Life Extension, Author at FoodTrients

September 30, 2014

Organically Grown Foods Have Edge

Scientists have long recognized the dangers of cadmium (Cd) exposure to the human body. This heavy metal is emerging as a major cause of vascular disorders, common cancers, osteoporosis, and kidney disease, and can also cause damage to the body’s reproductive and neurological systems. While tobacco smoke can be a significant source of exposure for smokers, the primary source of cadmium exposure for nonsmokers is through consumption of contaminated plant-based foods. A survey of all previous pertinent research (meta-analysis), appearing recently in the British Journal of Nutrition, concluded that organically grown foods are on average 48 percent lower in Cd than […]

September 23, 2014

Published by Life Extension

The Little-Known Longevity Factor in the Japanese Diet

Over the past decade, a quiet revolution in aging research has unfolded, its focus centered on little-known molecules known as fucoidans. These molecules play a crucial role across a broad range of physiological mechanisms. Fucoidans are found almost exclusively in certain kinds of seaweed. Their anti-aging potential emerged in several analyses of the Japanese diet, particularly among inhabitants of the island of Okinawa, long known for its high concentration of people at least a century old (centenarians). Virtually no one in the West obtains enough of these critical molecules, which have been shown to facilitate tissue regeneration, immune function, and cell-to-cell communication. In this article, you will discover how fucoidans work to combat cancer, […]

September 23, 2014

Published by Life Extension

Manganese: The Multifaceted Mineral

Manganese is an essential mineral needed in trace amounts by the human body. It’s involved in the production of energy, bone development, and the synthesis of collagen and protein. The mineral forms part of the antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD), an enzyme produced in the body that protects against oxidative stress and is necessary for life. Manganese Deficiencies May Cause Osteoporosis In addition to its vital role in the body’s antioxidant defense, manganese helps protect bones and joints. In the January 2012 issue of Frontiers of Bioscience, it was suggested that manganese deficiency, rather than calcium deficiency, could be the primary cause […]

September 23, 2014

Published by Life Extension

Curcumin Could Help Fight Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs that is largely attributable to asbestos exposure, could face a worthy opponent in the form of curcumin, a compound that occurs in the spice turmeric, according to research reported in October 2014 issue of Clinical Cancer Research. Ashfin Dowlati and colleagues at University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland measured mesothelioma tumor expression of PIAS3 (protein inhibitor of activated STAT3), which is correlated with overall survival. They additionally evaluated the effects of PIAS3 activity on the intracellular protein and transcription factor STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3), which can trigger cancer […]

September 16, 2014

Published by Life Extension

The Secret Behind Açaí

Each day, every cell in the human body must withstand an estimated 10,000 individual assaults from externally introducedreactive oxygen species (ROS) or free radicals. The progressive, system-wide destruction wrought by this continuous biochemical onslaught has been thoroughly documented in the scientific literature. In the older cells of aging animals, to take one example, researchers have found that one out of every three proteins is rendered dysfunctional by unchecked free radical damage. In the search for optimal defense against free radicals, scientists have focused intensely on berry extracts. A growing body of scientific evidence shows that berry polyphenols’ antioxidant capacity powerfully targets numerous degenerative diseases, from cancer and atherosclerosis […]

September 16, 2014

Published by Life Extension

Ashwagandha: Mysterious Ancient Herb

Ashwagandha, an exotic Indian herb, has remarkable stress-relieving properties comparable to those of powerful drugs used to treat depression and anxiety. In addition to its excellent protective effects on the nervous system, ashwagandha may be a promising alternative treatment for a variety of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Ashwagandha has powerful antioxidant properties that seek and destroy the free radicals that have been implicated in aging and numerous disease states. Even more remarkable, emerging evidence suggests that ashwagandha has anti-cancer benefits as well. Powerful Protective Effects on the Nervous System Stress, environmental toxins, and poor nutrition all have […]

September 16, 2014

Published by Life Extension

All About Chromium

Chromium is a mineral whose name derives from the Greek word chroma, meaning colored, referring to the red compounds the mineral is found in. The intense red color that defines rubies is, in fact, due to their chromium content. While the dangers of hexavalent chromium became widely known with the film Erin Brockovich, the version found in food (trivalent chromium) is safe and healthy. Trace amounts of chromium are helpful in maintaining normal blood sugar levels in diabetics and people who have hypoglycemia. Chromium Prolongs Life Chromium’s effect on glucose might be a reason for its ability to extend life. Using diabetic rats, […]

September 9, 2014

Published by Life Extension

Grapes, Red Wine Have Anti-Aging Properties

Grapes and the skin of this fruit is beneficial for health. Scientists have found that grapes, which is abundantly full of chemical known as resveratrol, has anti-aging properties. A team of scientists under Syed Ibrahim Rizvi of the biochemistry department of Allahabad University is engaged on evaluating these properties of resveratrol, a chemical also found in red wine. “Since time immemorial, humans have searched for the elixir of life and to realize the fact that same one has to grow old with time is always a difficult thought to digest. But scientists, in the last few decades, are focusing on nutritional supplements which may […]

September 9, 2014

Published by Life Extension

Higher Potassium Intake: Lower Risk of Stroke

The finding of a reduced risk of stroke and premature mortality among women with a higher intake of potassium was reported in an article published on September 4, 2014 in the AHA journal Stroke. “Previous studies have shown that potassium consumption may lower blood pressure,” commented senior author Sylvia Wassertheil-Smoller, PhD, of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. But whether potassium intake could prevent stroke or death wasn’t clear.” The current investigation utilized data from 90,137 postmenopausal women who had no history of stroke upon enrollment in the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study. Dietary questionnaire responses were analyzed for potassium […]