Sunflower seeds: a good source of fiber, protein, vitamin E and more

(NaturalNews) Sunflower seeds are the fruits of the beautiful sunflower plant, which is native to North America and is characterized by its impressive height and light yellow petals. These seeds possess a firm texture and a mildly nutty taste, and were a significant source of food for the American Indians. Sunflower seeds remain a popular food in contemporary America, too, although they're more likely to be consumed raw as a snack than incorporated into cooked meals.

While sunflower seeds don't quite reach the nutritional heights of chia seeds or hemp seeds, they're still an enormously healthy food. Aside from being a vital source of natural energy, they are rich in a large number of nutrients in which many of us are unknowingly deficient, making them an excellent addition to any Western diet.

The benefits of sunflower seeds

Packed with fiber and protein -- One cup of dried sunflower seeds supplies us with 16 percent of our recommended daily allowance (RDA) of fiber and 19 percent of our RDA of protein.⁽¹⁾ Most of the fiber found in sunflower seeds is the insoluble kind, which remains intact in our digestive tracts and flushes the colon of accumulated waste. This fiber content makes sunflower seeds a good constipation aid as well as a suitable food for diabetics (fibrous foods tend to have a low glycemic load). Moreover, the protein contained in sunflower seeds contains all eight essential amino acids, making them a fantastic complete protein source for vegetarians and vegans.

High in omega fatty acids -- Like most plant seeds, sunflower seeds are rich in omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, which are essential fatty acids that our bodies cannot make themselves. While the main omega-3 fatty acid found in sunflower seeds, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), is not as potent as the EPA and DHA found in animal products such as fish oil, its benefits should not be underestimated. For example, a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that ALA could help lower glucose and high triglyceride levels in human participants.⁽²⁾ Another study, published in Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, suggested that ALA could help treat symptoms associated with obesity in animal models.⁽³⁾

Rich in phytosterols -- A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that sunflower seeds (and pistachios) had the richest levels of phytosterols out of all the nuts and seeds commonly consumed in the United States as a snack.⁽⁴⁾ Phytosterols are plant compounds whose chemical structures closely resemble that of cholesterol, and are believed to reduce LDL cholesterol levels in the bloodstream when consumed in sufficient amounts.⁽⁵⁾ Additionally, a study featured in Life Sciences noted that "[p]hytosterols have been shown experimentally to inhibit colon cancer development."⁽⁶⁾

Excellent source of vitamin E -- One cup of dried sunflower seeds provides us with a whopping 15.3 milligrams of vitamin E, or 76 percent of our RDA.⁽¹⁾ A fat-soluble antioxidant, vitamin E travels throughout our bodies, scavenging free radicals that would otherwise harm fat-containing molecules and structures such as brain cells, cholesterol and cell membranes. Aside from protecting us from degenerative diseases, this antioxidant activity also produces anti-aging benefits. Vitamin E is also a potent anti-inflammatory and can reduce the symptoms associated with inflammatory diseases such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.⁽⁷⁾

Sunflower seeds are high in numerous other nutrients including calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium and most B vitamins. The seeds' magnesium content is especially significant, since between 60 and 80 percent of the American population are estimated to be deficient in this essential, calcium-balancing mineral.⁽⁸⁾

Sources:

(1) http://nutritiondata.self.com

(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

(5) http://lpi.oregonstate.edu

(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

(7) http://www.whfoods.com

(8) http://www.acatoday.org

About the author:
Michael Ravensthorpe is an independent writer whose research interests include nutrition, alternative medicine, and bushcraft. He is the creator of the website, Spiritfoods, through which he promotes the world's healthiest foods.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/047525_sunflower_seeds_fiber_vitamin_E.html#ixzz3IFfVEXnE

Mercury fillings - Health issues and how to heal from dental amalgams

(NaturalNews) Mercury is one of the most toxic substances known to man and yet many of us have mercury fillings in our teeth that are slowing poisoning our bodies. Each time we eat, brush our teeth, drink, or in any way stimulate a filling, mercury vapor is released. We inhale or ingest this toxic substance all day, every day.

Mercury is a neurotoxin that, upon contact, will melt the myelin sheath that coats a nerve, causing the nerve to immediately shrivel and die.? Mercury is extremely harmful to the neurological system and also adversely affects the immune system, cardiovascular system and the reproductive system. ?In fact, it is extremely toxic to any living tissue.

It is accumulative in our bodies. Our bodies do not recognize heavy metals like mercury as a pathogen. Due to their molecular similarities to minerals we need for health, our bodies respond to heavy metals the same way, incorporating them into our cells. Low levels of mercury continuously released into our bodies cause a number of problems from mental acuity and fatigue to chronic illnesses. ?

Removing mercury fillings

Your amalgam fillings can be removed and replaced with safe fillings, but it is imperative that you find a highly qualified professional with experience who takes every precaution to minimize your mercury exposure throughout the process.

As mercury fillings are removed they release mercury vapor and particles. For this reason there are specific protocols you want to be sure your chosen dentist follows to ensure your safety (and the safety of the dental staff).

Safe protocol to remove amalgam (mercury) fillings

• Eye Protection--Your eyes should be covered with goggles to prevent contact with both vapors and particles.
• Airway Protection--Your air should be supplied through a breathing apparatus with forced air (like the one used to deliver gas)
• Extra Suction - Extra suction is used to continually draw away vapors and particles
• Skin Protection - your entire face should be covered with draping to prevent contact with vapors and particles.
• Rubber dam - A rubber dam should be used within the mouth to catch particles and prevent you from swallowing them or inhaling vapors.

It is important that you thoroughly rinse your mouth and gargle after the extraction of the filling.

If your dentist does not truly understand the risks involved and wear protective gear and use airway protection, do not trust this person to take care of you.

How to find a dentist to remove your fillings safely

You want to find a biological dentist. They are holistic practitioners that treat the mouth as a part of the entire body and understand the cause and effect of mercury on the entire system.

International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine has a database of practitioners. [1] You might also try the Mercury Safe Dentist Directory. [2] See the first source for a homemade toothpaste recipe to heal teeth and gums. It should also be noted for those with amalgam fillings that Candida mercury is a precursor to Candida. [3] Eat lots of garlic! [4] If removing mercury fillings is not something you can do right now, or if you have had it done and need to detoxify, check out Bullet Proof Your Immune System and Mercury Fillings, Root Canals, and Cavitations.

Sources:

http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com

http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com

http://www.healingthebody.ca

http://www.naturalnews.com

http://truthwiki.org/Garlic

http://truthwiki.org/Oregano

http://iaomt.org/safe-removal-amalgam-fillings/

1. https://dentalwellness4u.hostasaurus.com/freeservices/find_dentists.html

2. http://iabdm.org/directory_listings/

3. http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com

4. http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com

About the author:
Michael Edwards is the founder, owner, editor-in-chief, and janitor for Organic Lifestyle Magazine and Green Lifestyle Market. At age 17, Michael weighed more than 360 pounds. He suffered from ADHD, allergies, frequent bouts of illness, and chronic, debilitating insomnia.

Conventional medicine wasn't working. While he restored his health through alternative medicine he studied natural health and became immersed in it.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/047528_mercury_fillings_dental_amalgams_holistic_dentistry.html#ixzz3IFexii1b

The Coke Machine

Book review

Coke's crimes go beyond its product

"Every company has a dark side, and you won't believe how dark Coca-Cola's is. After reading this book, good luck having a Coke and smile." --Morgan Spurlock, director of Super Size Me Michael Blanding's book The Coke Machine exposes the dark side of the world's largest soft drink producer. It blows the plastic lids off a company that fancies itself associated with love and happiness. It's good that their color is red . . . . . . because there is blood on their hands. - See more at: http://www.therealfoodchannel.com/videos/the-food-industry/the-coke-machine.html#sthash.GsOTrx0h.dpuf

Dr. Joel Fuhrman: 3 Foods You Should Eat Every Day

Published on Oct 24, 2013

In an exclusive Newsmax Health interview, Dr. Joel Fuhrman, author of the "Eat to Live Cookbook," reveals three foods you should eat every day and how to boost your diet to lose weight, reverse disease, and live longer.

The Health Benefits of Ginger

Grow your own!!!

Vitamin D deficiency decreases brain function and increases mortality rate after heart attack

(NaturalNews) Maintaining good health through nutritious foods isn't just important for every day well-being but can be crucial when the body needs to repair itself following an injury. Our bodies have miraculous healing capabilities, which can be heightened with a little extra help from nature's vitamins.

Luckily for us, everything that we need to be healthy is found naturally in our environment, and this includes elements that are helpful for healing. Scientists believe that humans require just 13 different vitamins to stay healthy, all of which offer unique health benefits.

While science has already unlocked many benefits of vitamin D, this latest bit of research unveils yet another remarkable revelation: Healthy vitamin D levels help the brain recover and function better following a heart attack.

"Vitamin D deficiency increased the risk of poor neurological outcome after sudden cardiac arrest by 7-fold"

Conducted by Dr. Jin Wi, the study sought to observe how vitamin D deficiencies affect patients recovering from cardiac arrest, so far a poorly researched subject.

Not only did the study's outcome show that low vitamin D levels increased the risk for poor brain function after sudden cardiac arrest by sevenfold, but the deficiencies were also linked to a higher chance of death following sudden cardiac arrest.

While presenting his findings at the Acute Cardiovascular Care 2014 in Geneva, Switzerland, Dr. Wi said:

In patients resuscitated after sudden cardiac arrest, recovery of neurological function is very important, as well as survival. Vitamin D deficiency has been reported to be related to the risk of having various cardiovascular diseases, including sudden cardiac arrest. We investigated the association of vitamin D deficiency with neurologic outcome after sudden cardiac arrest, a topic on which there is no information so far.

Dr. Wi and his team analyzed clinical data from 53 unconscious patients who were resuscitated after experiencing sudden cardiac arrest at Severance Cardiovascular Hospital in Seoul, Korea. The patient's "neurologic outcome" was measured using the Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) score six months after discharge.

A CPC score of 1 to 2 was considered a "good" neurologic outcome, while scores 3 to 5 were considered "poor." Of the 53 patients analyzed, CPR was performed on 41 one of them, or 77 percent.

Those with high risk of cardiac arrest should avoid vitamin D deficiencies

Based on the results, scientists were able to conclude that the patients with poor neurological outcome had significantly lower vitamin D levels than those who had a good neurological outcome.

About 65 percent of the patients with vitamin D deficiencies experienced a poor neurological outcome six months after discharge compared to 23 percent of patients with healthy vitamin D levels.

"Patients with vitamin D deficiency were more likely to have a poor neurological outcome or die after sudden cardiac arrest than those who were not deficient," said Dr. Wi.

Nearly 30 percent of patients with vitamin D deficiencies passed away at the six-month mark compared to none of the patients with healthy vitamin D levels.

"Nearly one-third of the patients who were deficient in vitamin D had died 6 months after their cardiac arrest, whereas all patients with sufficient vitamin D levels were still alive."

Scientists say people with a personal or family history of heart disease should especially avoid vitamin D deficiencies. "Other risk factors for cardiac arrest include smoking, obesity, diabetes, a sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and drinking too much alcohol," warned Dr. Wi.

A large, randomized trial is required in order to learn whether or not vitamin D supplements can actually be used to treat people that are at high risk for developing heart complications.

Sources:

http://www.escardio.org

http://www.naturalnews.com

http://www.naturalnews.com

http://www.naturalnews.com

http://www.medicinenet.com

http://science.naturalnews.com

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/047492_vitamin_D_heart_attack_nutrient_deficiency.html#ixzz3HzSGz34q

Olive oil is the healthiest choice when it comes to frying food, study finds

(NaturalNews) A new study published October 22 reinforces once again that olive oil is one of the best oils for cooking compared to other seed oils. Researchers based their conclusion on a few different factors, including nutritional content and the oil's ability to maintain quality under high temperatures.

Published in the American Chemical Society's (ACS) Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, scientists note that various oils have different physical, chemical and nutritional properties that can be degraded under high heat and repeated use.

Many cooking oils can become impaired while heating in the pan or frying, and the food that you're cooking can actually also lose its nutritional content, making your choice of oil critical for producing a healthy dish.

Mohamed Bouaziz, one of the study's authors, and his colleagues say that when some oils are heated to certain temperatures they can change form and create new compounds that are potentially toxic to consume. These byproducts contribute to the reduction of the food's nutritional content.

Olive oil withstands high temps, maintaining its impeccable, healthy qualities, scientists say

"The researchers deep- and pan-fried raw potato pieces in four different refined oils -- olive, corn, soybean and sunflower -- and reused the oil 10 times.

"They found that olive oil was the most stable oil for deep-frying at 320 and 374 degrees Fahrenheit, while sunflower oil degraded the fastest when pan-fried at 356 degrees," stated the ACS press release.

"They conclude that for frying foods, olive oil maintains quality and nutrition better than seed oils." Olive oil is one of those ancient gems of a food that has been around for centuries, particularly in the Mediterranean.

The best type to use is "virgin" or "extra virgin" olive oil, as fewer chemicals have been used for extraction. The more chemicals involved in extracting the oil from olives, the more it loses its nutritional value, according to a Natural News report published last May on the oil's benefits.

"True virgin olive oil has an abundance of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It has been used for centuries for its anti-inflammatory properties. Because it is derived directly from the fruit of the plant, it also helps with digestion."

Olive oil extremely useful in treating a variety of ailments, studies find

The health benefits don't stop there.

Oleocanthal, the phytonutrient in olive oil, actually mimics the effect of ibuprofen in that it reduces inflammation and can decrease women's risk of developing breast cancer and its recurrence, according to the Olive Oil Times.

Scientists are also studying other compounds found in the ancient oil including squalene and lignans, which could possibly help fight cancer. Olive oil is rumored to reduce the risk for heart disease, as it lowers the body's levels of total blood cholesterol. Regular consumption may decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, scientists say.

One "prominent cardiologist" recommends consuming up to two tablespoons a day to fully enjoy the oil's various benefits, reports the Olive Oil Times.

"Although the reasons are still not fully clear, recent studies have proved that people with diets containing high levels of olive oil are less likely to develop rheumatiod arthritis.

"A high consumption of olive oil appears to improve bone mineralization and calcification. It helps calcium absorption and so plays an important role in aiding sufferers and in preventing the onset of Osteoporosis."

Older individuals who consume olive oil daily are better protected against having a stroke, according to a recent study conducted in France and published in the online issue of Neurology. The "intensive" consumers of olive oil experienced 41 percent fewer strokes compared to those that didn't use the oil at all.

Sources:

http://www.acs.org

http://pubs.acs.org

http://www.oliveoiltimes.com

http://www.naturalnews.com

http://science.naturalnews.com

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/047476_olive_oil_healthy_food_fried_foods.html#ixzz3HqdUtKWc