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C (vitamin)
Category: nutrient
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant. Take it in combination
with vitamin E, selenium, zinc. Vitamin C has a sparing
effect on vitamin E (ie. vitamin C has the ability to regenerate
vitamin E, making
vitamin E reusable. This lessens our bodies requirement
of vitamin E, and will need less vitamin E to achieve the
same amount of benefits.
Vitamin C is also
important for collagen formation and tissue repair, fights
bacteria and viruses, reduces the severity and duration
of colds, maintains vascular health, increases iron absorption.
Deficiency symptoms include bleeding gums, poor wound healing,
bruise easily, nosebleeds, impaired digestion.
>> More
info on Vitamin C (immunity booster, male fertility enhancer,
cancer fighter)
Caffeine
Category: Chemical element / stimulant – major constituent
of coffee
Caffeine is considered a nutrient destroyer. Besides destroying
may important nutrients, it also increases blood pressure
and stress. Too much caffeine has also been blamed for lower
birth weight in newborn babies.
However, there have been some recent reports that coffee/caffeine
can lower the risk of: type II diabetes, Parkinson’s
disease and colon cancer. Caffeine can also treat headaches,
improve mood, and reduce dental cavities.
I am still researching the health effects of coffee, and
will update this topic once I have more information to share.
>> Coffee is
a nutrient destroyer
Calcium
Category: Nutrient / Mineral
Calcium is a mineral based nutrient important for the formation
and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. Calcium
also assists in normal blood clotting, muscle action, nerve
and heart functions.
Deficiency signs include back and leg pain, brittle bones,
insomnia, irritability and depression.
>> more
info on calcium (the bone and teeth mineral)
Camomile / Chamomile
Category: Herb / flower
The chamomile flower is often taken internally as tea. It
has antispasmodic properties and relieves digestive upsets.
Other ailments that Camomile
can treat: flatulence, gastrointestinal spasms, indigestion,
inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Chamomile tea
is often used as a bedtime beverage due to its mild sedative
effects. Tastes good on its own or with a bit of honey.
Externally, camomile extracts are useful for treating skin
inflammations.
>> more
info on Camomile
Carbohydrates
Category: Macronutrient
Carbohydrates are our main source of energy. The simplest
forms are sugars (eg. glucose, fructose, sucrose). Compounds
of several sugars are known as complex carbohydrates. The
most common of these are found in starchy foods (eg. Bread,
pasta, rice, potatoes).
During digestion, the body splits most carbohydrates into
simple sugars and will require insulin to absorb them to
use as energy. For good health, nutritionists recommend
that starchy foods should supply about half of our daily
calorie intake.
Chromium
is the nutrient mineral required for proper metabolism of
carbohydrates.
Carrots
Category: plant / vegetable / herb
/ food
Carrots contain carotene, which is good for the eyes and aids
in night vision.
The carrot seed is a diuretic and aids in dysentery, gas/wind,
scanty urine flow, worms, menstrual irregularity. Carrot
seeds crushed into powder and made into tea has been used
to relieve colic.
The carrot root is used as a stimulant for indolent ulcers,
blood-sugar reducer, treatment for diabetes, gout, heart
disease and indigestion.
Carotenoids
Category: nutrient
Carotenoids are converted to Vitamin
A in our bodies. Beta carotene is the more common of the
carotenoid family. Taking carotenoids instead of straight
vitamin A, is a better method of supplementing our bodies.
Too much Vitamin A is toxic, but taking carotenoids are not.
Our bodies will only convert the vitamin A amount that is
needed, so there is a much reduced probability of vitamin
A poisoning.
Suggestion: Have a mixture of carotenoids.
Beta carotene: 10,000
– 15,000 IU
Lycopene: 1 – 3 mg
Lutein / Zeaxanthin: 1 – 6 mg
Alpha carotene: 500 – 800 mcg (microgram)
Casimir Funk, Dr.
Category: scientist/individual
Dr. Funk was a scientist in Poland. In 1911, he coined the
term “vitamine”. He observed that certain food
components were required to prevent nutritional-deficiency
diseases (eg. beri-beri was caused by vitamin
B1 deficiency, scurvy was caused by vitamin
C deficiency, and rickets was caused by vitamin
D deficiency).
He assumed (mistakenly) that these food components were
a class of organic compounds called amines. Because they
are vital to the well being of humans, he coined the term
"vitamine" (from the two words: vital amines).
Catarrh
Category: Ailment
Catarrh is mucus in the nose, throat and chest caused by infection,
allergy or irritation of the mucous membranes.
Catechins
Category: Flavanoid phytonutrient
Catechins is a group of flavanoid phytonutrients abundant
in tea (especially green
tea). Catechins is able to prevent certain
cancers. Catechins also posseses powerful cell DNA protection
properties.
Considered a powerful antioxidant.
Celery
Category: Food / Vegetable
Celery has a calming effect on the
digestive system, relieving gas and indigestion.
It is also reputed to be useful against rheumatism
and gout. Celery juice and celery seed extract are
good diuretics (ie. promotes urination). Excellent
source of vitamin
C.
Chinese medicine practitioners have
long recognized celery's ability to reduce high
blood pressure. Western scientist have recently
discovered that celery contains active compounds
called pthalides which help relax the muscles around
the arteries, allowing these vessels to dilate.
With this dilation, the blood flows at a lower pressure.
And apart from pthalides, celery also has lots of
potassium,
magenesium
and calcium
which also has been known to reduce blood pressure.
Nutritional components (in descending
order in terms of amounts):
Vitamin
K, Vitamin
C, Potassium,
Folate, Dietary Fibre, Molybdenum,
Manganese,
Vitamin
B6 (pyridoxine), Calcium,
Vitamin
B1 (thiamin), Magnesium,
Vitamin
A, Tryptophan, Phosphorous,
Vitamin
B2 (riboflavin), Iron.
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Makes an excellent snack, and is delicious
with tomato juice.
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Chicken (Free-range)
Category: Animal / Food
If you have a choice, always choose free-range chicken.
Free-range chickens have double the living space of mass-produced
birds, plus freedom to roam outdoors. They are fed a special
diet (according to range chicken breeders), free of antibiotics,
animal byproducts, hormones and growth enhancers. Free-range
chickens average four and a half pounds and are usually
10-12 weeks old.
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Chocolate
Category: Food
Chocolate contains phenylethamine (a chemical that is usually
released by the brain during emotional arousal). Chocolate
is also believed to release serotonin and endorphins, that
give a natural high feeling.
Research shows that chocolate made form cocoa butter does
not affect cholesterol levels. But be wary of vegetable
oil and hydrogen, which are combined to produce trans fats.
The trans fats are used to solidify and increase the chocolate’s
shelf life.
Milk chocolate does not have a long shelf life as compared
to dark chocolate. Dark chocolate also tastes better over
time. Studies have shown that dark chocolate has antioxidative
health benefits and may help to reduce coronary heart disease.
Cholesterol
Category: Fat
Cholesterol is a form of fat that the body needs for several
functions (eg. the manufacture of hormones and cell membranes).
Cholesterol is also involved in substance transportation
in and out of cells, inter-cell communication and the regulation
of many other body metabolisms.
Choletserol is found abundantly in our blood stream and
other body cells as the waxy and soft, fat-like substance.
Our bodies can produce all the cholesterol they need and
do not require the additional cholesterol we eat in animal
foods. However, 25 per cent of our body cholesterols come
from the food we eat.
People with a high level of blood cholesterol have an increased
risk of developing a heart attack or stroke. The cause of
this high level of blood cholesterol is due to an unbalanced
diet (normally a diet high in saturated fat), and an unhealthy
lifestyle (eg. smoking, sedentary disposition).
LDL (Low density lipoprotein): the “bad” cholesterol,
that encourages cholesterol buildup in the arteries, leading
to heart attacks and strokes. This clogging of arteries
causes a medical condition known as artherosclerosis - which
is the forming of a plaque layer in our blood vessels. The
passage way for bloodflow becomes restricted and teh heart
needs more effort to pump andget the blood through. This
causes undue stress whcih will lead to coronary heart diseases.
HDL (High density lipoprotein): the “good”
cholesterol, which is protective to our health by carrying
the bad cholesterol out of the coronary arteries.
Slim people can have just as much artery clogging
cholesterol as obese people. It is best to have a medical
check-up to ensure healthy cholesterol levels.
Lipid Type |
Desirable |
Borderline High Risk |
High Risk |
Total Cholesterol |
< 5.18 mmol/L |
5.18 mmol/L to 6.20 mmol/L |
> 6.21mmol/L |
HDL Cholesterol |
>1.55mmol/L |
- |
< 1.04mmol/L |
LDL Cholesterol |
< 3.36mmol/L |
3.36mmol/L to 4.12mmol/L |
>4.13mmol/L |
Triglyceride |
<1.69mmol/L |
1.69mmol/L to 2.25mmol/L |
> 2.26mmol/L |
Chromium
Category: Nutrient / Mineral
Chromium is a nutrient mineral important for the metabolism
of carbohydrates, and glucose intolerance. Chromium increases
the effectiveness of insulin. Chromium also stimulates the
enzymes in the metabolism of energy.
>> more
info on chromium
Coenzyme Q-10 / CoQ10 / Ubiquinone
Category: Nutrient
Coenzyme Q-10 (also commonly known as CoQ10 or ubiquinone)
is fat soluble nutrient. It is primarily found in the mitochondria.
CoQ10 is necessary for the production of energy in every
cell in our body. Without CoQ10, it is impossible for our
cells to generate energy.
When we age, the CoQ10 levels in our bodies decline. Because
CoQ10 is also very important for the proper function of
our immune system due to the role it plays in the production
of energy in the cells of the immune system, our immune
system may be compromised. Taking CoQ10 supplements has
been shown to enhance our immune system.
A powerful cell antioxidant. CoQ10 has the ability to protect
cells against free radical attacks. An abundance of CoQ10
is found in the heart muscle. Studies have also shown that
CoQ10 is able to reduce cardiovascular problems related
to CoQ10 deficiencies.
Many studies have shown that CoQ10 is very beneficial for
a variety of heart/cardiovascular concerns.
CoQ10 is found in food: meat, coldwater fish (mackerel,
tuna, sardines), bran, peanuts, dark green vegetables, and
soybeans.
Coffee
Category: Food
Many people can’t get their day started without their
morning coffee. There is some good news for coffee drinkers.
Latest reports have shown that they may lower the risk of
diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and colon cancer.
However, coffee is also a nutrient
destroyer. So if you take vitamin
supplements, it is best not to take them with coffee.
Cold Sores
Category: Ailment
Cold Sores also called fever blisters, are clusters of small
red blisters on the lip and outer edge of the mouth. Caused
by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). They are common
and quite contagious.
>> More info on cold
sores: Prevention, supplementation.
Comfrey
Category: Herb
Scientific/Botanical name: Symphytum officinale.
Comfrey is a healing herb. Comfrey should be used for external
purposes only, as recent studies have confirmed that the herb
contains pyrrolizine alkaloids (a known hepatoxic compound).
Ingestion of comfrey can potentially damage the liver and
may also be carcinogenic. The FDA has also warned against
consuming comfrey.
Allantoin, is found in comfrey. Allantoin is able to encourage
new cell growth. Comfrey, used externally, is able to treat
minor wounds, skin inflammations, fractures and sprains.
The crushed leaves can be made into a poultice and is able
to accelerate the healing of surface wounds and sores.
>> more
info on Comfrey
Copper
Category: Nutrient / Mineral
Copper is a nutrient mineral important for the formation of
connective tissues and haemogoblin. Copper helps in the absorption
and transportation of iron. Copper works together with vitamin
C (ascorbic acid) to form elastin.
Deficiency signs include general weakness, impaired respiration
and skin sores.
>> more
info on copper
Cranberry
Category: Herb
/ Fruit
Scientific name: Vaccinium macrocarpon
Cranberry – a member of the bilberry and blueberry
family, cranberry is one of the most effective home remedy
to treat urinary tract infections caused by the e. coli
bacteria.
Cranberry juice lines the bladder walls and makes it “slippery”,
reducing the capability of the e. coli bacteria to adhere
to the bladder walls, making the bacteria easily flushed
out from the system.
Cranberry juice is available in many health food stores,
but always look for 100% pure cranberry juice. There are
many cranberry juices in the market that contain less than
30% juice (the balance of 70% is sugar and water). Sugar
is an anti-nutrient or a nutrient
destroyer. It destroys vitamin
C and other minerals.
It is best to avoid refined sugar as much as possible.
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