Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant

Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant produced by plants such as red grapes. Studies have shown that resveratrol has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and blood-sugar lowering properties. Several recent studies have indicated that resveratrol may also provide cardiovascular and blood sugar benefits as well.

The Benefits of Resveratrol

Research reveals more about resveratrol every year. Recently it was learned that topical applications of resveratrol may provide protection from skin cancer, a disease which has been on the rise for several decades. Resveratrol has also shown promising results in studies that involve the treatment of colon cancer and esophageal tumors.

In some preliminary studies, resveratrol even prevented the growth of breast cancer tumors. Researchers believe this is because resveratrol inhibits estrogen metabolites from interacting with cellular DNA. It may even help destroy the dangerous estrogen metabolites that encourage breast cancer development.

One of its most beneficial uses may be in the prevention of heart disease, which is one of the world`s leading killers. Studies have shown that moderate drinking of red wine can reduce the risk of heart disease, and researchers suspect that the resveratrol in red wine provides these protective benefits. Resveratrol may also help prevent blood clots, similar to the effects of aspirin.

Resveratrol may also be beneficial in treating or preventing diabetes, another disease that has been on the rise. It`s been shown to be very helpful for lowering abnormally high blood glucose levels in diabetics. This may be an important discovery, as healthy blood sugar levels are crucial to good health.

The applications for resveratrol are potentially limitless, and future research will hopefully guide us to understand where resveratrol can help us the most.

Foods that Contain Resveratrol

Most people find that supplements are the easiest way to consume more resveratrol. However, getting nutrients through food is preferred because it is difficult to calculate how activators and complementary nutrients present in real food may enhance the power of antioxidants like resveratrol. Foods that contain resveratrol include: red grapes, peanuts, cocoa, cranberries and blueberries. Including more of these in your daily diet will naturally increase your consumption of resveratrol.

What is MSG?

Monosodium Glutamate, better known as MSG, is a form of concentrated salt added to foods to enhance the flavor. This salt version of glutamic acid is an amino acid the body can produce on its own, but the MSG we find on store shelves is processed and comes from fermented sugar beets. Because this kind of MSG is processed, it can cause many adverse reactions, including skin rashes, itching, hives, nausea, vomiting, migraine headaches, asthma, heart irregularities, depression and even seizures 

Since MSG acquired its infamous reputation for causing migraines, the food industry has given it new names and new forms, including autolyzed yeast, yeast extract, maltodextrin, hydrolyzed protein, sodium caseinate, mono-potassium glutamate, and textured protein. Consumers who are watching out for monosodium glutamate in long ingredients lists usually don't know the aliases, but should.

Because MSG is so cheap, the food industry can use much lower quality foods and simply add MSG as a flavor enhancer. Currently, there is a huge investment by the food giants in MSG medical research to convince consumers of its safety. Monsanto, the giant biotech company that creates genetically modified corn, soy and canola, also controls more than 90% of the sugar beet industry; therefore, MSG contains the gene of the pesticide Roundup. Consumers who don't filter MSG out of their diet are catching a double dose of toxicity.

Foods which contain the largest doses of MSG are spicy corn chips, many soups, certain Chinese foods, ranch dressing, sausages, hot dogs, barbecued meats, smoked meats, processed deli meats, and sauces. Also included are most powdered packets like chili, gravy, taco seasoning, French onion dip and dried dip mixes.

Ibuprofen is the polar opposite of MSG. This widely used painkiller is specifically designed to relieve symptoms from MSG headaches, but only temporarily. Unfortunately, most research on MSG is done by its manufacturers in independent labs. The FDA itself consists of food industry reps and lobbyists who help keep MSG approved, so most doctors (except naturopath doctors) will not point their finger at MSG as the cause of headaches, inflammation, weight gain, muscle pain, or nerve disorders.MSG affects nearly everyone
Consuming products loaded with MSG on an empty stomach or without water can be especially dangerous. MSG affects nearly everyone because it causes a spike in glutamic acid, which is used throughout the body as a neurotransmitter, so many migraines are accompanied by photo-sensitivity (sensitivity to light) and phono-sensitivity (sensitivity to sound). This explains why many people need to relax in a dark, quiet room to recover.

MSG compromises the way the liver and gall bladder use bile to break up fats for digestion, so many people experience diarrhea and even gall bladder attacks. Others will vomit or stir up their Irritable Bowel Syndrome 

Also, the hair cells of the ear use glutamate as a neurotransmitter, so over stimulation of these cells can result in ringing in the ears (also tinnitus or vertigo). MSG is known to cross the blood brain barrier to damage brain cells, especially in infants. Research has also shown that MSG can cause sterility in female animals 

Since there are no regulations on the potency of MSG, consumers have no way of knowing how much or how little they are getting

The sooner MSG appears in an ingredients list, the more there is in that product. Consuming MSG at any time is a risk many consumers are not willing to take.

Your best bet is to avoid MSG in general and just add your own natural spices to foods. Sea salt and fresh garlic or organic minced garlic can give a dish the same taste and flavor enhancement. Simply Tasteful's "Garlic Garlic" or "Onion Onion" and Trader Joe's "21 Seasoning Salute" are great natural seasonings that take food flavor up a notch and don't cause headaches, nausea or nerve damage.

Resveratrol lowers breast cancer risk by blocking estrogen growth factor

Researchers from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Calabria in Italy publishing in The FASEB Journal report that resveratrol blocks the effect of estrogen and can help to prevent the malignant growth of breast cancer in women. The grape/red wine derivative has been the subject of numerous scientific studies in recent years and has shown promise in lowering risks from cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia. Scientists also believe the protective nutrient may extend healthy lifespan by directly influencing mortality genes known as SIRT. Health-minded adults will want to include resveratrol from natural food sources or supplementation to reap the numerous health benefits.

To design their study, researchers used several breast cancer cell lines expressing the estrogen receptor to test the effects of resveratrol. They exposed the different cells to a solution containing resveratrol and compared the results to cells left untreated. They found an important reduction in cell growth in cells treated with resveratrol, while no changes were seen in untreated cells. Further experiments determined that this effect was caused by a critical reduction in estrogen receptors caused by the administration of resveratrol.Resveratrol Supplementation Suppresses the Growth of Malignant Breast Cancer CellsThis finding is the first of its kind as it relates specifically to the effect of resveratrol on a particular cancer cell line. The team was able to conclude that resveratrol is able to counteract the malignant progression of breast cancer cells by inhibiting the growth and spread of hormone resistant cancerous cells. This has important implications for the treatment of women with breast cancer whose tumors eventually develop resistance to hormonal therapy.

A peer review board examining the study data concluded "scientists haven't finished distilling the secrets of good health that have been hidden in natural products such as red wine." It is important to note that in this body of research, resveratrol only demonstrated an effect on malignant cancer cells and exerted no effect on non-cancerous cells.

While the authors cautioned that people should not go out and start using red wine or resveratrol supplements as a treatment for breast cancer, the finding strongly indicates that the plant-protective compound should be considered as a component in an overall plan designed to prevent the devastating disease. Nutrition experts recommend a supplemental intake (from a purified, organically derived source) of between 50 and 250 mg per day for optimal health benefits.

The Best Ways to Improve Communication Skills

Effective communication skills are important at your office and in your personal life. The strength of your communication skills can determine how much you advance in your career. These skills can also determine how well you make friends or develop relationships. If you feel that you are struggling in this area, then there are steps that you can take. The best ways to improve your communication skills are to build rapport, enunciate, relax, animate your voice and listen. 

Build Rapport 
One way to have good communication with another person is to build rapport quickly. Smiling and using eye contact are two of the most positive signals that you can send when you start a conversation. You want the other person to feel that you are happy to be talking to him or her. It is also important to have something to discuss. It is a good idea to read newspapers or watch the news in order to stay on top of current events. If you have many topics that you can talk about, then it will be easier to develop a rapport with another person. 


Enunciate 
Speak clearly when you are communicating with other people. Try to avoid mumbling or slurring your words together. It can be frustrating for the listener if it is necessary to say, "huh?" several times while you are talking. A good way to practice enunciating is to record yourself talking. You can listen to yourself and hear if you need to make some changes. 

Relax You can be a much better communicator if you simply relax. If you are nervous, then you will probably speak quickly and be difficult to understand. You may also make others feel uncomfortable. Avoid hunching your shoulders, fidgeting or toe-tapping while speaking. These are telltale signs that you are nervous. If you appear relaxed and confident, then people will likely be more interested in what you have to say. 

Animate Your Voice 
You don't want people to be bored while you are speaking. You can keep them interested if you avoid speaking in a monotone voice. You should vary your pitch and volume while you are communicating. Watch television news anchors and listen to how they animate their voices by using a range of tones. 

Listen 
Remember that communication is a two-way process. You need to hear and understand what other people are saying if you want to effectively communicate with them. People may also lose interest in talking to you if you constantly talk and never listen. A way to show someone that you have been listening is to paraphrase what he has said when you reply. A good exercise to improve listening skills is to have your spouse or a friend quiz you on details of a conversation.

How to Get Rid of Blackheads Fast at Home

Blackheads are a type of acne also known as open comedones. The blemish occurs when oil becomes lodged in the pores of the skin. When the oil is exposed to the air, it oxidizes and turns a blackened color. To prevent blackheads, control excess oil by washing the face at least twice a day with mild soap and water. You can usually get rid of blackheads fast at home without the need for a dermatologist. 

Step 1 
Boil water in a small pot. Remove the pot from the heat, pour the water into a bowl and then place your head over the bowl. Use a towel to cover your head and trap the steam in. Expose the face to the steam for at least five minutes to open up the pores. 

Step 2
Position the loop of a stainless steel blackhead extractor over a blackhead. Apply pressure to push the blackhead out of the skin. You can purchase a blackhead extractor at a beauty supply store or a drugstore. 

Step 3 
Scoop debris away with the spoon end of the blackhead extractor. Remove the excess oil and debris left behind after extracting the blackhead. Clean and sterilize the extraction tool with an alcohol wipe if you plan to get rid of multiple open comedones. 

Step 4 
Cleanse affected areas with a face wash that contains salicylic acid. Salicylic acid controls oily skin and promotes peeling to help keep your pores unclogged and free of blackheads. Wash your face with the salicylic acid cleanser using lukewarm water at least twice a day. If you experience skin sensitivity, reduce usage to once a day.