Archive for November, 2010

Aflatoxins, Aflatoxin Causes Liver Damage

Aflatoxin is a mycotoxin produced by many species of fungus molds and these toxins are very toxic. They are one the most potent carcinogen, which means cancer causing.

When you are exposed to a high levels of aflatoxins, it results in acute hepatic necrosis. This liver damage can cause various chronic liver diseases and even liver cancer. And children are particularly affected by exposure to aflatoxins because it can stunt their growth and cause delays in their physical and mental development.

Aflatoxin exposure symptoms include hemorrhage and coma. Some of the other liver damage health effects after exposure to aflatoxins involve:

  • hepatitis
  • cirrhosis of the liver
  • weakened immune system causing susceptibility to other diseases & infections

How do aflatoxins become a part of our diet? Aging food is a breeding ground for aflatoxin producing molds, especially Aspergillus flavus. Yet, not all fungus produced mycotoxins are believed to be harmful.

An added problem is that a aflatoxin is heat and cold resistant, so heating or freezing them has very little effect. Also, the preservatives are not very efficient in protecting food from fungi.

The likely dietary sources containing the toxin are:

  • milk from an infected animal
  • old crops ~ maize, wheat and cotton
  • moldy spices ~ coriander, turmeric, certain oilseeds

Ways you can minimize your chances of aflatoxin consumption include:

  • check food before purchase
  • buy only produce in your local season
  • foods & crops susceptible to liver damaging aflatoxin should be avoided
  • do not consume foods you suspect have been stored nor transported improperly

If you believe you’ve been exposed to aflatoxins, taking adsorbents like active charcoal can rid your body of the poison. And taking antioxidants may assist as well.

In severe cases, a blood transfusion and dialysis may be necessary.

Sorbic Acid Food Preservative for Food Preservation

Sorbic acid, aka 2, 4-hexadienoic acid, is a naturally occurring organic compound, which is a colorless solid. Sorbic acid is derived from Sorbus aucuparia, which are basically unripe berries.

Sorbic acid is widely used as a food preservative and its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties make it highly effective for food preservation. Some of the uses for sorbic acid food preservative for food preservation are:

  • wine ~ contains the fermentation of residual sugar & inhibits yeast growth
  • fruits/vegetables ~ prolongs freshness by slowing down process of infection by molds
  • seafood ~ extends shelf life of smoked & dried seafood by stopping mold & yeast growth
  • dairy products (cheese, cottage cheese) ~ keeps the level of yeast in check & in required amount
  • meat/poultry ~ lengthens refrigeration time by reducing number of bacteria & keeps meatmold free

Although food preservation with sorbic acid is not considered harmful in small amounts, it can cause a couple side effects, such as:

  • allergic reaction
  • increase toxic levels in organs
  • may be linked to some forms of cancer
  • cause complications during pregnancy & lactation for mother & child

Essentially, sorbic acid is used as a food preservative in many foods you might consume in your daily diet.

Plant Sterols Health Benefits, Phytosterols Sources

Plant sterols, aka phytosterols, are basically steroid alcohols and are a phytochemical that naturally occur in plants. These lipid like compounds are found in the cell membrane of plants and in small amounts in grains, cereals and vegetable oils as well. Plant sterols have the same utility for plants as cholesterol has for humans.

Plant sterols vary in types and there are approximately 250 different types of phytosterols identified. They are very similar to cholesterol in terms of molecular structure. Some common plant sterols are:

  • Camp sterol
  • Sigma sterol
  • Beta Sit sterol

Phytoserols provide numerous health benefits, some of which are:

  • helps reduce autoimmune response
  • reverses abnormalities of your immune system
  • has anti- inflammatory effects & assists in reducing swelling
  • supports cellular health, prevents arterial damage & slows down ageing process
  • lowers cholesterol because your body cannot differentiate between cholesterol & plant sterols as they are of similar molecular arrangement, so phytosterols compete with cholesterol for absorption

Some studies show that plant sterols also reduce the risks of heart disease and may prevent some forms of cancer. So, it’s very important to consume an adequate amount of sterols via your diet for maintenance of good health, and especially if you have high cholesterol.

Most of the foods you eat contains some sterols and recommended daily amount is around 2 grams. Some of the major sources plant sterols are as follows:

  • vegetable oils
  • legumes ~ lentils & dried peas
  • nuts & seeds ~ peanuts, almonds, sunflower seeds
  • fruits & vegetables ~ tomato, sprouts, apples, blueberries
  • cereals ~ most whole grains., especially rice bran & whole wheat

Some foods are enriched with plant sterols, such as orange juice, energy bars and yogurt drinks. And you can also buy phytoseterols supplements, yet consuming plant sterols through a healthy diet is the most beneficial.

Benefits of Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is one of the most common drinks that is liked by all. It is cheap in terms of cost yet a rich source of vitamin C. A glass of lemon juice can do a lot of good by rejuvenating your tired cells and provide you with fresh energy instantly. This article is intended to reveal the benevolence of the commonly available lemon juice and educate the masses in making full use of the life giving fruit.

After a stroll in the hot sun and when you feel like quenching your thirst, the choice of lemon juice is only second to water for almost everyone. The use of lemon juice has continued for hundreds of years by various cultures around the globe. Medical history points out the use of lemon in Roman and Chinese medicine. Commonly lemon juice comprises two to three teaspoons of lemon fruit juice added in a glass of water with either salt or sugar to give a pleasant taste. Apart form being a pleasure drink, lemon juice also has high medicinal values that can keep your body healthy.

It is widely believed that lemon has the power to detoxify toxins in the human body. In the Asian countries, lemon juice is included in the diet because it helps in easy digestion of high protein diet. It is used as an herbal medicine for various ailments such as nausea, heartburn and other digestive problems. Researches show that lemon juice can stimulate bile secretion, which is curial to digest high protein diet. This is why body builders that follow a high protein diet plan generously have lemon juice for maximum absorption of the nutrient rich supplements. The acidic nature of the lemon juice also aids in dissolving gallbladder stones.

It can also be used to get a soothing effect on the esophagus during times of irritations. One other benevolent use of the lemon juice is that it clears the urinal track by expelling the toxins and vicious bacteria off the system.

It is also a rich source of Vitamin C that is essential for formation of collagen, cartilage, and tissues in the blood vessels. Lemon juice is used as a treatment for scurvy. Recent researches have also cited the ability of Vitamin C in curing asthma, diabetes or even the most dreaded cancerous tumors.

Lemon juice is a handy medicine for gum bleeding. It not only cures the physical body, but it also is said to have a positive impact on the minds of people. Studies reveal that regular consumption of lemon juice keep the spirit of human being high and thus enabling them to be more successful in ventures they undertake.

If you had been ignorant of the benefits of lemon juice, it is time to wake up and utilize the easily available source of health to the full. While it costs you so little, it can help you maintain your good health and save you thousands of dollars by preventing malicious ailments.

Carbohydrate Overview, Types of Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the most important part of anyone’s diet. A common misconception amongst the majority is carbohydrates are bad for you, but in reality it is quite the opposite.

In fact, carbohydrates are an essential element for all life forms. In humans, as well as in animals, a carbohydrate is the primary source of energy. However in plants, carbohydrates perform an entirely different task.

When you consume a meal that’s high in carbohydrate content, it is converted by your body to glucose. Then, any glucose that’s not needed at the time is automatically stored in certain muscle cells in the form of glycogen. When glycogen is produced beyond the amount your muscles can handle, the remaining is stored as fat.

Your body needs the energy that’s stored as glycogen on a regular basis. And it’s only during a prolonged activity, fasting or starvation that your fat reserves will be utilized for the production of energy. So when this doesn’t routinely happen, the fat level in your body remains high or goes up.

For this reason alone, it is necessary to include a daily exercise plan in your life and stick to it no matter what. Strong will power is important as it will help you achieve all the goals you’ve set, one by one. Through exercising, your excess and unnecessary fat storage can be used up. And you can maintain your health as well.

Amongst the many types of exercises, aerobic training is the best exercise to burn calories. Examples of this would be walking, running, playing tennis or football.

Yet, exercising is not the only way to maintain a healthy life though. It is also necessary to maintain a healthy diet and stick to nutritious low-fat food.

Carbohydrates are basically of two types, one is the simple type and other is complex. The human body can easily digest simple carbohydrates. As such, consuming simple carbohydrates gives your body a small boost of energy within a short period for a short period. Simple carbohydrates are found in dairy products and various fruits. And some processed and refined food even contain this type of carbohydrate, for example pasta.

On the other hand, complex carbohydrates are not easily digested. So due to its slow digestion, low energy is produced via the consumption of this type of carbohydrate, for instance vegetables, potatoes and grains. One of the upsides of consuming complex carbohydrates is that the low energy produced is available consistently for a longer period of time.

Cinnamon, Cassia Cinnamon, Cinnamon Side Effects

Cinnamon is spice obtained from the inner bark of certain trees. There’s several different types of cinnamon, yet the one you purchase in store is likely a combination of Ceylon and Cassia cinnamon or just Cassia cinnamon.

The spice is widely utilized in cooking. Some of the common culinary uses of cinnamon are:

  • in chocolate
  • added to lamb dishes for flavor
  • as a condiment & flavoring agent
  • ingredient in many baked desserts, e.g. apple pie, donuts, cinnamon buns

Cinnamon is one of the few spices that can be consumed straight.

Although evidence is conflicting as cassia cinnamon’s treatment benefits, it’s reputedly used to help treat numerous health conditions, like:

  • cancer
  • diarrhea
  • arthralgia
  • chest pain
  • impotence
  • bed wetting
  • hypertension
  • muscle spasms
  • stomach spasms
  • menstrual cramps
  • appetite suppressant
  • menopausal symptoms
  • preventing nausea, vomiting
  • infections ~ common cold, UTI
  • digestive issues ~ flatulence, bloating, dyspepsia

Recent research seems to indicate that cinnamon may have longevity promoting benefits.

Some research suggests that because cassia cinnamon contains antioxidants, it may lower fasting blood glucose levels. As such, lowering your risk for diabetes if you have insulin resistance. However, more research is necessary and weight loss remains the primary lowering factor.

Generally, cinnamon is believed to be safe in an amount that’s typically found in most diets. Yet, some can experience side effects when cassia cinnamon is consumed in large amounts because it contains coumarin. Coumarin is a “some what” toxic chemical that may cause side effects related to:

  • liver damage
  • kidney damage
  • worsen liver disease

Additionally, some experience an allergic reaction when cinnamon is used topically on the skin.

Benzoic Acid Food Preservative

The primary use of benzoic acid acid is in food preservation. This acid is very effective for preserving food because it inhibits the growth of molds, yeast and some bacteria. Ingestible products containing this food preservative typically give you notice via the label.

However, it’s use as a food preservative is not all, as benzoic acid is also used in drug preparations, like antiseptic solutions and antifungal creams or lotions. Some benzoic acid may be consumed in your diet, the richest source being cranberries. And this acid has several health benefits, including:

  • reduces fatigue
  • limits effects of depression
  • improves your body’s use of proteins
  • believed to assist in slowing down ageing process
  • participates in red blood cell formation, thus increasing your oxygen carrying capacity

Unfortunately, benzoic acid may cause some to experience an allergic reaction, particularly when used on your skin. Symptoms of a histamine response to benzoic acid may involve:

  • hives
  • diarrhea
  • wheezing
  • congestion
  • angioedema
  • scratchy throat
  • abdominal pain
  • itchy skin, eyes
  • nausea, vomiting
  • breathing difficulty
  • swallowing problems

Anaphylaxis can occur if your allergic reaction is severe. In this case seek emergency health care because an epinephrine injection may be necessary. For minor reactions taking an antihistamine may suffice.

If you have this food allergy, check the food label of all precessed food to ensure benzoic acid preservative is not included. Or better yet, consume a diet devoid of processed food, like food from the produce section.

About Food Molds, Mold in Food, Mold on Food, Food Mold, Moldy Food

Have you ever picked a discarded piece of bread lying around for the past week and noticed the tinge of green or a shade of blue on the surface? Well, it’s fungus, more precisely food mold.

Foods molds are microscopic fungi that survive and flourish on plants and animal. The mold on food originates from tiny spores that float around in the air. When these spores fall on a piece of damp food, they develop into a food mold you can see, like that on old bread, cheese or jams.

Though the actual number of species of food molds that exist is unknown, it is believed they number in millions. Although mold on food may differ in size and color, they all have one common feature, thread like body and roots. And the color of the mold in food depends upon the spores.

When checking for moldy food, you need to be aware that the surface is not the only place affected. Food molds have long roots that can penetrate your food from the inside.

Some food molds are pretty dangerous and the mold in food can affect your health in more ways than one. Food mold can cause respiratory problems and aggravate the advent of allergies. In addition, some mold in food produces a substance called mycotoxins, which can make you sick because they are a very poisonous substance.

Molds are found everywhere and in all conditions. Mold on food usually occur when the food is left stale and damp for some time. The color of the food mold can be anything from blue to black.

Some of the commonly found mold in food are:

  • monilia
  • botrytis
  • fusarium
  • alternaria
  • aspergillus
  • geotrichum
  • cladosporium

Although most molds need damp and dark conditions to grow, food can get moldy even when kept inside a refrigerator. Molds also tolerate sugar and salt well, thus there are chances of molds growing in jams and jellies.

Ways you can minimize your chances for mold in food:

  • cleanliness plays a very important role in keeping molds away
  • buy small quantities of food items & ensure proper storage of all items
  • keep freshly cut vegetables & fruits covered so they’re not exposed air spores
  • perishables should not be left out of the refrigerator for more than a couple of hours
  • leftover food should be consumed within a day or two to minimize risk of food mold taking root

If any food item develops mold or has reached its perish ability, toss your moldy food because it should not be included in your diet.

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