Without knowing the full consequences of how health will be affected, scientists are attempting to use nanotechology to produce new ways of administering vitamins and minerals.
Nanotechnology is the process of grinding down a substance to the thickness of 1/100,000 of the thickness of a sheet of paper.
Curcumin is one nutrient currently under nanotechnology experimentation because of it's benefits for reducing cholesterol levels, improving cardiovascular health, fighting cancer, and preventing Alzheimer's Disease.
Scientists do not know how the extremely small particle of a nutrient will react within the human body. Research shows that nanoparticles of harmless substances can become extremely dangerous. Small particles of materials, such as gold, react adversely with other materials that they would not react with when in a larger, natural state.
A spokesperson for the Resources for the Future, an economics think-tank based in Washington, DC, expresses concern that no one fully understands how nanotechnolgy will be controlled because there is no way to monitor the nanoparticles.
Until a full understanding of the safety of nanoparticles is grasped, consumers should maintain good health with natural foods and supplements as they are currently available.
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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Salt Dangerous In The Garden
Salt makes an excellent weedkiller and slug control but...... it can be very dangerous to the soil and beneficial earthworms.
Earthworms breathe through their skin taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide. They do this by secreting mucous which keeps their skin moist. Salt destroys their skin so they cannot breathe.
Earthworms and their castings are the best natural fertilizer for the soil.
Slugs can be controlled in many other natural ways without chemicals.
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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************
Earthworms breathe through their skin taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide. They do this by secreting mucous which keeps their skin moist. Salt destroys their skin so they cannot breathe.
Earthworms and their castings are the best natural fertilizer for the soil.
Slugs can be controlled in many other natural ways without chemicals.
*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************
Earthworms And E. coli
For anyone starting or switching to organic gardening and is concerned about E.coli in manure fertilizers earthworms are best friends.
Tests at the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences reveal that the earthworm digestive system acts as a filter for some types of microorganisms. Salmonella and E. coli from animal wastes are broken down to harmless substances when vermicomposted. This means that the disease causing bacteria is also processed by the earthworms in the natural environment of a garden or field. The resulting compost is the best possible natural fertilizer for plants of all kinds.
MRSA and other bacteria are rapidly becoming antibiotic resistant. Antibiotics only increase the strength of the bacteria by forcing the bacteria to mutate into even more virulent forms.
*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************
Tests at the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences reveal that the earthworm digestive system acts as a filter for some types of microorganisms. Salmonella and E. coli from animal wastes are broken down to harmless substances when vermicomposted. This means that the disease causing bacteria is also processed by the earthworms in the natural environment of a garden or field. The resulting compost is the best possible natural fertilizer for plants of all kinds.
MRSA and other bacteria are rapidly becoming antibiotic resistant. Antibiotics only increase the strength of the bacteria by forcing the bacteria to mutate into even more virulent forms.
*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************
Curry Powder and Alzheimer's
Curry and turmeric, two common cooking spices, may hold the cure for Alzheimer's Disease.
Scientists have discovered that patients taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have a lower incidence of Alzheimer's Disease. This is because Alzheimer's is caused by chronic inflammation of the brain.
NSAIDs can have serious side effects if taken for long periods of time which is common for patients taking them for arthritis. Side effects of NSAIDS include heartburn, ulcers, bleeding and many others but when taken for the long term, such as for arthritis and other inflammatory ailments they can cause heart attacks, strokes, liver and kidney problems.
Turmeric contains curcumin, a potent antioxidant, appears to reduce Alzheimer's-related inflammation in the brain tissue. Curcumin also decreases the building of the fibrous tissue associated with Alzheimer's.
In India, curcumin has been used for many years as an anti-inflammatory medication for bursitis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and arthritis.
*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************
Scientists have discovered that patients taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have a lower incidence of Alzheimer's Disease. This is because Alzheimer's is caused by chronic inflammation of the brain.
NSAIDs can have serious side effects if taken for long periods of time which is common for patients taking them for arthritis. Side effects of NSAIDS include heartburn, ulcers, bleeding and many others but when taken for the long term, such as for arthritis and other inflammatory ailments they can cause heart attacks, strokes, liver and kidney problems.
Turmeric contains curcumin, a potent antioxidant, appears to reduce Alzheimer's-related inflammation in the brain tissue. Curcumin also decreases the building of the fibrous tissue associated with Alzheimer's.
In India, curcumin has been used for many years as an anti-inflammatory medication for bursitis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and arthritis.
*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Eating Healthy For The Holidays
With all the cookies, and cakes and special holiday treats, it can be difficult to maintain a healthy weight during the Christmas season.
Holiday meals and celebrations used to be traditionally held during the last two weeks of the year. But today, Christmas begins in October, or earlier. That means a good 10 to 12 weeks of indulging on sweets and high fat treats. Almost one-fourth of the entire year.
With diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes on the increase, obesity related illnesses are on the rise.
The answer to having your Christmas cake and eating it too? Eat sensibly, in moderation, get plenty of exercise, and don't start celebrating too early.
*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************
Holiday meals and celebrations used to be traditionally held during the last two weeks of the year. But today, Christmas begins in October, or earlier. That means a good 10 to 12 weeks of indulging on sweets and high fat treats. Almost one-fourth of the entire year.
With diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes on the increase, obesity related illnesses are on the rise.
The answer to having your Christmas cake and eating it too? Eat sensibly, in moderation, get plenty of exercise, and don't start celebrating too early.
*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************
Diamond Christmas Tree
Most people would accept diamonds as a Christmas gift but how about a Diamond Christmas Tree?
In Tokyo, Japan a department store has a diamond Christmas tree with 400 diamonds for sale. It measures 16 inches tall. There are a total of 100 carats of diamonds and costs a "mere" 1.8 million dollars.
Any Christmas tree can look like a million dollars with the appropriate decorations.
Just be aware that many holiday lights and other decor may have lead coated wires.
*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************
In Tokyo, Japan a department store has a diamond Christmas tree with 400 diamonds for sale. It measures 16 inches tall. There are a total of 100 carats of diamonds and costs a "mere" 1.8 million dollars.
Any Christmas tree can look like a million dollars with the appropriate decorations.
Just be aware that many holiday lights and other decor may have lead coated wires.
*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Lower Cholesterol With Citrus
Citrus fruits are excellent for Vitamin C, antioxidants, and bioflavonoids. Combined with nutrients from Vitamin E it's an unbeatable combination to lower cholesterol levels without drugs.
A study at the the Universities of Guelph and Western Ontario showed that a combination of bioflavonoids and tocotrienols lowered total cholesterol levels by 30 percent while the ratio of LDL to HDL was improved by 29 percent.
With the dangers of side effects from cholesterol drugs on the increase, nutritional therapy is a safe alternative.
*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************
A study at the the Universities of Guelph and Western Ontario showed that a combination of bioflavonoids and tocotrienols lowered total cholesterol levels by 30 percent while the ratio of LDL to HDL was improved by 29 percent.
With the dangers of side effects from cholesterol drugs on the increase, nutritional therapy is a safe alternative.
*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************
Christmas Decorations And Lead
First it was tainted dog food. Then toothpaste. Then children's toys. And now.......... Christmas decorations are coated in lead.
When decorating your home for Christmas this year be aware that many of them have dangerous amounts of lead which can make you sick.
The problem is the plastic coating used as insulation on electric wires. The polyvinyl chloride used as a stabilizer contains the lead.
Some states have enacted laws concerning how much lead can be allowed. A warning label is required for 10 micrograms per deciliter of blood and handling an electric cord can leave 0.5 micrograms on the hand.
Be sure to read labels, wash your hands after putting up decorations, and keep all decorations out of the hands of children.
*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************
When decorating your home for Christmas this year be aware that many of them have dangerous amounts of lead which can make you sick.
The problem is the plastic coating used as insulation on electric wires. The polyvinyl chloride used as a stabilizer contains the lead.
Some states have enacted laws concerning how much lead can be allowed. A warning label is required for 10 micrograms per deciliter of blood and handling an electric cord can leave 0.5 micrograms on the hand.
Be sure to read labels, wash your hands after putting up decorations, and keep all decorations out of the hands of children.
*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************
Coffee Helps Environment
Growing coffee is good for the environment.
Recent studies show that coffee plantations make excellent wildlife habitat. Coffee and wildlife can live together without harm to either one.
In India, coffee is grown under shade of trees. So coffee fields are being planted with Silver Oak. The fast growing trees shade the coffee plants, are homes to birds, and other small mammals and, the trees themselves are harvested for timber providing more income to the coffee farmers.
Kenyan farmers are being urged to grow more coffee because of the soaring demand for specialty coffees in the United States and elsewhere.
The health benefits of coffee are slowly being discovered.
Home gardeners can use their spent coffee grounds in the garden wherever acidic soil is needed. Blueberries especially, will appreciate the addition of coffee grounds in the soil around their roots.
*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************
Recent studies show that coffee plantations make excellent wildlife habitat. Coffee and wildlife can live together without harm to either one.
In India, coffee is grown under shade of trees. So coffee fields are being planted with Silver Oak. The fast growing trees shade the coffee plants, are homes to birds, and other small mammals and, the trees themselves are harvested for timber providing more income to the coffee farmers.
Kenyan farmers are being urged to grow more coffee because of the soaring demand for specialty coffees in the United States and elsewhere.
The health benefits of coffee are slowly being discovered.
Home gardeners can use their spent coffee grounds in the garden wherever acidic soil is needed. Blueberries especially, will appreciate the addition of coffee grounds in the soil around their roots.
*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Vitamin D Helps Prevent Flu
Flu season is right around the corner. Be sure to get enough Vitamin D.
Vitamin D is a natural antibiotic and antiviral compound as compared to other vitamins which act more like antioxidants which also help to keep us healthy.
According to scientists at UCLA Vitamin D helps the body produce proteins called antimicrobial peptides. These peptides help keep us healthy by destroying bacteria, fungi and viruses, including the flu virus, that would otherwise make us ill. They also play a part in keeping the lungs infection free.
Flu is most prevalent in the winter when vitamin D levels are lowest. Children who get a lot of exposure to sunshine suffer less colds and flu than those who stay indoors. Also, children prone to lot of colds and flu were given high doses of vitamin D and stayed infection-free.
The scientists discovered that most people need anywhere from 2000 to 10,000 International Units of vitamin D a day during the winter months. In the summer the body produces more vitamin D from sunlight.
*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************
Vitamin D is a natural antibiotic and antiviral compound as compared to other vitamins which act more like antioxidants which also help to keep us healthy.
According to scientists at UCLA Vitamin D helps the body produce proteins called antimicrobial peptides. These peptides help keep us healthy by destroying bacteria, fungi and viruses, including the flu virus, that would otherwise make us ill. They also play a part in keeping the lungs infection free.
Flu is most prevalent in the winter when vitamin D levels are lowest. Children who get a lot of exposure to sunshine suffer less colds and flu than those who stay indoors. Also, children prone to lot of colds and flu were given high doses of vitamin D and stayed infection-free.
The scientists discovered that most people need anywhere from 2000 to 10,000 International Units of vitamin D a day during the winter months. In the summer the body produces more vitamin D from sunlight.
*****************************************
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
*****************************************
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