Category: Health Concerns

Maitake Mushroom: Cancer Fighter, and More?

February 15th, 2011 by Paula Gallagher

Maitake mushroom may best be known for its cancer-fighting properties. It contains grifolan, an important beta-glucan polysaccharide. Grifolan has been shown to activate macrophages, a type of cell considered the ” heavy artillery” of the immune system, according to Larry A. Walker, Ph.D., R.D., author of “Natural products update” (published in Drug Topics, June 1997). D-fraction, one of the polysaccharides in maitake mushroom, also energized the cellular immune system.

The evidence confirming maitake’s therapeutic value is impressive. Laboratory studies have shown that maitake extract can block the growth of cancer tumors and boost the immune function of mice with cancer.

Haroaki Nanba reported the following findings of the study, “Maitake D-fraction: healing and preventing potentials for cancer” (published in the Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, February/March 1996). In a non-randomized clinical study, 165 individuals with advanced cancer used maitake D-fraction. Patients received either maitake D-fraction alone or with chemotherapy. Maitake mushroom was found effective against leukemia and stomach and bone cancers. Continue reading “Maitake Mushroom: Cancer Fighter, and More?”

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Lycopene’s Health Benefits

February 10th, 2011 by Paula Gallagher

Recent studies suggest that a diet rich in tomato products (one of the best sources of lycopene) is strongly linked to a healthy immune system, as well as prostate health. Lycopene, the compound that gives tomatoes their red color, may also benefit heart health in men by boosting the body’s natural antioxidant defenses and protecting against DNA damage, according to a new study.

Participants of the study who took 15mg of lycopene per day had a reduction in systolic blood pressure and a decrease in levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). CRP is a marker of inflammation in the body and is reported to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular-related events.

Aside from supplements, food sources of lycopene include tomatoes (highest in cooked tomato products like tomato sauce), red carrots, pink grapefruit, red oranges, papaya, and watermelon. More recently, orange heirloom  “tangerine tomatoes” have shown to even have higher concentrations of lycopene than red tomatoes.

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Resveratrol May Help Colitis

February 7th, 2011 by Paula Gallagher

A recent study out of Spain has found that mice with colitis that were given the equivalent of 30 mg of resveratrol experienced a reduction of inflammation and even reduced mortality by 40%, when compared with a control group that had colitis and did not receive resveratrol.

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol, is found in a large number of fruits and vegetables and is abundant in grapes and red wines.

Recent studies looking at the benefits of resveratrol have reported anti-cancer effects, anti-inflammatory effects, cardiovascular benefits, anti-diabetes potential, energy endurance enhancement, and protection against Alzheimer’s.

The also found that all of the resveratrol-fed animals survived and finished the treatment while animals fed with a standard diet showed a mortality of 40%.  Although the mechanism behind the reduction of mortality wasn’t clear, they believed that resveratrol’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious properties may have played a role.

For more information on resveratrol, contact Village Green Apothecary at 1-800-869-9159.

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FDA vs the Dairy Industry

January 26th, 2011 by Paula Gallagher

In my house we only drink organic milk and I get teased by people who think I am crazy to spend $10 for a gallon of organic milk (actually, I pay that for 4 litres of milk… I live in Canada), especially when regular milk costs less than half that amount. Personally, I would rather spend less on clothing, trips and gas (for example), and more on quality food for my family. I know there isn’t any possible way that I can protect my family from all the crap that is out there, but this is one area where I can choose to say no to antibiotic-ridden milk. I know, another alternative is to go dairy-free, but I love it, my son loves it, and so I am going to do the best  I can.

The FDA is trying to crack down on the dairy industry because of the use of antibiotics in older cows. The dairy industry isn’t having it. Read this article in the New York Times, and tell us what you think.

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Antioxidants May Increase Fertility… in Men

January 25th, 2011 by Paula Gallagher

A recent study showed that between 30% to 80% of male subfertility cases may be improved by oral supplementation with antioxidants. A supplement containing vitamin C and E, zinc, folic acid, lycopene, garlic oil and selenium is associated with a more than four-fold increased rate of pregnancy and live birth. They also found “mostly positive effects” on sperm concentration and motility.

Although the conclusions were based on limited evidence, Marian Showell, the lead author of the research paper published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, says, “When trying to conceive as part of an assisted reproductive program, it may be advisable to encourage men to take oral antioxidant supplements to improve their partners’ chances of becoming pregnant.” This is important since about one third of infertility in couples is due to male factors.

Although taking supplements seems to improve quality of sperm, it is also key to note that the quality of sperm, overall,  has decreased over the years and may be attributed to smoking, obesity, and even agricultural chemicals.

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    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
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