatoes, beetroot, carrots etc. Stems like sugar cane, seeds like corn, maize, barley, rye, sago, rice, millet etc.Complex starches are good for you because they release their sugars slowly, and they are easier to digest.SUGARS: types of sugars: Lets understand the various types:MonosaccharidesGlucose, fructose and galactose are all simple sugars, monosaccharides, with the general formula C6H12O6. They have five hydroxyl groups (-OH) and a carbonyl group (C=O) and are cyclic when dissolved in water. They each exist as several isomers with dextro- and laevo-rotatory forms which cause polarized light to diverge to the right or the left.Glucose, dextrose or grape sugar occurs naturally in fruits and plant juices and is the primary product of photosynthesis. Most ingested carbohydrates are converted into glucose during digestion and it is the form of sugar that is transported round the bodies of animals in the bloodstream. It can be manufactured from starch by the addition of enzymes or in the presence of acids. Glucose syrup is a liquid form of glucose that is widely used in the manufacture of foodstuffs. It can be manufactured from starch by enzymatic hydrolysis.Fructose or fruit sugar occurs naturally in fruits, some root vegetables, cane sugar and honey and is the sweetest of the sugars. It is one of the components of sucrose or table sugar. It is used as a high fructose syrup which is manufactured from hydrolized corn starch which has been processed to yield corn syrup, with enzymes then added to convert part of the glucose into fructose.Please be aware today's fructose in most cases is Glorified Corn Syrup. This damaging to the body and is one of the main causes of Obesity and Diabetes.Galactose does not generally occur in the free state but is a constituent with glucose of the disaccharide lactose or milk sugar. It is less sweet than glucose. It is a component of the antigens found on the surface of red blood cells that determine blood groups.DisaccharidesSucrose, maltose and lactose are all compound sugars, disaccharides, with the general formula C12H22O11. They are formed by the combination of two monosaccharide molecules with the exclusion of a molecule of water.Sucrose is found in the stems of sugar cane and roots of sugar beet. It also occurs naturally alongside fructose and glucose in other plants, particularly fruits and some roots such as carrots. The different proportions of sugars found in these foods determines the range of sweetness experienced when eating the. A molecule of sucrose is formed by the combination of a molecule of glucose with a molecule of fructose. After being eaten, sucrose is split into its constituent parts during digestion by a number of enzymes known assucrases.Maltose is formed during the germination of certain grains, most notably barley, where it is the source of the malt used in the manufacture of beer. A molecule of maltose is formed by the combination of two molecules of glucose. It is less sweet than glucose, fructose or sucrose.It is formed in the body during the digestion of starch by the enzyme amylase and is itself broken down during digestion by the enzyme maltase.Lactose is the naturally occurring sugar found in milk. A molecule of lactose is formed by the combination of a molecule of galactose with a molecule of glucose. It is broken down when consumed into its constituent parts by the enzyme lactase during digestion. Children have this enzyme but some adults no longer form it and they are unable to digest lactose.ProductionSugarcaneSugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is a perennial grass in the family Poaceae. It is cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical regions for the sucrose that is found in its stems. It requires a frost-free climate with sufficient rainfall during the growing season to make full use of the plant's great growth potential. The crop is harvested mechanically or by hand, chopped into lengths and conveyed rapidly to the processing plant. Here it is either milled and the juice extracted with water or the sugar is extracted by diffusion. The juice is then clarified with lime and heated to kill enzymes. The resulting thin syrup is then concentrated in a series of evaporators and then further water is removed by evaporation in vacuum containers. The resulting supersaturated solution is seeded with sugar crystals and the sugar crystallizes out and is separated from the fluid and dried. Molasses is a by-product of the process and the fibre from the stems, known as bagasse, is burned to provide energy for the boiling of the syrup. The crystals of raw sugar have a sticky brown coating and can either be used as they are or can be bleached by sulphur dioxide or treated in a carbonation process to produce a whiter product.Sugar beetSugar beet (Beta vulgaris) is an annual plant in the family Amaranthaceae, the tuberous root of which contains a high proportion of sucrose. It is cultivated in temperate regions with adequate rainfall and requires a fertile soil. The crop is harvested mechanically in the autumn and the crown of leaves and excess soil removed. The roots do not deteriorate rapidly and may be left in a clamp in the field for some weeks before being transported to the processing plant. Here the crop is washed and sliced and the sugar extracted by diffusion. The raw juice is then treated with lime and carbonated in a number of stages in order to purify it. Water is evaporated by boiling the syrup under a vacuum. The syrup is then cooled and seeded with sugar crystals. The white sugar which crystallizes out can be separated in a centrifuge and dried. It requires no further refining.

Oligosaccharides - a few monosaccharides covalently linked.Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), which are found in many vegetables, consist of short chains of fructose molecules. (Inulin has a much higher degree of polymerization than FOS and is a polysaccharide.) Galactooligosaccharides (GOS), which also occur naturally, consist of short chains of galactose molecules. These compounds can be only partially digested by humans.Oligosaccharides are often found as a component of glycoproteins or glycolipids and as such are often used as chemical markers, often for cell recognition. An example is ABO blood type specificity. A and B blood types have two different oligosaccharide glycolipids embedded in the cell membranes of the red blood cells, AB-type blood has both, while O blood type has neither.Mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) are widely used in animal feed to improve gastrointestinal health, energy levels and performance. They are normally obtained from the yeast cell walls of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Research at the University of Illinois has demonstrated that mannan oligosaccharides differ from other oligosaccharides in that they are not fermentable and their primary mode of actions include agglutination of type-1 fimbrae pathogens and immunomodulation.
Polysaccharides - polymers consisting of chains of monosaccharide or disaccharide units.
Although our body needs starch/carbohydrates to survive and without it the cells can be starved from Insulin resulting in hypoglycaemia and death, in excess it can result in damage to the cell nucleus, the DNA. This can create free radicals and accelerate the aging process and disease.All Carbohydrates are sugars. When the body senses sugar it releases Insulin and Triglycerides (the so called Bad Cholesterol But you will learn that all Cholesterol is made by the Liver and is needed for the protection of body proper function).
(a) Monosaccharide's, which contain dextrose, glucose, fructose and galactose.(b) Disaccharide's: starches from cane sugar & sucrose, maltase, malt sugar, & lactose.(c) Polysaccharides: dextrin, cellulose & glycogen.Refined Starch comes from all processed foods, such as white flour, pasta made from such grains, sugar, etc.
demands the release InsulinSugar < = results in Sticky Blood & Constrictorsreleases Triglycerides / LDL(Bad Cholesterol)In reality it is wise to realize that there is no Good or Bad Cholesterol. All Cholesterol is made by the Liver and it is produced to assist the body and not damage it. It is only when Man interferes with the body's natural products and processes, that we harm our body and make it unhealthy.The Equation is,' Fat cuts Fat and Sugar Makes Fat'.Your Doctor will advise you otherwise, that is why they have one of the shortest life span. Isn't that enough Proof, that they have it wrong.
How do we know we are ageing?Here are some tips to look for they are,
Biological markers of ageingMarkers that increase with age Markers that decrease with ageInsulin resistance glucose toleranceSystolic blood pressure Aerobic capacityPercent body fat muscle massLipid ratio strength, temperature regulation, immune function,The more carbohydrates we consume the more demands we make on insulin. When the body produces Insulin the result is an influx of free radicals. Free Radical damage is the number one reason attached to ageing.A fact to remember is the Glycaemic Index. It is a measure of rate at which a carbohydrate will enter the bloodstream as glucose. Some simple sugars, like table sugar, will enter the bloodstream slower than many complex carbohydrates, such as bread, rice and potatoes. The faster a carbohydrate enters the bloodstream, the higher its Glycaemic index. The higher the Glycaemic index of a carbohydrate, the greater the need and demand for insulin production. Fruits & vegetables tend to have a lower Glycaemic index, whereas bread, pasta, grains & starches tend to have a higher glycaemic index.Sugar and saturated fats make cholesterol and accumulate white fat in the bodyInsulin Resistance: according to Wikipedia-' Insulin resistance (IR) is a physiological condition where the natural hormone insulin becomes less effective at lowering blood sugars. The resulting increase in blood glucose may raise levels outside the normal range and cause adverse health effects, depending on dietary conditions.[1] Certain cell types such as fat and muscle cells require insulin to absorb glucose. When these cells fail to respond adequately to circulating insulin, blood glucose levels rise. The liver helps regulate glucose levels by reducing its secretion of glucose in the presence of insulin. This normal reduction in the liver's glucose production may not occur in people with insulin resistance.[2]Insulin resistance in muscle and fat cells reduces glucose uptake (and also local storage of glucose as glycogen and triglycerides, respectively), whereas insulin resistance in liver cells results in reduced glycogen synthesis and storage and a failure to suppress glucose production and release into the blood. Insulin resistance normally refers to reduced glucose-lowering effects of insulin. However, other functions of insulin can also be affected. For example, insulin resistance in fat cells reduces the normal effects of insulin on lipids and results in reduced uptake of circulating lipids and increased hydrolysis of stored triglycerides. Increased mobilization of stored lipids in these cells elevates free fatty acids in the blood plasma. Elevated blood fatty-acid concentrations (associated with insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus Type 2), reduced muscle glucose uptake, and increased liver glucose production all contribute to elevated blood glucose levels. High plasma levels of insulin and glucose due to insulin resistance are a major component of the metabolic syndrome. If insulin resistance exists, more insulin needs to be secreted by the pancreas. If this compensatory increase does not occur, blood glucose concentrations increase and type 2 diabetes occurs.'Pillars of ageing
Excess insulin, Increased calorie consumption increased DNA turnoverExcess blood glucose, Increased AGE formation, Neural death in VMN*Excess Free radicals, Increased calorie consumption, increased AGE formationExcess cortisol, Neural death in hippocampus,Decreased Eicosanoid synthesis*VMN stands for Ventromedial Nucleus the part of the hypothalamus sensitive to excess glucose.Laboratory tests with mice and the fruit fly have conclusively proved that a restricted or deprived animal lives longer than when does over fed. Also when a fly's wings are clipped the animal uses less energy and so lives longer. The reason will be discussed later.All carbs turn to sugar and when the body senses sugar it releases insulin. Excess Sugar in the blood stream means extra demand for insulin, the cell can only hold so much sugar and the excess is stored in the body in the best way the body knows by storing it in Fats. This is Cholesterol, VLDL.( Very Low Density Lipids) this is what clogs up your arteries and makes your blood sticky, forming in time Clots.These Clots in time become bigger clots and when they move to the heart is prevents the heart from receiving a constant supply of blood and finally a Heart attack. If the Clot went to the Brain it results in a Stroke and when the Clot hits the Lungs it can cause what we know as a Pulmonary Embolism. But, before the clots inflict the body, the persons suffer symptoms, which your Doctor may not realize them as warning signs.Benefits of calorie restriction
Increased maximum life span decreased fat accumulationIncreased neurotransmitter receptors decreased loss of bone massIncreased learning ability decreased blood glucose levelIncreased immune system function decreased Insulin levelsIncreased Kidney function decreased cancerIncreased length of female fertility decreased autoimmune diseasesdecreased blood lipid leveldecreased heart diseasesdecreased diabetes
We must take care of feeding the body the proper way. Eating too much or too little can be fatal for longevity. It is better to consume less in quantity and make sure that you get the adequate amount than to eat bulk and suffer as a result of in adequate nutrients. Fats, proteins & proper vitamins and minerals are very necessary for proper biological functionKey function of anti-ageing calorie restriction diet* Adequate Protein* Adequate Essential Fat* Adequate level of Carbohydrates* Adequate Vitamins & Minerals* Eat small meals throughout the day* Have some amounts of protein with every meal* Always eat your fruits & Vegetables* Take your cod liver oil.
Modern man very rarely suffers starvation yet the world is plagued with Diabetes, Obesity, Heart problems, High cholesterol, Cancers, Arthritis etc. Have we asked the question why?Let us take some time to understand Diabetes.Study suggests 'type 3 diabetes'
Scientists say they may have discovered a previously unknown form of diabetes, after finding the brain produces insulin as well as the pancreas.Unlike other types of diabetes, the form - dubbed type 3 by the US Brown Medical School team - is not thought to affect blood sugar.Type 3 affects brain insulin levels, and appears to be linked with Alzheimer's disease. It is wise to know that Carbohydrates, make demands on the production and release of Insulin. Proteins and Fats, make no demands on insulin.

CoEnzyme Q10

CoEnzyme Q10

First discovered in 1957, Coenzyme Q10, or simply CoQ10, is also called ubiquinone, a name that signifies its ubiquitous (widespread) distribution in the human body. As a coenzyme, this nutrient aids mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells, in the complex process of transforming food into ATP, the energy on which the body runs. Coenzyme Q10 is a nutrient which has been found to be beneficial for a surprising variety of health problems: 

CoQ10 is an abbreviation for a nutrient called Coenzyme Q10- also called Ubiquinol and Ubiquinone. And because of these studies, CoQ10 for heart failure has been put to the test as a safe and effective helper treatment for the debilitation long-term problem of chronic Congestive Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathy. In fact, there is such a large amount of evidence for the use of CoQ10 and Heart Failure that studies show that including it as a part of Congestive Heart Failure Nutrition can:

Measurably Strengthen the Heart Muscle

Decrease Abnormally Thickened Areas

Improve Cardiac Cell CoQ10 Levels

Improve Blood Pressure

Increase Survival even in the sickest patients

Possibly decrease or eliminate Statin Side Effects

Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble antioxidant that is found in virtually all cell membranes, hence its alternative name "ubiquinone." The antioxidant activity of vitamin E requires the CoQ10 to be available, to which vitamin E will pass on the unpaired electron (free radical) that it has scavenged. CoQ10 also acts as an anti-oxidant independently, protecting against DNA damage and other forms of oxidative damage caused by the consumption of excess polyunsaturated fatty acids.

 Rich sources of dietary coenzyme Q10 include mainly meat, poultry, and fish. Other relatively rich sources include soybean and canola oils, and nuts. Fruits, vegetables, eggs, and dairy products are moderate sources of coenzyme Q10.

Approximately 14%-32% of coenzyme Q10 was lost during frying of vegetables and eggs, but the coenzyme Q10 content of these foods did not change when they were boiled".

The primary site of free radical damage is the DNA found in the mitochondria. Mitochondria are small membrane-enclosed regions of a cell which produce the chemicals a cell uses for energy. Mitochondria are the "energy factory" of the cell. Every cell contains an enormous set of molecules called DNA which provide chemical instructions for a cell to function.

Co–Q10 is also a very powerful antioxidant. It is made in our bodies, within a cell organelle called the "mitochondria", and is most concentrated in the energy–demanding heart, brain and muscle systems. Unfortunately, Co–Q10 levels decrease with age (starting at 35 years).

Coenzyme Q10 is also an essential component of the mitochondria (the "power-house" of the cell), playing a critical role in the formation of ATP, the body's fundamental energy unit, from carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism.

It appears that Coenzyme Q10 might be involved in maintaining the proper pH of lysosomes, which are a digestive component of cells, as well.2

Co–Q10 in  Vegetables

 Several vegetables contain small to moderate amounts of coenzyme Q10, including spinach, broccoli, sweet potato, sweet pepper, garlic, peas, cauliflower and carrots." peanuts and wheat germ, Also, it is important to note that these foods must be raw, fresh and unprocessed - no milling, canning, preserving, freezing, etc."

3) the germs of whole grains. The most concentrated sources of coenzyme Q - like heart or kidney - contain about 2-3 milligrams of coenzyme Q per ounce of heart or kidney. The germs of grains, while containing less coenzyme Q per ounce, also contain vitamin E in amounts of 5-10 IU per ounce, and this vitamin E works together with coenzyme Q in the body." 

Our bodies are able to produce some of the CoQ10 that we need. The rest is synthesized from the foods we eat. 

Statins Inhibit Coenzyme Q10 Synthesis. In fact, the use of statins can decrease the body's synthesis of coenzyme Q10 by as much as 40%! 

Functions of Coenzyme Q10: According to Dr. Sears, coenzyme Q10 prevents arteriosclerosis by reducing the accumulation of oxidized fats in blood vessels, eases high blood pressure, regulates the rhythm of the heart, and improves chest pain and exercise toleration in angina patients. 

With CoQ10 for Heart Failure study after study shows that the use of this commonly available fat-soluble antioxidant may show "Extraordinary Clinical Improvement" for even the sickest patients by repairing the Cause of Congestive Heart Failure. And while doctors almost never do a Blood Level of CoQ10, it is as simple as a blood test to see who might be able to use this super safe nutrient that gets glowing reviews from the researchers - as one of the treatments for heart failure

What are Statin Drugs

The frequency of Statin Side Effects, which have been reported in up to 20% of people taking them in some studies, should make ANYONE who is taking these drugs designed to reduce the cholesterol level sit up and take notice. If you are taking any statin drugs to reduce cholesterol level, then you should be aware of the function that these drugs have on your body and which of the many and sometimes dangerous and even deadly side effects of statin drugs should concern you.

Statin drugs work by blocking the substances that help to produce cholesterol in the body. With the end result of lowering cholesterol levels these drugs have been hailed as an important step in the prevention of heart disease and stroke. However, there is much Research on Statin Drugs that say that while these drugs DO reduce cholesterol levels,the beneficial effects of reduced cholesterol has never been confirmed and may even be harmful!

The problem of Statin Drugs Muscle Weakness and/or muscle pain is a condition that is technically known as 'Statin Induced Myopathy' and occurs in a certain percentage of people that take the Cholesterol lowering 'Statin medications'. Also known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, these cholesterol lowering medications go by names such as Lovastatin, Pravastatin and many others that end in 'statin' and are widely prescribed for their purported ability to significantly lower cholesterol levels.

While no one is debating that they DO effectively decrease cholesterol levels, only that there is a heated debate about whether high cholesterol is actually responsible for an increase in heart disease and, therefore, whether the risk of side effects such as Statin Drugs Muscle Weakness, liver problems, muscle pain, muscle damage, poor memory and other Statin Side Effects are worth the small benefit in heart disease that they apparently give. And in fact, one statin drug, cerivastatin (Baycol), has been recalled after a significant number of deaths from a condition called Rhabdomyolysis, a severe form of Statin Induced Myopathy with massively elevated CPK Blood Test indicating large amounts of muscle death!

Congestive Heart Failure Nutrition has been studied extensively with the conclusion by many researchers that patients with congestive heart failure can benefit- sometimes GREATLY from improved nutrition. Researchers use the word 'malnourished' to describe heart failure patients, and with the increased nutritional demand on the body during such a stressful chronic condition as heart failure, patients are bound to feel better with improved nutrition.

But even though researchers are clear that Congestive Heart Failure Nutrition is important, if you asked most doctors, they would tell you not to eat salt- and that would be the end of it. The while the vast majority of doctors still just do not believe that Congestive Heart Failure Nutrition is important, research clearly shows that they are just plain wrong.

Researchers have explored the effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation in people with periodontal disease, which has been linked to coenzyme Q10 deficiency. Double-blind studies show that people with gum disease given coenzyme Q10 achieve better results than those given a placebo.(1)

coenzyme q10 and gums

Virtually every cell in the human body contains coenzyme Q10. The mitochondria, the area of cells where energy is produced, contain the most coenzyme Q10. The heart and the liver, because they contain the most mitochondria per cell, contain the greatest amount of coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 has helped some people with congestive heart failure (2) - an effect reported in an analysis of 8 controlled trials (3) and found in some (4), although not all double-blind studies.(5,6) Coenzyme Q10 may take several months to show beneficial effects. People with congestive heart failure who are taking coenzyme Q10 should not stop taking it suddenly, because sudden withdrawal may temporarily aggravate the symptoms of congestive heart failure.

Coenzyme Q10 and Parkinson's disease

Results of the first placebo-controlled, multi-center clinical trial of the compound coenzyme Q10 suggest that it can slow down disease progression in patients with early-stage Parkinson's disease. While the findings must be confirmed in a larger study, they provide hope that coenzyme Q10 may ultimately provide a new way of treating Parkinson's disease.

"This trial suggests that coenzyme Q10 can slow the rate of deterioration in Parkinson's disease," says Dr. Shults. "However, before the compound is used widely, the results need to be confirmed in a larger group of patients."

The researchers believe that coenzyme Q10 works by improving the function of mitochondria (10), the 'powerhouses' which produce energy in cells. Coenzyme Q10 is an important link in the chain of chemical reactions which produces this energy. It's also a potent antioxidant - a chemical that "mops up" harmful free radicals generated during normal metabolism. Previous studies carried out by Dr. Shults, Richard Haas, M.D., of UCSD and Flint Beal, M.D., of Cornell University have shown that coenzyme Q10 levels in mitochondria in Parkinson's disease patients are reduced and that mitochondrial function in these patients is impaired.

Animal studies have shown that coenzyme Q10 can protect the area of the brain which is damaged in Parkinson's disease. Dr. Shults and his colleagues also conducted a pilot study with Parkinson's disease patients which showed that consumption of up to 800 mg/day of coenzyme Q10 was well tolerated and significantly increased the level of coenzyme Q10 in the bloodstream.

Dr. Denham Harmon became very famous for having "discovered" free radicals or, more accurately, for developing the "free radical concept of aging."

The nucleus of an atom is surrounded by a cloud of electrons. These electrons surround the nucleus in pairs, but occasionally an atom loses an electron, leaving the atom with an "unpaired" electron. The atom is then called a "free radical", and it is very reactive. When cells in the body encounter a free radical, the reactive radical may cause destruction in the cell. According to Dr. Harmon's free radical theory of aging, cells continuously produce free radicals, and constant free radical damage eventually kills the cell. When free radicals kill or damage enough cells in an organism, the organism ages.(1)

What is a free radical?

A free radical, in my mind, was simply an atom which had an odd number of electrons in its outer ring.

In summary, you should be comfortable with understanding what a "free radical" is. It is an atom with an unpaired electron in the outer ring. It is lacking an electron. Does a free radical always have to be just one atom? No. It can also be a molecule, made up of 2 or more atoms.

free radicals are atoms or molecules which contain unpaired electrons. Since electrons have a very strong tendency to exist in a paired rather than an unpaired state, free radicals indiscriminately pick up electrons from other atoms, which in turn converts those other atoms into secondary free radicals, thus setting up a chain reaction which can cause substantial biological damage.

r. Harmon's theory implies that antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E, which prevent free radicals from oxidizing (removing electrons from) sensitive biological molecules, will slow the aging process. Dr. Harmon launched his theory by showing, for the first time, that feeding a variety of antioxidants to mammals extended their life spans.

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Inner Peace

     CLICK:Gift for someone Special

This was posted to me and I thought, How True' could not resist sharing it with you Inner Peace If you can start the day without caffeine, If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains, If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles, If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it, If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time, If you can take criticism and blame without resentment, If you can conquer tension without medical help, If you can relax without alcohol,  If you can sleep without the aid of drugs, Then You Are Probably The Family Dog! And you thought I was going to get all spiritual ... Handle every Stressful situation like a dog. If you can't eat it or play with it, Pee on it and walk away

Healing Properties of Vitamin D3

Healing Properties of Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3

In this modern World there is no excuse for anyone to suffer Rickets, Osteoporosis or other bone disorders. The reason for any suffering of these is because people are not getting enough Sun Light. To protect ourselves and children from the sun and prevent skin cancer, most people smother their body with high Factor sun cream. We are scare mongered into the belief that the sun is harmful and we need to protect our skin from its direct light. Since when has Mother Nature produced anything to work against her creation? The problem is that a lack of exposure to the Sun is the real cause of their condition.  A severe lack of D3
 

What is Vitamin D3? 

D3 is the form that is synthesized by the skin when it's exposed to the sun or (ultraviolet light/UVB). D3 (cholecalciferol) is the sunlight form, and can also be obtained from animals that manufactured it through their skin, like that in fish liver.  Since the body can produce this, it's actually considered a hormone and not a vitamin
Why do we need D3?
Vitamin D3 is both a vitamin and a hormone. It acts as a vitamin when it binds with calcium for proper absorption. Humans cannot digest calcium without adequate amounts of Vitamin D3.
The most common reasons for Vitamin D3 deficiency in today's society relates to lack of exposure to sunlight and infrequent consumption of cold water fish such as wild salmon, mackerel & sardines.
 

D3 Deficiency: 

We need D3 to maintain the normal bone and teeth.

- Normal absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus and the maintenance of normal blood calcium concentrations
- Normal cell division
- Normal function of the immune system and healthy inflammatory response
- The maintenance of normal muscle function
• Optimum Bone Health
• Cellular Health – Helps Stop Free Radical, Cancer Causing Cells from Developing
• Organ Health – Heart, Liver, Kidneys
• Muscular Health – Strength & Stamina
• Autoimmune Health – Fight Disease and Illness
• Brain Health – Mental Acuity, Memory, and Helps Fight Depression & Mood Swings
Vitamin D3 deficiency can result in Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Depression, Psoriasis, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Kidney Stones, Osteoporosis, & Neuro-degenerative disease including Alzheimer’s Disease. Eventually, Vitamin D deficiency may even lead to Cancer (especially breast, prostate, and colon cancers). This vitamin is also believed to play a role in controlling the immune system (possibly reducing one’s risk of cancer and autoimmune diseases), increasing  neuro-muscular function and decreasing falls, improving mood, protecting the brain against toxic chemicals, and potentially reducing pain.
Rickets cases may be caused by a lack of vitamin D.
Certain communities in Cardiff England are finding cases of Rickets in children. The once thought of Victorian Age disease is now affecting children in the 21st century. Rickets can lead to bone deformities and stunted growth.
Increasing numbers of adults, and even children, are suffering from various types of bone abnormalities, autoimmune disorders and mood swings - all suspected to be caused by the same culprit - vitamin D deficiency. Seems our modern-day aversion to the sun, and a heated debate among the medical community, is having a devastating impact on our bones and our overall health.
Study shows a connection between obese adolescents and vitamin D deficiency. There may be a connection between lack of sun exposure due to low level outdoor activity and not eating enough foods that contain vitamin d, such as oily fish, eggs and fortified foods like dairy products and breakfast cereals.
With all the medical advances in the 20 th century, Vitamin D3 deficiency is still an epidemic. The problem is that most people avoid the sun these days due to fears of skin cancer. Just think about plants and what happens to them when they avoid the sun. They wither & die.
A standard blood chemistry panel will provide your doctor with your levels of vitamin D3. The test is called 25(OH)D. The existing guidelines state that a deficiency is anything below 50nmol/l, but recent studies show that 80 nmol/l is needed to keep healthy bones and enable vitamin D to perform its other roles in the body.
Healing Properties: Vaccines & anti-virals may not be as effective as vitamin D against the flu. Study shows that vitamin D and vitamin D3 can prevent flu better and more efficiently than anti viral drugs. Vitamin D and Vitamin D3 is also a healthier and cheaper alternative to antiviral drugs.
The Sun may protect you against skin cancer. 
This study by professor Delgleish (who specializes in treating patients with melanoma) talks about how sun screen and avoiding the sun completely can actually increase our risk of melanoma. We need the sun on our skin to make vitamin D3 and without it, we can become vitamin D3 deficient, thus leaving us vulnerable to disease. Good vitamin D3 levels trigger a stronger immunity.
Lupus erythematosis patients and repletion of Vitamin D
Studies have shown that Lupus patients that have low levels of vitamin D can progress to more serious cases of Lupus. Studies also show a connection between vitamin D deficiency and Lupus.
Pre-diabetes and Vitamin D.
 Dr. Cannell gives a commentary on a newly-completed, randomized controlled trial on vitamin D. Vitamin D may help prevent diabetes in those that are at high risk of  developing the condition.
The fact is, your body must have vitamin D, and without it, your health will suffer – greatly.

However, you may ask, what is the difference between Vitamin D and D3?

Vitamin D2 is the form of D that is found in fortified foods like milk, juices or cereals  etc. .  D regulates calcium and phosphorus in the body. This vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) can be found in some plants/fungus. 

Where do we get it from? Vitamin D3 a compound occurring naturally in fish-liver oils, used to treat rickets. Formula: C 27 H 44 O.  Fifteen to twenty minutes of sunshine each day, in the nude, helps your body manufacture about 10,000 to 15,000 iu’s of vitamin D3 per day. 

Pregnant women and Vitamin D: Your body needs vitamin D for:

Study in Canada reveals that it is not uncommon for pregnant women to be vitamin D deficient. Women from European (white) ethnicity had less of a deficiency than those of other ethnic groups.

Foods have been supplemented with Vitamin D, but this has not resulted in an overall increase in Vitamin D levels. This is likely because food and supplement manufacturers rely on an inexpensive form of synthetic Vitamin D called “ergocalciferol”- a form of Vitamin D2.
If you have bone loss or osteoporosis, spend 20 minutes daily in the sunshine with 40% of your skin surface exposed. Morning sun is best; Don’t allow your skin to burn. Tanning Beds do not provide Vitamin D3.
Eat foods high in Vitamin D3 including Cod liver oil, fortified milk, salmon, mackerel, & sardines, egg yolks, beef liver. If you take Vitamin D supplements make sure it is Vitamin D3 and not D2. Take Vitamin D3 supplements with food. I usually recommend Vitamin  D3 2000iu-5000iu/ day depending on lab levels.
Pamela Egan, MN, FNP-C, CDE is a board certified Adult & Family Nurse Practitioner, Certified Diabetes Educator, & Clinical Specialist in Mental Health.
A complaint is being filed against the FDA by the vitamin D counsel regarding policies that affect African Americans.
According to the complaint, the Vitamin D Counsel states that the FDA needs to change their food fortification policies so that milk is not the main source of vitamin D supplements to Americans. The counsel states that the FDA is aware that African Americans drink little to no milk  and they require more vitamin D than Caucasian Americans. As a result of the FDA's policies, there is Vitamin D and D3 deficiency and the diseases associated with this deficiency desperately afflicts African Americans.

Nelson Brunton  

Pro-Testosterone

Fats the Brain Food

FATS - the BRAIN FOOD

Nelson Brunton

Fat is a nutrient crucial for normal body function and without it we could not live. Fat supply us with energy and  makes it possible for other nutrients to do their jobs. Fats consist of glycerol and fatty acids that are made up of carbon & hydrogen.

We know that a very large amount of our brain is omega fats. According to eastern medicine the extension of the brain is the bone marrow. Here the body makes the white & red blood cells and it plays a very important role in our body’s defenses  The fat the makes up the brain also lines the bowels. Hence what happens in the brain effects our bowels and what effects the bowels in turn effects the brain in our cranium. According to Eastern Philosophy we have 2 brains. One in the head and the other brain is our bowels.

Everybody’s talking about their new,’ Low Fat diet’. Let me tell you, Fats should an essential part of our diet. Then we talk about the good Friendly Fats and  the unfriendly fats.

This misunderstanding almost cost me my life. Yet without the experience I would not have learnt what I now know. Many have not been as lucky as I have, to survive an Heart attack I had 20 years ago.

A low fat increases triglyceride and decrease HDL, without yielding additional decrease in LDL cholesterol levels.

For certain persons, i.e. those with hyper-triglyceridema or hyper-insulinemia, the elderly, or the very young, the potential for elevated triglycerides, decreased HDL cholesterol levels, or nutrient inadequacy must be considered.

Because very low fat diets represents a radical departure from current prudent dietary guidelines, such diets must be proved both advantageous and safe before national recommendations can be issued.  

There are many types of Fats: Saturated, Monounsaturated, Trans and Poly

Saturated fats: These fats are found mostly in animal products. Red meat, poultry, cheese, butter and other dairy products are the main sources. Some plant products like palm, coconut and palm kernel oil are also saturated. These fats are solid at room temperature and melt in your hand.

Polyunsaturated: These fats, which include the healthy omega-3 fatty acids, are also found in plant oils such as safflower, sunflower, corn, flaxseed and *canola oils, as well as in seafood. Polyunsaturated fats are either liquid or soft at room temperature. Essential

fatty acids - alpha-linolenic and linoleic acid - are also in the polyunsaturated group. These fats, which we need to get from the foods we eat, are necessary for the creation of cell walls and hormones in the body. * be aware that Conola is Rapeseed oil and was originally process as an engine oil.

Monounsaturated: These "good" fats are found mainly in plant sources, like nuts, avocados and olive, peanut and canola oils. They are liquid at room temperature.

Trans-: This type of fat is formed when unsaturated vegetable oils are hydrogenated (or partially hydrogenated) to form solid, more stable fats. Hydrogen atoms are actually added to the oils. Trans-fats include margarine and shortening and are found in everything from crackers, cookies, doughnuts, frozen pie crusts, deep-fried foods and foods with chocolate coatings

We refer to cholesterol as Good and Bad, but in reality there is no good or bad cholesterol. Our body needs all of them, as they assist the body in many ways. When you visit your Doctors surgery he will make checks on your HDL, LDL and Triglyceride and mark them as good one and bad ones.In reality body is incapable of making Hormones without them.  The realy bad fats are never mentioned and rearly measured. Its is VLDL. Very Low Density Lipids. Of the lipoprotein types, VLDL contains the highest amount of triglyceride. Because it contains a high level of triglyceride, having a high VLDL level means you may have an increased risk of coronary artery disease, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Higher amounts and large VLDL particles are also associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure and stroke. This fat comes not from eating fats, but surperisingly from refined carbs and sugars.

There is a debate on which is the best oil to cook with. Research has shown that amongst all the oils, the king of them all is extra virgin organic coconut butter or oil. Never cook with Olive oil, it is best used cold and as a Salad dressing.

According to Linus Pauling, Cholesterol

a compound that is an integral structural component of cell membranesand a precursor in the synthesis of steroid hormones. Dietary cholesterol is obtained from animal sources, but cholesterol is also synthesized by the liver. Cholesterol is carried in the blood bylipoproteins. In atherosclerosis, cholesterol accumulates in plaques on the walls of some arteries.

Margarine is one molecule away from plastic.  Itwas originally manufactured to fatten turkeys. When it killed the turkeys, the people who had put all the money into the research wanted a payback so they put their heads together to figure out what to do with this product to get their money back. It was a white substance with no food appeal so they added the yellow coloring and sold it to people to use in place of butter. How do you like it? They have come out with some clever new flavorings. 

Omega comes from oily Fish/ and fish oils, Polyunsaturated essential fat found in cold-water fish and purified fish oils. This oil is beneficial to the cardiovascular system because it promotes the production of ‘Good’ eicosanoids. They also aid in producing long-chain fatty acids like EPA.

Omega 6 comes from Vegetables, Seeds & Nuts. (It is recommended that the Cold Pressed or Extra Virgin oils are the best)  As a general rule Oils from Vegetables & Seeds are Polyunsaturated Fats, whereas oils from the Nut family is Monounsaturated Fats.

Omega 6 fatty acids found in the protein of most oils from seeds and nuts can produce both ‘Good’ & ‘Bad’ eicosanoids

Good eicosanoids are best produced by a combination of omega 3 & 6 oils on a 1:1 ratio. 

Here is an extract on Omega 3 made by Dr. Barry Sears.

Fish Oil & omega-3 Fatty Acids

  Dr. Sears is a research scientist and he created the world famous Zone Diet. His new ground breaking book is called "The Omega Rx Zone - The Miracle of the New High-Dose Fish Oil". It is the culmination of over 20 years of research on the benefits of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids contained in omega-3 fish oils. In fact, Dr. Sears pioneered the development of pharmaceutical grade fish oil using the brand name OmegaRx, a highly refined nutritional supplement rich in the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA.  

 History has shown and scientists have found that the Eskimos of Greenland have suffered very little from coronary heart disease despite a diet very high in fat. The primary source of fat in their diet came from sea mammals, which contain large amounts of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Dr. Barry Sears OmegaRx Fish Oil contains these same essential omega-3 fatty acids.  

 The American Heart Association recommends healthy people eat omega-3 fatty acids from fish and plant sources to protect their heart.  

 The role of essential fatty acids in the body and mind has been extensively studied. The body of knowledge consists of thousands of scientific studies, including hundreds of clinical studies on omega-3 fatty acids.  

 OmegaRx Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil is Twice as Potent and 100's Times More Pure than Health Food Grade Fish Oil. As Dr. Sears explains, the fish oils doled out by our grandmothers and currently sold at health-food stores has never been pure enough to be used in the quantities it takes to feel its potential benefits. The new highly purified Omega Rx pharmaceutical grade fish oil is more concentrated, free of dangerous toxins, and has been clinically tested with encouraging results.

EICOSANOIDS come from the Greek language eicosa, which means 20. Eicosanoids are hormones derived from a 20-carbon atom, polyunsaturated fat. They are made in the cells of the body and are an autocrine hormone. The‘ Good’ eicosanoids generate the cycle AMP.

AMP cycle (Adenosine monophosphate)  is a second messenger that begins the biological response started by a hormone. Cycle AMP is used by many endocrine hormones as a second messenger.

Taken on a Ratio of 1:1 they cut fat and create Cholesterol HDL. (The Good Guys).

We need cholesterol for proper function of the body. The Liver produces 80% of the cholesterol. Why? If this is true then do you think that it is right for you to block this natural process?

When your hands get greasy you use soap to wash it away. Grease is Fat and so is soap made from Fat. One density lipids neutralising the other fat or lipid.

Similarly HDL washes away LDL & Tg. This is what happens in the body with the omega 3&6 oils.

These Omega Oils also counteract the effects of the carbohydrate and also create a more relaxed state within known as DILATORS.

When your body is tight and painful it is due to the constrictors. What you need to remedy this syndrome is the friendly Fats to produce the DILATORS.

EFA are Essential Fatty Acids, which the body cannot make and are therefore necessary to be taken regularly in the diet. EFA are the building blocks of eicosanoids. There are two groups Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.

Fats also produce good Eicosanoids and Glucagons. They are hormones the body needs to metabolise and deal with the fats and sugars.

The job of Insulin is to lower the body sugars. Glucagons raise them by releasing the stored Glycogen from the liver and the Eicosanoids.

Glucagons are a hormone from the pancreas that causes the release of stored carbohydrates in the liver to restore blood glucose levels. They use the second messenger cycle AMP, to exert its biological action. (Cyclic AMP is synthesized from ATP by the action of the enzyme adenylyl cyclase.)

There is enough research to indicate that Niacin or B3 100mg taken with each meal will reduce your blood cholesterol. The findings are that is works even better than the cholesterol lowering drugs e.g. Statin; but when taken alongside Co-enzyme Q10, the combination works even better

According to Linus Pauling,

Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin, which is also known as nicotinic acid or vitamin B3. Nicotinamide is the derivative of niacin and used by the body to form the coenzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP). The chemical structures of the various forms of niacin are shown in the diagram. None of the forms are related to the nicotine found in tobacco, although their names are similar(1).

Function

Oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions

Living organisms derive most of their energy from oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions, which are processes involving the transfer of electrons. As many as 200 enzymes require the niacin coenzymes, NAD and NADP, mainly to accept or donate electrons for redox reactions. NAD functions most often in energy producing reactions involving the degradation (catabolism) of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and alcohol. NADP functions more often in biosynthetic (anabolic) reactions, such as in the synthesis of all macromolecules, including fatty acids and cholesterol (1, 2).

When you take Niacin you will experience a hot flush about 15-min later which can last for about 10-15min. This is indicating that the B3 is being metabolised by the liver and changing it to NIACINEMIDE. So don’t panic, rejoice and you are aware that the Niacin is working.

Glucagons

A hormone responsible for helping maintain proper sugar levels. When blood sugar levels go too low glucagons activate glucose production in the liver as well as regulate the release of glycogen from muscle cells. Eventually it may cause the catabolism of muscle cell protein for glucose. This is considered a catabolic hormone. It therefore acts somewhat similar to the carburettor in the engine in your car. When properly tuned it causes the engine to give you better performance and more miles per gallon. The same is true of the Glucagons in your body. It helps the release of stored glucose and delays the hunger feeling till it has used up all the fuel from the carbohydrates. This is what diabetics need greatly. Although we need carbohydrates to fuel the body we need very little of it to run its engines.

Diabetes: There are 4 Types of Diabetes. 1)Type 1 is insulin dependant,2) Type 2 Insulin resistant, 3) Diabetes Insipidus and  4) Alzheimer's.

Diabetes Type 1. which is insulin dependant. In this case the body does not produce enough or no insulin to process the sugars from our diet.

In Diabetes type 2: Insulin resistant. When the body senses sugar, insulin is produced in response, Insulin with the help of receptors carry the sugar from the blood into the cell. Too much insulin gets the cells to become insensitive to respond. To the insulin and sugar, resulting in elevated blood sugar. High levels of insulin is the cause of elevated sugar in the blood. The body responds to the excess sugar by producing more insulin. Keeping the elevated sugar in the blood this is known as hyper insulin anaemia. When you doctor prescribes insulin shots, it make it worse. Now the pancreas responds by shutting down its production of insulin to let the body cope it the sugar insulin increase. The body responds to this condition and wraps up the insulin and sugars in fat and stores it for a rainy day. So it carries on meal after meal, day after day, year after year until one day your metabolism finally breakdown resulting in Obesity, Heart attack, Stroke, Arthritis and Cancer.

 One way of dealing with the Blood Sugar is to burn it off through exercise. Life is not complete without exercise. In nature: Carbon dioxide + Water give birth to Life & Plants which supply us with Oxygen & Glucose. This gives us the food and energy. We need to perform Aerobic exercise to burn off the calories and return to nature, the Carbon dioxide + water, needed to complete the cycle.

Although we need oxygen to survive, like the carbohydrates we need little of it. As explained earlier, carbohydrates demand insulin for its digestion and produces Free Radicals & Constrictors in the process.  So to does Oxygen produces Free Radicals and accelerates ageing.

Friendly Omega 3&6 produce Good Eicosanoids & Glucagons = Dilators  to  release Carbon Dioxide from the blood encouraging proper function of the body and Dilators. As everyone breathes at an average of 21600 rhythms in 24 hours- which is 900 an hour, 15 a minute and one breath every 4 seconds. This gives us a life span of 70 years (3 score years & 10).  Every breath saved goes to prolong  life. If you breathe slowly, deeply and rhythmically this is a recipe for long life.

The Air we breath is 20% oxygen & 80 % Nitrogen. Oxygen breaks up into its oxides, which produces the free radicals that destroy the nucleus of the Cell the DNA.

On the other hand nitrogen along with l-argnine, helps the breaking up into its oxides known as NITRIC OXIDE: In 1987 Dr. Ignarro, Nobel prize winner discovered Nitric oxide. It is one of the smallest molecule and is a free radical to boot. This reactive free radical provides the latest clue on the power of the diet to alter hormonal response.  It is the hormone that needs no receptor. It travels a short distance and is self distructed; a component of Air Pollution and cigarette smoke, it controls cardiovascular, immune and nervous system. It is also the key to erectile problems. Nitrogen free radical=nitric oxide.

Unlike oxygen free radicals nitric oxide is relatively stable. It is possible to maintain nitric oxide in a gaseous form for more than 40 years. Nitric oxide is an interesting carrier of information.

Breathe slowly and hold for a while, then breathe out and hold for a while. Try to prolong the hold comfortable for as long as possible.  The oxygen is used up and carbon dioxide is released to produce dilators. The nitrogen is then broken down into its oxides = nitric oxide which produces the same as end products as GTN or TNT. It is what is used when you suffer angina. L-argnine along with exercise helps the body to produce Nitric Oxide, which improves cardiac circulation because it is a vaco-dialator. so good is its action that it does the job better and safer than Viagra.