Cranberry Facts – Antioxidants: The Key Ingredients for Health and Longevity

Holistic Natural Health Newsletter – Focus on Antioxidants and Free Radicals

You may wonder what antioxidants are and why they are so vital to maintaining good help. Read about their benefits
and how antioxidants neutralize free radicals that break down normal, healthy cells which is one of the causes that
lead to disease.

Here is an article sharing recent research which confirms cranberry is one of the best sources of antioxidants.

Cranberry Facts and Health Benefits as an Antioxidant

The cranberry, long known for its health benefits, has recently received high ratings for its antioxidant levels. This has lead to supplementation in popular forms like:

• cranberry concentrate powder
• cranberry seed oil
• cranberry pills
• unsweetened cranberry juice diet

The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry just published the results of a United States Department of Agriculture
research study that measured the antioxidant capacity of one hundred common foods, including fruits, vegetables,
nuts, dried fruits, spices, cereals, infant food and others. The research showed cranberry to be one of the highest
sources of antioxidants of all foods tested.

“This is just the latest in a significant body of research that confirms the great health benefits of cranberries,” notes
Martin Starr, PhD, Science Advisor to the Cranberry Institute. The medical and health community is fast recognizing
antioxidants as premier disease fighters.

Antioxidants Like Cranberries Can Slow Down Cancer Cell Growth

Mounting scientific evidence supports the conclusion that a diet with antioxidant-rich foods such as fruits and
vegetables can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, other
preliminary studies show that cranberries contain specific nutrients that can slow cancer cell growth.

What exactly are antioxidants? Antioxidants neutralize a type of unstable cells in the body called free radicals.
These free radicals break down normal, healthy cells and cause disease. Free radicals are sometimes produced through
normal metabolism and the body’s immune system can intentionally create free radicals to fight viruses and bacteria.
However, environmental factors such as pollution, cigarette smoke and chemicals can also promote their formation.
Antioxidants are the body’s natural defense against these damaging compounds.

While the human body produces antioxidants naturally, conditions of stress can severely impair our bodies’ ability
to produce them. Stress can also tax the antioxidants the body does produce, creating an additional need. Therefore,
nutritionists and other healthcare professionals recommend a diet rich in fruits and vegetables as a good source
of supplemental antioxidants. The cranberry’s high antioxidant content makes this fruit a great choice.

Cranberries and Cranberry products
offer many additional health benefits. Research has shown that compounds in cranberries, known as flavonoids, may
inhibit bacterial adhesion in the body. This anti-adhesion property helps prevent urinary tract infections, and possibly
the development of certain ulcers and periodontal disease. Compounds in cranberries may also help prevent the progression
of atherosceloric plaques that lead to cardiovascular disease. Research on these areas and on additional health benefits
is ongoing.

The Cranberry Institute is dedicated to supporting research and increasing awareness about the health benefits of
the cranberry. For more information, visit www.cranberryinstitute.org.

Reprinted with permission from The Food Safety Network, www.foodsafetynetwork.ca

Holy Basil – Sacred Versatility

Holy Basil (Ocimum
sanctum), is also known as Sacred Basil or Indian Basil and Tulsi in Sanskrit, which means “the incomparable
one.” This herb is worshipped in Hindu religious rituals and traditions as a sacred symbol.

Ayurvedic Medicine
sees great medicinal significance for Holy Basil. It is an elixir that offers healing on the three levels of spirit, mind, and body. It holds properties which help provide support for the respiratory system, it helps with flu and colds and other related ailments. Ayurvedic treatments use Holy Basil for fever symptoms, digestive problems, colic, bloating, earaches, Other uses are for ringworm,
as a repellant for mosquitoes and malaria.

Current research shows Holy Basil having therapeutic properties which is quite potent to help peptic ulcer sufferers because of its ulcer healing properties. Here are some other factors:

• Analgesic properties
• Anti-stress properties (effecting cortisol and corticosteriods hormone levels)
• Weight management
• Memory improvement
• Carbohydrate metabolism
• Blood sugar lowering properties
• Cholesterol-lowering properties.
• May reduce cataract formation
• Free radical neutralizing
• Antioxidant activity
• Protection against cancer
• Inflammatory aid
• Immune support
• Arthritis prevention

Ursolic acid, which is found in Holy Basil may be one beneficial attributes due to ursolic acid’s protective qualities on liver, nerves, and skin
tissues as well as immune modulatory effects.

To learn more about this incredible herb, click > Holy Basil

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