Ginkgo may prevent brain damage against stroke
Working with genetically engineered mice, researchers at Johns Hopkins have shown that daily doses of a standardized extract from the leaves of the ginkgo tree can prevent or reduce brain damage after an induced stroke. Said lead researcher Sylvain Doré, Ph.D., an associate professor in the department of anesthesiology and critical care medicine, “if further work confirms what we’ve seen, we could theoretically recommend a daily regimen of ginkgo to people at high risk of stroke as a preventive measure against brain damage.”
Membrin, a product available in our supplement store, contains ginkgo and two other clinically studied ingredients for brain protection and cognitive function.
Source: Ginkgo Biloba Extract Neuroprotective Action Is Dependent on Heme Oxygenase 1 in Ischemic Reperfusion Brain Injury.
Vitamin K deficiency may be the next big health issue.
Many apparently healthy people may be vitamin K deficient, says a new review, potentially increasing the risk of bone loss and also for arterial calcification. “Indeed, tests looking at levels of under-carboxylated species of osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein (MGP) – generated in vitamin K deficiency – were substantial in “apparently healthy subjects”, said the reviewers. “This raises the intriguing question of whether all (or most) apparently healthy adults are subclinically vitamin K deficient,” wrote lead author Ellen Cranenburg. “The vitamin is less well known than vitamins A to E, but this increasing body of research, as well as increased marketing and advertising from supplement makers, is raising public awareness of vitamin K.”
“As compared with other vitamins, the average dietary intake of vitamin K is very low. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is 1 micrograms per kilogram of body weight per day,” added Cranenburg. The Institute for Progressive Medicine stocks several combination products with vitamin K and liquid vitamin K drops.
Source: Matrix Gla-protein: The calcification inhibitor in need of vitamin K.
Let’s keep getting the word out that nature may provide all our answers to cardiovascular health.
Oral supplements of flavonoids commonly found in onions and tea may enhance the function of the lining of blood vessels, according to new research from Australia. “Numerous studies have shown that acute and repetitive consumption of flavonoid-rich foods for up to four weeks can improve endothelial function in both subjects with coronary artery disease and healthy volunteers,” wrote the researchers, led by Professor Kevin Croft fro the University of Western Australia.
High quality, organic green tea and green tea capsules available in our supplement store.
Xylitol and Tooth Decay and Blood Sugar
Xylitol, a naturally occurring sugar-alcohol, found in fruits and vegetables has been shown to reduce the level of certain bacteria that can cause tooth decay and ear infections. Chewing xylitol gum, or using xylitol as a sweetener or in toothpaste may help prevent cavities and recurrent infections. With a very low glycemic index (does not raise blood sugar much) and a naturally sweet taste, xylitol is also an excellent natural sweetener and may be used to replace sugar in a 1:1 ration when cooking and baking.
To purchase xylitol products, including gums, toothpaste, and granulated sweetener, please call or visit our supplement store.
Source: Linear response of mutans streptococci to increasing frequency of xylitol chewing gum use: a randomized controlled trial [ISRCTN43479664].