The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth_ The Surprising, Unbiased Truth About What You Should Eat and Why ( PDFDrive )

["causes\theart\tdisease\u201d\tparadigm\tis\twoefully\tout\tof\tdate.\tNonetheless,\tfor\tyears\tit was\tbelieved\tthat\tthe\treason\tthe\tFrench\tcould\t\u201cget\taway\u201d\twith\tsuch\tsupposedly unhealthy\tfare\tis\tthat\tthey\tconsumed\tliberal\tamounts\tof\theart-healthy\tred\twine, which\tcontains\tnumerous\tcompounds\tthat\tprotect\tthe\theart\tand\tsupport\thealth. This\tisn\u2019t\tthe\tplace\tto\tgo\tinto\tthe\tfallacies\tof\tthe\tFrench\tParadox\t(there\tare many).\tBut\tit\tis\tthe\tplace\tto\tgo\tinto\tthe\theart-healthy,\tlife-extending\tcompounds that\tare\tin\tred\twine.\tAnd\tthe\tbest\tplace\tto\tstart\tis\twith\tthe\tsuperstar\tcompound that\tmany\tconsider\tthe\tnumber-one\tantiaging\tsupplement\tin\tthe\tworld\u2014 resveratrol. Resveratrol\tin\tRed\tWine\tIs\ta\tPowerful\tAntioxidant\tThat\tAlso\tPrevents Heart\tDisease Resveratrol\tis\tone\tof\tthe\tmost\tpotent\tof\tthe\tpolyphenols\tand\tis\tfound\tin\tred\twine and\tthe\tseeds\tand\tskins\tof\tgrapes\t(see\tpage\t116).\t(It\u2019s\talso\tfound\tin\tpeanuts, blueberries,\tand\tcranberries.)\tRed\twine\thas\ta\thigh\tconcentration\tof\tthis\tpowerful antioxidant\tbecause\tthe\tskins\tand\tseeds\tferment\tin\tthe\tgrapes\u2019\tjuices\tduring\tthe red\twine\u2013making\tprocess.\tThis\tprolonged\tcontact\tduring\tfermentation\tproduces significant\tlevels\tof\tresveratrol\tin\tthe\tfinished\tred\twine.\t(White\twine\talso contains\tresveratrol,\tbut\tthe\tseeds\tand\tskins\tare\tremoved\tearly\tin\tthe\twhite wine\u2013making\tprocess,\treducing\tthe\tamount\tof\tresveratrol\tin\tthe\tfinal\tproduct.) Antioxidants\tlike\tresveratrol\tare\tbeneficial\tin\tpreventing\tharmful\telements\tin\tthe body\tfrom\tattacking\thealthy\tcells.\tThe\tantioxidant\tproperties\tof\tresveratrol\talso offer\tcertain\thealth\tbenefits\tin\tthe\tprevention\tof\theart\tdisease\tand\tthe\treduction of\tlung\ttissue\tinflammation\tin\tchronic\tobstructive\tpulmonary\tdisease\t(COPD). And\ta\trecent\tanimal\tstudy\tin\tvolume\t54,\t2006,\tJournal\tof\tAgricultural\tand\tFood Chemistry\tsuggested\tthat\tresveratrol\tcan\timprove\tblood\tflow\tin\tthe\tbrain\tby\t30 percent,\tthereby\treducing\tthe\trisk\tof\tstroke. Resveratrol\talso\thas\tanticancer\tactivity.\tWriting\tin\tthe\tjournal\tAnticancer Research\tin\t2004,\tresearchers\tfrom\tthe\tUniversity\tof\tTexas\tM.D.\tAnderson Cancer\tCenter\treviewed\tdozens\tof\tstudies\ton\tresveratrol\tand\tconcluded\tthat\tit exhibited\tanticancer\tproperties\tagainst\ta\twide\trange\tof\ttumor\tcells,\tincluding lymphoid\tand\tmyeloid\tcancers,\tmultiple\tmyeloma,\tcancers\tof\tthe\tbreast, prostate,\tstomach,\tcolon,\tpancreas,\tand\tthyroid,\tmelanoma,\thead\tand\tneck squamous\tcell\tcarcinoma,\tovarian\tcarcinoma,\tand\tcervical\tcarcinoma.\tThe researchers\tconcluded\tthat\t\u201cresveratrol\tappears\tto\texhibit\ttherapeutic\teffects against\tcancer.\u201d Drink\tRed\tWine\tfor\ta\tLonger\tLife Resveratrol\tmay\tbe\tone\tof\tthe\tbest\tantiaging\tsubstances\taround.\tResearch\tby","David\tSinclair,\tPh.D.,\tassistant\tprofessor\tof\tpathology\tat\tHarvard\tUniversity Medical\tSchool,\tshows\tthat\tthe\tlife\tspan\tof\tall\tlife\tforms\ttested\tso\tfar\u2014yeast cells,\tfruit\tflies,\tworms,\tand\tmice\u2014have\tbeen\tdramatically\tlengthened\tby minute\tamounts\tof\tresveratrol.\tThat\u2019s\tone\tof\tthe\treasons\tresveratrol\tis\ttouted\t(by me\tamong\tothers)\tas\tone\tof\tthe\tbest\tantiaging\tsupplements\tyou\tcan\ttake.\tRed wine\tis\tan\texcellent\tway\tto\tget\tresveratrol\tinto\tyour\tdiet. Besides\tresveratrol,\tthere\tare\tother\thealth-promoting\tpolyphenols\tin\tred wine,\tand\tmany\tof\tthese\tare\theart\tprotective.\tStudies\tinvestigating\tthe\tbenefits of\tred\twine\tsuggest\tthat\ta\tmoderate\tamount\tof\tred\twine\t(one\tdrink\ta\tday\tfor women\tand\ttwo\tdrinks\ta\tday\tfor\tmen)\tlowers\tthe\trisk\tof\theart\tattack\tfor\tpeople in\tmiddle\tage\tby\t30\tto\t50\tpercent.\tIt\tis\talso\tsuggested\tthat\talcohol\tsuch\tas\tred wine\tmay\tprevent\tadditional\theart\tattacks\tif\tyou\thave\talready\tsuffered\tone. Other\tstudies\thave\tindicated\tthat\tred\twine\tcan\traise\tHDL\t(\u201cgood\u201d\tcholesterol). Red\twine\tmay\thelp\tprevent\tblood\tclots\tand\treduce\tthe\tblood\tvessel\tdamage caused\tby\tfat\tdeposits.\tIndeed,\tstudies\tshowed\tthat\tpeople\tfrom\tthe Mediterranean\tregion\twho\tregularly\tdrink\tred\twine\thave\tlower\trisks\tof\theart disease. Recently,\tthe\tBritish\tMedical\tJournal\tpublished\ta\tfamous\tpaper\ton\tthe \u201cPolymeal\u201d\tin\twhich\tresearchers\tproposed\ta\tperfect\tmeal\tthat,\tif\teaten\tdaily, would\tsubstantially\treduce\tthe\trisk\tfor\theart\tdisease\tas\tmuch\tas\tor\tmore\tthan many\tmedications.\tWine\twas\ta\tpart\tof\tit.\tIn\tfact,\tthe\tauthors\tcalculated\tthat based\ton\tthe\tavailable\tresearch,\t150\tml\tof\twine\ta\tday\twould\tlikely\tresult\tin\ta\t23 to\t41\tpercent\treduction\tin\trisk\tfor\tcoronary\theart\tdisease. Red\tWine\tand\tthe\tRisk\tof\tBreast\tCancer Okay,\tbefore\tyou\tgo\tout\tand\tstart\tguzzling,\there\u2019s\twhere\tit\tgets\ttricky,\tespecially if\tyou\u2019re\ta\twoman.\tThe\trelationship\tof\talcohol\tconsumption\tto\tbreast\tcancer\trisk is\tmurky\tbut\ttroubling.\tSome\tstudies\thave\tfound\tan\tincreased\trisk\tof\tbreast cancer\tfor\twomen\twho\tdrink,\teven\tmoderately.\tAt\tleast\tten\tstudies\thave\tlooked at\tthe\trelationship\tof\talcohol\tand\tbreast\tcancer\tand\tthe\tmajority\tof\tthese\thave shown\ta\tlink\tbetween\tthe\ttwo. In\tgeneral,\talcohol\tdoes\tappear\tto\tincrease\tthe\trisk\tof\tbreast\tcancer\tin women.\tThe\tCommittee\ton\tCarcinogenicity\tof\tChemicals\tin\tFood,\tConsumer Products\tand\tthe\tEnvironment\u2019s\tNon-Technical\tSummary\tconcludes,\t\u201cThe\tnew research\testimates\tthat\ta\twoman\tdrinking\tan\taverage\tof\ttwo\tunits\t(drinks)\tof alcohol\tper\tday\thas\ta\tlifetime\trisk\tof\tdeveloping\tbreast\tcancer\t8\tpercent\thigher than\ta\twoman\twho\tdrinks\tan\taverage\tof\tone\tunit\tof\talcohol\tper\tday.\tThe\trisk\tof breast\tcancer\tfurther\tincreases\twith\teach\tadditional\tdrink\tconsumed\tper\tday.\u201d Both\tthe\tNational\tCancer\tInstitute\tand\tDr.\tWalt\tWillett\tof\tHarvard\tput\tthe","increased\trisk\tfor\tbreast\tcancer\tat\tabout\t20\tto\t25\tpercent\tfor\twomen\tdrinking two\tdrinks\ta\tday.\tThis\tdoesn\u2019t\tmean\tthat\t20\tto\t25\tpercent\tof\twomen\twho\thave two\tdrinks\ta\tday\twill\tget\tbreast\tcancer\u2014it\tmeans\tthat\tdrinking\twould\tincrease the\trisk\tfrom\tabout\t12\tout\tof\t100\twomen\tgetting\tbreast\tcancer\t(the\tnational average)\tto\t14\tto\t15\tper\t100.\tThis\tis\ta\tsmall\tincrease,\tbut\tno\tcomfort\tif\tyou\u2019re one\tof\tthose\textra\ttwo\tor\tthree\tpeople. How\tFolic\tAcid\tCan\tHelp\tReduce\tCancer\tRisk But\tthere\u2019s\tgood\tnews,\tand\tit\tprobably\texplains\twhy\tthere\thave\tbeen\tsome inconsistent\tresults\tin\tthe\tbreast-cancer-alcohol\tstudies.\tIf\tyou\tget\tenough\tfolic acid,\tthe\tproblem\twith\talcohol\tand\tbreast\tcancer\tgoes\taway.\tAccording\tto\tthe Mayo\tClinic,\tfolate\t(folic\tacid)\tcounteracts\tthe\tbreast\tcancer\trisk\tassociated\twith alcohol\tconsumption.\tWomen\twho\tdrink\talcohol\tand\thave\ta\thigh\tfolate\tintake are\tnot\tat\tincreased\trisk\tof\tcancer.\tSince\tfolic\tacid\thas\tmultiple\tprotective benefits\tfor\teveryone,\ttaking\tfolic\tacid\tsupplements\t(or\teven\ta\tmultiple\tvitamin with\tfolic\tacid)\tis\ta\tgreat\tidea\u2014most\tespecially\tif\tyou\u2019re\ta\twoman\tand\tyou\tdrink alcohol.\tYou\tcan\tget\tthe\tbenefits\tof\tred\twine\tand\tthe\tmultiple\tprotective\teffects of\ta\thigh\tfolic\tacid\tintake. If\tyou\u2019re\table\tto\thandle\tit,\tand\tif\tyou\u2019re\tconsuming\tit\tin\tmoderation,\tred wine\tcan\tbe\tpart\tof\ta\twonderful\thealthy\tlifestyle.\tThe\ttrick\tis\tto\tknow\twhen enough\tis\tenough. Or\twhen\teven\ta\tlittle\tis\ttoo\tmuch. So\tred\twine\tis\tantioxidant\trich,\tloaded\twith\thealthy\tpolyphenols,\tand\ta major\tdietary\tsource\tof\tthe\tanticancer,\tantiaging\tcompound\tresveratrol.\tOn\tthe other\thand,\twine\u2014and\talcohol\tin\tgeneral\u2014is\tone\tof\tthose\tsubstances\twhere God\ttruly\tis\tin\tthe\tdetails,\tand\tthe\tdosage\tmakes\tthe\tpoison.\tModerate\tintake\tof red\twine:\tgood.\tToo\tmuch\talcohol,\tespecially\tfor\tthose\twith\taddictive personalities:\tunmitigated\tdisaster.\tAlcohol\tcan\traise\ttriglycerides,\tincrease blood\tpressure,\tand\tlead\tto\tweight\tgain.\tAnd\tit\u2019s\tnot\tpossible\tto\tpredict\tin\twhich people\talcohol\twill\tlead\tto\talcoholism. WORTH\tKNOWING Under\tno\tcircumstances\tshould\tpregnant\twomen\tdrink\tany\talcohol. Period.\tIt\tcan\tharm\tthe\tbaby\tseriously. And\tif\tyou\u2019re\tunsure\tabout\tyour\trelationship\tto\talcohol,\tstay away.\tJust\tabout\tevery\tantioxidant\tthat\u2019s\tin\twine\tcan\tbe\tgotten\tfrom fruits\tand\tvegetables,\tand\teven\tresveratrol\tis\tplentiful\tin\tdark\tgrapes","and\tboiled\tpeanuts.","Tea\t (green,\tblack,\tand\twhite) After\twater,\ttea\tis\tprobably\tthe\tmost\tconsumed\tbeverage\tin\tthe\tworld. Not\tcounting\twater,\tit\u2019s\talso\tprobably\tthe\thealthiest. The\tkey\tto\tthe\thealth\tbenefits\tof\ttea\tcan\tbe\tfound\tin\ta\tlarge\tgroup of\tprotective\tplant-based\tchemicals\tgenerally\tknown\tas\tphenolic compounds,\tor\tpolyphenols. First,\tsome\tclarifications.\tAll\tfour\tkinds\tof\tnonherbal\ttea\u2014green, black,\twhite,\tand\toolong\t(red)\u2014come\tfrom\tthe\tsame\tplant,\ta\twarm- weather\tevergreen\tknown\tas\tCamellia\tsinensis.\tThe\tleaves\tof\tthis plant\tcontain\tmany\tchemicals\tfrom\ta\tgeneral\tclass\tof\tcompounds called\tpolyphenols. Polyphenols\tare\tpowerful\tantioxidants,\tmany\tof\twhich\thave\tanticancer\tactivity (about\twhich\tmore\tin\ta\tmoment).\tThere\tare\tmore\tthan\t4,000\tof\tthese compounds,\tand\tthey\tfall\tinto\tmany\tclasses\tand\tsubclasses,\tincluding flavonoids,\tanthrocyanins,\tand\tisoflavones.\tPolyphenols,\tlike\tother\tantioxidants, help\tprotect\tcells\tfrom\tthe\tnormal,\tbut\tdamaging,\tphysiological\tprocess\tknown as\t\u201coxidative\tstress.\u201d\tAlthough\toxygen\tis\tvital\tto\tlife,\tit\u2019s\talso\tincorporated\tinto reactive\tsubstances\tcalled\tfree\tradicals.\tThese\tcan\tdamage\tthe\tcells\tin\tour\tbody,","and\tthey\thave\tbeen\timplicated\tin\tthe\tslow\tchain\treaction\tof\tdamage\tleading\tto heart\tdisease\tand\tcancer.\tMany\tstudies\thave\tdemonstrated\tthe\tanticancer properties\tof\tpolyphenols.\tThey\tcan\tstop\tthe\tdamage\tthat\tfree\tradicals\tdo\tto cells,\tneutralize\tenzymes\tessential\tfor\ttumor\tgrowth,\tand\tdeactivate\tcancer promoters. Tea\tColor\tRelated\tto\tExtent\tof\tProcessing What\tdetermines\twhether\ta\ttea\tis\tgreen,\tblack,\twhite,\tor\toolong\tdepends\tentirely on\tthe\tdegree\tof\tprocessing\tthat\tthe\tleaves\tof\tthe\tCamellia\tsinensis\tundergo\tafter they\u2019ve\tbeen\tharvested.\tHere\u2019s\tthe\tshort\tsummary:\tBlack\ttea\tis\tfully\tfermented; oolong\ttea\tis\tpartially\tfermented;\tgreen\ttea\tis\tnot\tfermented\tat\tall,\tbut\tpan-fried and\tdried;\tand\twhite\ttea\tis\tbarely\tprocessed. White\ttea\tis\tthe\tonly\tone\tof\tthe\tfour\tmade\tfrom\timmature\ttea\tleaves,\tleaves that\tare\tpicked\tright\tbefore\tthe\tbuds\thave\tfully\topened.\tSilver\tfuzz\tstill\tcovers the\tbuds,\tand\tthe\tsilver\tfuzz\tturns\tto\twhite\twhen\tthe\ttea\tis\tdried\t(hence\tits name).\tDepending\ton\tthe\tvariety\tof\twhite\ttea,\tthe\texact\tratio\tof\tbuds\tto\tleaves can\tvary\u2014for\texample,\tWhite\tPeony\tcontains\tone\tbud\tfor\tevery\ttwo\tleaves; Silver\tNeedles\u2014which\tcan\tbe\texpensive\u2014is\tmade\tentirely\tfrom\tbuds\tpicked within\ta\tshort\tperiod\tin\tearly\tspring.\tWhite\ttea\tis\tthe\tleast\tprocessed\tof\tthe bunch,\tand\tactually\thighest\tin\tpolyphenols. Green,\toolong,\tand\tblack\ttea\tall\tstart\twith\tmature\tleaves\tthat\tare\tthen \u201cwithered\u201d\tor\tair-dried.\tAfter\tthat,\tthe\tprocess\tdiffers\tslightly.\tTo\tmake\tgreen tea,\tthe\twithered\tleaves\tare\tthen\tsteamed\tor\tpan-fried,\tand\tthen\tdried\tagain.\tTo make\toolong\t(red)\ttea,\tthe\twithered\tleaves\tare\tfirst\tbruised,\tthen\tpartially fermented,\tthen\tpan-fried\tand\tdried.\tAnd\tto\tmake\tblack\ttea,\tthe\twithered\tleaves are\tfirst\trolled,\tthen\tfully\tfermented,\tand\tthen\tpan-fried\tand\tdried.\tBlack\ttea represents\t78\tpercent\tof\tthe\ttotal\tconsumed\ttea\tin\tthe\tworld,\twhereas\tgreen\ttea accounts\tfor\tapproximately\t20\tpercent. Both\tGreen\tand\tBlack\tTea\tFight\tCancer The\tprocessing\tdoes\tchange\tthe\tchemical\tcomposition\tof\tthe\tteas,\tbut\twe\tnow know\tthat\tsimply\tbecause\tthe\tdarker\tteas\tare\tmore\tprocessed,\tthat\tdoesn\u2019t\tmean they\u2019re\twithout\thealth\tbenefits\tof\ttheir\town.\tGreen\ttea\t(and\tpresumably\tthe\teven less\tprocessed\twhite\ttea)\tcontains\ta\tvery\tpowerful\tgroup\tof\tpolyphenols\tcalled catechins.\tOne\tof\tthese\tcatechins\tin\tparticular\u2014epigallocatechin\tgallate (EGCG)\u2014is\tbelieved\tto\tbe\tresponsible\tfor\tthe\tanticancer\teffects\tof\tgreen\ttea (about\twhich\tmore\tin\ta\tmoment).\tThe\tthing\tis,\tthe\tfermentation\tprocess\tthat creates\tblack\ttea\toxidizes\u2014or\tdeactivates\u2014this\tparticular\tcatechin.\tSo\tfor\ta\tlong time,\turban\tlegend\theld\tthat\tonly\tgreen\ttea\t(and\tpresumably\twhite)\tpossessed","anticancer\tactivity,\tsince\tEGCG\twasn\u2019t\tpresent\tin\tblack\t(or\toolong)\ttea\tdue\tto the\tfermentation\tprocess. Not\tso. We\tnow\tknow\tthat\tthe\tvery\tfermentation\tprocess\tthat\tdeactivates\tthe catechin\tin\tgreen\ttea\tcreates\ta\twhole\tother\tset\tof\tpowerful\tantioxidants\tthat\tare present\tin\tblack\ttea.\tBlack\ttea\tactually\tcontains\tmore\tcomplex\tpolyphenols\tthan green\ttea.\tThe\tfermentation\tprocess\tneeded\tfor\tthe\tproduction\tof\tblack\ttea produces\tsome\tunique\tantioxidants\tcalled\tbiflavonols,\tthearubigens,\tand especially\ttheaflavins. In\ta\tnumber\tof\tstudies,\tthe\ttheaflavins\tin\tblack\ttea\thave\tbeen\tfound\tto\thave just\tas\tmuch\tantioxidant\tactivity\u2014if\tnot\tmore\u2014than\tthe\tcompounds\tin\tgreen tea.\tA\tresearch\treport\tpublished\tin\tthe\tJournal\tof\tNutrition\tin\t2001\tshowed\tthat the\ttheaflavins\tin\tblack\ttea\tand\tthe\tcatechins\tin\tgreen\ttea\tare\tequally\teffective\tas antioxidants,\tand\ta\tstudy\tby\tthe\tNetherlands\tNational\tInstitute\tof\tPublic\tHealth and\tthe\tEnvironment\tfound\ta\tconnection\tbetween\tdrinking\tblack\ttea\tregularly and\treducing\tthe\trisk\tof\tstroke.\tResearchers\tlooked\tat\tdata\tfrom\ta\tstudy examining\tthe\thealth\tbenefits\tof\tfoods\tthat\tare\thigh\tin\tflavonoids\tand phytonutrients\twith\tantioxidant\tbenefits.\tAlthough\tsome\tof\tthe\tflavonoids\twere obtained\tfrom\tfruits\tand\tvegetables,\t70\tpercent\tcame\tfrom\tblack\ttea.\tThe\tstudy looked\tat\t552\tmen\tover\ta\tfifteen-year\tperiod.\tResearchers\tconcluded\tthat\tthe flavonoids\tin\tblack\ttea\thelped\treduce\tthe\tproduction\tof\tLDL\u2014the\t\u201cbad\u201d cholesterol\tthat\tcan\tlead\tto\tstroke\tand\theart\tattacks.\tFurthermore,\tmen\twho drank\tmore\tthan\tfour\tcups\tof\tblack\ttea\tper\tday\thad\ta\tsignificantly\tlower\trisk\tof stroke\tthan\tmen\twho\tdrank\tonly\ttwo\tto\tthree\tcups\tper\tday. Black\tTea\tHelps\tBlood\tVessels\tFunction,\tPrevents\tStroke\tand\tHeart\tAttack At\tBoston\tUniversity\u2019s\tSchool\tof\tMedicine,\tDr.\tJoseph\tVita\tconducted\ta separate\tstudy\tthat\tsupported\tthese\tresults.\tFor\tfour\tmonths,\tsixty-six\tmen\teither drank\tfour\tcups\tof\tblack\ttea\tor\ttook\ta\tplacebo\tdaily.\tVita\tconcluded\tthat\tdrinking black\ttea\tcan\thelp\treverse\tan\tabnormal\tfunctioning\tof\tblood\tvessels\tthat\tcan contribute\tto\tstroke\tor\theart\tattack.\tFurthermore,\timprovement\tin\tthe\tfunctioning of\tthe\tblood\tvessels\twas\tvisible\twithin\ttwo\thours\tof\tdrinking\tjust\tone\tcup\tof black\ttea. Finally,\ta\tstudy\trecently\tpublished\tin\tCancer\tfound\tthat\tamong\t109\tPolish women,\thigh\tblack\ttea\tconsumption\twas\tassociated\twith\tdiminished\tsalivary levels\tof\t17\tbeta-estradiol,\tthe\tmost\tpotent\tmammalian\testrogenic\thormone\tand one\tthat\tcan\tbe\tcarcinogenic\tin\thormone-related\tcancers.\t(Lower\tlevels\tof\tthe hormone\twere\talso\treported\twhen\twomen\tconsumed\thigh\tamounts\tof\tthe catechins\tfound\tin\tgreen\ttea\tas\twell.)\tIn\twriting\tabout\tthe\tstudy,\tthe","medical\/nutritional\tnewsletter\tClinical\tPearls\tsaid\tthe\tstudy\t\u201csuggested\tthat\ttea consumption\tmay\tprovide\ta\trelatively\teasy\tdietary\tintervention\tfor\treducing hormone-related\tcancer\trisk.\u201d Black\tTea\tCan\tLower\tCholesterol Black\ttea\tlowers\ttriglycerides\u2014in\tfact,\tit\u2019s\tactually\tsuperior\tto\tgreen\ttea\tin doing\tso\u2014and\thigh\ttriglycerides\tare\tstrongly\tassociated\twith\ta\thigh\trisk\tof cardiovascular\tdisease.\tIt\u2019s\talso\tslightly\tbetter\tthan\tgreen\ttea\tat\tinducing\tthe body\u2019s\tpowerful\tantioxidant\tsuperoxide\tdismutase\t(SOD).\tIt\tlowers\tcholesterol \u2014according\tto\ta\tUSDA\tstudy\tpublished\tin\tthe\tJournal\tof\tNutrition\tin\t2003, black\ttea\tconsumption\treduced\tboth\ttotal\tand\tLDL\t(\u201cbad\u201d)\tcholesterol\tin\tadults with\tmildly\televated\tcholesterol.\tAnd\tit\tappears\tto\thelp\tthe\theart\u2014in\ta\tsmall study\tpublished\tin\tthe\tAmerican\tJournal\tof\tCardiology\tin\t2004,\tmen\twho\tdrank black\ttea\texperienced\timproved\tblood\tflow\tin\tthe\tcoronary\tarteries\tonly\ta\tfew hours\tafter\tdrinking\tthe\ttea. I\u2019ve\tspent\tthis\tmuch\ttime\ton\tblack\ttea\tonly\tbecause\tit\u2019s\tso\toften overlooked,\tliving\tin\tthe\tshadow\tof\tits\t\u201cbig\tbrother,\u201d\tgreen\ttea.\tBut\twonderful health\tbenefits\tof\tblack\ttea\taside,\tgreen\ttea\tfully\tdeserves\tits\tprimary\tplace\tin the\tsun.\tIt\tis\ttruly\tone\tof\tthe\tworld\u2019s\tgreat\tsuperfoods\tand\thas\tbeen acknowledged\tas\tsuch\tby\tvirtually\tevery\tnutritionist\tI\tknow\tof\tworth\this\tor\ther salt.\tIt\thas\tanticancer\tactivity.\tIt\u2019s\thelpful\tin\tweight\tloss.\tIt\tlowers\tcholesterol. It\u2019s\tassociated\twith\tsignificantly\tlower\tlevels\tof\theart\tdisease.\tAnd\tit\thas components\tin\tit\tthat\tare\thelpful\twith\tdepression\tand\tanxiety. The\tNational\tCancer\tInstitute\tPuts\tIts\tFaith\tin\tGreen\tTea For\tcancer\tprevention,\tevidence\tfor\tgreen\ttea\tis\tso\toverwhelming\tthat\tthe Chemoprevention\tBranch\tof\tthe\tNational\tCancer\tInstitute\thas\tinitiated\ta\tplan\tfor developing\ttea\tcompounds\tas\tcancer-chemopreventive\tagents\tin\thuman\ttrials. For\texample,\tin\t1994\tthe\tJournal\tof\tthe\tNational\tCancer\tInstitute\tpublished\tthe results\tof\tan\tepidemiological\tstudy\tindicating\tthat\tdrinking\tgreen\ttea\treduced\tthe risk\tof\tesophageal\tcancer\tin\tChinese\tmen\tand\twomen\tby\tnearly\t60\tpercent.\tAnd in\t2004,\ta\tteam\tfrom\tHarvard\tMedical\tSchool\treported\tthat\tEGCG\t(the\tcatechin in\tgreen\ttea\tmentioned\tearlier)\tinhibits\tthe\tgrowth\tand\treproduction\tof\tcancer cells\tassociated\twith\tBarrett\u2019s\tesophagus.\tThey\tsaid\tthat\tgreen\ttea\tmay\thelp lower\tthe\tprevalence\tof\tesophageal\tadenocarcinoma,\tone\tof\tthe\tfastest-growing cancers\tin\tWestern\tcountries.\tUniversity\tof\tPurdue\tresearchers\talso\trecently concluded\tthat\ta\tcompound\tin\tgreen\ttea\tinhibits\tthe\tgrowth\tof\tcancer\tcells. Of\tthe\thundreds\tand\thundreds\tof\tgreen\ttea\texperiments\tthat\thave\tbeen conducted,\tabout\t10\tpercent\thave\tdirectly\tinvolved\thumans,\tand\tmany\tmore","have\tinvolved\tobservations\tof\tpopulations\tthat\tdrink\tlarge\tamounts\tof\tgreen\ttea. It\u2019s\tnow\tfairly\testablished\tthat\tgreen\ttea\tmay\thelp\tprevent\tthe\tfollowing\ttypes\tof cancers\tin\thumans:\tbladder,\tcolon,\tesophagus,\tpancreas,\trectum,\tand\tstomach. The\tstudies\tshowing\tthe\tanticancer\tand\tantioxidant\teffects\tof\tcatechins\tin green\ttea\tare\tnumerous.\tJust\tfor\texample,\tone\tparticularly\texciting\tstudy\tdone\tat the\tCancer\tChemotherapy\tCenter\tin\tTokyo,\tJapan,\tand\tusing\tleukemia\tand\tcolon cancer\tcell\tcultures,\tdemonstrated\tthat\t\u201cepigallocatechin\tgallate\t(EGCG) strongly\tand\tdirectly\tinhibits\ttelomerase.\u201d\tTelomerase\tis\tthe\tenzyme\tthat \u201cimmortalizes\u201d\tcancer\tcells\tby\tmaintaining\tthe\tend\tportions\tof\tthe\ttumor\tcell chromosomes.\tInhibition\tof\ttelomerase\tcould\tbe\tone\tof\tthe\tmain anticarcinogenic\tmechanisms\tof\tcatechins. The\tMore\tGreen\tTea\tYou\tDrink,\tthe\tLess\tRisk\tof\tCoronary\tArtery\tDisease The\tcholesterol-lowering\teffects\tof\tgreen\ttea\thave\tbeen\tconfirmed\tby\tboth animal\tand\thuman\tepidemiological\tstudies.\tGreen\ttea\talso\tlowers\tfibrinogen, which\tis\ta\tsubstance\tin\tthe\tbody\tthat\tcan\tcause\tclots\tand\tstrokes.\tIn\ta\trecent article\tin\tthe\tCirculation\tJournal\t(July\t2004)\ttitled\t\u201cEffects\tof\tgreen\ttea\tintake on\tthe\tdevelopment\tof\tcoronary\tartery\tdisease,\u201d\tresearchers\tfrom\tthe\tdepartment of\tmedicine\tat\tChiba\tHokusoh\tHospital,\tNippon\tMedical\tSchool,\tChiba,\tJapan, concluded\tthat\t\u201cthe\tmore\tgreen\ttea\tpatients\tconsume,\tthe\tless\tlikely\tthey\tare\tto have\tcoronary\tartery\tdisease.\u201d Green\ttea\tmay\tbe\thelpful\tfor\tanyone\twho\twants\tto\tlose\tweight.\tIn\tone study,\tin\tthe\tAmerican\tJournal\tof\tClinical\tNutrition,\tmen\twho\twere\tgiven\tgreen tea\tburned\tmore\tcalories\tthan\tmen\twho\twere\tgiven\ta\tsimilar\tdrink\twithout\tthe green\ttea,\teven\tafter\tallowing\tfor\tthe\tpossible\teffect\tof\tcaffeine.\tMy\tfriend\tDr. Shari\tLieberman\t(see\tpage\t274\tfor\ther\ttop\tten\tlist)\tsays\tthat\tgreen\ttea\tstimulates the\tmetabolism\tway\tmore\tthan\tcaffeine\talone.\tWhile\tstudies\tof\tweight\tloss\tusing green\ttea\tsupplements\thave\tshown\tmixed\tresults,\tin\tseveral\tanimal\tstudies, green\ttea\tdemonstrated\tthe\tability\tto\tlower\tblood\tsugar. Green\tTea\tReleases\tFeel-Good\tDopamine A\tsubstance\tin\tgreen\ttea\tcalled\ttheanine\tis\thelpful\tin\timproving\tmood\tand increasing\ta\tsense\tof\trelaxation.\tIn\tfact,\tit\u2019s\tused\tin\tJapan\tfor\tjust\tthat\tpurpose. Theanine\tinduces\tthe\trelease\tof\ta\tneurotransmitter\tcalled\tGABA,\twhich\ttends\tto calm\tdown\tthe\tbrain.\tTheanine\talso\ttriggers\tthe\trelease\tof\tdopamine,\tone\tof\tthe main\tbrain\tchemicals\tassociated\twith\twell-being.\tDopamine\tis\tthe\tbrain\u2019s\tmaster regulator\tof\treward\tand\tpleasure,\tand\tthe\trelease\tof\tdopamine\tprobably contributes\tto\tthe\tsense\tof\twell-being\tassociated\twith\ttea\tdrinking.\tThe\tcalming effect\tof\ttheanine\tmay\tbe\tthe\treason\tthat\tdrinking\tgreen\ttea\u2014even\twith\tcaffeine","\u2014doesn\u2019t\ttend\tto\tproduce\tnearly\tas\t\u201cjittery\u201d\tan\texperience\tas\tdrinking\tcoffee. Finally,\tnumerous\tstudies\thave\tcited\tthe\tconnection\tbetween\tinflammation, oxidation,\tand\tAlzheimer\u2019s\tdisease.\tAntioxidants\thave\ta\tpotent\trole\tin\tthe prevention\tof\tneurodegenerative\tdiseases.\tOne\tstudy,\t\u201cA\treview\tof\tantioxidants and\tAlzheimer\u2019s\tdisease,\u201d\tpublished\tin\tthe\tAnnals\tof\tClinical\tPsychiatry\tin 2005,\treviewed\tall\tthe\tresearch\tpublished\tto\tdate\tin\torder\tto\tdraw\tconclusions about\tthe\tusefulness\t(or\tlack\tthereof)\tof\tspecific\tantioxidants\tin\tthe\tprevention of\tAlzheimer\u2019s.\tThe\tresearchers\tscanned\tmore\tthan\t300\tarticles\tand\tconcluded that\tthere\twere\teight\tagents\tthat\tshowed\tpromise\tin\thelping\tprevent\tAlzheimer\u2019s. Green\ttea\twas\tone\tof\tthe\teight\t(the\tother\tseven\twere\taged\tgarlic,\tcurcumin, melatonin,\tresveratrol,\tGingko\tbiloba,\tvitamin\tC,\tand\tvitamin\tE).\tAnd\ta\tpaper published\trecently\tin\tthe\tJournal\tof\tNutritional\tBiochemistry\t(September\t2004) examined\tthe\tneuroprotective\tmechanisms\tof\tgreen\ttea\tpolyphenols\u2014especially EGCG\u2014on\tboth\tAlzheimer\u2019s\tand\tParkinson\u2019s\tdisease. Everyone\tBenefits\tfrom\tTea I\u2019ve\tspent\tthis\tmuch\ttime\ton\ttea\tbecause\tit\tis\tone\tof\tthe\tfew\tfoods\t(or\tdrinks) about\twhich\tI\tcan\tsay\tthat\tvirtually\teveryone\twould\tbenefit\tfrom\tdrinking\tit.\tIt offers\tpowerful\tantioxidant\tprotection,\treduces\tblood\tsugar,\tis\tanti- inflammatory,\tlowers\tcholesterol,\tprotects\tagainst\theart\tdisease\tand\tcancer,\tand has\tthe\tability\tto\tstimulate\tthe\tmetabolism. For\tan\tinnocuous\tand\tcommon\tlittle\tbeverage\tthat\tcosts\tnext\tto\tnothing, that\u2019s\ta\tpretty\tpowerful\tr\u00e9sum\u00e9. Water","Okay,\tconsider\tthe\tfollowing:\tYou\u2019re\twalking\tin\tthe\twoods\tand\tyou come\tupon\ta\tpond.\tThe\tpond\thasn\u2019t\tseen\tlife\tin\tages.\tThere\u2019s\ta\tbrown scummy\tfilm\tfloating\ton\tit,\tthe\twater\tis\tbrown\tand\tdirty,\tit\tlooks stagnant,\tand\tthere\tare\tflies\tand\tmosquitos\tbuzzing\taround\tit.\tNow imagine\tyou\u2019re\ton\tthat\tsame\twalk\tin\tthe\twoods\tand\tyou\tcome\tupon\ta mountain\tglacier.\tThe\twater\tis\tflowing\tfreely\tdown\tthe\trocks,\twith\tthe light\tof\tthe\tsun\tsparkling\tthrough,\tthe\twater\tlooks\tclean\tand\tclear\tand crisp,\tand\tyou\tstand\tfor\ta\tmoment\tto\tadmire\tit\tas\tit\tgushes\tdown\tthe mountain. Which\twater\twould\tyou\trather\thave\tin\tyour\tbody?\tWell\tif\tyou\u2019re\tnot\tdrinking enough\tclean,\tpure\twater,\tthe\twater\tin\tyour\tbody\tis\tmore\tanalogous\tto\tthe\tpond than\tthe\tglacier. Water\tRuns\tYour\tBody Think\tabout\tit:\tYour\tbody\tis\t83\tpercent\twater.\tYour\tmuscles\tare\t75\tpercent water.\tYour\tbrain,\tfor\tgoodness\u2019\tsake,\tis\t74\tpercent\twater,\tand\tyour\tbones\tare\t22 percent\twater.\tYou\tneed\twater\tfor\tevery\tsingle\tmetabolic\tprocess\tin\tthe\tbody. Water\tis\tnecessary\tto\tdigest\tand\tabsorb\tnutrients\tand\tvitamins.\tIt\tcarries\taway metabolic\twaste.\tIt\thelps\t\u201cflush\u201d\tfat\tand\ttoxins\tthrough\tthe\tliver\tand\tkidneys. So\tdoesn\u2019t\tit\tmake\tsense\tto\tconstantly\treplenish\tthat\tbody\tof\tyours\twith\tthe equivalent\tof\tthe\tgorgeous\tclean\tmountain\tstream,\trather\tthan\tto\tlet\tall\tthat\twater just\tsit\tin\tyour\tbody\tand\trecycle\tlike\tthe\tstagnant\tpond? Of\tcourse\tit\tdoes.","Water\tcan\timprove\tenergy,\tincrease\tmental\tand\tphysical\tperformance, remove\ttoxins\tand\twaste\tfrom\tyour\tbody,\tkeep\tyour\tskin\thealthy\tand\tglowing, and\tmay\teven\thelp\tyou\tlose\tweight.\tIf\tyou\u2019re\tdehydrated\u2014and\tsome\texperts think\tthat\tmost\tof\tus\tare\tat\tthe\tvery\tleast\t\u201cunder\thydrated\u201d\u2014your\tblood\tis thicker\tand\tyour\tbody\thas\tto\twork\tthat\tmuch\tharder\tto\tcause\tit\tto\tcirculate.\tAs\ta result,\tyour\tbrain\tbecomes\tless\tactive,\tit\u2019s\tharder\tto\tconcentrate,\tand\tyou\tfeel fatigued. Water\tis\tone\tof\tthe\tfluids\tthat\tlubricates\tand\tcushions\tyour\tjoints\tand muscles,\tprotecting\tthem\tfrom\tshock\tand\tdamage.\tIf\tthe\tbody\tis\tdehydrated (lack\tof\twater),\tit\tmay\tbecome\tmore\tsusceptible\tto\tailments.\tAlso,\tbefore, during,\tand\tafter\texercise,\tdrinking\tproper\tamounts\tof\twater\tcan\thelp\treduce cramping\tof\tthe\tmuscles\tand\tearly\tonset\tof\tfatigue. Staying\tWell\tHydrated\tProtects\tYour\tHeart You\tcan\tlive\twithout\tfood\tfor\ta\tlong\ttime,\tbut\ttry\tgoing\twithout\twater\tfor\teight to\tten\tdays\u2014you\twon\u2019t\tmake\tit,\tand\tmost\tpeople\twould\tbe\tdead\tlong\tbefore that. And\tthere\tare\thealth\tbenefits\tto\twater\tbeyond\tthe\tfact\tthat\tit\tkeeps\tus\talive. Dehydration\tcan\televate\tat\tleast\tfour\tindependent\trisk\tfactors\tfor\tcoronary\theart disease:\twhole\tblood\tviscosity,\tplasma\tviscosity,\thematocrit,\tand\tfibrinogen.\tIn one\tlandmark\tstudy\tin\tthe\tMay\t1,\t2002,\tAmerican\tJournal\tof\tEpidemiology, researchers\tfrom\tthe\tSchool\tof\tPublic\tHealth\tat\tLoma\tLinda\tUniversity examined\tmore\tthan\t20,000\trelatively\thealthy\tpeople\tover\tsix\tyears.\tHigh\tdaily intakes\tof\twater\t(five\tor\tmore\tglasses)\twere\tassociated\twith\tsignificantly\tlower risk\tfor\tfatal\tcoronary\theart\tdisease\tevents,\teven\tafter\tadjusting\tfor\tsmoking, hypertension,\tand\tbody\tmass\tindex.\tThat\u2019s\ta\tpretty\tpowerful\tstudy. The\tEight-Glass-a-Day\tRule In\tthe\tinterest\tof\tcompleteness,\tI\tshould\tpoint\tout\tthat\tthere\tare\tnaysayers\twho argue\tthat\tthe\twhole\tdehydration\tissue\thas\tbeen\toverhyped.\tKidney\tspecialists feel\tthat\tthe\t\u201ceight\tglasses\u201d\trule\tis\tan\toverestimate\tand\tthat\tan\taverage-size\tadult with\thealthy\tkidneys\tin\ta\ttemperate\tclimate\tneeds\tno\tmore\tthan\tone\tliter\tof fluid.\tAnd\tit\tis\ttrue\tthat\tno\tone\treally\tknows\twhere\tthe\t\u201ceight\tglasses\ta\tday\u201d\trule came\tfrom,\tand\tthat\tthere\tisn\u2019t\ta\tlot\tof\tscience\tto\tback\tup\twhat\twe\tnutritionists are\tsaying\twhen\twe\tencourage\tpeople\tto\tdrink,\tdrink,\tdrink.\tThese\texperts\talso argue\tthat\twe\tcan\tget\tthe\tfluids\twe\tneed\tfrom\tother\tsources\tbesides\twater. I\tsay,\t\u201cphooey.\u201d\tYou\twouldn\u2019t\twash\tyour\tclothes\tin\tsoda,\twould\tyou?\tAnd though\tthere\tmay\tnot\tbe\tscientific\tconfirmation\ton\texactly\thow\tmany\tglasses\ta day\twe\tneed,\tbased\ton\tthe\ttrillions\tof\tcells\tin\tthe\tbody\tthat\tneed\twater\tto","function,\tI\u2019m\tgoing\tto\tcontinue\tto\tgo\twith\tthe\tassumption\tthat\twhen\tit\tcomes\tto water,\tmore\tis\tbetter.\tSure,\teven\twith\tsomething\tas\tgood\tand\twholesome\tas water\tyou\tcan\tgo\toverboard\tif\tyou\tdrink\tmassive\tamounts\tresulting\tin\tpossible hyponatremia\t(extreme\tloss\tor\tdilution\tof\tsodium)\tor\teven\twater\tintoxication. But\tthese\tare\tpretty\tdarn\trare.\tMost\tof\tus\twould\tbenefit\tfrom\tmore\twater,\tnot less. What\tabout\tBottled\tWater? Here\u2019s\tthe\tdeal.\tI\tdrink\tbottled\twater.\tI\tdo\tnot,\tever,\tdrink\ttap.\tThis\tis\tsomething I\tfrequently\targue\twith\tmy\tbrother\tabout,\tand\tthe\targument\twe\thave\tis instructive,\tso\tI\u2019ll\trepeat\tit\there. My\tbrother\u2014like\tmany\tvery\tintelligent,\twell-informed\tpeople\u2014argues\tthat the\ttap\twater\tin\tmany\tparts\tof\tAmerica\tis\tamong\tthe\t\u201csafest\u201d\tin\tthe\tworld\tand has\tbeen\tdeemed\tperfectly\tacceptable\tfor\tdrinking\tpurposes.\tHe\tgently\tsuggests that\tfolks\tlike\tme\twho\tspend\tall\tthis\tmoney\ton\tbottled\twater\tmight\tbe\tbeing, well,\ta\tbit\tsilly. Here\u2019s\tmy\tanswer. Politics\tCan\tGet\tin\tthe\tWay\tof\tSafe\tWater\tStandards There\tare\thundreds\tof\tchemicals,\tpollutants,\tand\ttoxic\tmetals\t(mercury,\tarsenic, etc.)\tthat\thave\tthe\tpotential\tto\twind\tup\tin\tour\twater;\tthe\tgovernment\tdetermines what\tan\tappropriate\tor\tacceptable,\t\u201csafe\u201d\tlevel\tof\tthese\tcompounds\tis.\tIf\tthe water\thas\tthat\tamount\t(or\tless),\tit\tis\tdeemed\tsafe\tfor\tdrinking.\tHowever,\twhat you\thave\tto\tunderstand\tis\tthat\tthere\tare\tfull-time\tlobbyists\tin\tWashington\twhose job\tit\tis\tto\ttry\tto\tmake\tthe\t\u201csafe\u201d\tlevels\tof\ttoxins\tas\thigh\tas\tthey\tcan\treasonably get\taway\twith.\tThey\tfight\tfor\tmuch\tmore\tliberal\temissions\trules\tand\tlobby\tfor much\tmore\tlenient\tstandards\twhen\tit\tcomes\tto\tenvironmental\tpollutants.\tThey spin\tthe\tresearch\tand\tthe\tscience,\tshow\tthat\tthere\tis\tno\t\u201cproof\u201d\tthat\tsmall amounts\tof\tcertain\tchemicals\tcause\tcancer,\tand\tgenerally\ttry\tto\tget\tregulations made\tthat\tare\tas\tfavorable\tfor\tbusiness\tand\tindustry\tas\tthey\tcan.\tThat\u2019s\ttheir\tjob. Knowing\tthat,\tI\u2019m\tnot\tat\tall\tsure\tthat\tI\ttrust\tthe\tgovernment\tto\tdecide\texactly what\tlevel\tof\tcarcinogenic\ttoxins\tis\t\u201csafe\u201d\tfor\tme\tto\tbe\texposed\tto,\tespecially when\tI\u2019m\tfully\taware\tthat\ttheir\tdecisions\tand\tpolicies\tare\tthe\tresult\tof\ta\tmarriage of\tsome\tscience\tand\ta\tlot\tof\tpolitics. Just\trecently,\ta\tfifteen-year-old\tWest\tVirginia\thigh\tschool\tstudent\tnamed Ashley\tMulroy\tset\tout\tto\tconduct\tsome\ttests\tfor\tantibiotics\tin\tthe\twater\tsupply as\ta\tschool\tproject;\tshe\twound\tup\twinning\tthe\tprestigious\tStockholm\tJunior Water\tPrize\tfor\ther\tessay\tdetailing\tthe\textent\tof\tantibiotic\tcontamination\tof\tour American\twaterways.\tYou\tthink\tit\tends\twith\tantibiotics?\tI\tdon\u2019t.","I\u2019m\talso\tnot\tconfident\tthat\tall\tthe\tgovernment\t\u201cstandards\u201d\tare\tparticularly up\tto\tdate,\tlargely\tbecause\tI\tsee\thow\tbehind\tthe\ttimes\tlarge\tagencies\tand organizations\tare\ton\tother\thealth\trecommendations.\tFrom\ttime\tto\ttime\tthe government\trealizes\tthat\tthe\tamount\tof\ta\ttoxin\tpreviously\tconsidered\t\u201csafe\u201d\twas way\ttoo\thigh\u2014whoops!\tIn\t2001,\tfor\texample,\tthe\tUnited\tStates\tEnvironmental Protection\tAgency\tlowered\tthe\tmaximum\tlevel\tof\tarsenic\tpermitted\tin\tdrinking water\tfrom\t50\tmcg\tper\tliter\tto\t10.\tThat\tmeans\tthey\twere\tpreviously\tallowing 400\tpercent\tthe\tamount\tthey\tnow\tknow\tto\tbe\t\u201cokay.\u201d\tWho\tknows\thow\tmany other\ttoxins\tare\tcurrently\tin\tour\twater\tat\tlevels\tnow\tconsidered\t\u201csafe\u201d\tthat\twill later\tbe\tfound\tto\tbe\tmuch\ttoo\thigh? Cornfield\tHerbicide\tShows\tUp\tin\tAmerican\tWaterways Finally,\tlet\tme\toffer\tin\tevidence\tthe\tfollowing:\tAtrazine\tis\ta\tpowerful\therbicide that,\taccording\tto\tMichael\tPollan\tin\tthe\tNew\tYork\tTimes,\tis\tapplied\tto\t70\tpercent of\tAmerica\u2019s\tcornfields.\tAt\tconcentrations\tas\tlow\tas\t0.1\tpart\tper\tbillion,\tthe herbicide\twill\tchemically\temasculate\ta\tmale\tfrog,\tcausing\tits\tgonads\tto\tproduce eggs.\tAccording\tto\tPollan,\twho\tis\ta\tsuperb\tjournalist\tand\treporter\tknown\tfor\this detail\tand\taccuracy,\ttraces\tof\tatrazine\troutinely\tturn\tup\tin\tAmerican\twaterways at\tconcentrations\tmuch\thigher\tthan\t0.1\tpart\tper\tbillion.\tBut\tAmerican\tregulators generally\twon\u2019t\tban\ta\tpesticide\ttill\tthe\tbodies\tor\tcancer\tcases\tstart\tto\treally\tpile up\u2014that\tis,\tuntil\tscientists\tcan\tprove\tbeyond\ta\treasonable\tdoubt\tthat\tthe suspected\tmolecule\t\u201ccauses\u201d\tillness\tin\thumans\tor\tecological\tdisaster.\tSo\tatrazine \u2014in\tthe\tAmerican\twaterways\tand\tfood\tsystem\u2014is\tdeemed\tinnocent\tuntil proven\tguilty,\t\u201ca\tstandard\tof\tproof,\u201d\tsays\tPollan,\t\u201c(that\tis)\textremely\tdifficult\tto achieve\tsince\tit\tawaits\tthe\tresults\tof\tchemical\ttesting\ton\thumans\tthat\twe,\trightly, don\u2019t\tperform.\u201d So\tfor\tall\tthese\treasons,\tI\u2019m\tleaving\ttap\twater\talone.\tI\u2019ll\ttake\tmy\tchances with\tfiltered\twater\tor\tbottled\twater,\tsuch\tas\tthe\tpristine\tArtesian\twaters,\tor\teven some\treputable\tAmerican\tbrands\tlike\tDasani.\tAre\tthere\tunscrupulous\tcompanies selling\tstuff\tthat\u2019s\tprobably\tno\tbetter\t(or\tworse)\tthan\ttap?\tSure.\tIs\tthe\t\u201cgood stuff\u201d\texpensive?\tYup.\tBut\tcompared\tto\ta\tdrink\tat\tan\tupscale\tbar\tor\thotel,\tor\ta day\u2019s\tworth\tof\tlattes\tat\tthe\tlocal\tcoffee\temporium,\tthe\tbest\tbottle\tof\twater\tin\tthe world\tis\tcheap. Doubly\tso\tfor\tthe\tpeace\tof\tmind\tit\tbuys\tme. WORTH\tKNOWING There\u2019s\tan\tanecdotal\twater\trecommendation\tfor\tweight\tloss\t(and also\tfor\tgeneral\thealth)\tthat\tgoes\tlike\tthis:\tDivide\tyour\tweight\tin","two\tand\tdrink\tthat\tnumber\tof\tounces\ta\tday.\tThere\u2019s\tno\tfirm\tscience to\tback\tthat\tup,\tbut\tI\u2019ve\tbeen\tusing\tit\tfor\tyears,\tand\tas\ta\tbasic guideline,\tit\tworks\tquite\twell. Beverage\tRunner-Up Aloe\tVera\tJuice Aloe\tvera\thas\tbeen\trecognized\tfor\tcenturies\tfor\tits\tremarkable\thealth-enhancing and\tmedicinal\tproperties.\tAlthough\tknown\tspecifically\tfor\texternal\tapplication to\tthe\tskin,\taloe\tjuice\tis\talso\twidely\tused\tto\thelp\ta\tvariety\tof\tconditions\tof\tthe digestive\ttract. Aloe\tis\tthought\tto\thave\toriginated\tin\tthe\tSudan\tand\tthe\tArabian\tPeninsula. Today,\tit\u2019s\tcultivated\tand\tfound\tin\tthe\twild\tin\tAfrica,\tthe\tNear\tEast,\tAsia,\tand the\tsouthern\tMediterranean.\tIt\u2019s\talso\tcultivated\tin\tsubtropical\tregions\tof\tthe United\tStates\tand\tMexico,\tin\tthe\tcoastal\tregions\tof\tVenezuela,\tand\ton\tthe\tDutch Antilles. There\tare\tmore\tthan\t240\tspecies\tof\taloe\tnow\tidentified\tand\tgrown\tmainly in\tAfrica,\tAsia,\tEurope,\tand\tthe\tAmericas.\tA\tmember\tof\tthe\tlily\tfamily\tof\tplants, Aloe\thas\ta\tdecided\tcactuslike\tappearance.\tOf\tthe\t240\tor\tso\tspecies,\tonly\tfour\tare recognized\tas\thaving\tsignificant\tnutritional\tvalue,\twith\tAloe\tbarbadensis\tmiller being\tthe\tleader.\tIt\tis\tused\tthe\tmost\tin\tcommercial\tproducts\ttoday\tthat\tcontain aloe.\tThe\taloe\tleaf\tcontains\tat\tleast\tseventy-five\tnutrients\tand\tmore\tthan\t200 active\tcompounds,\tincluding\ttwenty\tminerals,\ttwenty\tof\tthe\ttwenty-two necessary\tamino\tacids,\tand\ttwelve\tvitamins. ALOE\tVERA\tJUICE\tCONTAINS\tHEALING\t\u201cGLYCONUTRIENTS\u201d According\tto\tDr.\tH.R.\tMcDaniel,\twho\thas\tspent\tsixteen\tyears\texploring\tthe therapeutic\tnature\tof\taloe,\tits\tactive\tingredients\tare\teight\tsugars\tthat\tform\tthe eight\tessential\tsaccharides:\tglucose,\tgalactose,\tmannose,\tfructose,\txylose,\tN- acetylglucosamine,\tN-acetylgalactosamine,\tand\tN-acetylneu-raminic\tacid.\tThe mannose\tmolecules\tjoin\ttogether\tto\tform\ta\tkind\tof\tstarch\t(polysaccharide) known\tby\ta\tvariety\tof\tnames:\tacemannan,\tacetylated\tpolymannans, polymannose,\tor\tAPM.\tThe\tnatural\tsugars\tof\taloe\tshould\tnever\tbe\tconfused\twith sucrose\u2014common\ttable\tsugar.\tThe\tsugars\tin\tglyconutrients\tare\tnot\tsweet\tto\tthe taste\tnor\tdo\tthey\telicit\ta\tblood\tglucose\tor\tinsulin\trush.\tIn\tfact,\tentire\tbooks\thave been\twritten\tabout\tthe\thealing\tand\tmedicinal\tproperties\tof\t\u201cglyconutrients\u201d\t(see, for\texample,\tSugars\tThat\tHeal\tby\tEmil\tMondoa,\tM.D.).","Recently,\tanother\tcompound\tin\taloe\twas\tdiscovered;\ta\tsubstance\tcalled aloeride,\twhich\tcontains\tthe\tessential\tsugars\tglucose,\tgalactose,\tand\tmannose,\tas well\tas\tanother\tsugar\tcalled\tarabinose.\tSuch\ta\tdiscovery\tillustrates\tthat\thealthy sugars\tfrom\tplant\tsources\tare\tcontinually\tbeing\tdiscovered. The\tgel\thas\tthe\tactive\tmedicinal\tsugars\tand\tother\tnutrients\tlisted\tabove. Most\tof\tthe\tresearch\ton\taloe\tvera\thas\tbeen\tdone\ton\tthe\tgel,\tbut\tthere\u2019s\tgood reason\tto\tsuspect\tthat\tthe\tjuice\u2014if\tit\tis\tunrefined\tor\tunfiltered\u2014contains\ta\tlot\tof good\tproperties\tas\twell.\tAfter\tall,\tthe\tmedicinal\tpart\tof\tthe\tplant\tis\tthe\tdried juice\tof\tthe\tleaves. ALOE\tREDUCES\tINFLAMMATION\tAND\tSPEEDS\tHEALING The\tgel\thas\tbeen\tshown\tto\treduce\tinflammation\tand\talso\tshows\tantibacterial effects.\tInside\tthe\tleaf\tis\tthis\tclear,\tthin,\tjellylike\tsubstance\tthat\tworks\tgreat\tas\ta skin\tsalve.\tApplied\tto\tthe\tskin,\tit\u2019s\ta\tmild\tanesthetic\tand\trelieves\titching, swelling,\tand\tpain.\tAn\tanimal-based\tstudy\tin\tthe\tJournal\tof\tthe\tAmerican Podiatric\tMedical\tAssociation\tfound\tthat\tboth\toral\tand\ttopical\taloe\tpreparations speed\twound\thealing.\tAnimals\twere\tgiven\teither\taloe\t(100\tmg\/kg\tbody\tweight) in\ttheir\tdrinking\twater\tfor\ttwo\tmonths\tor\t25\tpercent\taloe\tvera\tcream\tapplied directly\tto\twounds\tfor\tsix\tdays.\tAloe\thad\tpositive\teffects\tin\tboth\tcases.\tThe\tsize of\twounds\tdecreased\t62\tpercent\tin\tthe\tanimals\ttaking\toral\taloe\tcompared\tto\ta\t51 percent\tdecrease\tin\tthe\tcontrol\tgroup.\tTopical\taloe\tproduced\ta\t51\tpercent decrease\tin\twound\tsize\tcompared\tto\ta\t33\tpercent\tdecrease\tin\tthe\tcontrol\tgroup. Aloe\tdecreases\tsurgical\trecovery\ttime,\taccording\tto\ta\treport\tin\tthe\tJournal of\tDermatologic\tSurgery\tand\tOncology.\tEighteen\tacne\tpatients\tunderwent\tfacial dermabrasion\tsurgery,\tin\twhich\tlesions\tare\tscraped\taway.\tDressings\twere\tapplied to\ttheir\tfaces,\twith\thalf\tof\teach\tperson\u2019s\tface\treceiving\tthe\tstandard\tdressing coated\twith\tsurgical\tgel,\tand\tthe\tother\thalf\twith\taloe\tadded\tto\tthis\tdressing.\tThe half\tof\tthe\tface\ttreated\twith\taloe\thealed\tapproximately\tseventy-two\thours\tfaster than\tthe\tother\tside.\tDermatologist\tJames\tFulton,\tM.D.,\tof\tNewport\tBeach, California,\tprincipal\tauthor\tof\tthe\treport,\tuses\ttopical\taloe\tin\this\tpractice\tto speed\twound\thealing.\t\u201cAny\twound\twe\ttreat,\twhether\tit\u2019s\tsuturing\ta\tcut\tor removing\ta\tskin\tcancer,\theals\tbetter\twith\taloe\tvera\ton\tit,\u201d\the\tstates. ALOE\tVERA\tJUICE\tEASES\tINTERNAL\tINFLAMMATION The\tjuice\tis\talso\tbelieved\tto\thave\tanti-inflammatory\taction\tin\tthe\tdigestive system\tand\tis\toften\tused\tfor\theartburn\tand\tto\tease\tconstipation.\tAloe\tvera\tjuice can\tbe\teffective\tfor\ttreating\tinflammatory\tbowel\tdisease,\taccording\tto\ta\tstudy\tin the\tJournal\tof\tAlternative\tMedicine.\tTen\tpatients\twere\tgiven\t2\tounces\tof\taloe juice,\tthree\ttimes\tdaily,\tfor\tseven\tdays.\tAfter\tone\tweek,\tall\tpatients\twere\tcured","of\tdiarrhea,\tfour\thad\timproved\tbowel\tregularity,\tand\tthree\treported\tincreased energy. Researchers\tconcluded\tthat\taloe\twas\table\tto\trebalance\tthe\tintestines\tby \u201cregulating\tgastrointestinal\tpH\twhile\timproving\tgastrointestinal\tmotility, increasing\tstool\tspecific\tgravity,\tand\treducing\tpopulations\tof\tcertain\tfecal microorganisms,\tincluding\tyeast.\u201d\tOther\tstudies\thave\tshown\tthat\taloe\tvera\tjuice helps\tdetoxify\tthe\tbowel,\tneutralize\tstomach\tacidity,\tand\trelieve\tconstipation and\tgastric\tulcers. According\tto\tjuice\tauthority\tSteve\tMeyerowitz,\taloe\tvera\tjuice\tcontains\ta\twealth of\tvitamins,\tminerals,\tand\tnutrients\tincluding\tB1,\tB2,\tB3,\tB6,\tC,\tcholine, calcium,\tcopper,\tmanganese,\tpotassium,\tsilicon,\tand\tothers.\tBut,\talso\taccording to\tMeyerowitz,\tthe\treal\tuniqueness\tof\tthe\tjuice\tlies\tin\tits\twealth\tof phytochemicals\tsuch\tas\tthe\torganic\tacids\tchrysophanic,\tsalicylic,\tsuccinic,\tand uric;\tpolysaccharides\tsuch\tas\tacemannen;\tenzymes\tsuch\tas\tglutathione peroxidase;\tand\tvarious\tresins. WORTH\tKNOWING Aloe\tvera\tjuice\twas\toriginally\tone\tof\tthe\t150\t\u201cworld\u2019s\thealthiest foods\u201d\tand\tafter\tmuch\tdebate\tin\tmy\toffice,\twe\tmoved\tit\tto\ta\trunner- up\tposition\tnot\tbecause\tit\u2019s\tnot\ta\tgreat\tfood\u2014all\tthe\trunners-up\tare \u2014but\tbecause\tit\ttends\tto\tbe\tused\tmore\ttherapeutically\tfor\tspecial conditions.\tThat\tdoesn\u2019t\tmean\tyou\tcouldn\u2019t\tdrink\tit\tevery\tday\u2014you could,\tand\tmany\tpeople\tdo\u2014but\tsince\tit\u2019s\tmore\tof\ta\t\u201cspecial situation\u201d\tfood,\twe\tdecided\tto\tgive\tit\thonorable\tmention\tinstead\tof listing\tit\tas\ta\tprimary\tfood. EXPERTS\u2019\tTOP\tTEN Fred\tPescatore,\tM.D. Fred\tPescatore\u2019s\tlatest\tNew\tYork\tTimes\tbestselling\tbooks,\tThe\tHamptons\tDiet and\tThe\tHamptons\tDiet\tCookbook,\tcombine\tthe\tMediterranean\tlifestyle\twith\tthe preferences\tof\tAmericans,\temphasizing\ta\twhole-foods\tapproach\tto\thealth\tand weight\tmanagement. 1.\tMacadamia\tnut\toil:\tHeart-healthiest\tfat\twith\thigh\tsmoke\tpoint;\tno oxidation\tor\ttrans-fatty\tacids. 2.\tAvocado:\tRich\tin\theart-healthy\tmonounsaturated\tfat.","3.\tAlaskan\tsockeye\tsalmon:\tResponsibly\tcaught\tfish;\thigh\tin\tomega-3\tfatty acids;\tmercury\tand\tPCB\teither\tlow\tor\tnonexistent. 4.\tRed\/yellow\/orange\tpeppers:\tRich\tin\tantioxidants,\tB\tvitamins,\tand flavonoids\tnot\tgenerally\tconsumed. 5.\tKale:\tRich\tin\twell-absorbed\tcalcium,\tvitamin\tK. 6.\tLean,\torganic\tred\tmeat:\tGenetically\tperfect\tfor\tcarnivores\tand\tone\tof\tthe only\tsources\tof\tCLA,\ta\tkind\tof\tfat\tthat\thelps\tpeople\tlose\tweight. 7.\tSea\tvegetables:\tThese\toften-overlooked\tfoods\tcontain\tiodine\tand\tprotein, and\tare\tperfect\tfor\tvegetarians. 8.\tLentils\tand\tbeans:\tLegumes\tcontain\tmany\tnaturally\toccurring\tB\tvitamins and\tprotein\tfor\tthose\twho\twish\tto\tconsume\tless\tanimal\tprotein. 9.\tAlcohol:\tEvery\tstudy\taround\tthe\tworld\ttells\tus\tthe\tsame\tthing:\tDrinking alcohol\tin\tmoderation\tis\tgood\tfor\tyou.\tThose\twho\tdrink\tthe\tleast\tand\tthose who\tdrink\tthe\tmost\thave\tthe\tworst\thealth\tprofiles,\tbut\tthose\twho\tdrink\tin moderation\tcan\tlower\ttheir\trisk\tfor\theart\tdisease,\tstroke,\tand\tcancer. 10.\tWhole\tfoods\tof\tany\tkind:\tThese\tare\tfoods\tthat\thave\tnot\tbeen\ttouched\tby man\tor\tat\tthe\tvery\tleast,\tminimally\tprocessed.\tThey\thelp\tspeed\tup\tour metabolism\tand\tkeep\tour\tappetite\tlow,\ttherefore\tkeeping\tus\tat\tour\thealthiest. EXPERTS\u2019\tTOP\tTEN J.J.\tVirgin,\tC.N.S.,\tC.H.F.I. J.J.\tVirgin\twas\tthe\tnutritionist\tfor\tDr.\tPhil\u2019s\tUltimate\tWeight\tLoss\tChallenge and\tis\ta\tnationally\trecognized\texpert\tin\tthe\tarea\tof\tweight\tloss\tresistance.\tShe was\tthe\tnutritionist\tfor\tthe\tseason\tfinale\tof\tExtreme\tMakeover\tand\tmost\trecently helped\tBrandon\tRouth\tprepare\tfor\this\trole\tin\tSuperman\t2006.\tHer\tknowledge\tof supplements\tis\tenormous.\tYou\tcan\thear\ther\tweekly\ton\tthe\tradio\tshow\tWaking Up\tin\tAmerica. 1.\tApples:\tAn\tapple\ta\tday\tkeeps\tthe\tconstipation\taway.\tThe\tpectin\tfiber\tin apples\tis\tgreat\tfor\tyour\tgut\tand\tdetoxifying,\ttoo.\tThey\tare\talso\ta\trich\tsource of\tthe\tbioflavonoid\tquercetin,\tnature\u2019s\tantihistamine. 2.\tFreshly\tground\tflaxseed\tmeal:\tThe\tfiber\twill\tkeep\tthe\thunger\thormone ghrelin\tsuppressed,\tand\tit\tis\ta\trich\tsource\tof\talpha\tlinolenic\tacid,\tan\tomega-3 fatty\tacid\tthat\thelps\treduce\tinflammation. 3.\tGreen\ttea:\tDrink\tdaily\tto\tboost\tyour\tmetabolism\tand\tload\tup\ton","antioxidants.\tThe\ttheanine\tin\tgreen\ttea\tis\talso\ta\tgreat\tnatural\tde-stressor. 4.\tExtra\tvirgin\tolive\toil:\tAdd\ta\tfew\ttablespoons\tto\tyour\tsalads\tand\tvegetables daily\tto\thelp\tlower\tblood\tpressure\tand\tprevent\tLDL\toxidation. 5.\tBerries\t(all\tkinds):\tEat\ta\tserving\tof\torganic\tblue,\tblack,\tor\tred\tberries\tdaily for\tantioxidant\tprotection.\tThey\talso\tcontain\tellagic\tacid,\twhich\tis\tprotective against\tcancer. 6.\tSardines:\tAn\texcellent\tsource\tof\tEPA\tand\tDHA\tomega-3\tfatty\tacids, without\tthe\trisks\tof\theavy\tmetals\tand\ttoxins\tcontained\tin\tmany\tlarge\tfish. Omega-3s\tare\tgreat\tfor\tyour\tbrain\tand\theart\tand\talso\thelp\treduce inflammation.\tYou\teither\tlove\t\u2019em\tor\tyou\tdon\u2019t;\tif\tyou\tdo,\tyou\tare\tin\tluck, and\tplease\tmake\tthem\tpart\tof\tyour\tdiet\ta\tfew\ttimes\ta\tweek! 7.\tLentils:\tA\tgreat\tslow-release\tcarbohydrate\tsource\tthat\tis\trich\tin\tfiber\tand moderate\tin\tprotein.\tThe\tfiber\thelps\tlower\tcholesterol\tand\tstabilize\tblood sugar.\tA\tcup\tof\tlentil\tsoup\tas\tan\tappetizer\tis\ta\tgreat\tnatural\tappetite suppressant. 8.\tSea\tvegetables:\tThese\tare\trich\tin\tminerals\tand\tare\tgreat\tat\tdetoxifying\theavy metals\tand\tpesticides.\tThey\tare\talso\tvery\talkalizing\tand\tcan\thelp\toffset\tthe acid\tload\tfrom\tthe\tStandard\tAmerican\tDiet\tof\tgrains,\tmeats,\tand\tdairy.\tThese might\tseem\ta\tlittle\tscary\tat\tfirst,\tbut\tthey\tare\tgreat\tto\tsprinkle\ton\ta\tsalad, soup,\tor\tveggie\tdish,\tor\tyou\tcan\talways\tvisit\ta\tJapanese\trestaurant\ta\tfew times\ta\tweek\tfor\tsome\tnori-wrapped\tdelicacies. 9.\tOrganic\teggs:\tA\tgreat\tsource\tof\tcomplete\tprotein,\tand\tyes,\teat\tthe\tyolk\u2014it\u2019s rich\tin\tvitamin\tE,\tvitamin\tA,\tand\tcholine,\ta\tnutrient\tthat\tis\timportant\tfor\tthe brain\tand\tnervous\tsystem.\tJust\tbe\tsure\tto\teat\tyour\teggs\tsoft-boiled\tor poached\tto\tavoid\toxidizing\tthe\tcholesterol\tin\tthe\tyolk. 10.\tTurkey:\tBoost\tyour\tmood\twith\tturkey!\tThink\tof\tturkey\tas\tnature\u2019s\tProzac\u2014 it\tis\trich\tin\ttryptophan,\twhich\tyour\tbody\tuses\tto\tmake\tserotonin,\tthe\tfeel- good\tneurotransmitter\tthat\thelps\tboost\tmood\tand\tlower\tsugar\tcravings.","CHAPTER\t12 Herbs,\tSpices,\tand\tCondiments You\tknow\tthe\told\tsaying\t\u201cvariety\tis\tthe\tspice\tof\tlife\u201d?\tWell,\tit\tshould be\tthe\tother\tway\taround.\tSpice\tis\tthe\tvariety\tof\tlife. Consider\tthis:\tThere\tare\t25,000\tphytochemicals,\tliving\tplant compounds\tthat\tcontinue\tto\tamaze\twith\ttheir\tr\u00e9sum\u00e9\tof\tsignificant health\tbenefits.\tSpices\tare\tteeming\twith\tthese\tcompounds.\tThey\u2019re awash\twith\thealing\tproperties\tthat\tare\tconstantly\tbeing\tuncovered. Cinnamon\tlowers\tblood\tsugar;\tnutmeg\trelieves\tnausea;\tcloves\tare anti-inflammatory;\tginger\trelieves\tmorning\tsickness;\tpeppermint inhibits\tthe\tgrowth\tof\tbacteria;\tcumin\tis\tgreat\tfor\tdigestion;\tcayenne pepper\tincreases\tmetabolism;\tchili\tpowder\teases\tpain;\tcurry\tpowder","safeguards\tyour\tbrain;\tcinnamon\tstimulates\tcirculation;\tcardamom soothes\tindigestion;\tturmeric\tis\tgood\tfor\tpractically\teverything\u2014the list\tis\tendless.\tSpices\tare\ttruly\tthe\tvariety\tof\tlife,\tnature\tin\tall\tits pungent\tand\taromatic\tglory. Spices\tand\tHerbs\tAre\ta\tNatural\tSource\tof\tPreventive\tHealth\tCare Historically,\therbs\tand\tspices\thave\tbeen\tused\tfor\tadding\tflavors\tand\ttastes\tto foods.\tThey\tprovide\tunique\tflavors\tand\/or\tenhancing\ttastes\tto\thuman\tdiets.\tBut most\therbs\tand\tspices\tused\tin\tculinary\tpurposes\thave\ta\tlong\tlist\tof\tpotential biological\teffects\ton\thuman\thealth.\tThe\tvery\tspices\tthat\tmake\tfood\tso\tdelicious and\tappealing\tcome\tfrom\tplants\twhose\ttraditional\tuse\thave\tincluded\tacting\tas medicinal\tremedies\tfor\tpreventing\tand\/or\ttreating\thuman\tdisease\tfor\tmany\tyears. The\tphytochemicals\tisolated\tfrom\tplants\thave\tbeen\ta\tgreat\tresource\tfor discovering\ta\tlarge\tproportion\tof\tcommercially\tavailable\tmedications\tfor\tthe treatment\tof\ta\twide\trange\tof\thuman\tdiseases,\tsuch\tas\tpulmonary\tdiseases, cardiovascular\tdiseases,\tdiabetes,\tobesity,\tand\tcancers.\tSpices\tand\therbs\tare\ta natural\tmeans\tof\tpreventive\thealth\tcare;\tjust\tconsider\tthe\thealth\teffects\ton human\tdiseases\tthat\tcould\tbe\taccomplished\tthrough\tdaily\tdiets\trich\tin\ttheir medicinal\tphytochemicals.\tSpices\tare\ta\tgreat\tway\tto\tget\ta\tvirtual\tphytopharmacy into\tour\tkitchens. And\tthese\tguys\tseem\tto\twork\tsynergistically\tin\tways\tthat\tare\tonly\tnow beginning\tto\tbe\tunderstood.\tIn\ta\trecent\tanimal\tstudy,\twhen\tcurcumin\t(found\tin turmeric)\twas\tmixed\twith\tphenethyl\tisothiocyanate\t(a\tcompound\tfound\tin cruciferous\tvegetables)\tthe\tcombo\thad\tsignificant\tprotective\teffects\ton implanted\tprostate\ttumors\u2014though\tneither\tcompound\tused\talone\tshowed\tany effect.\t(Curried\tcabbage,\tanyone?)\tRecently\tin\tthe\tJournal\tof\tthe\tAmerican Nutraceutical\tAssociation,\ta\tspice\tblend\tof\tturmeric,\tensian\troot,\thot\tpaprika, and\tvanillin\twas\ttested\tfor\tits\teffect\ton\tcholesterol\tand\twas\tfound\tto\thave\t\u201ca beneficial\tand\tclinically\trelevant\tlong-tem\teffect,\u201d\tdecreasing\tnon-HDL cholesterol\tby\t16\tpercent.\tWhich\tspice\twas\t\u201cresponsible\u201d?\tWho\tknows?\tWho even\tcares?\tUse\t\u2019em\tall! Plants\tand\tspices\tare\tliterally\tteeming\twith\thealth-giving\tphytochemicals that\tact\tand\tinteract\tin\ta\tmyriad\tof\tmysteries\tways,\tand\tscientists\twill\tprobably still\tbe\tdecoding\ttheir\thealth\tsecrets\tdecades\tafter\teveryone\treading\tthis\tbook\tis gone.\tI\tthink\tthe\tbest\ttake-home\tpoint\tis\tto\tuse\tas\tmany\tof\tthem\tas\tpossible,\tuse them\toften,\tand\tuse\tthem\tin\tevery\tcombination\tyou\tcan\tthink\tof.","Cardamom If\tyou\u2019ve\tever\teaten\tat\tan\tIndian\trestaurant,\tyou\u2019ve\tprobably encountered\tcardamom.\tCardamom\tis\tactually\tthe\tdried,\tunripened fruit\tof\ta\tperennial\tmember\tof\tthe\tginger\tfamily.\tThe\tpods\tcontain highly\taromatic\tcitruslike,\tfloral-flavored\tseeds\twith\tmenthol undertones.\tMost\tIndian\trestaurants\thave\ta\tlittle\tdish\tof\tthese\tseeds\tat the\tentranceway,\tor\tat\tthe\tcash\tregister,\tmuch\tlike\twe\thave\tafter- dinner\tmints.\tThat\u2019s\tbecause\twhen\tthe\tseeds\tare\tchewed,\tthey\u2019re\ta terrific\tbreath\tfreshener. As\ta\tspice\tor\tseasoning,\tcardamom\tseeds\tcan\tbe\tused\twhole\tor\tground. Cardamom\tis\tactually\tone\tof\tthe\tworld\u2019s\tmost\tancient\tspices.\tIt\u2019s\tmentioned\tall over\tthe\tplace\tin\tThe\tArabian\tNights.\tIt\tbecame\tvery\tpopular\tearly\tin\tthe twentieth\tcentury,\twhen\tabout\t250,000\tpounds\twere\tshipped\teach\tyear\tto\tBritain alone.\tToday,\tcardamom\tis\tused\tin\tcooking,\tas\ta\thealth\tremedy,\tas\ta\tcoffee flavoring\tin\tEgypt,\tand\tas\tan\taromatic\tagent\tin\tperfume\u2014especially\tin\tFrance and\tthe\tUnited\tStates.\tAnd\tof\tcourse,\tas\ta\tparting\tgift\tin\tthe\tabove-mentioned Indian\trestaurants! But\tcardamom\tdoes\ta\tlot\tmore\tthan\tmake\tyour\tmouth\ttaste\tgood\tafter eating.\tIt\tstimulates\tbile\tflow\tfor\tliver\thealth\tand\tfat\tmetabolism.\tHealth\tbenefits of\tthis\tdelicious\tspice\tare\tlegion:\tIt\u2019s\tbeen\tused\tas\ta\tdigestive\taid\tsince\tancient times,\tand\tis\tknown\tfor\teasing\tstomach\tcramps,\tstimulating\tdigestion,\tand cutting\tmucus.\tBecause\tit\u2019s\ta\tcarminative\u2014an\tagent\tthat\tinduces\tthe\texpulsion of\tgas\tfrom\tthe\tstomach\tand\tintestines\u2014it\u2019s\ta\tterrific\tremedy\tfor\tflatulence. A\twonderful\tway\tto\tconsume\tit\tis\tas\ta\ttea,\twhich\tyou\tcan\teasily\tmake\tby simply\tpouring\tboiling\twater\tover\tabout\t2\tteaspoons\tof\tthe\tseeds.\tLet\tit\tsit\tfor about\t5\tminutes,\tthen\tdrain,\tdiscard\tthe\tseeds,\tand\tenjoy!\t(Many\tancients","believed\ta\tcardamom\ttea\tto\tbe\tan\taphrodisiac.\tFeel\tfree\tto\texperiment\tand\tlet\tme know\tthe\tresults.) Real\tcardamom\tis\texpensive,\tsecond\tonly\tto\tsaffron\tin\tprice,\tand\tthere\tare lots\tof\tinferior\tsubstitutes\tfrom\tcardamom-related\tplants\tmasquerading\tas\tthe real\tthing.\tOnly\tElettaria\tcardamomum\u2014its\tbotanical\tname\u2014is\tthe\treal\tdeal. Indian\tcardamom\tcomes\tin\ttwo\t\u201cflavors\u201d\u2014Malabar\tand\tMysore.\tThe\tMysore variety\tcontains\thigher\tlevels\tof\tlimonene,\ta\tvaluable\tphytochemical\tthat\tboosts the\tbody\u2019s\tsynthesis\tof\tan\tenzyme\tthat\thas\tantioxidant\tproperties\tand\thelps detoxify\tchemicals.\t(Limonene\tis\talso\tfound\tin\tcitrus\tfruit\tpeels,\tcherries,\tcelery, and\tfennel.) WORTH\tKNOWING Health\tprofessionals\toften\trecommend\tnot\tusing\tcardamom\tin\tthe presence\tof\tgallstones,\tas\tit\tcould\tprecipitate\tan\tattack. Cinnamon\t C.\tLeigh\tBroadhurst,\tPh.D.,\tis,\tquite\tsimply,\ton\tthe\tshort\tlist\tof\tthe smartest\tpeople\tI\tknow.\tShe\u2019s\ta\tresearch\tscientist\tat\tthe\tUSDA,\tand one\tof\tmy\t\u201cgo-to\u201d\tsources\tfor\tthe\tfinal\tword\ton\tany\tnutritional controversy.\tSo\twhen\tBroadhurst\ttold\tme\tabout\tsome\texciting\tstuff","her\tteam\twas\tworking\ton\tover\tat\tthe\tUSDA\tthat\tinvolved\tordinary cinnamon,\tbelieve\tme,\tmy\tears\tpricked\tup\tand\tI\tstarted\ttaking\tnotes. Though\tcinnamon\thas\ta\tformidable\treputation\tas\ta\thealth-giving\tcompound (more\ton\tthat\tin\ta\tmoment),\tthe\tnewest,\thottest\tbuzz\tabout\tit\thas\tto\tdo\twith\tits uncanny\tability\tto\tmoderate\tblood\tsugar.\tAnd\tin\tthese\tdays,\twith\ta\tgrowing epidemic\tof\tobesity\tand\tdiabetes,\tthat\tsort\tof\tstuff\tgets\tpeople\u2019s\tattention. According\tto\tBroadhurst,\tplenty\tof\tplants\tand\tindividual\tphytochemicals\tcan lower\tblood\tsugar,\tbut\tmany\tof\tthem\taccomplish\tthis\tby\timposing\ttoxic\tcosts\ton the\tbody.\tNot\tthis\tone.\tBroadhurst\tand\ther\tteam\tidentified\tnew\tphytochemicals in\tcinnamon\tcalled\tchalcone\tpolymers\tthat\tincrease\tglucose\tmetabolism\tin\tthe cells\ttwentyfold\tor\tmore. Cinnamon\talso\tcontains\tanthocyanins,\twhich\timprove\tcapillary\tfunction. And\ta\tcompound\tthat\thas\ta\tvery\tsimilar\tmolecular\tcomposition\tto\tthe\tones found\tby\tBroadhurst\u2019s\tteam\thas\tbeen\tshown\tto\tinhibit\tthe\tformation\tof\tulcers and\tincrease\tblood\tflow\tto\tthe\tstomach\tin\trats.\tThe\tchalcone\tpolymers\tthat Broadhurst\twas\tso\texcited\tabout\tare\talso\tpowerful\tantioxidants. Cinnamon\tCan\tHelp\twith\tPain\tand\tStiffness\tin\tMuscles\tand\tJoints Before\tI\tget\tto\tthe\tpractical\tuse\tof\tcinnamon\tfor\tmodifying\tblood\tsugar,\tlet\tme tell\tyou\tabout\tsome\tother\tthings\tthis\twonder\tspice\tcan\tdo\tfor\tyou.\tCinnamon contains\tthe\tphytochemicals\teugenol\tand\tgeraniol,\twhich,\taccording\tto registered\tdietitian\tand\tauthor\tLaurie\tDeutsch\tMozian\tcan\thelp\tcombat\tcandida (the\tovergrowth\tof\tyeast\tin\tthe\tsystem\tthat\tcan\tcause\tso\tmany\tproblems), probably\tbecause\tthese\tcompounds\thave\tantimicrobial\tactivity\tthat\tcan\thelp\tstop the\tgrowth\tof\tbacteria\tand\tfungi\t(including\tcandida).\tCinnamon\talso\tcontains anti-inflammatory\tcompounds\tthat\tmay\tbe\thelpful\tin\taffecting\tthe\tpain\tand stiffness\tof\tmuscles,\tjoints,\tand\tmenstrual\tdiscomfort. Cinnamon\tis\treally\tgood\tfor\tdigestive\tfunction.\tBoth\tin\ttest-tube\tand\tin animal\tstudies,\tcinnamon\tfunctions\tas\twhat\u2019s\tcalled\ta\tcarminative,\twhich, should\tanyone\task\tyou\tduring\ta\tgame\tof\tTrivial\tPursuit,\tmeans\t\u201cgas\treliever.\u201d So\tif\tyou\thave\tabdominal\tdiscomfort\tcaused\tby\texcess\tgas,\tcinnamon\twould\tbe a\tgreat\tthing\tto\ttry.\tIn\taddition,\tcompounds\tin\tcinnamon\tcalled\tcatechins\thelp relieve\tnausea.\tAnd\tfor\twhatever\treason\u2014we\u2019re\tnot\treally\tsure\twhy\u2014cinnamon is\tknown\tfor\tboosting\tflagging\tappetite.\tMaybe\tit\u2019s\tthe\tdelicious\tsmell\tor\tthe evoked\tmemory\tof\tMom\u2019s\tapple\tpie.\tWho\tknows?\tWhat\twe\tdo\tknow\tis\tthat\tit\u2019s very\t\u201cdigestive-friendly.\u201d","Cinnamon\tExtract\tCan\tReduce\tBlood\tSugar\tand\t\u201cBad\u201d\tCholesterol Now\tlet\u2019s\tget\tback\tto\tC.\tLeigh\tBroadhurst\tand\tthe\tteam\tover\tat\tthe\tUSDA. These\tguys\tbasically\ttested\tthe\teffects\ton\tglucose\tmetabolism\tof\tforty-nine different\therbs,\tspices,\tand\tmedicinal\tplants.\tAs\tBroadhurst\ttold\tme,\tcinnamon was\tthe\tstar\tof\tthe\tshow.\tThe\tactive\tingredient\u2014methylhydroxychalcone polymer,\tor\tMHCP\u2014seems\tto\tmimic\tinsulin\tfunction,\tincreasing\tglucose\tuptake by\tcells\tand\tsignaling\tcertain\tkinds\tof\tcells\tto\tturn\tglucose\tinto\tglycogen\t(the storage\tform\tof\tsugar).\tThe\tstudy\tdemonstrating\tthat\tthis\tactive\tingredient functioned\tas\tan\t\u201cinsulin\tmimic\u201d\twas\tpublished\tin\tthe\tprestigious\tJournal\tof\tthe American\tCollege\tof\tNutrition\tin\t2001,\tunder\tthe\tauthorship\tof\tthe\tlead researchers\tK.Y.\tJarvill-Taylor,\tR.A.\tAnderson,\tand\tD.J.\tGraves.\tNot\tlong\tafter, another\tstudy\twas\tpublished\tin\tDiabetic\tCare\tshowing\tthat\tcinnamon\treduced not\tonly\tblood\tsugar,\tbut\talso\ttriglycerides,\ttotal\tcholesterol,\tand\tLDL\t(\u201cbad\u201d) cholesterol\tin\tpeople\twith\ttype\t2\tdiabetes.\tThe\tresearch\thardly\tescaped\tthe notice\tof\tthe\tnatural\tmedicine\tcommunity:\tThe\tlegendary\tintegrative\tmedicine guru\tDr.\tJonathan\tWright\tuses\tcinnamon\textract\tas\ta\tcomponent\tin\tvitamin supplements\the\tdesigned\tfor\tmodulating\tblood\tsugar. According\tto\tBroadhurst,\tone\tof\tthe\tbest\tparts\tof\tthe\twhole\tcinnamon\tstory is\tthat\tyou\tcan\tget\tthe\tbest\tresults\twith\tthe\tcheapest\tstuff.\tIn\tfact,\tshe\ttold\tme that\tyou\u2019re\tbetter\toff\tgetting\tthe\treally\tcheap\tstuff\tfrom\tthe\tsupermarket\tinstead of\tany\tof\tthe\tesoteric\tand\texpensive\toil\textracts,\twhich\tmay\thave\tsome components\tthat\tcould\tbe\ttoxic\tif\ttaken\tinternally.\tCinnamon\tpowder\thas\talready had\tmuch\tof\tthe\tessential\toils\tremoved\tduring\tprocessing,\tso\tit\u2019s\ta\tnonissue. \u201cBuying\tcinnamon\tin\tbulk\tis\tcost-effective\tand\thighly\trecommended,\u201d\tshe\ttold me. Homemade\tTreatment\tfor\tBlood\tSugar According\tto\tBroadhurst\u2019s\texcellent\tbook\ton\tdiabetes,\tthe\tbest\tway\tto\tuse cinnamon\tto\thelp\tlower\tblood\tsugar\tand\timprove\ttype\t2\tdiabetes\tis\tto\tput\t3 rounded\ttablespoons\tof\tground\tcinnamon\tand\t\u00bd\tto\t1\tteaspoon\tof\tbaking\tsoda (less\tif\tsodium\tis\ta\tproblem\tfor\tyou)\tin\ta\t32-ounce\t(quart)\tcanning\tjar.\tFill\tthe jar\twith\tboiling\twater\tand\tlet\tit\tsteep\tat\troom\ttemperature\ttill\tit\u2019s\tcool.\tStrain\tor decant\tthe\tliquid,\tdiscard\tthe\tgrounds,\tput\ta\tlid\ton\tthe\tjar,\tand\tstick\tit\tin\tthe fridge.\tDrink\tone\t8-ounce\tcup\tof\tthe\ttea\tfour\ttimes\tper\tday.\tAfter\tone\tto\tthree weeks\tyou\tcan\tdrop\tdown\tto\tone\tor\ttwo\tcups\ta\tday.\tType\t1\tdiabetics\tcan\tuse\tit too,\tbut\tshould\tstart\twith\tonly\tone\tor\ttwo\tcups\tper\tday\tand\tincrease\tby\tone\tcup per\tweek,\tmonitoring\tblood\tsugar\tclosely. And\teven\tif\tyou\u2019re\tnot\tdiabetic,\tthis\tlittle\tspice\tdoes\tso\tmany\tgreat\tthings that\tit\treally\tdeserves\tthe\tlabel\t\u201csuperfood.\u201d","WORTH\tKNOWING Just\tas\tthe\tmanuscript\tfor\tthis\tbook\twas\tbeing\tsubmitted,\ta\tnew animal\tstudy\twas\tpublished\tin\tthe\tJournal\tof\tthe\tAmerican\tCollege of\tNutrition\tin\twhich\tdietary\tcinnamon\treduced\tblood\tpressure.\tThe researchers\tsuggested\tthat\tcinnamon\tmay\thave\ta\trole\tin\tglucose metabolism\tand\tblood\tpressure\tregulation;\tthey\tconcluded\tthat adding\tbeneficial\tsubstances\tlike\tcinnamon\tto\tthe\tdiet\tmay\thave\ta positive\tinfluence\ton\tblood\tpressure. Cloves If\tanyone\tremembers\tseeing\tthe\tterrific\tmovie\tMarathon\tMan\tback\tin the\t1970s,\tyou\u2019ve\tundoubtedly\tshuddered\tat\tthe\tfrightening\tscene where\tDustin\tHoffman\twas\tsubjected\tto\tvarious\tunpleasantries\tin\ta dentist\tchair\tat\tthe\thands\tof\tLaurence\tOlivier.\tBut\tyou\tmight\talso recall\tthat\tthe\t\u201cantidote\u201d\tthat\tbrought\timmediate\tpain\trelief\twas\tan\toil made\tfrom\tcloves.\tThe\tmedicinal\tproperties\tof\tcloves\treside\tin\tthe volatile\toil,\tthe\tsame\tone\tthat\tbrought\tpain\trelief\tto\tHoffman\u2019s character\tin\tthe\tmovie.\tCloves\thave\tlong\tbeen\tused\tas\tan\teffective toothache\tremedy.","A\tclove\tis\tactually\tthe\tdried,\tunopened\tflower\tbud\tof\ta\ttype\tof\ttree\tthat originated\tin\tthe\tSpice\tIslands\t(Indonesia).\tCloves\tlook\tlike\ttiny\tlittle\tnails, which\tis\tactually\twhat\ttheir\tname\tcomes\tfrom\t(clavus,\twhich\tin\tLatin\tmeans \u201cnail\u201d).\tIn\tAsian\tmedicine,\tcloves\tare\tthought\tto\tbe\tamong\tthe\tspices\tthat promote\tenergy\tcirculation\tand\tincrease\tthe\tmetabolic\trate.\tThe\tCouncil\tof Maharishi\tAyurveda\tPhysicians\trecommends\tone\tRed\tDelicious\tapple\tpierced with\tfour\tcloves\tand\tboiled\tas\tthe\tultimate\tenergy-enhancing\twinter\tdessert (throw\taway\tthe\tcloves\tbefore\teating).\tThey\talso\trecommend\tclove,\tboiled\twith milk,\tto\twarm\tyou\tup\tin\twinter.\tSounds\tpretty\tgood,\tactually. Clove\tComponent\tKills\tBacteria\tand\tViruses The\thighly\trespected\tpanel\tGerman\tCommission\tE\thas\tapproved\tthe\tuse\tof clove\tas\tan\tantiseptic\tand\tas\tan\tanesthetic.\t\u201cThe\tclove\therb\tkeeps\tfood\tfresh because\tthe\tmain\tactive\tcomponent\tof\tcloves\tis\teugenol,\twhich\thas\tlong\tbeen known\tto\thelp\tkill\tbacteria\tand\tviruses,\u201d\tsays\tGary\tElmer,\tPh.D.,\tassociate professor\tof\tmedicinal\tchemistry\tat\tthe\tUniversity\tof\tWashington\tSchool\tof Pharmacy\tin\tSeattle.\tInterestingly,\ta\trecent\tstudy\tinvestigated\tthe chemoprotective\teffect\tof\ta\twater\tsolution\tof\tcloves\ton\tskin\tcancer\tand\tfound that\tthe\tclove\tsolution\thad\tan\tanticarcinogenic\teffect. One\ttablespoon\tof\tcloves\tcontains\tthe\tfull\tamount\tof\tthe\trecommended dietary\tintake\tof\tmanganese\tfor\twomen\t(and\tjust\ta\tsmidgen\tless\tthan\tthe recommended\tamount\tfor\tmen).\tManganese\tis\tan\timportant\tnutrient\tfor\tbone formation,\tas\twell\tas\tfor\tprotein,\tfat,\tand\tcarbohydrate\tmetabolism.\tA\ttablespoon of\tcloves\talso\tcontains\t43\tmg\tof\tcalcium,\t73\tmg\tof\tpotassium,\tand\t17\tmg\tof phytosterols.\tAnd\t1\ttablespoon\tof\tcloves\tcontains\ta\tlittle\tmore\tthan\t2\tg\tof\tfiber. Cumin","There\u2019s\ta\tlot\tof\tconfusion\tabout\tthe\tdifference\tbetween\tcumin\tseeds and\tcaraway\tseeds;\tthey\u2019re\tactually\tnot\tthe\tsame\tthing,\tthough\tthey do\tbelong\tto\tthe\tsame\tplant\tfamily.\tThe\tseeds\tlook\talmost\tidentical;\tin curry\trecipes,\tyou\tcan\tpretty\tmuch\tassume\tthat\t\u201ccaraway\u201d\tmeans \u201ccumin.\u201d\tYou\tcan\tuse\tcumin\tinterchangeably\tin\tthe\tseed\tor\tthe powdered\tform. There\tare\tsome\tinteresting\tTrivial\tPursuit\u2013type\tfactoids\tabout\tcumin,\tsome\tof them\thaving\tto\tdo\twith\tromance:\tA\tpaste\tof\tcumin,\tblack\tpepper,\tand\thoney\tis considered\tto\tbe\tan\taphrodisiac\tin\tsome\tparts\tof\tthe\tMiddle\tEast.\tIn\tEurope during\tthe\tMiddle\tAges,\tcumin\twas\tbelieved\tto\tkeep\tlovers\tfrom\tbeing unfaithful.\tSoldiers\twere\tsent\toff\tto\twar\twith\tcumin\tbread\tbaked\tby\ttheir\twives. (Not\tunrelatedly,\tcumin\twas\talso\tbelieved\tto\tkeep\tchickens\tfrom\tleaving\ttheir yard.)\tAnd\tcumin\tis\tsaid\tto\tsymbolize\tgreed,\tmaybe\tbecause\tits\tstrong\tflavor can\toverwhelm\ta\tdish. Almost\tall\tthe\tcumin\twe\tuse\tin\tthe\tUnited\tStates\tcomes\tfrom\tIndia,\tbut cumin\tis\tfound\tin\tthe\tcuisines\tof\tIndonesia,\tThailand,\tand\tMexico\tas\twell.\tFor the\tbest\tquality,\tyou\tshould\tlook\tfor\tit\tin\ta\tspecialty\tmarket,\tsuch\tas\tone\tthat specializes\tin\tthe\tcuisine\tof\tthese\tcultures.\tThe\twhole\tcumin\tblends\tnicely\tinto dishes\tlike\tsaut\u00e9ed\tvegetables,\tor\tlegumes\tand\tbeans.\tToasting\tthe\twhole\tseeds in\ta\tskillet\treally\tenhances\tthe\tflavor. Cumin\tDecreases\tAllergy\tSymptoms Cumin\u2014also\tknown\tas\tblack\tseed\tor\tNigella\tsativa\u2014is\tan\timportant\tmedicinal herb.\tIn\tmany\tArabian,\tAsian,\tand\tAfrican\tcountries,\tblack\tseed\toil\tis\tused\tas\ta natural\tremedy\tfor\ta\twhole\trange\tof\tdiseases,\tespecially\tallergies.\tIn\tfour different\tstudies\tusing\tthe\toil\tfrom\tblack\tcumin\tseeds,\tpatients\treported significantly\tfewer\tallergic\tsymptoms.\tAnd\tone\tstudy\tfound\tthat\tit\twas\teffective in\tinactivating\tcertain\tkinds\tof\tbreast\tcancer\tcells,\tat\tleast\tin\ta\ttest\ttube. According\tto\tLaura\tPensiero,\tR.D.,\tcumin\tcontains\tlimonene,\ta\tphytochemical being\tstudied\tfor\tits\trole\tin\tblocking\tcancers. In\tIndian\tmedicine,\tcumin\tis\tconsidered\tto\tbe\ta\tcooling\therb.\tAnd according\tto\tDeepak\tChopra,\tM.D.,\tit\thelps\treduce\theartburn\tand\timprove digestion.\tYou\tcan\tmake\ta\tgreat\tcup\tof\ttea\tby\tboiling\tthe\tseeds\tand\tletting\tthem steep\u2014it\u2019s\tfrequently\tused\tthat\tway\tto\taid\tdigestion.\tThe\tessential\toil\tof\tthe seeds\tis\tantimicrobial.\tPlus\tcumin\tis\ta\tgood\tsource\tof\tiron\u20141\ttablespoon\thas almost\t4\tmg.\tIt\talso\tcontains\t22\tmg\tof\tmagnesium,\t107\tmg\tof\tpotassium,\tand\t56 mg\tof\tcalcium.","Garlic\t Garlic\tis\ta\tglobal\tremedy.\tIt\u2019s\tone\tof\tthe\toldest\tmedicinal\tfoods\ton\tthe planet.\t(The\tworld\u2019s\toldest\tmedical\ttext,\tthe\tEgyptian\tEbers\tPapyrus, mentions\tgarlic\trepeatedly.)\tGarlic\twas\tfed\tto\tslaves\tand\tsoldiers\tin the\tancient\tworld\tto\tkeep\tthem\thealthy.\tIt\u2019s\tbeen\tused\tto\tfuel\tthe fighting\tspirit\t(ancient\tGreeks);\tfight\tleprosy,\ttoothache,\tand\tchest pain\t(Hippocrates);\tand\tward\toff\tvampires\t(almost\tany\tDracula\tmovie you\tcan\tthink\tof). Okay,\tso\tmaybe\tit\tdoesn\u2019t\tward\toff\tvampires.\tOr\tfight\tleprosy.\tBut\tgarlic\tis hardly\tjust\ta\tfolk\tremedy.\tConsider\tthis:\tGarlic\tis\tlipid-lowering,\tantithrombotic, anti\u2013blood\tcoagulation,\tantihypertensive,\tantioxidant,\tantimicrobial,\tantiviral, and\tantiparasitic.\tImpressive\tenough\tfor\tyou?\tAll\tof\tthose\tbenefits\thave\tbeen documented\tin\tthe\twell\tover\t1,200\t(and\tcounting)\tpharmacological\tstudies\tdone on\tgarlic. Garlic\tLowers\tCholesterol\tand\tPrevents\tBlood\tClots Garlic\tis\taccepted\teven\tby\tconventional,\ttraditional\tmedicine\tas\tan\tagent\tfor lowering\tcholesterol.\tIn\ta\tmeta-analysis\tpublished\tin\tthe\tJournal\tof\tthe\tRoyal College\tof\tPhysicians,\tgarlic\tsupplements\tlowered\ttotal\tserum\tcholesterol\tlevels by\t12\tpercent\tafter\tonly\tfour\tweeks\tof\ttreatment.\tNot\tonly\tthat,\tthey\tlower\tLDL (\u201cbad\u201d\tcholesterol)\tby\t4\tto\t15\tpercent\twithout\tlowering\tHDL\t(\u201cgood\u201d,","protective)\tcholesterol;\tin\tfact,\tgarlic\thas\tactually\traised\tHDL\tin\tsome\tstudies\tby up\tto\t22\tpercent.\tWant\tmore?\tGarlic\talso\tlowers\ttriglyceride\tlevels\tby\tup\tto\t17 percent. Garlic\tcan\talso\treduce\tplaque,\tmaking\tit\ta\tpowerful\tagent\tfor cardiovascular\thealth.\tIn\tone\tstudy,\tsubjects\treceiving\t900\tmg\tof\tgarlic\tpowder for\tfour\tyears\tin\ta\trandomized,\tdouble-blinded,\tplacebo-controlled\tstudy\thad\ta regression\tin\ttheir\tplaque\tvolume\tof\t2.6\tpercent;\ta\tmatched\tgroup\tof\tsubjects given\ta\tplacebo\t(an\tinert\tsubstance)\tsaw\ttheir\tplaque\tincrease\tover\tthe\tsame period\tof\ttime\tby\t15.6\tpercent.\tOne\tof\tthe\tactive\tingredients\tfrom\tgarlic\u2014allicin \u2014also\thas\tsignificant\tantiplatelet\tactivity.\tThat\tmeans\tthat\tit\thelps\tprevent platelets\tin\tthe\tblood\tfrom\tsticking\ttogether.\tTo\tunderstand\thow\timportant\tthat is,\tconsider\tthat\tmany\theart\tattacks\tand\tstrokes\tare\tbelieved\tto\tbe\tcaused\tby spontaneous\tclots\tin\tthe\tblood\tvessels.\tThe\tanticoagulant\teffect\tof\tgarlic\tis\tan important\thealth\tbenefit. The\tAnticancer\tProperties\tof\tFresh\tGarlic\tExtracts,\tAged\tGarlic,\tand Garlic\tOil Then\tthere\u2019s\tcancer.\tCompounds\tin\tgarlic\thave\tbeen\tshown\tin\tmany\tlaboratory studies\tto\tbe\tchemoprotective.\tEpidemiological\tevidence\tshows\ta\tdecreased\trisk of\tstomach\tand\tcolon\tcancer\tin\tareas\twhere\tthe\tconsumption\tof\tgarlic\t(and\tother vegetables\tin\tthe\tallium\tfamily)\tis\thigh.\tA\trecent\tarticle\tin\tthe\tprestigious Journal\tof\tNutrition\tstated\tthat\t\u201cevidence\tcontinues\tto\tpoint\tto\tthe\tanticancer properties\tof\tfresh\tgarlic\textracts,\taged\tgarlic,\tgarlic\toil\tand\ta\tnumber\tof\t.\t.\t. compounds\tgenerated\tby\tprocessing\tgarlic.\u201d\tOne\trecent\tresearch\tarticle demonstrated\tthe\tability\tof\taged\tgarlic\textract\tto\tinhibit\tthe\tproliferation\tof colorectal\tcancer\tcells.\tAnd\tyet\tanother\tstudy\tdemonstrated\tthe\tability\tof\tanother compound\tfrom\tgarlic\u2014diallyl\tdisulfide\u2014to\tinhibit\tleukemia\tcells\tin\ta\ttest\ttube. Garlic\tcan\teven\thelp\tfight\tthe\tcommon\tcold.\tIn\tone\tstudy\tpublished\tin Advances\tin\tNatural\tTherapy,\ta\tgroup\tof\tseventy\tpatients\twas\tgiven\ta\thigh- quality\tstandardized\tgarlic\tsupplement\tfor\ttwelve\tweeks\twhile\tanother\tgroup\tof seventy-two\tpatients\twas\tgiven\ta\tplacebo.\tThe\tgarlic\tgroup\thad\tonly\ttwenty-four colds\tover\tthe\tcourse\tof\tthe\tstudy,\tcompared\tto\tsixty-five\tfor\tthe\tplacebo\tgroup. What\u2019s\tmore,\tthe\taverage\tduration\tof\tsymptoms\twas\tless\tthan\thalf\tfor\tthose taking\tthe\tgarlic.\tA\tnumber\tof\tstudies\thave\tshown\tthat\tgarlic\texerts antimicrobial\tactivity\tagainst\tbacteria,\tviruses,\tfungi,\tand\tparasites.\tThe antibacterial\tproperties\tof\tallicin\twere\twritten\tabout\tas\tfar\tback\tas\t1944\tin\ta paper\tpublished\tin\tthe\tJournal\tof\tthe\tAmerican\tChemical\tSociety. Garlic\talso\thas\ta\tpositive\teffect\ton\tblood\tpressure.\tThe\teffect\tis\tnot enormous,\tbut\tit\tis\tsignificant.\tA\tnumber\tof\tanalyses\thave\tconcluded\tthat\tgarlic","can\tmodestly\treduce\tblood\tpressure\tby\t2\tto\t7\tpercent\tafter\tfour\tweeks\tof treatment.\tAn\tarticle\tin\tthe\tJournal\tof\tClinical\tHypertension\tin\tMay\t2004\tcalled garlic\t\u201can\tagent\twith\tsome\tevidence\tof\tbenefit\u201d\tin\treducing\thypertension\t(others were\tcoenzyme\tQ10,\tvitamin\tC,\tfish\toil,\tand\targinine).\tAnd\tthe\tprotocols\tof\tthe Hypertension\tInstitute\tof\tNashville\tat\tSt.\tThomas\tHospital\tinclude\ta\tparticularly high-quality,\tstable\tform\tof\tgarlic\tcalled\tAllicidin\tby\tDesigns\tfor\tHealth\tas\tpart of\ttheir\tdietary\tand\tsupplement\tregimen\tfor\tboth\thypertension\tand\thigh triglycerides.\t(More\ton\tgarlic\tsupplements\tin\ta\tmoment.) Add\tGarlic\tto\tYour\tWeight\tControl\tToolbox And\tget\tthis:\tNew\tresearch\tshows\tthat\tgarlic\tmight\thold\tsome\tpromise\tfor weight\tcontrol.\tIn\tthis\tresearch,\trats\twere\tfed\ta\thigh-fructose\tdiet\tdesigned\tto make\tthem\tfat\tand\thypertensive.\tIt\tworked.\tFat\tand\thypertensive\tthey\twere,\twith high\ttriglycerides\tto\tboot.\tThen,\tone\tof\tthe\tgroups\twas\tgiven\tallicin\t(the\tactive ingredient\tin\tgarlic),\twhile\tthe\tbad\tdiet\tcontinued.\tThe\tallicin\tgroup\tlowered\tits blood\tpressure,\tinsulin,\tand\ttriglycerides.\tWhat\u2019s\tmore,\teven\tthough\tthey\twere consuming\tthe\tsame\tamount\tof\tfood,\tthe\trats\tgiven\tallicin\tstopped\tgaining weight.\tEven\tmore\timpressive,\ta\tthird\tgroup,\tgiven\tallicin\tfrom\tthe\tbeginning\tof the\tstudy,\tgained\tvery\tlittle\tweight\tdespite\teating\tthe\texact\tsame\tbad\tdiet.\tEven though\tit\u2019s\ta\trat\tstudy,\tthat\u2019s\tpretty\timpressive,\tdon\u2019t\tyou\tthink?\t(And\tno,\tthe take-home\tmessage\tfrom\tthat\tisn\u2019t\tto\tadd\tgarlic\tto\tyour\tfast-food\tdiet!) Meanwhile,\tanother\trecent\tstudy\tfound\tthat\tdiabetic\trats\tfed\tgarlic\toil\thad increased\tinsulin\tsensitivity.\tGarlic\tmay\twell\tturn\tout\tto\tbe\ta\tuseful\taddition\tto the\tweight\tcontrol\ttoolbox. Crushing\tor\tChopping\tGarlic\tReleases\tIts\tFull\tPotential The\tkey\tto\tthe\tastonishingly\twide\trange\tof\thealth\tbenefits\tin\tgarlic\tseems\tto\tlie in\ta\tcompound\tcalled\tallicin.\tThe\tthing\tof\tit\tis,\tallicin\tisn\u2019t\tactually\tin\tgarlic. Garlic\tcloves\tcontain\tan\tamino\tacid\tcalled\talliin.\tWhen\tthe\tgarlic\tis\tcrushed\tor damaged,\tthe\talliin\treacts\twith\tan\tenzyme\tfound\tnaturally\tin\tgarlic\tcalled allinase.\tNature\tdesigned\tit\tso\tthat\tthe\talliin\tand\tthe\tenzyme\tallinase\tlive\tin different\tcompartments\tof\tthe\tgarlic\tplant,\tand\tthey\u2019re\tmeant\tto\treact\tonly\twhen necessary\tto\tprotect\tthe\tplant\tfrom\tattack\tor\twhen\tit\u2019s\tcrushed.\tThe\taction\tof\tthe enzyme\tallinase\ton\tthe\tamino\tacid\talliin\tproduces,\tpresto:\tallicin,\tprobably\tthe most\timportant\tof\tthe\tmedicinal\tcompounds\tunique\tto\tgarlic\tand\tresponsible\tfor many\tof\tits\tmarvelous\thealth\tbenefits.\tWhy\tis\tthis\timportant\tto\tunderstand? Because\tthe\tpreparation\tof\tgarlic\tis\tcritical\tfor\tit\tto\trelease\tits\thealth-providing benefits.\tIf\tyou\twere,\tfor\texample,\tto\tswallow\ta\tgarlic\tclove\twhole\u2014not\tthat you\u2019d\twant\tto\u2014not\tmuch\twould\thappen.\tThe\tgarlic\tclove\thas\tto\tbe\tcrushed,\tor","chopped,\tthe\tmore\tfinely\tthe\tbetter,\tfor\tthe\tcompounds\tto\tinteract. Allicin\tstarts\tto\tdegrade\tafter\tit\u2019s\tproduced,\tso\tthe\tfresher\tit\tis\twhen\tyou\tuse it,\tthe\tbetter.\tMicrowaving\tappears\tto\tdestroy\tit\tcompletely\u2014sorry.\tGarlic experts\tadvise\tcrushing\ta\tlittle\traw\tgarlic\tand\tcombining\tit\twith\tthe\tcooked\tfood shortly\tbefore\tserving.\tEating\tit\traw\tisn\u2019t\trecommended\tbecause\tit\tcan\tbe irritating\tto\tthe\tstomach. Now\there\u2019s\tthe\tdeal\twith\tgarlic\tsupplements:\tIn\ta\tlaboratory,\tdried\tgarlic powder\tgets\tadded\tto\twater\tso\tthat\tthe\talliin\tand\tallinase\tcan\tquickly\treact\tto make\tallicin.\tThe\tamount\tof\tallicin\tproduced\tis\tthe\tmeasure\tof\t\u201callicin potential.\u201d\tBut\twhen\tsuch\tgarlic\tsupplements\tare\tswallowed,\tthe\tenzyme\tis destroyed\tby\tstomach\tacid.\tThat\u2019s\twhy\tsome\tgarlic\tproducts\tare\tenteric\tcoated\u2014 to\tprotect\tthem\tagainst\tstomach\tacid.\tUnfortunately,\tmany\tsupplements\tstill don\u2019t\twork\tas\tadvertised\tand\tdon\u2019t\trelease\ttheir\t\u201callicin\tpotential\u201d\tas\tpromised. It\tis\tentirely\tpossible\tthat\tthe\tvariable\tresults\tsometimes\tobtained\tin\tstudies\ton garlic\tsupplementation\thappen\tbecause\tof\tvariation\tin\tthe\tquality\tof\tthe\tgarlic supplements\tand\tlack\tof\tstandardization\tof\tthe\tallicin\tcontent.\tThis\tis\tnot\tto\tsay don\u2019t\tuse\tgarlic\tsupplements\u2014absolutely\tdo!\u2014just\tuse\tvery\thigh-quality\tones that\tare\tstandardized\tfor\tallicin\tcontent,\tnot\tallicin\t\u201cpotential.\u201d\tTwo\tof\tthe\tbest are\tKyolic\tAged\tGarlic,\twidely\tavailable\tin\tbetter\thealth\tfood\tstores,\tand Allicidin\tby\tDesigns\tfor\tHealth,\tavailable\ton\tmy\tWeb\tsite (www.jonnybowden.com). Ginger","In\tAyurvedic\t(Indian)\tmedicine,\tginger\tis\tknown\tas\tthe\t\u201cuniversal remedy.\u201d\tNo\twonder.\tThis\tlittle\tplant\tcontains\ta\twhole\tpharmacy\tof ingredients\twith\tmultiple\thealth\tbenefits. Many\tpeople\tare\talready\taware\tof\tginger\u2019s\tawesome\tability\tto soothe\tan\tupset\tstomach\tand\tend\tnausea. By\tstimulating\tsaliva,\tit\tmay\talso\thelp\tdigestion.\tAnd\tginger\tale\thas\tlong\tbeen\ta favorite\tfor\tupset\tstomach\tfor\ta\tvery\tgood\treason:\tIt\tworks.\tIn\tone\tstudy,\tginger performed\tbetter\tthan\tDramamine\tin\twarding\toff\tseasickness.\tAnd\tgingerol\u2014 which\tis\tthe\tingredient\tresponsible\tfor\tthe\tpungent\tand\tdelicious\ttaste\u2014is\tlisted in\tthe\tUSDA\tdatabase\tof\tphytochemicals\tas\tan\tantiemetic,\tmeaning\tit\thas\tthe property\tof\tpreventing\tnausea\tand\tvomiting. Ginger\tBattles\tMorning\tSickness Studies\tfrom\tDenmark\tfound\tthat\talmost\t75\tpercent\tof\tpregnant\twomen\twho used\tginger\texperienced\trelief\tfrom\ttheir\tmorning\tnausea\twithout\tlimiting\tside effects.\tSince\tmany\tdrugs\tare\tavoided\tduring\tpregnancy\tbecause\tof\trisks\tto\tthe fetus,\tthis\tmakes\tginger\tan\texcellent\therb\tto\thave\taround\twhile\tyou\u2019re\tpregnant. The\tactive\tingredients\tin\tginger\tare\tgingerols,\tshogaols,\tgingerdiones,\tand zingerone,\tall\tof\twhich\tare\tantioxidants.\tThe\tzingerone\tand\tthe\tshogaol\tin\tginger also\thave\tanti-inflammatory\tproperties\tand\tmight\tbe\tuseful\tin\ta\tnutritional program\tfor\tarthritis\tand\/or\tfibromyalgia.\tAnd\tat\tthe\tFrontiers\tin\tCancer Prevention\tResearch\tconference,\tresearch\twas\tpresented\tthat\tsuggested\tthat gingerols\tmay\tinhibit\tthe\tgrowth\tof\thuman\tcolorectal\tcancer\tcells.\tIn\tmice, ginger\textract\tlowered\tcholesterol,\tinhibited\tthe\toxidation\tof\tLDL\tcholesterol, and\tslowed\tthe\tdevelopment\tof\tatherosclerosis.\tNot\texactly\ta\tbad\tr\u00e9sum\u00e9. Animal\tstudies\ton\tginger\talso\tshow\tthat\tit\thas\tantitumorigenic\teffects\tand helps\tboost\tthe\timmune\tsystem;\tit\u2019s\tan\teffective\tantimicrobial\tand\tantiviral agent.\tStudies\talso\tdemonstrate\tpositive\teffects\ton\tthe\tgastrointestinal\ttract,\tthe cardiovascular\tsystem,\tpain,\tand\tfever.\tNo\twonder\tthat\ta\tnice\thot\tginger\ttea\twith lemon\tis\ta\thome\tremedy\tfor\tall\tsorts\tof\tvariations\tof\t\u201cfeeling\tunder\tthe weather.\u201d One\tbenefit\tthat\thas\tbeen\tnoted\tfor\tthousands\tof\tyears\tis\tginger\u2019s\tability\tto improve\tcirculation.\tAt\tthe\tDeepak\tChopra\tCenter,\tthey\troutinely\tgive\tginger\tas a\tremedy\tfor\tpeople\twith\tcold\thands\tand\tfeet,\tsomething\tthat\tChinese\tand\tIndian physicians\thave\tdone\tfor\teons.","WORTH\tMENTIONING Ginger\thas\tvery\tfew\tside\teffects,\tbut\tthere\tare\ta\tcouple\tof precautions\tto\tbe\taware\tof.\tIt\u2019s\tpossible\tthat\tginger\tincreases\tthe absorption\tof\tother\tdrugs,\tbut\twe\tdon\u2019t\treally\tknow\tfor\tsure.\tIf\tyou give\tginger\tto\tan\tanimal\tat\tthe\tsame\ttime\tas\tyou\tgive\thim\ta barbiturate,\the\tsleeps\tlonger\t(no,\tI\tnever\ttried\tthis\tat\thome,\tbut\tit\u2019s in\tthe\tliterature!).\tThe\texplanation\tis\tthat\tthe\tginger\tprobably increases\tabsorption\tof\tthe\tdrug. Ginger\thas\ta\tnice\tblood-thinning\teffect\t(like\tan\taspirin\tin\ta way),\tbut\tbecause\tof\tthat\tyou\tshould\tbe\tcareful\ttaking\tit\twith medications\tthat\tprevent\tclotting,\tsuch\tas\tCoumadin,\tor\teven aspirin.\tAccording\tto\tJoe\tand\tTeresa\tGraedon,\tPh.D.,\tauthors\tof\tThe People\u2019s\tPharmacy,\tthe\tcombination\tof\tan\tanticlotting\tmedication and\tginger\tcould\tconceivably\tresult\tin\tunexpected\tbleeding.\tIt\u2019s\talso said\tto\tincrease\tbile\tacid\tsecretion,\twhich\tis\twhy\tpeople\twith gallstones\tor\tgallbladder\tdisease\tare\tadvised\tto\tavoid\tthe\therb\tunless supervised\tby\ta\thealth\tprofessional. Mustard\tSeeds Mustard\tseeds\tare,\tbelieve\tit\tor\tnot,\tmembers\tof\tthe\tbrassica\tfamily, giving\tthem\ta\tdistinguished\tpedigree\tand\tputting\tthem\tin\tthe\tcompany of\tseveral\tnutritional\tsuperstars.\tOther\tmembers\tof\tthe\tbrassica\tfamily include\tcabbage,\tbroccoli,\tBrussels\tsprouts,\tand\tkale,\tand\tall\tare loaded\twith\tcancer-fighting\tsubstances\tlike\tindoles,\tisothiocyanates, and\tsulforaphane.\tOne\tof\tthe\tkey\tdietary\trecommendations\tof\tthe American\tCancer\tSociety\tis\tto\tinclude\tthese\tcruciferous\tvegetables\tin","your\tdiet\ton\ta\tregular\tbasis. So\tmustard\tseeds\tcome\tfrom\tveggie\troyalty.\tOther\tmembers\tof\tthe\tsame\tplant family\tinclude\thorse-radish\t(see\tpage\t43)\tand\tcress.\tMustard\tseeds,\tlike\ttheir relatives,\tare\table\tto\tproduce\tisothiocyanates,\twhich\tare\taggressive\tsubstances that\thave\tthe\tfunction\tof\ta\tchemical\tweapon\tagainst\tthe\tplant\u2019s\tpredators.\tSince these\tisothiocyanates\tare\tdangerous\tto\tthe\tplants\tas\twell,\tthey\tare\tstored\tin\tthe plant\torganism\tas\tglucosinolates,\twhich\tare\tharmless.\tBy\tan\tenzymatic\treaction that\thappens\twhenever\tthe\tplant\ttissue\tgets\tdamaged\u2014like,\tfor\texample,\tif\tit\u2019s chewed\u2014the\tisothiocyanates\tare\tquickly\tformed.\tMany\tof\tthese\tisothiocyanates have\tbeen\tfound\tto\thave\tsignificant\troles\tin\thuman\thealth,\tas\tprotectors\tagainst carcinogens.\tMustard\tseeds\tare\ta\tsource\tof\tone\tparticular\tcompound,\tallyl isothiocyanate,\twhich\tis\tbelieved\tto\tplay\ta\trole\tin\tthe\tprevention\tof\ttumors\tand the\tsuppression\tof\ttumor\tgrowth. Mustard\tSeed\tIs\tRooted\tin\tHistory In\tfact,\tthe\tuse\tof\tmustard\t(and\tmustard\tseeds)\tas\ta\tmedicinal\tplant\tpredates\tall the\tscience\ton\tphytochemicals.\tFrom\tits\tbeginnings,\tmustard\twas\tconsidered\ta medicinal\tplant\trather\tthan\ta\tfood;\tHippocrates,\tthe\tfather\tof\tmodern\tmedicine, used\tmustard\tin\tall\tsorts\tof\tmedicines\tand\tpoultices.\tThe\tancient\tChinese considered\tmustard\tan\taphrodisiac.\tAnd\tthe\tmustard\tseed\tfigures\tprominently\tas a\tsymbol\tin\tthe\tChristian\tfaith,\tused\tto\tsignify\tsomething\tsmall\tand\tinsignificant that,\twhen\tnourished,\tcan\tgrow\tinto\tsomething\tof\tgreat\tstrength\tand\tpower. Mustard\titself\tis\tonly\tas\tgood\tas\tthe\tseeds\tit\twas\tmade\tfrom.\tThere\tare many\treally\tdelicious\tgourmet\tmustards\tloaded\twith\tphytochemicals.\tSeek\tthem out!\tGood\tmustard\tcan\tstimulate\tthe\tappetite\tand\tcirculation\tand\thelp\tneutralize toxins.\tOr\tif\tyou\u2019re\tadventurous,\tuse\tthe\tseed\tin\tcooking.\tMustard\tseeds\tas\ta culinary\tingredient\tis\tpopular\tin\tWestern\tand\tAsian\tcuisines. Oregano","Every\tso\toften,\ta\tdoctor\tor\thealer\tgets\tso\texcited\tabout\tone\therb,\tfood, nutrient,\tor\tingredient\tthat\the\tor\tshe\twrites\ta\twhole\tbook\tsinging\tits praises.\tThat\u2019s\texactly\twhat\thappened\tto\tDr.\tCass\tIngram,\tand\tthe result\twas\ta\tlittle\tbook\tcalled\tThe\tCure\tIs\tin\tthe\tCupboard.\tThe\therb that\tgot\tIngram\tso\texcited\tthat\the\tdecided\tto\twrite\ta\tbook\tabout\tit? Oregano. Read\tthe\tresearch\ton\tthis\therb\tand\tit\tall\tbecomes\tclear.\tOregano\tis\trich\tin\ta\thost of\tnutrients,\tincluding\tcalcium,\tmagnesium,\tzinc,\tiron,\tpotassium,\tcopper,\tboron, manganese,\tvitamin\tC,\tvitamin\tA,\tand\tniacin.\tOregano\talso\tseems\tto\tbe\tthe\therb with\tthe\thighest\tantioxidant\tactivity.\tAccording\tto\ta\tstudy\tpublished\tin\tthe Journal\tof\tAgricultural\tand\tFood\tChemistry,\toregano\thas\tforty-two\ttimes\tmore antioxidant\tactivity\tthan\tapples,\tthirty\ttimes\tmore\tthan\tpotatoes,\ttwelve\ttimes more\tthan\toranges,\tand\u2014maybe\tmost\tsurprising\tof\tall\u2014four\ttimes\tmore\tthan the\tamazing\tblueberries!\tBut\tthat\u2019s\tonly\tthe\tbeginning. Oregano\tOil\tHas\tMedicinal\tBenefits The\tmedicinal\tparts\tof\tthis\twondrous\tplant\tare\tcontained\tin\tthe\toil\textracted from\tthe\tleaves,\tor\tfrom\tthe\therb\titself\tpicked\tduring\tthe\tflowering\tseason\tand eaten\tfresh\tor\tdried.\tThe\tessential\toil\tcontains\tthymol\t(see\tThyme\ton\tpage\t291) and\tcarvacrol,\tboth\tcompounds\tthat\thave\tantifungal,\tantibacterial,\tand antiparasitic\tproperties.\tIn\tone\tstudy,\t77\tpercent\tof\tpatients\ttreated\tfor\tenteric parasites\twere\tparasite\tfree\tafter\ttaking\toil\tof\toregano\tin\ttablet\tform\tfor\tsix weeks.\tAt\tthis\twriting,\tit\thas\tinhibited\tthe\tgrowth\tof\tat\tleast\tten\tdifferent microbes,\tincluding\tCandida\talbicans\t(yeast).","To\ttop\tit\toff,\toregano\u2014like\tits\trelative\trosemary\u2014contains\tthe\tpowerful compound\trosmarinic\tacid\t(see\tRosemary,\tpage\t289),\twhich\thas\tbeen\tfound\tto have\tantimutagenic\tand\tanticarcinogenic\tproperties. Traditionally,\tthis\therb\u2019s\toil\thas\talso\tbeen\tused\tas\ta\tdigestive\taid\tand, because\tof\tits\tanti-inflammatory\tproperties,\tto\tsupport\tjoint\tfunction.\tPlenty\tof health\tbenefits\tcome\tfrom\tusing\tthe\therb\tregularly,\tbut\tfor\tsome\tspecial conditions\u2014like\tcandida\tor\tinflammation\u2014a\thealth\tprofessional\tmay\tsuggest oil\tof\toregano\tsupplements. WORTH\tKNOWING In\thomeopathy,\toregano\tis\tused\tto\tincrease\tsexual\texcitability.\tIt\u2019s also\treally,\treally\tgood\ton\tpizza.","Parsley If\tyou\u2019ve\tever\tchewed\ton\ta\tsprig\tof\tparsley\tafter\ta\tmeal\t(and\tbefore kissing\tyour\tdate),\tyou\u2019ve\texperienced\tits\tability\tto\tfreshen\tthe\tbreath firsthand.\tWhat\tyou\tmight\tnot\tknow\tis\tthat\tit\thas\tthe\tsame\tability\tto \u201cfreshen\u201d\tthe\twhole\tsystem. Parsley\tis\tknown\tprimarily\tfor\tits\tdetoxification\t(and\tdeodorizing)\tproperties. It\u2019s\tthe\tworld\u2019s\tmost\tpopular\therb.\tThe\tGreeks\twore\tparsley\tcrowns\tat\ttheir banquets\tto\tstimulate\ttheir\tappetite.\tPeter\tRabbit\twent\tlooking\tfor\tsome\tparsley when\the\toverate\tMr.\tMcGregor\u2019s\tvegetables.\tAnd\tthe\tRomans\tbelieved\tthat nibbling\ton\tparsley\tsprigs\twould\tallow\tthem\tto\tdrink\tmore\twine\twithout becoming\tdrunk.\tFrom\tancient\ttimes\tto\tthe\tmodern\tdinner\ttable,\tpeople\thave known\tintuitively\tof\tparsley\u2019s\tability\tto\tdetoxify.\tAnd\tmodern\tscience\thas\tbegun to\tconfirm\twhat\tthe\tancients\tsuspected. Use\tParsley\tto\tPurify Its\tability\tto\tfreshen\tthe\tbreath\u2014and\tto\tdetoxify\tthe\tsystem\u2014comes\tfrom\tthe same\tsubstance\tthat\tmakes\tit\tgreen:\tchlorophyll.\tDozens\tof\tstudies\thave confirmed\tthe\tability\tof\tchlorophyll\tto\tpurify\tand\trejuvenate\u2014and\tit\thas\tbeen shown\tto\tstop\tbacterial\tgrowth\tin\twounds,\tit\tdeodorizes,\tand\tit\tcounters\ttoxins,\tit deactivates\tmany\tcarcinogens,\tand\tit\tbuilds\tblood,\trenews\ttissues,\tand counteracts\tinflammations.\tIn\tAsian\ttraditions,\tchlorophyll\tbenefits\tanemic","conditions;\tit\talso\thelps\tkidney\tfunction,\tprobably\tbecause\tit\thas\tmild\tdiuretic properties. Parsley\tis\tused\tby\tdiabetics\tin\tTurkey\tto\treduce\tblood\tglucose;\tin\tone recently\tpublished\tstudy,\tan\textract\tfrom\tparsley\tsignificantly\treduced\tthe\tblood glucose\tof\trats\tand\treduced\ttheir\tweight! A\tsecond\tstudy\tdemonstrated\tparsley\u2019s\tability\tto\tprotect\tthe\tlivers\tof\tdiabetic rats\tas\twell.\tWouldn\u2019t\tit\tbe\tinteresting\tif\tparsley\tturned\tout\tto\tbe\tanother\tplant weapon\tin\tthe\tarmamentarium\tagainst\tblood\tsugar\tchallenges,\tobesity,\tand diabetes? Parsley\tPart\tof\ta\tSelect\tGroup\tof\tCancer\tFighters There\u2019s\talso\tsome\tsuggestion\tthat\tthe\tvolatile\toils\tin\tparsley\u2014especially\tone called\tmyristicin\u2014may\tinhibit\ttumors.\tThe\tNational\tCancer\tInstitute,\twhich\thas invested\tmillions\tand\tmillions\tof\tdollars\tresearching\tthe\tanticancer\tpotential\tof plant\tfoods,\tfound\tthat\tumbelliferous\tvegetables\t(which\tinclude\tparsley)\tare among\ta\tselect\tgroup\tof\tabout\ta\tdozen\tfoods\twith\tthe\thighest\tanticancer\tactivity. Ten\tsprigs\tof\tparsley\tcontain\t556\tmcg\tof\tthe\teye-protective\tcarotenoids lutein\tand\tzeaxanthin,\tas\twell\tas\t505\tmcg\tof\tbeta-carotene,\t164\tmcg\tof\tbone- building\tvitamin\tK,\tand\t842\tIUs\tof\tvitamin\tA.\tOh,\tand\tif\tyou\u2019re\tlucky,\twhile you\u2019re\tshopping\tyou\tmight\toccasionally\tcome\tacross\tparsley\troot,\ta\tspecial variety\tof\tparsley\tgrown\tfor\tits\troot.\tIt\tlooks\tlike\ta\tbaby\tparsnip\tand\tusually\thas the\tparsley\tgreens\tattached.\tI\u2019ve\tnever\ttried\tit,\tbut\tit\u2019s\tsupposed\tto\tbe\tdelicious in\tsoup\tas\twell\tas\thaving\tmedicinal\tproperties\tfor\tthe\tstomach. Rosemary","Rosemary\thas\ta\tpoetic\tand\tromantic\tpast.\tIt\tflourishes\tin\tthe Mediterranean,\tthe\tsouth\tof\tFrance,\tand\tPortugal.\tIt\tbears\tbeautiful little\tblue\tflowers\tthat\tare\tthe\tstuff\tof\tlegend.\tIts\tfragrant\tproperties have\tbeen\tused\tin\taromatherapy\tsince\tthe\tfourteenth\tcentury.\tAnd\tits medicinal\tproperties,\tknown\tand\tappreciated\tby\therbalists\tfor hundreds\tof\tyears,\tare\tnow\tbeing\tconfirmed\tby\tresearch. Some\tof\tthe\thealth-promoting\tbenefits\tof\trosemary\tcome\tfrom\ttwo\tof\tits constituents,\tcaffeic\tacid\tand\trosmarinic\tacid,\tplus\tplant\tcompounds\tlike diterpenes\tand\tmonoterpenes,\tand\tantioxidants\tlike\tvitamin\tE\tand\tassorted flavonoids.\tThe\tacids\tare\tanti-inflammatory,\tand\tmay\tbe\thelpful\tin\treducing\tthe inflammation\tthat\tcontributes\tto\tasthma,\tliver\tdisease,\tand\theart\tdisease. Exciting\tresearch\thas\tbeen\tdone\ton\trosemary\u2019s\tpotential\tfor\tinhibiting\tcancers such\tas\tbreast,\tcolon,\tand\tskin\tcancers;\tanimal\tstudies\thave\tconfirmed\tthat\tthe oil\tis\tliver\tprotective,\tantimutagenic,\tand\ttumor\tinhibiting.\tThe\toil\tis\talso\tmildly antibiotic\tand\tantiviral,\tprobably\tbecause\tof\tthe\tditerpenes. And\tevidentially,\tShakespeare\twas\ton\tto\tsomething\twhen\the\tassociated rosemary\twith\tmemory\t(\u201cThere\u2019s\trosemary,\tthat\tfor\tremembrance:\tpray\tyou, love,\tremember\u201d).\tHerbalists\thave\ttreated\trosemary\tas\thelpful\tfor\tthe\tbrain\tas\tfar back\tas\tthe\tseventeenth\tcentury,\twhen\tthe\tEnglish\tphysician\tNicholas\tCulpeper wrote\tthat\trosemary\thelps\t\u201cweak\tmemory,\tand\tquickens\tthe\tsenses\u201d\tas\twell\tas \u201cdiseases\tof\tthe\thead\tand\tbrain,\tas\tthe\tgiddiness\tand\tswimmings\ttherein.\t.\t..\u201d Rosemary\tWorks\tLike\tan\tAlzheimer\u2019s\tDrug","As\tit\tturns\tout\tin\tthe\tlight\tof\tmodern\tscience,\trosemary\tcontains\tseveral compounds\tthat\tprevent\tthe\tbreakdown\tof\tacetylcholine,\tan\timportant neurotransmitter\tin\tthe\tbrain\tand\tone\tthat\tis\tneeded\tfor\tmemory\tand\thealthy brain\tfunction.\t(In\tfact,\tone\tdrug\tused\tfor\tAlzheimer\u2019s\u2014Aricept\u2014works similarly,\tby\tinterfering\twith\tacetylcholine\tbreakdown.) Besides\tbeing\tused\twidely\tas\ta\tculinary\therb,\trosemary\tfrequently\tlends\tits distinctive\tfragrance\tto\tsoaps\tand\tcosmetics.\tAromatherapists\tuse\trosemary\toil in\tbaths\tand\tmassage\tlotions\tand\tconsider\tit\tto\thave\tan\tenlivening\tquality\tthat promotes\thealing\tand\thappiness. WORTH\tKNOWING No\thealth\thazards\tor\tside\teffects\tare\tknown\twith\tproper\tuse.\tOn\trare occasion,\ta\tcontact\tallergy\thas\tbeen\tobserved.\tThough\trosemary\tis perfectly\tsafe\tin\tamounts\tnormally\tconsumed\tin\tfoods,\tin\tmedicinal dosages\tit\tshould\tnot\tbe\tused\tduring\tpregnancy\tdue\tto\tconcerns\tthat it\tmight\thave\tuterine\tand\tmenstrual\tflow\u2013stimulant\teffects.","Sage Sage\tis\ta\tgreat\tlittle\therb,\twhich\thas\tbeen\tvalued\tfor\tmore\tthan\t2,000 years,\tboth\tfor\tits\tmedicinal\tproperties\tand\tfor\tits\tability\tto\tspice\tup foods.\tIn\tAyurvedic\tmedicine,\tsage\tis\tconsidered\ta\tpurifying\therb. Deepak\tChopra\trecommends\tit\tfor\t\u201cexcessive\taccumulation\tof\ttoxic, morbid\temotions.\u201d\tOn\ttop\tof\tthat,\tit\talso\tsmells\tgreat! Sage\tprobably\tgot\tits\treputation\tas\ta\tpurifying\therb\tbecause,\talong\twith\tits sisters\tin\tthe\tmint\tfamily,\tit\thas\tantimicrobial\tand\tantiviral\tactivities.\tWhy? Because\tof\tits\tvolatile\toil.\tOil\tof\tsage\tcontains\ta\tcompound\tcalled\tthujone,\tan effective\tagent\tagainst\tboth\tsalmonella\tand\tcandida.\tSage\talso\tcontains\tthe phenolic\tacid\trosmarinic\tacid,\twhich\tis\tboth\tan\tantioxidant\tand\tan\tanti- inflammatory.\tFor\tthis\treason,\tsage\thas\tbeen\tfound\tto\tbe\tbeneficial\tfor\tfighting such\tinflammatory\tconditions\tas\tgingivitis\tand\trheumatoid\tarthritis. In\tanimal\tresearch,\tsage\twas\tfound\tto\tbe\tantihypertensive\t(it\tlowers\tblood pressure).\tAnd\tin\tone\tstudy\u2014yet\tto\tbe\tconfirmed\tin\thumans\u2014it\thad\tan antidiabetic\teffect.\tRecent\tresearch\thas\tconfirmed\tsomething\tthat\therbalists\thave long\tknown:\tSage\tworks\tas\ta\tmemory\tenhancer. It\u2019s\talso\tused\tfor\tcombating\tindigestion,\texcessive\tperspiration,\tand\tsore\tthroats. And\tif\tthat\tweren\u2019t\tenough,\tit\u2019s\talso\tbeen\tfound\tto\tbe\thelpful\twith\tmenopausal night\tsweats.","WORTH\tKNOWING Sage\tis\tcompletely\tsafe,\tand\tno\thealth\thazards\tor\tside\teffects\tare known.\tHowever,\tsage\tmay\tdecrease\tbreast\tmilk\tsupply\tand\tis considered\tby\tsome\texperts\tto\tbe\ta\tuterine\tstimulant\u2014virtually\tall pregnancy\texperts\tadvise\tthat\tsage\tand\tsage\tpreparations\tshould\tnot be\ttaken\tduring\tpregnancy.","Thyme Although\ta\tgeneration\tof\tbaby\tboomers\tprobably\tfirst\theard\tthe\tname of\tthis\therb\tthrough\tthe\timmortal\tSimon\tand\tGarfunkel\tsong,\tit\u2019s actually\tbeen\taround\tsince\tthe\tdays\tof\tthe\tancient\tGreeks\tand Romans,\twho\tvalued\tit\tas\tan\taphrodisiac.\tIn\tfact,\tEuell\tGibbons,\tin Stalking\tthe\tHealthful\tHerbs,\tsaid,\t\u201cAccording\tto\tancient\ttradition,\tif a\tgirl\twears\ta\tcorsage\tof\twild\tthyme\tflowers,\tit\tmeans\tthat\tshe\tis looking\tfor\ta\tsweetheart;\tand\taccording\tto\tanother\ttradition,\tif\ta bashful\tboy\tdrinks\tenough\twild\tthyme\ttea,\tit\twill\tgive\thim\tcourage\tto take\ther\tup\ton\tit!\u201d\tI\tdon\u2019t\tknow\tabout\tthat,\tbut\tI\tsure\tget\twarm\tand fuzzy\twhen\tI\thear\tthe\tSimon\tand\tGarfunkel\tsong. The\tprimary\tfragrant\toil\tof\tthyme\tis\tthymol,\ta\tpowerful\tantiseptic.\tYou\u2019ve probably\tfelt\tits\tmedicinal\teffects\tif\tyou\u2019ve\tever\tgargled\twith\tListerine.\tThymol is\talso\ta\twonderful\tantioxidant\tand\tanti-inflammatory\tagent.\tAnd\tit\u2019s\ta\tterrific aid\tto\tdigestion:\tThyme\tcan\thelp\tdislodge\tthe\tmucus\tcoating\tof\tthe\tintestinal tract\tand\thas\ta\tlong\thistory\tin\trelieving\tchest\tand\trespiratory\tproblems\tsuch\tas coughs\tand\tbronchitis\u2014probably\twhy\tit\u2019s\tused\tin\tany\tnumber\tof\tover-the- counter\tvapor\trubs\tor\tcough\tdrops.\tBecause\tit\tis\tantiseptic,\tthymol\toften\tshows up\tas\tan\tingredient\tin\tnatural\ttoothpastes. The\therb\titself\tis\ttypically\tused\tfor\tflavoring\tany\tkind\tof\tslow\tcooked-dish","(soups\tand\tstews)\tand\tis\ta\tnice\taddition\tto\ta\tbouquet\tgarni.\tRebecca\tWood,\ta noted\tauthor\tand\tauthority\ton\twhole\tfoods,\tsuggests\tadding\t3\ttablespoons\tof dried\tthyme\tto\tboiling\twater\tand\thoney\tfor\ta\thomemade\tcough\tsyrup\tshe\tswears is\tmore\teffective\tthan\tany\tof\tthe\tready-made\tkinds. Turmeric\t If\tthere\twere\tever\ta\tcontest\tfor\ta\tspice\tthat\tdeserved\ta\twhole\tbook written\tabout\tit,\tturmeric\twould\tbe\tthe\tclear\twinner.\tIt\u2019s\tpretty\tmuch my\tfavorite\tspice,\tnot\tonly\tfor\tthe\talmost\tencyclopedic\tlist\tof\thealth benefits\t(about\twhich\tmore\tin\ta\tmoment)\tbut\talso\tfor\tthe\tincredible taste.\tTurmeric\tis\ta\tstaple\tin\tIndia,\twhere\t94\tpercent\tof\tthe\tturmeric\tin the\tworld\toriginates.\tIt\u2019s\tthe\tspice\tthat\tgives\tIndian\tfood\tits\tdistinctive flavor.\tIt\u2019s\tan\timportant\tpart\tof\tcurry,\tso\tevery\ttime\tyou\u2019re\teating anything\twith\ta\tcurry\tsauce,\tyou\u2019re\teating\tsome\tturmeric.\tI\tuse\tit\ton just\tabout\teverything,\tbut\tmy\tlatest\tdiscovery\tis\thow\tgreat\tit\ttastes\ton scrambled\teggs\tand\tveggie\tomelettes. Turmeric\tis\tactually\ta\tmember\tof\tthe\tginger\tfamily,\tand\tthe\tplant\u2019s\thealing properties\treside\tin\tits\tfingerlike\tstalk.\tThe\tpart\tof\tthe\tplant\tthat\tis\tactually\tused is\tcalled\tthe\trhizome.\tTurmeric\titself\tcontains\ta\tbunch\tof\tcompounds,\tbut\tthe family\tof\tcompounds\tthought\tto\tbe\tmost\tresponsible\tfor\tturmeric\u2019s\tmedicinal effects\tare\tthe\tcurcuminoids,\twhich\tare\talso\tresponsible\tfor\tgiving\tturmeric\tits bright\tyellow\tcolor.\tThe\tmost\timportant\u2014and\tthe\tmost\tstudied\tof\tthe curcuminoids\u2014is\tcurcumin.\tSome\tof\tthe\tstudies\tmentioned\tbelow\twere\tdone\ton curcumin,\tbut\tthe\tbenefits\tapply\tequally\tto\tthe\tturmeric\tplant\tthat\tcontains\tit.\tIn fact,\talthough\tcurcumin\tis\tavailable\tas\ta\tsupplement,\tsome\therbal\texperts suggest\tthat\teating\tturmeric\titself\tis\teven\tmore\tbeneficial\tsince\tyou\tnot\tonly\tget the\tcurcumin,\tbut\tall\tthe\tother\tpotentially\tbeneficial\tcomponents\tof\tthe\tspice\tas well. Turmeric\tKnown\tfor\tAlleviating\tArthritis\tand\tJoint\tInflammation Turmeric\tis\tpart\tof\tthe\thealing\tsystems\tof\tIndia,\tChina,\tand\tthe\tPolynesian Islands,\tand\toccupies\ta\tplace\tof\tdistinction\tin\tboth\tAyurvedic\tand\tChinese medicine.\tOne\treason\tis\tits\tphenomenal\tanti-inflammatory\tproperties,\twhich\tare believed\tto\tbe\tdue\tto\tthe\tpresence\tof\tthe\taforementioned\tcurcuminoids.\tOne\tof turmeric\u2019s\tmany\ttraditional\tuses\thas\tbeen\tfor\tthe\ttreatment\tof\tarthritis,\tbecause","of\tits\tability\tto\tlower\tinflammation.\tIn\tone\tstudy,\tcurcumin\twas\tfound\tto\tbe virtually\tas\teffective\tas\tthe\tanti-inflammatory\tmedication\tphenylbutazone.\tIt\u2019s used\tin\tIndia\tto\trelieve\tarthritis,\tand\tcan\tbe\tuseful\tfor\tmuscle\tpains\tas\twell\tas joint\tinflammation\tand\teven\tcarpal\ttunnel\tsyndrome.\tIf\tyou\u2019re\tinterested\tin\twhy it\tworks\tso\twell,\tone\tschool\tof\tthought\tis\tthat\tit\texerts\tits\tanti-inflammatory effect\tby\tlowering\thistamine\tlevels;\tother\texperts\tare\tnot\tsure\tof\tthe\texact mechanism.\tIn\tthe\tlong\trun,\twho\tcares?\tIt\tworks\tas\tan\tanti-inflammatory,\tand does\tit\twithout\tany\ttoxic\tside\teffects.\tThat\u2019s\twhat\tmatters. And\tthen\tthere\u2019s\tcancer.\tThere\tare\tat\tleast\tthirty\tpublished\tstudies indicating\tthat\tcurcumin\thas\tan\tantitumor\teffect\t(either\treducing\tthe\tnumber\tor size\tof\ttumors\tor\tthe\tpercentage\tof\tanimals\twho\tdeveloped\tthem).\tOf\tcourse these\tare\tmostly\tanimal\tstudies,\tbut\tstill,\tthat\u2019s\tpretty\tpromising.\tAnd\tnot\tall\tthe studies\tare\ton\tanimals:\tOne\tstudy,\tpublished\tin\t2006\tin\tthe\tmedical\tjournal Oncogene,\tshowed\tthat\tcurcumin\tinhibited\tthe\tgrowth\tof\thuman\tcolon\tcancer cells.\tWhile\tno\tone\tis\tclaiming\tthat\tturmeric\tcures\tcancer,\tthere\tis\tplenty\tof reason\tto\tbelieve\tthat\tit\tis\ta\treally\tuseful\tadjunct\tto\tthe\tdiet\tof\teveryone concerned\twith\tstaying\thealthy. Curcumin\talso\thas\ta\tpositive\teffect\ton\tcholesterol,\tboth\tin\trats\tand\tin humans,\tmaking\tit\ta\tgreat\tadjunct\tto\ta\theart-healthy\tdiet.\tAnd\tit\thas\tpowerful antioxidant\tproperties\tas\twell.\tIn\tone\trat\tstudy,\tfor\texample,\tcurcumin\tprovided significant\tprotection\tfrom\tcataract\tdevelopment\tinduced\tby\ta\tpowerful oxidizing\tchemical.\tThe\tgroup\tof\trats\ttreated\twith\tcurcumin\tnot\tonly\thad protection\tagainst\tthe\tdamage\tdone\tby\tthis\tchemical,\tbut\tthe\ttransparency\tof\tthe lenses\tin\ttheir\tlittle\teyes\twas\timproved\tas\twell.\tMany\tother\tstudies\thave demonstrated\tcurcumin\u2019s\tantioxidant\tcapabilities.\tIn\tscience\tjargon,\tcurcumin \u201cinhibits\tlipid\tperoxidation,\u201d\twhich\tmeans\tit\tfights\tdamage\tfrom\toxidating substances\tthat\tage\tthe\tbody\tand\tcontribute\tto\tdisease.\tIn\tother\twords,\tit\u2019s\tgood stuff. Why\tYour\tLiver\tLoves\tTurmeric This\tability\tto\tfight\tinflammation\tand\talso\tto\tserve\tas\tan\tantioxidant\tmakes curcumin\ta\tvery\tliver-friendly\tfood.\tI\tlike\tto\trecommend\tit\tfor\tpeople\twith various\tliver\tailments,\tincluding\thepatitis.\tThough\tit\u2019s\tnot\tthe\tonly\tthing\tI\twould use\tfor\tserious\tliver\tproblems,\tit\u2019s\tdefinitely\tpart\tof\tthe\tarsenal.\tOne\tstudy,\tin\tthe journal\tToxicology,\tdemonstrated\tcurcumin\u2019s\tsignificant\tliver\tprotection\tin\tmale rats\tlargely\tthrough\tits\taforementioned\tantioxidant\tproperties.\tDr.\tMark\tStengler, author\tof\tThe\tNatural\tPhysician\u2019s\tHealing\tTherapies,\talso\trecommends\tit\tfor hepatitis\tand\tsays\tthat\tit\tis\tfrequently\tused\tto\tlower\televated\tliver\tenzymes. Turmeric\tis\talso\tone\tof\tthe\teasiest\tspices\tto\tuse.\tIt\thas\ta\treally\tpleasing\ttaste","and\ta\tbeautiful\tcolor,\tand\tit\ttastes\tgood\ton\talmost\tany\tfood\tyou\tcan\tthink\tof. Deepak\tChopra\tsays\tthat\t\u201cits\ttraditional\tpurifying\teffect\tmakes\tit\ta\tuseful\tspice for\tpeople\tparticipating\tin\ta\tdetoxification\tprogram.\u201d\tIn\taddition\tto\tcooking\twith it,\tyou\tcan\talso\tmix\tit\tinto\ta\tpaste\twith\twater\tand\tapply\tit\tdirectly\tto\tirritated skin\t(including\tpimples)\tbefore\tbedtime.\tChopra\talso\tsuggests\tmixing\tturmeric powder\twith\ta\tlittle\thoney\tand\tusing\tthe\tmixture\tto\tcoat\tyour\tthroat\tat\tthe\tfirst sign\tof\ta\tsore\tthroat. So\twe\talready\tknow\tthe\tstrong\tscience\tbehind\tthe\tpharmacy\tthat\tlives\tin the\tturmeric\tplant.\tWhat\tdoes\ttraditional\tEastern\tmedicine\tsay\tabout\tit? According\tto\tThe\tYoga\tof\tHerbs:\tAn\tAyurvedic\tGuide\tto\tHerbal\tMedicine, coauthored\tby\tDr.\tDavid\tFrawley\tand\tthe\thighly\trespected\tIndian\tdoctor\tand herbal\tauthority\tDr.\tVasant\tLad,\t\u201cTurmeric\tgives\tthe\tenergy\tof\tthe\tDivine Mother\tand\tgrants\tprosperity.\tIt\tis\teffective\tfor\tcleansing\tthe\tcharkas\tand purifying\tthe\tchannels\tof\tthe\tsubtle\tbody.\u201d When\tmodern\tWestern\tscience\tand\ttraditional\tforms\tof\thealing\tlike Ayurvedic\tand\tChinese\tmedicine\tboth\tagree\ton\tthe\thealthful\tproperties\tof\tthe same\tcompound,\tit\u2019s\ttime\tto\tgo\tto\tthe\tstore. Vinegar\t (apple\tcider\tvinegar) Vinegar\twas\tdiscovered\tby\tchance\tmore\tthan\t10,000\tyears\tago.\tIt\tgets its\tname\tfrom\tthe\tFrench,\tvin\taigre\u2014meaning\t\u201csour\twine.\u201d\tVinegar\tis made\twhen\tfresh,\tnaturally\tsweet\tcider\tis\tfermented\tinto\tan\talcoholic","beverage\t(hard\tcider).\tThen\tit\u2019s\tfermented\tonce\tagain.\tThe\tresult\tis vinegar.\tYou\tcould\tsay\tthat\twine\tis\tto\tgrapes\twhat\tvinegar\tis\tto\twine. Vinegar\tcan\tbe\tmade\tfrom\tany\tfruit,\tor\tfrom\tany\tmaterial\tcontaining\tsugar\tthat can\tbe\tfermented\tto\tless\tthan\t18\tpercent\tethyl\talcohol\t(including\tsuch\tthings\tas honey,\tmaple\tsyrup,\tbeets,\tpotatoes,\tand\tcoconut).\tWhen\tit\u2019s\tmade\tfrom\tapples, it\u2019s\tcalled\tapple\tcider\tvinegar\t(about\twhich\tthere\u2019s\tplenty\tto\tsay\tin\ta\tmoment). The\tUnited\tStates\tFood\tand\tDrug\tAdministration\t(FDA)\trequires\tthat\tany product\tcalled\t\u201cvinegar\u201d\tcontain\tat\tleast\t4\tpercent\tacidity.\tThis\trequirement ensures\tthe\tminimum\tstrength\tof\tthe\tvinegar\tsold\tat\tthe\tretail\tlevel.\tAccording\tto whole-foods\texpert\tand\tauthor\tRebecca\tWood,\tyou\tshouldn\u2019t\tuse\taluminum, copper,\tor\tcast-iron\twhen\tcooking\twith\tvinegar,\tbecause\tthat\t4\tto\t6\tpercent acidity\tis\tcorrosive.\tAnd\tif\tyou\twant\tto\tretain\tthe\tacid\tflavor\tof\tvinegar,\tstir\tit\tin after\tremoving\tthe\tdish\tfrom\tthe\theat. So\twhy\tis\tvinegar\tlisted\tin\tthe\tworld\u2019s\thealthiest\tfoods?\tSimple.\tIt\u2019s\ta virtual\tinfusion\tof\thealthy\tminerals,\tvitamins,\tand\tamino\tacids.\tIn\tfact, unpasteurized\tvinegar\tcan\tcontain\tas\tmany\tas\tfifty\tdifferent\tnutrients,\tincluding those\tthat\tcome\tfrom\tthe\toriginal\t\u201cstarting\u201d\tmaterial\tthe\tvinegar\tis\tmade\tfrom (such\tas\tapples).\tBut\tnote\twell\tthe\tterm\t\u201cunpasteurized.\u201d\tRemember\tthat pasteurization\tis\tbasically\ta\tprocess\tthat\tsubjects\tfoods\tto\ttremendous\tamounts of\theat.\tThat\thas\tthe\t\u201cbenefit\u201d\tof\tdestroying\tmicroorganisms,\tbut\tit\u2019s\ta\tdubious benefit\twhen\tit\talso\tdestroys\tthe\theat-sensitive\tvitamins\tand\tenzymes\tthat\tmade it\ta\tgood\tfood\tto\tbegin\twith.\tTo\tget\tthe\thealth\tbenefits\tof\tvinegar,\tyou\tshould look\ton\tthe\tlabel\tfor\tkey\tterms\tlike\t\u201cunpasteurized,\u201d\t\u201cunfiltered,\u201d\t\u201ctraditionally brewed,\u201d\t\u201ctraditionally\tfermented,\u201d\tor\t\u201caged\tin\twood.\u201d Real\tOrganic\tVinegar\tBeats\tCommon\tSupermarket\tVinegar Traditionally\tfermented\tfoods\tare\tamong\tthe\thealthiest\ton\tthe\tplanet,\tand vinegar\tis\tno\texception.\tAccording\tto\tDr.\tPatricia\tBragg,\twhose\tcompany\tmakes one\tof\tthe\tbest-known\tand\trespected\tapple\tcider\tvinegars\ton\tthe\tmarket,\tthe \u201cclean\twhite\u201d\tvinegar\tyou\tget\tat\tthe\tsupermarket\tis\ta\tfood\tchemist\u2019s\tinvention made\tfrom\tcoal\ttar\tand\thas\tnone\tof\tthe\thealth\tproperties\tof\treal,\tfermented, organic\tvinegar.\tDistilled\tvinegar\tis\tno\tbetter.\tDistilling\tturns\tthe\tvinegar\tinto steam\tand\tin\tthe\tprocess\tdestroys\tthe\tnatural\tmalic\tand\ttartaric\tacids,\twhich\tare important\tin\tfighting\tbody\ttoxins\tand\tinhibiting\tunfriendly\tbacteria.\tTo\tget\tthe health\tbenefits\tof\tvinegar,\tget\tthe\treal\tthing. The\tbest\tknown\tof\tthe\tvinegars\tin\tnatural\thealth\tcircles\tis\tthe\tkind\tmade from\tapples.\tApple\tcider\tvinegar\tis\tcheap\tand\teasy\tto\tuse,\tand\tit\treally\tbenefits","our\thealth\tin\tnumerous\tways.\tHippocrates,\tthe\tfather\tof\tmedicine,\tthought\tof\tit as\ta\tpowerful\telixir\tand\ta\tnaturally\toccurring\tantibiotic\tand\tantiseptic\tthat\tfights germs.\tAncient\tEgyptians,\tRomans,\tand\tGreeks\tused\tit.\tAnd\tapple\tcider\tvinegar is\tmentioned\tin\tthe\tBible\tas\tan\tantiseptic\tand\thealing\tagent.\tEven\tColumbus\thad barrels\tof\tvinegar\ton\this\tships\tfor\tthe\tprevention\tof\tscurvy.\tIndeed,\tapple\tcider vinegar\thas\tbeen\tused\tfor\tthousands\tof\tyears,\tas\tboth\ta\thealth\tand\ta\tcleansing agent. Is\tApple\tCider\tVinegar\tReally\ta\tCure-All? Books\thave\tbeen\twritten\ttouting\tapple\tcider\tvinegar\u2019s\tbenefits\tfor\teverything from\tweight\tloss\tto\tosteoporosis\tto\tarthritis.\tWhether\tit\tdoes\tall\tthe\tthings\tits proponents\tclaim\tit\tdoes\tis\tanother\tmatter.\tRecently,\tI\tfound\ta\thumorous\t\u201cpoem\u201d by\tPatricia\tCarrol,\tR.N.,\tM.S.,\textolling\tvinegar\u2019s\tmany\tbenefits\tbut\talso offering\tthe\tfollowing\tcaution:\tBeware\tof\tclaims\ttoo\tgood\tto\tbe\ttrue\u2014For research\tbacks\tup\tbut\ta\tfew. There\u2019s\tno\tdoubt\tin\tmy\tmind\tthat\tapple\tcider\tvinegar\tis\tgood\tfor\tyou.\tI\u2019m just\tsuspicious\tof\twhether\tit\u2019s\ta\tcure-all.\tThat\tsaid,\tthere\tare\ta\tlot\tof\tterrific things\tto\tbe\tsaid\tabout\treal,\tunpasteurized\tvinegar\tmade\tfrom\tapples.\tIt\u2019s nutrient\trich,\tcontaining\tminerals\tsuch\tas\tpotassium,\tphosphorus,\tnatural\torganic fluorine,\tsilicon,\ttrace\tminerals,\tand\tpectin\tas\twell\tas\tmany\tother\tpowerful nutrients\tand\tenzymes.\tOver\tthe\tcenturies,\toxymel\u2014a\tcombination\tof\tapple cider\tvinegar\tand\thoney\u2014has\tbeen\twidely\tused\tto\tdissolve\tpainful\tcalcium deposits\tin\tthe\tbody,\tand\tfor\tother\thealth\tproblems\tsuch\tas\thay\tfever.\tAnd\twhile I\u2019ve\thad\tmy\tsuspicions\tabout\tapple\tcider\tvinegar\u2019s\teffectiveness\tas\ta\tweight\tloss product,\tsome\tpeople\tswear\tby\tit\u2014and\ta\trecent\tstudy\tin\tDiabetes\tCare\tdoes indicate\tthat\tit\tmay\thave\tsome\timpact\ton\tblood\tsugar\tand\tinsulin\tthat\tcan\tonly be\tseen\tas\tbeneficial. Studies\tExamine\tthe\tUse\tof\tVinegar\tin\tTreating\tDiabetes In\tthe\tabove-mentioned\tstudy\tpublished\tin\tDiabetes\tCare,\tapple\tcider\tvinegar significantly\timproved\tinsulin\tsensitivity\tin\tinsulin-resistant\tsubjects.\t(The vinegar\talso\timproved\tinsulin\tsensitivity\tsomewhat\tin\tdiabetics,\tbut\tthe\tresults didn\u2019t\tquite\treach\tstatistical\tsignificance.)\tThe\tauthors\tstated\tthat\t\u201cvinegar\tmay possess\tphysiological\teffects\tsimilar\tto\t.\t.\t.\tmetformin.\u201d\t(Metformin,\tthe\tgeneric name\tfor\tGlucophage,\tis\ta\tdrug\ttypically\tgiven\tto\tdiabetics\tand\tprediabetics\tto increase\tinsulin\tsensitivity.)\tSince\tinsulin\tresistance\tis\ta\tfeature\tof\tmetabolic syndrome\tand\toften\tprecedes\tdiabetes,\tanything\tthat\tmakes\tthe\tcells\tmore sensitive\tto\tinsulin\tand\thelps\tcontrol\tblood\tsugar\tbears\tlooking\tinto.\tThe\tauthors concluded\tthat\t\u201cfurther\tinvestigations\tto\texamine\tthe\tefficacy\tof\tvinegar\tas\tan","antidiabetic\ttherapy\tare\twarranted.\u201d\tNutritionist\tand\tresearcher\tJeff\tVolek, Ph.D.,\tR.D.,\twhose\ttop\tten\tlist\tof\thealthy\tfoods\tis\tfeatured\ton\tpage\t312,\tsuggests a\tsalad\twith\tvinegar\tat\tthe\tbeginning\tof\tevery\tmeal\tfor\tits\tpotential\thelp\twith managing\tblood\tsugar. Herbs,\tSpices,\tand\tCondiments\tRunner-Up Black\tPepper Black\tpepper\tis\tto\tspices\twhat\tlettuce\tis\tto\tvegetables\u2014probably\tthe\tmost widely\tused\tspice\tin\tthe\tcountry.\tIt\talso\thas\ta\tnice\tpedigree\tof\tmedical\tuses. Black\tpepper\tstimulates\tthe\ttaste\tbuds,\twhich\tincreases\tproduction\tof hydrochloric\tacid\tin\tthe\tstomach,\timproving\tdigestion.\tWhy\twould\tyou\twant more\tacid,\tespecially\tif\tyou\thave\theartburn?\tBecause\tmany\tleaders\tin\tthe\tfield of\tcomplementary\tmedicine\u2014such\tas\tDr.\tJonathan\tWright\u2014argue\tthat heartburn\tcomes\tfrom\ttoo\tlittle\tstomach\tacid,\tnot\tfrom\ttoo\tmuch.\tPepper\u2019s\talso long\tbeen\trecognized\tfor\tits\tability\tto\tstimulate\tthe\tappetite\tas\twell\tas\tits\tability to\tproduce\trelief\tfrom\tnausea.\tAnd\tblack\tpepper\tis\tconsidered\ta\tcarminative\u2014 an\therbal\tmedicine\tor\tdigestive\ttonic\tthat\tcan\thelp\tdispel\tgas\tfrom\tthe\tintestine. A\tcarminative\u2019s\tmain\tjob\tis\tto\tsoothe\tthe\tgut\twall\tand\taid\tdigestion. A\tfamous\tPhilippine\tfolk\tremedy\tis\tto\ttake\tan\tequal\tamount\tof\tanise\tand black\tpepper\tand\tcombine\tit\tin\ta\tcup\tof\twarmed\tbrandy.\tYou\u2019re\tsupposed\tto\tsip the\tmixture\twhile\tstill\twarm\tand\tretain\tit\tin\tyour\tmouth\tbefore\tswallowing.\tIt\u2019s believed\tto\thelp\tbring\tdown\tfever. In\tancient\ttimes,\tblack\tpepper\twas\tused\tas\tcurrency\tand\toffered\tas\ta\tgift\tto the\tgods.\tNow\tyour\twaitperson\tbrings\tit\tto\tthe\ttable\tand\toffers\tto\tgrind\tit\tfresh over\tyour\tfood.\tWe\u2019ve\tcome\ta\tlong\tway,\tbaby."]