New research reveals the exciting fact that Blueberries provide an effective way to lower cholesterol without the dangers of statin drugs. In fact, the research shows that a compound in blueberries acts just as effectively as statin drugs to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol or LDL cholesterol in mice, but without the negative side effects of statin drugs.

Blueberries are a group of flowering plants in the genus Vaccinium, sect. Cyanococcus. The species are native to North America and eastern Asia. They are shrubs varying in size from 10 cm tall to 4 m tall; the smaller species are known as “lowbush Blueberries“, and the larger species as “highbush blueberries“.

Blueberries are phytonutrient superstars. These fruits contain significant amounts of anthocyanidins, antioxidant compounds that give blue, purple and red colors to fruits and vegetables. In addition, Blueberries also contain Ellagic Acid, another phytochemical that has been shown to prevent cell damage.

Blueberries are a very good source of vitamin C, manganese, and both soluble and insoluble fiber like pectin. Blueberries are also a good source of vitamin E.

Blueberries are literally bursting with nutrients and flavor, yet very low in calories. Recently, researchers at Tufts University analyzed 60 fruits and vegetables for their antioxidant capability. Blueberries came out on top, rating highest in their capacity to destroy free radicals.

Packed with antioxidant phytonutrients called anthocyanidins, Blueberries neutralize free radical damage to the collagen matrix of cells and tissues that can lead to cataracts, glaucoma, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, peptic ulcers, heart disease and cancer. Anthocyanins, the blue-red pigments found in Blueberries improve the integrity of support structures in the veins and entire vascular system.

While wine, particularly red wine, is touted as cardio-protective since it is a good source of antioxidant anthocyanins, a recent study found that Blueberries deliver 38% more of these free radical fighters.

In addition to their powerful anthocyanins, Blueberries contain another antioxidant compound called ELLAGIC ACID, which blocks metabolic pathways that can lead to cancer. Laboratory studies published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry show that phenolic compounds in Blueberries can inhibit colon cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death).

New research reveals the exciting fact that Blueberries provide an effective way to lower cholesterol without the dangers of statin drugs. In fact, the research shows that a compound in Blueberries acts just as effectively as statin drugs to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol or LDL cholesterol in mice, but without the negative side effects of statin drugs.

Research at Rutgers has also shown that Blueberries may help prevent urinary tract infections. All of these studies were conducted using high bush, hybrid cultivars of Blueberries.

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Antioxidants are believed to have substantial health benefits and raspberries in particular are a good source. In fact, raspberries may have 10 times more antioxidants than tomatoes or broccoli. Further, raspberries contain some specific antioxidants that are found almost nowhere else.

Ellagic acid is a naturally occurring phenolic constituent in certain fruits and nuts. Research in the past decade confirms that Ellagic acid markedly inhibits the ability of other chemicals to cause mutations in bacteria. Ellagic acid from red raspberries has proven as an effective antimutagen and anticarcinogen as well as a inhibitor of cancer.

Ellagic acid has been found to occur naturally in 46 different foods, with the red raspberry having been identified as having the highest natural content.

Ellagic acid is a phenolic compound found in plants in the form of hydrolyzable tannins called ellagitannins. Ellagitannins are esters of glucose with hexahydroxydiphenic acid; when hydrolyzed, they yield Ellagic acid, the dilactone of hexahydroxydiphenic acid. Ellagic acid is a very stable compound and is readily absorbed through the gastrointestinal system in mammals, including humans.

Research studies on Ellagic acid have been extensive, especially in vitro studies and studies in laboratory animals. Although yet to prove conclusively in humans that red raspberries will reduce risk of cancer or even cause remission of active disease, this research does represent a substantial body of evidence to support the protective effects of ellagitannins in humans in combination with other chemopreventive nutrients.

Berries are the most common food sources of Ellagic acid. The relative amount of Ellagic acid in average number of micrograms per gram of dry weight fruit extract is highest in red raspberries at 1500 mcg, followed by strawberries at 630 mcg, walnuts at 590 mcg, pecans at 330 mcg, and cranberries at 120 mcg.

Red Raspberries are one of the 16 fruit superfoods found in SenSatiaFruit

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Tart cherries, which are sometimes called sour, red cherries, or pie cherries are best known as the key ingredient in desserts.

According to ongoing research, Montmorency tart cherries are a rich source of antioxidants, which can help fight cancer and heart disease.

In addition, there are beneficial compounds in Montmorency tart cherries that help relieve the pain of arthritis and gout.

Other fruits and vegetable do not have the pain relief of tart cherries.

While the research on the exact mechanisms that give the pain relief is ongoing, many consumers are discovering that tart cherry juice can stave off pain. Recent research suggests drinking a glass of tart cherry juice might help defuse arthritis pain.

Researchers from Michigan State University found anthocyanins, the same chemicals that give tart cherries their color, may have more powerful anti-inflammatory effects than aspirin.

Here are a few of the Tart Cherry studies that have been conducted so far:

A small randomized controlled trial in the British Journal of Sports Medicine examined the effectiveness of a tart cherry juice blend in preventing symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage. Fourteen male college students drank 12 fl oz of a cherry juice blend or a placebo, twice per day for eight consecutive days. Strength loss was significantly lower in people taking the cherry juice (4%) compared with the placebo (22%). Pain was also significantly lower in people taking the cherry juice.

Jill M. Tall, Ph.D., research fellow at Johns Hopkins, was the lead researcher of a study that tested the effectiveness of orally administrated anthocyanins from tart cherries on inflammation-induced pain in rats. The results of the study suggested that tart cherry anthocyanins may have a beneficial role in reducing inflammatory pain.

One small study published in the Journal of Nutrition supported the anti-gout effectiveness of cherries. They assessed the effects of Bing cherry (a sweet cherry) consumption on healthy women and found that cherry consumption decreased blood urate levels, and there was a marginal decrease in inflammatory markers c-reactive protein and nitric oxide.

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Used extensively by many cultures around the world as a medicinal fruit, Pomegranates are now the subject of an amazing amount of medical and scientific research.

Pomegranate has substances, such as polyphenols, that have antioxidant, anti-viral, and anti-tumor activity.

Pomegranate may also be helpful in maintaining healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and a recent study indicates pomegranate has compounds that play a role in osteoarthritis and prostate health.

Pomegranates are chock full of antioxidants called phytochemicals that protect plants from disease, but notably they also have the same effect on humans.

A three-year UCLA study has found that drinking an eight-ounce glass of pomegranate juice daily increased by nearly four times the period during which PSA levels in men treated for prostate cancer remained stable.

Polyphenols are a kind of potent phytochemical that protects our cells, and tannins are a particularly active polyphenol found in pomegranates, red wine and green tea.

The specific tannins in pomegranate are believed to be 3 times stronger than those in red wine and green tea, however, and among them is an especially remarkable tannin called Ellagic Acid.

Current research shows that Ellagic Acid has two enormously important benefits for the cardiovascular system.

1. It clearly helps promote healthy blood pressure, particularly systolic pressure, which is the peak pressure generated in the arteries when the heart beats. Apparently, it accomplishes this action by increasing nitric oxide production, which keeps blood vessels open.
2. And second, it also helps maintain LDL cholesterol levels already in the normal range. Plus, it supports the health of arterial walls.

Pomegranate Juice is one of the 16 Fruit Superfoods in SenSatiaFruit

Drinking Pomegranate Juice May Protect Diabetics From Developing Heart Disease

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From the Brazilian Rainforest , The New Energy Boost!

“Goodbye ephedra, hello Cha de Burge” is what everybody is saying. Cha de Burge has long been a popular weight-loss product that has been marketed as a diuretic and appetite suppressant, and is believed to help reduce fatty deposits and cellulite.

Cha de Burge has many properties and traditional applications in common with Ephedra, but unlike Ephedra, it has a positive impact on the heart.

Looking at the scientific properties of Cha’ de bugre, Dr. G.L. Cruz’s book, Dictionary of Plants Used in Brazil, Cha’ de bugre is recommended as an excellent diuretic and weight loss aid, as well as a good general heart tonic which can help to stimulate circulation.

It is also used in Brazil and Haiti as a tea to help relieve coughs and asthmatic systems. It can also help to regulate renal function, and reduce uric acid.

Cha de Burge stimulates metabolism while concurrently acting as an appetite suppressant.

There are no known health risks or side effects reported for Cha de Burge.

Cha de Burge is one of the 16 Beneficial Fruits in SenSatiaFruit

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