Broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower have a chemical component called indole-3-carbinol that can combat breast and prostate cancer by converting a cancer-promoting estrogen into a more protective variety.
Broccoli, especially sprouts, also have the phytochemical sulforaphane, believed to aid in preventing some types of cancer, like colon and rectal cancer. Sulforaphane activates a gene expression inside the cells that induces the production of glutathione and certain enzymes. This cellular antioxidant effect can neutralize free radicals and carcinogens. The enzymes have been shown to inhibit the growth of tumors in laboratory animals.
It appears that the more bitter the broccoli is, the more beneficial it is. Broccoli sprouts have as much as 20 times higher levels of sulfurophane that that found in mature heads of broccoli. In addition, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, brussels sprouts, and cabbage also contain two antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin, that may help decrease prostate and other cancers. In any case, it would be hard to eat enough broccoli to have the maximum protective effect. There are many excellent sulfurophane products on the market. One that we frequently recommend is Broccosabe from Pure Encapsulation.
What is resveratrol and can I get enough through drinking wine?
Resveratrol is a natural superior antioxidant compound found in abundance in red grapes (mainly the skins), grape seed extract, red wine, Japanese Knotweed, and peanuts. Nearly all the darker red wines, especially Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet and Shiraz, contain far higher amounts of resveratrol than white wines or grape juice. Unfortunately, to get a valuable level of resveratrol by drinking red wine you would need to consume very large quantities and this would certainly be very detrimental to your health.
Resveratrol has recently been subjected to extensive research and experiments. It will take some time to definitely confirm that the hugely exciting and positive long-term health benefits of resveratrol on test mice will also affect humans in the same manner.
Recent research at the University of Nebraska identified resveratrol as one of the nutrients playing a role in inhibiting estrogen DNA adducts, a form of estrogen transformation in the body that increases risks for breast and prostate cancer.
Some people may experience negative side effects, and so it is advisable to start on a low dosage of 250mg daily.
I am over fifty and I have not had a period in 2 years. I recently just had a period. Should I be concerned?
This is not an infrequent occurrence and should not be a cause for concern unless pain and other symptoms persist, in which case you should definitely have an appointment with your gynecologist to make sure everything is fine.
Occasionally I drink too much and wake up with a hangover. Is there anything I can do to decrease the negative impact on my body?
You are right. Overdrinking is highly toxic to the body and it also depletes minerals and vitamins, making your body more vulnerable. The best defense is, of course, to limit your consumption of alcohol.
Just in case you over do it, there is something you can take to decrease the damage. One of the products frequently used in South America to deal with this occasional problem is high dosage of Artichoke Extract. It stimulates bile flow and will help your liver in the task of detoxification. It is available in all health food stores. Jarrow has a 500mg formula and the recommended dosage is 3 capsules, 2 times daily.
Also make sure you replenish your minerals and vitamins with good food or a good multi-vitamin. This will not counterbalance the destructive effects of frequent overdrinking.
Contrary to most animals, human beings do not produce their own vitamin C and must absorb it from their food. Vitamin C is an extremely valuable vitamin as it plays a part in so many body functions, including maintaining and repairing body tissue, strengthening blood vessels, and absorbing calcium in order to assist in the formation of bones and teeth. It also helps to maintain resistance to infections and lowers levels of blood cholesterol. Finally, it aids in the absorption of iron from food so that it can be utilized by the body, thus decreasing the risk of anemia.
Because Vitamin C is water-soluble the body is unable to store it, so the supply must be replenished daily, either from high vitamin C foods or from supplements. The best source of vitamin C in your food is: citrus fruits, black currents, rosehip tea, peppers, and dark green leaf vegetables. As for supplementation, it is always recommended to use supplements that contains bioflavanoids.
There is no right amount of vitamin C. It depends greatly on your diet, your exposure to germs, and toxicity. Supplementing with 1000 to 3000 mg in divided dosages during the winter is good protection. If it produces flushing (loose watery stool) reduce the dosage to your level of tolerance. Vitamin C is also available in buffered form for individuals with sensitive stomach lining.
There are three major types of Vitamin B12 that your body can use.
Cynacobalamin: The most common B12 found in tablets. It is very stable but it combines with cyanide in the refinement process. The level of cyanide is very small and easily eliminated, except by smokers.
Hydroxocobalamin: This B12 is delivered by injection. It is not as stable as cynacobalamin but is used to mop cyanide in people who for some reason are exposed to that toxin through smoking or other causes.
Methylcobalamin: This is the type that you put under your tongue. It is slightly less stable and harder to absorb but does not require injection. Nor is it bound with cyanide.
For more information about vitamin B 12 go to http://www.westonaprice.org/Vitamin-B12-Vital-Nutrient-for-Good-Health.html
Examine a serious, common genetic health factor often overlooked by MD’s.
We can effectively treat the symptoms, including pain, with a variety of natural remedies