The Top 5 Healthiest Nuts
(DrEddyClinic News) For many years, nuts have gotten a bad rap for being high in fat. But in reality, nuts should be a vital part of our diet, as they are high in monounsaturated fats that help keep us heart-healthy and disease-free. Healthy nuts are also great sources of protein, minerals and other life-enhancing nutrients. Scientific studies now show that different types of nuts and seeds may support factors that help prevent heart disease, weight gain and the accumulation of LDL cholesterol.
All nuts should be organic, eaten in their raw state http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=33331, and not irradiated or roasted. In no particular order, here is my list of the five healthiest nuts you should add to your diet.
https://youtu.be/SpEdKcc41Eg
1. Almonds
A small handful of almonds gives you almost 25% of your daily needs for magnesium, and more bone-strengthening calcium as an equal amount of cow milk http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=33165.
They are also high in many antioxidants http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=32801, such as vitamin E http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=32131 and selenium. Studies show that almonds may play an important role in preventing colon cancer due to their high fiber content. Almonds also helps lower negative forms of cholesterol in the blood stream.
2. Walnuts
One of the best nuts on earth, walnuts may actually support your brain function http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=33268. Studies show that consumption of walnuts is related to heart-health, better cognitive function, as well as the reduction of skin and bone conditions. Packed full of an antioxidant known as ellagic acid, researchers have shown that walnuts contain 16 disease-fighting polyphenols.
3. Pecans
Recent clinical studies show that pecans significantly lower cholesterol. Pecans are also a great source of over twenty essential vitamins and minerals.
4. Brazil Nuts
Brazil Nuts are Healthy
High in heart-healthy nutrients and minerals like copper, niacin, vitamin E, fiber, magnesium, and selenium, studies on Brazil nuts show that they are a protein-packed snack that may aid in the prevention of breast cancer.
5. Cedar Nuts
Siberian cedar nuts, originating in Russia, hold 70% of the essential amino acids your body needs. They also contain high amounts of vitamins A, B and D, and tocopherol-containing vitamin E. This exotic nut also contains a fatty acid similar to fish oil http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=33213, which is known for reducing the amount of LDL cholesterol, keeping the arterial walls free of disease-causing inflammation http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=33403 and plaque.
Raw nuts are a big part of my diet and pack more energy than any other food. They make a healthy snack that is low in calories and can be a great addition to your diet.
– Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM
Are you eating glyphosate for breakfast? The numbers surrounding breakfast food toxicity are astounding
by: David Gutierrez
glyphosate, breakfast food, Monsanto
(DrEddyClinic News) Residues of the toxic herbicide glyphosate can be found on many popular breakfast foods, some of them in levels higher than maximums set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), according to an analysis conducted by the Alliance for Natural Health USA (ANH-USA).
The foods found to be tainted included breakfast cereals, eggs and bagels. Additionally, the researchers discovered evidence that glyphosate can accumulate in the human body.
Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Monsanto's Roundup, the top selling herbicide in the world. Roundup was first introduced in 1974, but its use did not explode until the introduction of the first Roundup-resistant genetically modified (GM) crops in the 1990s.
Residue on nearly half of foods tested
When it was introduced, glyphosate was touted as biodegradable and harmless to humans and the environment alike. Accepting this claim, neither the FDA Pesticide Residue Monitoring Program and the USDA Pesticide Data Program ever bothered to collect information on glyphosate or its presence in food products.
Numerous studies have in fact demonstrated dangerous effects from low-level glyphosate exposure http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=117&t=33544, including hormonal disruption, organ damage and birth defects. But regulators largely ignored these risks — until in 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as a probable carcinogen.
Following the IARC's warning, the FDA announced it would begin testing for glyphosate http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=117&t=35548 residue on corn and soybeans — nearly all of which, in the United States, are GM. Yet according to ANH-USA, this will overlook many foods likely exposed to large amounts of Roundup. So the group contracted an independent, accredited lab to test both conventional and organic versions of 12 different breakfast foods: corn flakes, instant oatmeal, cream of wheat, flour, bread, bagels, potatoes, frozen hash browns, eggs, yogurt, and both dairy and non-dairy creamers. Of the 24 samples, 10 came back with detectable glyphosate residue. From most residue to least, these were: instant oatmeal, whole wheat bagels, whole wheat bread, cream of wheat cereal, organic eggs, organic bagels, organic whole wheat bread, organic dairy creamer, large eggs and organic soy creamer.
Half of these contained levels above the EPA's Allowable Daily Intake (ADI) of 1.75 mg per kg of bodyweight. Even among these, there was wide variation: Organic eggs contained 179 parts per billion (ppb) of residue; bagels and bread contained 400–500 ppb; and instant oatmeal contained more than 1,300 ppb.
Any level unsafe
However, any detectable residue is likely problematic, as the EPA's ADI has been criticized as too high for a number of reasons. The level is based on industry tests using high levels of pure glyphosate on laboratory animals, and therefore does not take into account the potential for chronic or long-term health effects from lower doses. This is a particular gap since endocrine-disrupting activity, which glyphosate demonstrates http://www.glyphosate.news/, often occurs at concentrations close to 1 ppb.
Industry tests also fail to account for potential effects caused or exacerbated by the additives ("adjuvants") added to glyphosate to make up the final product, Roundup.
Finally, the concept of an ADI fails to take into account that widespread contamination of food http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=21 and water with Roundup makes it likely that exposure will exceed safe levels even if none of the foods people consume exceed the EPA's threshold.
Notably, the EPA's ADI is nearly six times higher than that set by the European Union.
ANH-USA drew attention to two disturbing implications of its findings. First of all, the highest levels of glyphosate residue were found on foods that come from wheat and oats, which are not Roundup-resistant. This means that non-GM crops are also widely contaminated, likely through the practice of using Roundup as a desiccant to ensure a synchronized harvest.
Second, the presence of residue in eggs and dairy creamer suggests that glyphosate is accumulating in the bodies of animals that eat tainted crops. That means glyphosate is likely to accumulate in human bodies, as well.
The presence of high residue levels on organic grains is also cause for concern.
To learn more about contaminants in your food and what you can do to avoid them, check out Food Forensics, the new book by Mike Adams, director of CWC Labs and editor of Natural News. The book comes out July 26, but you can get a free sneak peek at the first two chapters here http://foodforensics.com/.
Sources for this article include:
http://www.anh-usa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ANHUSA-glyphosate-breakfast-study-FINAL.pdf
http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=122&t=33420
http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=117&t=36398
http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=4999
http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=117&t=33544
What are Polyphenols?
(DrEddyClinic News) Polyphenol is a generic term for the several thousand plant-based molecules that have antioxidant properties. The health benefits of antioxidants http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=32801 are well known and polyphenols are also helpful for regulating enzyme function and stimulating cell receptors. [1] Polyphenols are divided into four primary groups: phenolic acids, lignans, stilbenes, and flavonoids. [2] Plants with polyphenol activity have played a major role in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine http://www.dreddyclinic.com/ayurvedic/ayurvedic.php for centuries. With an anti-inflammatory action, support for the liver http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=32521, and promoting normal circulatory health, their benefits are plentiful.
6 Benefits of Polyphenol Consumption
Polyphenols are available in a wide variety of unprocessed raw vegetables and fruits. With the explosion of polyphenol research and the extensive discussion in scientific journals, potential therapeutic applications for these compounds have been discovered. Here are just a few of the benefits related to polyphenols.
1. Skin Protection
The consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, and antioxidant-rich beverages may protect the skin from UV radiation. Resveratrol, a compound in red wine, has active polyphenic qualities that aid in protecting the skin. Other compounds, like silymarin, genistein, delphinidin, pomegranate fruit http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=33846 extract, grape seed, proanthocyanidins, and green tea polyphenols, may also ward off UV damage. [3]
2. Brain Health
The antioxidant effect of polyphenols offers holistic support for the aging neurological system, possibly combating the early onset of dementia-like symptoms. Polyphenols have been linked with lower risk for Alzheimer’s disease http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=32004, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=34263, and Huntington’s disease. Researchers also note that polyphenols offer a holistic approach to neurological health by addressing the complex physiology involved with certain brain disorders. [4]
3. Supports Normal Blood Sugar
Glucose management is an issue for many people in the United States, with about 1 out of every 10 people having type II diabetes or prediabetes. Flavonoids, a group of polyphenols, has displayed beneficial effects for supporting normal blood sugar levels. These flavonoids, typically found in foods like tea http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=33274 and cocoa, appear to enhance insulin secretion, reduce cell death, regulate glucose metabolism, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce oxidative stress, and increase glucose uptake by cells. [5]
4. Nutritional Support for Cancer?
While polyphenols won’t cure cancer, research has explored their potential therapeutic role. Some polyphenols appear to offer protection against carcinogens — cancer-causing substances present in food and the environment. [6] [7] Although coffee raises an eyebrow among some health-conscious consumers, research suggests that the polyphenols in coffee http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=33660 may help to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. [8]
5. Blood Pressure
Studies indicate flavonoids, like catechins, anthocyanins, and phenolic acids, are important dietary compounds that support normal blood pressure by inhibiting the physiological mechanisms which trigger hypertension http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=33765. [9]
6. Cardiovascular Health
Polyphenols found in cocoa have been shown to reduce cardiovascular stress through the inhibition of LDL cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/hh/highbloodcholesterol.php, oxidation. These compounds also increase the vasodilation of blood vessels to promote circulation. [10] Keep in mind that organic dark chocolate http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=33069, 72% cacao and above, is where the benefits have been found. In other words, cheap candy is not good for your health.
The Best Sources of Polyphenols
Natural foods like vegetables http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=33996, fruits, tea, coffee, and red wine are some of the primary sources of polyphenols. Citrus fruits contain specific types of polyphenols, like flavanones, while other fruits contain a wider range of polyphenols. It’s believed that growing conditions play a substantial role in polyphenol content. To ensure the best and most potent sources of polyphenols from foods, choose produce that is organic and non-GMO http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=117&t=33432. Local foods may also be fresher and more abundant in their natural antioxidant compounds compared with imported varieties.
by Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM
References:
1. Elliott Middleton Jr., Chithan Kandaswami, and Theoharis C. Theoharides. The Effects of Plant Flavonoids on Mammalian Cells:Implications for Inflammation, Heart Disease, and Cancer http://pharmrev.aspetjournals.org/content/52/4/673.full. Pharmacological Reviews December 1, 2000 vol. 52 no. 4 673-751.
2. Claudine Manach, Augustin Scalbert, Christine Morand, Christian Rémésy, and Liliana Jiménez. Polyphenols: food sources and bioavailability http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/79/5/727.full#ref-1. Am J Clin Nutr May 2004 vol. 79 no. 5 727-747.
3. Afaq F, Katiyar SK. Polyphenols: skin photoprotection and inhibition of photocarcinogenesis http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22070679. Mini Rev Med Chem. 2011 Dec;11(14):1200-15.
4. Bhullar KS, Rupasinghe HP. Polyphenols: multipotent therapeutic agents in neurodegenerative diseases http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23840922. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2013;2013:891748. doi: 10.1155/2013/891748.
5. Babu PV, Liu D, Gilbert ER. Recent advances in understanding the anti-diabetic actions of dietary flavonoids http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24029069. J Nutr Biochem. 2013 Sep 9. pii: S0955-2863(13)00127-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2013.06.003.
6. Moon YJ, Wang X, Morris ME. Dietary flavonoids: effects on xenobiotic and carcinogen metabolism http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16289744. Toxicology in Vitro. 2006 March;20(2):187-201.
7. Lautraite S, Musonda AC, Doehmer J, Edwards GO, Chipman JK. Flavonoids inhibit genetic toxicity produced by carcinogens in cells expressing CYP1A2 and CYP1A1 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11752233. Mutagenesis. 2002 January;17(1):45-53.
8. Wang ZJ, Ohnaka K, Morita M, Toyomura K, Kono S, Ueki T, Tanaka M, Kakeji Y, Maehara Y, Okamura T, Ikejiri K, Futami K, Maekawa T, Yasunami Y, Takenaka K, Ichimiya H, Terasaka R. Dietary polyphenols and colorectal cancer risk: the Fukuoka colorectal cancer study http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23674876. World J Gastroenterol. 2013 May 7;19(17):2683-90. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i17.2683.
9. Huang WY, Davidge ST, Wu J. Bioactive natural constituents from food sources-potential use in hypertension prevention and treatment http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23627503. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2013;53(6):615-30. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2010.550071.
10. Arranz S, Valderas-Martinez P, Chiva-Blanch G, Casas R, Urpi-Sarda M, Lamuela-Raventos RM, Estruch R. Cardioprotective effects of cocoa: clinical evidence from randomized clinical intervention trials in humans http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23650217. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2013 Jun;57(6):936-47. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201200595.
Iodine Deficiency and Pregnancy
(DrEddyClinic News) Although your body requires iodine http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=33651, it doesn’t produce any on its own. You need to get enough through food or supplementation. Inadequate iodine levels are something you want to avoid. Your thyroid requires iodine to manage your metabolism and regulate your hormone production. If these processes are out of whack, you can experience problems like fatigue, depression http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/dd/depressionpostpartum.php, a low body temperature, weight gain, or goiter http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/gg/goiter.php.
The Importance of Iodine During Pregnancy
For pregnant women, the situation is compounded http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=116&t=33422. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy can cause long-lasting harm to the mother and create serious, if not fatal, consequences for the fetus; especially for brain development. Studies have shown that even mild iodine deficiency during pregnancy can be harmful to a child’s cognitive development. [1] Unfortunately, this damage is irreversible and often influences brain function. [2] [3]
Iodine deficiency is not an issue pregnant, or thinking of becoming pregnant, women should be nonchalant about, the results can be serious and it’s more common than you think. In Belgium, for example, a study found thyroid disorders affected 1 in 6 pregnant women. [4] Monitoring and managing iodine intake during pregnancy can ensure the long-term health of the mother and child.
Looking beyond the nutritional requirement for this essential element, recent studies have taken a look to other impacts of iodine deficiency and their causes…
Iodine and Pre-Eclampsia
Unexpected seizures can happen during pregnancy, this is a very serious, life-threatening condition called eclampsia. High blood pressure http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/hh/highbloodpressure.php and large amounts of protein in the urine can be a signal that eclampsia is next — and it cannot be ignored. Although eclampsia as a whole is a much larger topic than we’ll cover here, findings have suggested hypothyroidism http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/hh/hypothyroidism.php during pregnancy influences the severity of pre-eclampsia. [5]
As a side note on the subject of pre-eclampsia… another study revealed that thyroid hormones and selenium did not change the result of pre-eclampsia. However, it did indicate a reduction in both miscarriages and preterm births, and fewer occurrences of post-partum thyroiditis in women who took selenium. [6]
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE’s)
While the term may not be familiar, it is very likely you have been over-exposed to these toxic chemicals. PBDEs were used (until recently) as a flame retardant and have been found in the tissue of almost every North American! Feeling violated? You should, because they are connected to maternal thyroid levels.
PBDE’s have been found to play a role in the amount of thyroid hormone in the umbilical cord. In animal models, PBDE’s have been shown to reduce levels of thyroxine (one of the two important thyroid hormones). While human studies have produced less clear results, the nature of this contamination suggests monitoring iodine levels to protect thyroid health http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=33533. [7]
Iodine Deficiency and Obesity During Pregnancy
Low thyroxine levels have been found in women with increased body weight. In pregnant women, obesity has been identified as a risk factor which may lead to thyroid dysfunction. A recent study found that obese women, already at risk of iodine deficiency http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=32229, have a substantially higher risk of hypothyroxinaemia. This is especially true during the first trimester and can lead to developmental issues. [8]
Iodine Intake During the Last Trimester
Supporting healthy iodine levels during the first two trimesters is imperative to support normal fetal neural development for the fetus and healthy post-partum thyroid function for the mother. The third trimester is just as important. A 2013 study found that iodine consumption during the third trimester had a positive correlation with adequate thyroid hormones at the time of delivery. [9]
Supplementing With Iodine
The consequences of improper nutrition is the sort of topic that can keep pregnant women awake at night. Improper neural development isn’t the sort of thing any expecting mother is hoping for. But, it’s important to know that iodine levels are within your control and can be managed through dietary http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=33836 and supplemental iodine. There are a few forms of iodine http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=33606 available, I always recommend nascent iodine http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=33657.
Is iodine intake something you are, or were, on top of during your pregnancy? Please leave a comment below and share your experience with us. It’d be great to get some feedback on the subject!
GHC http://ghc.us/dreddyclinic youtube Video
Watch an In-Depth Video on
Everything You Need to Know About Iodine
Video Length: 60 minutes
https://youtu.be/oDRd40VK5PY
by Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM
References:
1. Mild iodine deficiency in pregnancy harms child’s development. Nurs Stand. 2013 Aug 21;27(51):16.
2. Pearce EN. Monitoring and effects of iodine deficiency in pregnancy: still an unsolved problem? http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23321572 Eur J Clin Nutr. 2013 May;67(5):481-4. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2012.215. Epub 2013 Jan 16.
3. Bougma K, Aboud FE, Harding KB, Marquis GS. Iodine and mental development of children 5 years old and under: a systematic review and meta-analysis http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23609774. Nutrients. 2013 Apr 22;5(4):1384-416. doi: 10.3390/nu5041384.
4. Moreno-Reyes R, Glinoer D, Van Oyen H, Vandevijvere S. High prevalence of thyroid disorders in pregnant women in a mildly iodine-deficient country: a population-based study http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23846819. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013 Jul 11.
5. Kharb S, Sardana D, Nanda S. Correlation of thyroid functions with severity and outcome of pregnancy http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23634328. Ann Med Health Sci Res. 2013 Jan;3(1):43-6. doi: 10.4103/2141-9248.109478.
6. Reid SM, Middleton P, Cossich MC, Crowther CA, Bain E. Interventions for clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism pre-pregnancy and during pregnancy http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23728666. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 May 31;5:CD007752. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD007752.pub3.
7. Chevrier J. Invited commentary: maternal plasma polybrominated diphenyl ethers and thyroid hormones–challenges and opportunities http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23924577. Am J Epidemiol. 2013 Sep 1;178(5):714-9. doi: 10.1093/aje/kwt138. Epub 2013 Aug 7.
8. Gowachirapant S, Melse-Boonstra A, Winichagoon P, Zimmermann MB. Overweight increases risk of first trimester hypothyroxinaemia in iodine-deficient pregnant women http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23937433. Matern Child Nutr. 2013 Aug 13. doi: 10.1111/mcn.12040.
9. Velasco I, Martin J, Gallego M, Gutierrez-Repiso C, Santiago P, Lopez-Siguero JP, Gonzalez Mesa E, Herrera Peral J, Perez V, Garcia-Fuentes E, Soriguer-Escofet F. Maternal-fetal thyroid function at the time of birth and its relation with iodine intake http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23763592. Thyroid. 2013 Jun 13.
