Thread: Nutrition’s role in mental health: Research shows a healthy diet promotes psychologic

Macular degeneration may be prevented by simply eating more leafy greens


(Natural News) Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss in older people. In the U.S., it affects 11 million people, and experts estimate that this number will double by 2050. To lower your chances of developing this eye condition, research suggests that you eat more leafy green vegetables.Researchers attribute … [Read More...]

How to get rid of your child’s sinus infection naturally


(Natural News) A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, is a common condition both in adults and children. The latter, however, is more vulnerable to infection and should require more care than their grown-up counterparts.While no parent wants to see his or her child suffer, it's important to note that going to the doctor for … [Read More...]

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Remove Skin Tag and Mole Without Surgery Nature Nurture

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Korean angelica, or purple parsnip, found to reduce fat in the liver and balance blood sugar



(Natural News) Because of the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes, its prevention and management have become a major global public health challenge. A medicinal plant called Korean angelica (Angelica gigas), also known as purple parsnip, shows potential in lowering blood sugar levels and reducing fatty liver in people with Type 2 … [Read More...]

TCM’s Coptis chinensis found to have neuroprotective effects against disease causes by oxidative stress, including Parkinson’s



(Natural News) A team of researchers from Germany and China assessed the potential protective effects of Chinese goldthread, scientifically known as Coptis chinensis, against diseases associated with oxidative stress, such as Parkinson’s disease. The team published their findings in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine. In … [Read More...]

Avoiding cholera after SHTF: What you need to know to be prepared



(Natural News) Cholera is a serious case of diarrhea caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which naturally lives in seawater. When it enters the gut, it produces a toxin that poisons a vital cellular transport protein. Most cases of cholera occur because of fecal-contaminated water. It coats the surfaces of shellfish and marine … [Read More...]

Maintain your sanity as well as your health: Coffee is full of antioxidants



(Natural News) You might joke that you can’t function without your morning coffee, but there could be more truth to that statement than you think. That’s because coffee is full of antioxidants that benefit your health in a surprising number of ways.In fact, beverages are a far bigger source of antioxidants for most people who consume a … [Read More...]

Here’s another reason to love blueberries: They protect against inflammation

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(Natural News) Blueberries are among the most well-known and best-loved superfoods on the planet. Aside from being a delicious and versatile food ingredient, blueberries also provide plenty of essential nutrients and disease-fighting phytonutrients. For instance, research suggests that blueberries have one of the highest antioxidant levels of all plant-based foods. Antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress, a harmful event that has been linked to various age-related chronic diseases, such as heart disease, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.
The antioxidants in blueberries are classified as flavonoids. Members of this class possess a wide range of biological activities and are collectively known as polyphenols. Research suggests that polyphenols are the most abundant and widely distributed group of bioactive molecules present in plants. They are also responsible for many of the medicinal properties exhibited by plants.
In a recent study, researchers at Texas Woman’s University investigated the usefulness of polyphenols present in blueberries in controlling or reducing inflammation. Induced by oxidative stress, inflammation — especially if it becomes persistent — is closely linked to the development of many chronic diseases, such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
The researchers discussed the anti-inflammatory activities of BBPs in an article published in the Journal of Medicinal Food.
Blueberry polyphenols can be used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

RA is an autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disease that destroys joints and causes disability in older adults. The etiology of RA is poorly understood and there is no mainstream cure for this disease.
According to research, the accumulation and proliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes — non-immune cells that make up the membranous tissue that lines joint cavities — may be involved in the destruction of cartilage commonly observed in RA. On the other hand, in vivo and in vitro studies suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of dietary polyphenols derived from fruits and vegetables could help prevent this destruction.
To examine the anti-inflammatory activities of blueberry polyphenols against RA, the researchers first stimulated rabbit synoviocytes with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a), a cell signaling protein (cytokine) released by immune cells that plays a huge role in systemic inflammation. They then treated the synoviocytes with different doses of blueberry polyphenols.
The researchers found that the pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-a, increased synoviocyte proliferation by around 19 percent, but treatment with blueberry polyphenols significantly decreased proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. The polyphenol-treated synoviocytes also showed decreased levels of interleukin (IL)-1B and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB).
IL-1B is a cytokine required for activating the innate immune response. Its role is to mediate the release of other pro-inflammatory cytokines, especially in the presence of an infection. NF-kB, on the other hand, is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of genes involved in inflammation. (Related: Blueberries offer a variety of health benefits — add heart-healthy to the list.)
The researchers also reported that that the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 3, a key enzyme involved in the pathogenesis of RA, increased fivefold in the control TNF-a-stimulated group but decreased by threefold in the blueberry polyphenol-treated group, clearly showing the anti-RA activities of blueberry’s active components.
Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that blueberry polyphenols can reduce inflammation associated with RA by downregulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the transcription factor, NF-kB.

Sources include:
Science.news
Healthline.com
DovePress.com
TAndFOnline.com
FrontiersIn.org 1
FrontiersIn.org 2
LiebertPub.com

Here’s another reason to love blueberries: They protect against inflammation – NaturalNews.com

Researchers study coconut oil as a natural treatment for antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, severe burns


(Natural News) Antibiotic resistance is a genuine health threat. It is considered one of the major health issues of this age. Severe burn victims are particularly susceptible to antibiotic-resistant infection because their body tissues create a niche environment for pathogens. Antibiotic ointments used to be an effective treatment but the … [Read More...]

Food storage tips: How to make DIY dehydrated meals


(Natural News) Dehydration is one of the easiest and least expensive methods of food preservation. For one, it is a great option for storing extra produce after an abundant harvest. Dried, nutrient-dense foods are also an indispensable part of any prepper's stockpile. Benefits of food dehydration Dehydrating food is as simple as it … [Read More...]