Tag: cancer

Strawberries May Reduce Cancer Growth

July 7th, 2011 by Paula Gallagher

Researchers have found that as little as 2 ounces of freeze dried strawberries may prevent esophageal cancer, the third most common gastrointestinal cancer and the sixth most frequent cause of cancer death in the world. Subjects with precancerous esophageal cancer lesions ate 2 oz. of strawberries for 6 months and the result was a reduction in cell proliferation, inflammation and gene transcription.

Strawberries are chock-full of vitamins, minerals  and antioxidants, and researchers believe that they may slow the progressions of esophageal cancer.

The study’s lead researcher, Tong Chen, an assistant professor in the Oncology Division of Ohio State University, presented the study at the American Association for Cancer Research’s annual meeting.

Read More

Antioxidant Power of Carotenoids

April 18th, 2011 by Paula Gallagher

Found in many yellow, orange and red fruits and veggies, carotenoids are a class of compounds related to vitamin A. The carotenes include beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin.

Beta-carotene, often used in place of vitamin A for supplementation, is converted to vitamin A in the liver when your body needs it. The beta-carotene that is not converted still has antioxidant power. It protects the body against free radicals which cause damage to cellullar genetic material, causing cancer. Beta-carotene has also been shown to protect the body against environmental pollutants and other substances that lead to aging.

Lycopene is a carotenoid that functions as an antioxidant for the prostate gland and has been shown to help lower the risk of prostate cancer. Continue reading “Antioxidant Power of Carotenoids”

Read More

Cell Phone Use and Brain Activity

February 24th, 2011 by Paula Gallagher

Spending 50 minutes on your cell phone may not cause cancer but it does alter brain activity, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

“What we showed is glucose metabolism (a sign of brain activity) increases in the brain in people who were exposed to a cell phone in the area closest to the antenna,” said Dr. Nora Volkow of the NIH, whose study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Whether this has implications on health is unknown, so further research is required. However, the controversy about cell phone use and links to cancer still continue.

Read More

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?”

Read More

New Guideline for Vitamin D Intake: Is It Enough?

January 7th, 2011 by Paula Gallagher

An increase in the recommended dietary allowance of vitamin D has been called for in new guidelines issued by the Institute of Medicine.

The new recommendations call for 600 international units (IU) daily, with 800 IU recommended for the elderly. The researchers note, however, that most Americans receive the necessary amount of vitamin D already and that taking more is not necessarily better. These researchers believe that taking more than this has no extra benefit on bones. However, there have been countless studies showing the benefits of vitamin D for decreasing cancer risk and improving the immune system.

Here is Dr. Jerry Teplitz’s view on the new guidelines. While a committee of the National Institute of Standards and Technology reviewed the research on vitamin D and recommended increasing the amount of vitamin D from 400 IU per day to 600 IU per day, there are still questions about how they reached that decision and whether the dose increase is high enough.

Well, it turns out the members of this committee did not include any of the top researchers on vitamin D. This means that those with the most expertise on the subject were not involved in the decision-making process. Continue reading “New Guideline for Vitamin D Intake: Is It Enough?”

Read More

Our Bloggers

  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
    read more..
  • Margo Gladding
    Margo Gladding
    Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
    read more..
  • Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
    read more..
  • Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
    read more..
  • Debi Silber
    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
    read more..
  • Teri Cochrane
    Teri Cochrane
    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
    read more..
  • Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
    read more..
  • Susan Levin
    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
    read more..
  • Rob Brown
    Dr. Rob Brown
    Dr. Brown's blended perspective of healthcare includes a deeply rooted passion for wellness and spiritual exploration.
    read more..

Other Contributors

Caroline Blazovsky
Heather Gunn
Jared Rice
Ellen Kittredge
Naz Amini
Carmen Ugas
Steve Stillwater
Farzin Farid
Joe Ailts
Scott O’Dell
James Brodsky, MD
Christine M. Gonzales
Beth Ritchie
Jim Fox

May 2024
S M T W T F S
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031