The Importance of Vitamin C Series. Part 1 of 4.

Vitamin C are you getting enough?

Part 1
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient required by the body for the development and maintenance of scar tissue, blood vessels, and cartilage. Vitamin C is also necessary for creating ATP, dopamine, peptide hormones, and tyrosine. As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C helps lessen oxidative stress to the body and is thought to lower cancer risk. Millions of years ago our bodies were capable of producing Vitamin C however we lost that ability and now depend on foods for our bodies demand for Vitamin C.

Here are some of the top foods that will provide you with much needed Vitamin C.

1. Red and Green Hot Chili Peppers

An excellent way to spice up soups, curries, and sauces, green chillies provide the most vitamin C than any other food with 242.5mg (404% DV) per 100 gram serving, 181.88mg (303% DV) in a half cup chopped, and 109.13mg (182% DV) in a single green chili pepper. Red chillies provide 144mg (240% DV) of vitamin C per 100g serving, 108mg (180% DV) per half cup chopped, and 65mg (108% DV) per pepper.

2. Guava

Depending on variety, guavas can provide as much as 228mg (381% DV) of vitamin C per 100g serving, 377mg (628% DV) per cup, and 126mg (209% DV) per fruit.

3. Bell Pepper

A staple of pasta sauce and pizza the sweet bell pepper packs a high vitamin C punch. The amount of vitamin C depends on color. Yellow peppers provide the most vitamin C with 184mg (206% DV) per 100 gram serving, 341mg (569% DV) per pepper, and 95mg (159% DV) in 10 sliced strips. Green peppers provide the least vitamin C with 132mg (220% DV) per pepper.

4. Fresh Herbs (Thyme and Parsley)

Fresh and dried herbs are packed with vitamins and health benefits, they can be used in almost any soup, stew, or as the main ingredient to a salad like tabouleh. Thyme provides the most vitamin C of any herb with 160mg (267% DV) per 100 gram serving, 1.6mg (3% DV) in a single teaspoon. Parsley provides 133mg (222% DV) per 100 gram serving, 79mg (133% DV) per cup, 5mg (9% DV) per tablespoon, 13.3mg (22% DV) in 10 sprigs.

5. Dark Leafy Greens (Kale, Mustard Greens, Garden Cress)

Dark leafy greens are more than just a source of calcium, and are packed with other vitamins including vitamin C. Raw kale provides the most vitamin C with 120mg (200% DV) per 100 gram serving, 80mg (134% DV) per cup chopped. It is followed by mustard greens which provide 70mg (117% DV) per 100 gram serving, and 29mg (65% DV) per cup chopped. Garden cress provides 69mg (115% DV) per 100 gram serving, or 35mg (58% DV) per cup.

6. Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts

Broccoli provides 89mg (149% DV) of vitamin C in a 100g serving, 81mg (135% DV) per cup chopped, 28mg (46% DV) per piece. Raw cauliflower provides much less with 46mg (77% DV) per cup, raw brussles sprouts provide 75mg (125% DV) per cup, 16mg (27% DV) per sprout.

7. Kiwi Fruit

Kiwi fruits are tart as well as decorative, they make a great addition to any fruit salad or dessert. A 100g serving will provide 93mg (155% DV) of vitamin C, that is 164 mg (273% DV) per cup, 84mg (141% DV) per fruit.

8. Papaya

In addition to vitamin C, papaya is also a great source of vitamin A and folate (vitamin B9). Papaya provides 62mg (103% DV) per 100 gram serving, that is 87mg (144% DV) per cup cubed, and 188mg (313% DV) in a medium sized papaya.

9. Oranges

Oranges, citrus fruits, and their zest (the shavings of their peel) are all high in vitamin C. Oranges provide 59mg (99% DV) per 100 gram serving, 98mg (163% DV) per cup, and 83mg (138% DV) per orange. Clementines, or tangerines, provide 49mg (81% DV) per 100 gram serving, or 36mg (60% DV) per fruit.

10. Strawberries

Strawberries are delicious and make a great addition to desserts or drinks. Strawberries provide 59mg (98% DV) per 100 gram serving, 98mg (163 % DV) per cup slices, and 11mg (18% DV) in a single large strawberry.

Further benefits of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is rapidly finding new applications in protecting against endothelial dysfunction, high blood pressure, and the blood vessel changes that precede heart disease.3 Additional research is discovering that vitamin C can be helpful in preventing asthma, protecting against cancer, and supporting healthy blood sugar levels in diabetics.

While often taken for granted, vitamin C is a critical supplement in your program to improve cardiac health and avoid degenerative diseases.

Vitamin C—Breakthroughs in Cardiovascular Health

One of the most intensely studied areas of vitamin C benefits is in the area of cardiovascular health. Researchers are finding that vitamin C impacts several aspects of cardiac health, ranging from blood pressure to endothelial health. Perhaps it’s not surprising that as the relationship between oxidative damage, inflammation, and atherosclerosis becomes increasingly investigated by science, vitamin C is seen as a key protective element against many aspects of cardiovascular disease.

For years, scientists have warned us against the dangerous buildup of plaque that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Researchers are investigating the possibilities that vitamin C may play a role in reducing our risk of plaque buildup.

In the early stages of atherosclerosis, white blood cells called monocytes migrate and stick to the walls of the endothelium. Once this process begins, our vessel walls begin to thicken and lose their elasticity, which paves the way for atherosclerosis.

Interestingly, British researchers studied the effects of vitamin C supplementation (250 mg/day) on this adhesion process in 40 healthy adults. Before the study, subjects with low pre-supplementation levels of vitamin C had 30% greater monocyte adhesion than normal, putting them at higher risk for atherosclerosis. Impressively, after six weeks of supplementation, the rate of this dangerous monocyte adhesion actually fell by 37%.

The researchers went on to demonstrate that the same small dose of vitamin C was able to normalize a molecule that white blood cells use to adhere to the endothelium. The findings indicated that through supplementation with vitamin C, scientists were able to regulate how specific genes produce vital proteins, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease at the molecular level.

Amazing Benefits of the Lemon

Amazing benefits of the Lemon!

Although we are overfed, many people are deficient in a wide variety of nutrients. This has led to a population with highly acidic bodies, creating a wide variety of conditions. In order to maintain optimal health, your blood needs to be slightly alkaline.

This of course means that our pH needs to be slightly above 7. The pH of water in its purist form is 7. Any pH below 7 is considered acidic and humans will stop functioning at a pH level below 6.8. The average pH of human blood falls between 7.35 and 7.45. Lemons are thought of as acidic, yet they have an alkalizing effect on our body. Bottled water companies are beginning to offer high pH options in an effort to appeal to those seeking an alkaline aid. However, these bottles typically cost $3 per liter or more, which is somewhat ridiculous considering the pH benefits and economics of putting some lemon in your drinking water.

1. It Balances the pH Levels in Our Body

Lemon water can help stabilize the pH of your body, preventing various health conditions. Since lemon water has a positive effect on pH levels, it helps the body remove toxins. This natural detox process is incredible for fighting off viruses and many other related ailments (especially regarding your long-term health).

2. Boosts Immune Function

When you consume lemons, you’re providing your body with high levels of vitamin C. This antioxidant is essential for a healthy immune system, reducing the risk of any infections. The vitamin C from lemons also targets inflammation, making it a great addition to anyone suffering from inflammatory conditions like asthma.

3. Benefits Skin Health.

That’s correct, the amount of water and lemon you consume, will have a direct impact on your skin. The vitamin C found in lemon, helps target free radicals. The damage caused by free radicals can contribute to skin aging appearance.

When you increase your intake of antioxidants, you’re essentially fighting off free radicals. In terms of your skin, this helps reduce the look of wrinkles, while maintaining beautifully clear skin. Lemon water has long been used as a liver stimulant, eliminating toxins from the blood. This process helps skin stay clear of blemishes.

4. Increase Brain Function

Considering our brains are made up of approximately 75% water, it’s important to drink enough each day. When you add lemon to your water, you increase the benefits even further. The potassium that is found in lemons, enhances nerve cells. In turn, this helps increase levels of concentration and memory, while producing a calming effect on the mind.

5. Detoxes Multiple Systems.

Detoxing and cleansing your body is very important for optimal health. We consume various toxins from the foods we eat, the pollution we inhale, and the stress we endure. As mentioned, lemon aid in liver detoxification. When you drink lemon water, there is an increased production of bile.

This not only helps detoxify, but boosts digestion. It also helps control the flow of bile, ensuring that the stomach is protected (preventing ulcers). Lemon water helps kick your liver into high gear, as it removes toxins at an optimal level. In terms of detoxifying effects, the same occurs within the gallbladder and kidneys as well. If you suffer from kidney stones for instance, lemon water can potentially help.

6. Improves Healing Speed

Cell regeneration is essential for healing. When you are healthy, you’re able to heal more effectively. Vitamin C is vital for cell regeneration, which is why lemon is such a great healing tool. When you continuously supply your body with vitamin C, you ensure healthier skin, teeth, bones, and joints. Although the body heals naturally, added vitamin C can give it that extra boost.

7. Curbs Appetite

Losing weight can be a challenging process. The foods you consume will have a direct effect on your weight-loss goals. In order to curve cravings, lemon water is a great solution. When you drink lemon water, you not only curb hunger, but you feel satisfied for longer periods of time. Instead of mindlessly snacking between meals, drink more lemon water.

Benefits of Glutathione

Glutathione is the body's master antioxidant.  Glutathione is a small protein produced naturally in our body when specific amino acids are present. It functions both as an antioxidant and an antitoxin and is a major defense mechanism against illness and aging. Our glutathione level actually indicates our state of health and may be an important factor in determining longevity. You will find thousands of articles and medical documents on the many benefits of Glutathione yet you will not hear much in the doctor’s office about it. The simple fact is you cannot take Glutathione and receive the benefits that it does offer because it will not absorb in digestion and is destroyed in the digestive system. Another reason is because the pharmaceutical industry will not spend the millions of dollars on a substance that naturally occurs within the body as they would be unable to patent the compound and make billions of dollars selling you their exclusive formula.   

Elevated glutathione levels have shown to slow down the aging process, detoxify and improve liver function, strengthen the immune system, and reduce the chances of developing cancer. Glutathione also works to help improve mental functions, increase energy, improve concentration, permit increased exercise, and improve heart and lung function - just to name a  few.

Athletic performance can be enhanced with elevated glutathione levels by boosting the immune system and increasing recovery time. Every time an athlete competes at his or her top level the body goes through a tremendous amount of oxidative stress and free radical damage. In most cases the athlete will take several days to several weeks before resuming their training. A classic example of this would be an Olympic lifter or a Power lifter. A power lifter typically will train 8-16 weeks in preparation for one day of competition. Weight lifting as a sport is considered to be an extreme sport, pushing the body’s limits to lift the heaviest weight possible. Serious injury and even death has occurred in both Olympic and Power lifting. Most of these athletes only complete 2-3 times yearly with some of the extreme athletes lifting 6-8 times in a year. Very rarely will you ever find a weight lifter compete more times than that. There is however one documented case of a female teenager that competed 26 times in 2006 and this young lady not only competed but she won all 26 events and set world record lifts throughout the year. She finished the year with winning 7 World Championships from several different organizations not only winning the teen divisions in her weight class but also winning the women’s open class division as well. You may wonder what this has to do with glutathione right. Well she just happened to be taking a formula that enhanced her production of glutathione in fact she was taking high doses of several amino acids and some other trace minerals that did in fact speed up her recovery time between competitions. Her name is Amanda Harris aka:Barbie Barbell and she is well aware of the benefits of enhanced glutathione levels. 

Raised glutathione levels fight the oxidation of circulating fats in the bloodstream, including cholesterol, retarding the process of plaque formation in the arteries - the underlying cause for most heart disease and stroke.

Nutrition Reviews 54: 1-30, 1996

Diabetics are prone to infections and circulatory problems leading to heart disease, kidney failure and blindness. Glutathione protects against the complications of diabetes.

Clinical Science 91: 575-582, 1996

Increased Glutathione levels have shown to provide significant reduction in inflammation of the joints. Tendonitis and arthritis are reduced when Glutathione levels are elevated.

New England Journal of Medicine MXVI – 256-277 1997

Glutathione protects the body from the inflammation of gastritis, stomach ulcers, pancreatitis and inflammatory bowel disease including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Gut 42: 485-492, 1998

The liver is the major storehouse for glutathione. Glutathione is impaired in alcoholic hepatitis as well as in viral hepatitis A, B, and C. Raised glutathione levels restore liver function.

American Journal of Gastroenterology 91: 2569-2573, 1996

Raised glutathione levels help increase strength and endurance. Those interested in physical fitness can benefit from a definite athletic edge.

Journal of Applied Physiology 87: 1381-1385, 1999

Strong muscular activity, such as that experienced by athletes, generates oxyradicals [free radicals] leading to muscle fatigue and poorer performance. Glutathione neutralizes these radicals.

Sport Medicine 21: 213-238, 1996

Antioxidants are well documented and known to possess vital roles in health maintenance and disease prevention. Glutathione is your cell's own major antioxidant. Maintaining elevated glutathione levels aids the body's natural antioxidant function.

Biochemical Pharmacology 47: 2113-2123 1994

L-Glutathione Deficiency

There is the possibility of a deficiency of Glutathione. It is typically seen in aging. For example, it is seen in age related macular degeneration, diabetes, as well as lung and gastrointestinal diseases. It can be the cause of pre-eclampsia, Parkinson's, AIDS, and other neurodegenerative diseases.

The Benefits of Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)

The Benefits of Sodium Bicarbonate

(Baking Soda)

According to the result of research findings, cancer is a lactic acid, which is formed when a certain kind of fungus or mold lives in an environment devoid of oxygen. It was also discovered that by passing a very high concentration of oxygen molecules through cancer cells, it could destroy them completely.

It is really very difficult for anyone to wrap their head around the idea that a substance as common as sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) can offer much more benefits than most of the pharmaceutical drugs that cost so much. There is however fascinating evidence that proves that sodium bicarbonate can indeed cure a lot of serious diseases, such as cancer and diabetes. Medical practitioners have also been advised to use it since it offers amazing benefits.

Sodium bicarbonate, it must be noted, is a very widely researched substance, which has been used for several years even by oncologists. The toxicity of chemotherapy and radiation are such that could destroy vital organs of the body, like the liver and kidneys, therefore, sodium bicarbonate is usually given periodically to patients to prevent this possibility.

All over the world, multitudes add sodium bicarbonate to their drinking water with the intention of curing clinical acidosis and other adverse conditions. It is a well known fact that sodium bicarbonate has saved a lot of lives in the emergency rooms. The combination of baking soda with other natural substances like iodine and magnesium chloride produces a mixture that is a wonder in the medical world.

A major issue with regards to human physiology is the problem of a lack of bicarbonate ions. This results in a decrease in the pH value of the blood. Enzymes are a fundamental part of biochemical reactions and they are highly sensitive to pH levels. They work best in an environment that is not acidic. The fact that cells function better in a slightly alkaline environment gives credence to the effectiveness of baking soda.

Diet plays a very important role in keeping the pH levels of the blood at acceptable levels. Unfortunately,our modern diet encourages a decrease in the pH level, making it acidic. Cellular activities and functions are drastically hampered when there is an consistent imbalance in the ph value. Cells begin to deteriorate when the pH value is acidic, leading to severe health issues like cancer, gastritis, osteoporosis, diabetes and heart disease, among others.

Sodium bicarbonate helps to transport oxygen by dilating the blood vessels and releasing oxygen into the cell tissues, thereby increasing the pH value. When the pH value of urine is high, there is no crystallization of waste products in the urinary tract.

It is a known fact that uric acid causes gout, kidney stones, diabetes and heart diseases. Alcosan, which is a toxic compound is formed by fungi in an acidic environment has been shown to cause various cancers and diabetes. By orally administering baking soda, serious diseases like arthritis, gout, influenza can be prevented. It also helps the pancreas to adequately carry out its activities, which include the production of insulin and bicarbonate ions.

It does not matter if a person suffers from a terrible medical condition like the heart disease or cancer, even the flu, when a combination of sodium bicarbonate and magnesium chloride is taken orally, it provides a treatment that is both natural and safe. These work to effectively rid the tissues, cells and organs off all toxins and acids.
Sodium bicarbonate is indeed a wonderful natural substance and a nightmare to the pharmaceutical industry.