Monthly Archives: September 2013

Almonds provide high quality, highly absorbable protein. All protein, with the exception of gelatin, contains all of the essential or indispensable, amino acids. However, some protein sources are low in one or more IAA. This referred to the limiting amino acid. Meaning, when the recommended amount of protein consumed in the form of a protein that has a limiting amino acid, because while the protein may be low in one or more IAA, it is a complete protein because it contains all the IAAs.

The two most widely accepted measures of protein quality, which focus on digestibility, are the True Protein Digestibility (TPD) and the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS).

TPD measures the amount of nitrogen that absorbed from protein sources. The higher the score, the nitrogen been absorbed and retained. One barrier to TPD is that it measures nitrogen, which may or may not come directly from amino acids.

The most limiting amino acid used to determine the outcome and that multiplied by the protein's digestibility to obtain the PDCAAS. Together these measures provide a complete picture of protein quality.

Almonds have High Quality Protein contain six grams of protein per ounce, making them a reliable source of protein. With a TPD of about 88% and a PDCAAS of about 0.44, almonds provide a highly digestible and quality protein. However, the protein is incomplete so combining almonds with legumes and vegetables is an excellent way of enjoying a variety plant-based protein along with essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, zinc, manganese, magnesium and calcium.

Almonds Are a Nutrient Dense Protein Source

Almond Protein per Ounce: Almonds are a rare combination of nutrients – a good source of protein (6 grams per one ounce) along with dietary fiber, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, iron and vitamin E. In fact, one ounce of almonds provides about 7.4 grams of alpha-tocopherol vitamin E, 50 per cent of the RDA. Almonds have High Quality Protein, are the only reliable source of protein that is also an excellent source of vitamin E.

As high quality protein almonds are rich in arginine and low in lysine. Diets rich in arginine, low in lysine thought to reduce the risk of coronary disease. Almonds are an ideal source of arginine in the absence of lysine, hence reducing the likelihood of competing amino acids. Also, eating a varied diet that includes almonds and other protein sources can provide lysine in fair and sufficient quantities.

Traditionally, Almonds have High Quality Protein and plant proteins been regarded as inferior to animal protein. In the past, experts have expressed concern over the use of plant sources of protein. Current knowledge indicates that plant-based proteins are incomplete or are missing at least one of the essential amino acids. However, research suggests that a general varied, diet provides the complementary range of amino acids. Almonds as part of a healthy diet rich in a variety of foods, contribute to the overall protein level of the diet and provide complete and high quality protein.

Health Benefit of Licorice Root, Chinese Herb Gan Cao (甘草)

Common Names: Chinese Licorice, Gan Cao, Sweet Licorice, Sweet Wood,
Scientific/medical name(s): Gan Cao, Glycyrrhizaglabra, Glycyrrhizauralensis.

Description
Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) is a perennial herb that grows in southern Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean. It is the dried roots, and underground stems of the plant been used in herbal remedies.

Overview
Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) is an ingredient in many traditional Chinese herbal remedies. It also used in many countries, to treat a wide range of health problems. However, it linked to some fairly serious side effects. Whole-herb licorice can constitute a violation of fluid and the mineral potassium in the body, which can lead to heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, and even paralysis.

What is the history behind it?
Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) extracts used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. The Chinese used it as a mild laxative and to help regulate the heartbeat in those with heart problems. Chinese herbalists often prescribe licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) with the purpose of helping other herbs to work better together and promoting integration of herbs. It used for medicinal purposes in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome.

Recently, science has re-discovered the health benefits of licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草). Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) is in fact, a strong antiviral that contains 10 antioxidants, at least 25 fungicidal and 9 expectorant compounds.

Glycyrrhizin, which is the, principal active ingredient in licorice root acts as an expectorant by losing thinning mucus and phlegm from the respiratory tract, makes it easier to cough up.

Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) is one of the most valuable herbs in traditional Chinese medicines and used for more than 3,000 years, to treat a wide range of illnesses, food poisoning, urinary tracts and relieves heartburn. In China, licorice considered an excellent balancing or harmonizing agent and added to various herbal formulas. It used to prevent peptic ulcers, coughs, boils and reduce inflammation, soothe and heal ulcers and stomach inflammation, control blood sugar, and balance hormones. Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) is excellent for healing canker sores and cold sores (herpes simplex virus). Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) is a potent antiviral agent and can be used to treat flu, herpes, and even hepatitis. Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) is also a strong anti-inflammatory agent and can be used to improve the flavour of other herbs. With all of these uses, it is no wonder that licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) finds its way into so many therapies. It reputed to revive the heart and spleen functions.

Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) has also been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, (TCM) to treat conditions ranging from diabetes to tuberculosis. The two main constituents of licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草), glycyrrhizin and flavonoids, may also indicate anti-inflammatory effects and inhibit the breakdown of the cortisol produced by the body. Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) may also have antiviral properties, although this has not been proven in human pharmacological studies. The ancient Chinese also used it as an antidote for drug poisoning.

Delicious Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) will help to keep your lungs clear, your digestive tract calm, your colon cleansed and your adrenal gland functioning properly. Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) is a safe and pleasant way to soothe a sore throat.

An extract of licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草), called liquiritin, used in connection with melasma, a pigmentation disorder of the skin. However, the usefulness of licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) for treating this situation has not been substantiated.

Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) has a sweet flavour, neutral in property, performing on the heart, spleen, stomach, and lung. It invigorates the spleen, eradicates phlegm, refills qi, clears toxins and heat, halts cough, lightens spasm and pain, and moderates other herbal properties.

It applied for the inadequacy of the spleen Qi and stomach Qi manifested as loose stool, insufficient breath, asthenia, and poor appetite. It often utilized as a substantiating herb with dang shen and white atractylodes rhizome.

In cases of lack of Qi and blood with manifestations of an irregular pulse, palpitation, and spontaneous sweating, it applied with dried Rehmannia Root, Dang-Shen, Ophiopogon Root and Cinnamon twig, as in Decoction of ready Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草).

An Ancient Font of Health
Used for generations in China, ancient Greece and the British Isles, Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) cultivated around the world. The sweet taste of its yellow root prompted its use in the manufacture of candies. It contains vitamin E, B-complex, biotin, niacin, pantothenic acid, lecithin, manganese and other trace elements. Although Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) has been used as flavouring for hundreds of years, many people do not know that it also has most valuable medicinal qualities. Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) has gained a reputation for strengthening the body during times of stress.

The benefits of the use of Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) in Herbal Preparations Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) are one of the more widely consumed herbs in the world. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it occurs in more formulas than any other single herb because it thought to coordinate the development of all other herbs.

Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) is remarkably soothing and softens the mucous membranes of the throat, lungs, stomach, intestines, and at the same time cleanses any inflamed mucous membrane that needs immune system support. This is the reason why Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) found in so many cough and sore throat medications. It reduces the irritation in the throat and yet has an expectorant action. It is the saponins (detergent-like action) that minimize the phlegm in the respiratory tract so that the body can remove the mucus. It is a powerful healing agent for tuberculosis, where its effects been compared to hydrocortisone. For colds and flu, Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) can be combined with tonic herbs such as cayenne or ginger, to heighten the effect. For sore throat and irritated bronchials, Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) is more effective when combined with Horehound or Mullein.

Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) also has a soothing and therapeutic effect on the stomach and digestive tract. It lubricates and nourishes the entire intestinal tract with a system as easy as 40% Licorice root and 60% Slippery Elm.

Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) employed in complex recipes, to scale down the toxicity of other herbaceous plants or control the massive hot or cold properties, and align the effects of individual herbs herbal effects. For cough resulting from wind-heat, it may be given together with Peucedanum Root, Arctium Fruit, Mulberry Leaf, and Platycodon Root to relieve coughing because of wind-cold, it can be divided with Ephedra and Bitter Apricot kernel for cough and dyspnea due to heat in the lung. Radix Glycyrrhizae may also be utilized with unprepared Gypsum, Ephedra, and Bitter Apricot Kernel.

The active ingredient, glycyrrhizic acid, known to be fifty-times sweeter than sugar cane, but it does not help thirst; but it will reduce thirst.

Beneficial Uses:
Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) been used for thousands of years as an excellent expectorant that commonly used for respiratory problems. It is a wonderfully essential ingredient in cough medicines and cough drops as both a pleasant flavouring, as well as an expectorant and soothing agent. Many cough lozenges and syrups use licorice as flavouring and a cough suppressant.

Today, alternative health care professionals, continue to use the benefits of Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) to ailments such as allergies. In addition, it used for stomach problems (including heartburn from reflux), inflammatory disorders, skin conditions (including eczema and psoriasis) minor skin infections and liver problems.

Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) with glycyrrhizin may help to:

Respiratory mucus production increased by glycyrrhizin. This increase helps to reduce thin mucus in airways; this makes a cough more "productive," bringing up phlegm and other mucus bits. Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) can also eliminate lungs of mucus and eases congestion, tackle problems such as bronchitis, ease non-productive coughing and colds.

Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) also helps to reduce bronchial spasms. In addition to its beneficial uses as a demulcent, Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) acts as an expectorant, which has also been long valued. Glycyrrhizin also harbors anti-inflammatory properties. Help to soothes mucous membranes and soreness in the throat, fights viruses that cause respiratory illnesses and an overproduction of mucus. In the respiratory system, it has a similarly calm and therapeutic efficacy, reducing irritation and the inflammation and has an expectorant effect, useful in irritating coughs, asthma and chest infections.

Lessen symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. By enhancing cortisol activity, glycyrrhizin helps to increase energy, relieve stress and reduce the symptoms of ailments sensitive to cortisol levels, such as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromylagia.

As an anti-inflammatory, the glycyrrhizinic acid activity in Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) seems related to the way corticoids released from the adrenal glands, which is useful in treating arthritis, rheumatism and aching, painful joints. The herb stimulates production of cortisone and aldosterone, which appear to be effective anti-inflammatory agents.

Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草) is a tremendous support for healthy digestion and healthy gastrointestinal system. The herb soothes the mucous membranes and protects the stomach and intestines. It known to coat the stomach's lining with mucus, rather than restraining the secretion of gastric acid (which would result in incomplete digestion); reduce the activity of pepsin and increases blood flow to the damaged tissues and decreases muscle spasms." Glycyrrhizinic acid also helps to inhibit enzymes that dismantle prostaglandins, which will help the stomach and upper intestine, allowing ulcers to recover more quickly. This activity may also protect the colon and treat ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, Celiac disease, gastritis and peptic ulcer.

CONCLUSION

Where do the healing benefits of Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草)come from? Glycyrrhizin, one of the key components found in licorice, believed to be responsible for many of its healing properties. However, there are other potentially beneficial substances that been identified in licorice as well, including compounds called flavonoids and various plant estrogens (phytoestrogens).

Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草)also seems to support the adrenal glands -- making these adrenal hormones such as cortisol (the body's primary stress-fighting adrenal hormone) also available to the body. As such, Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草)may help lessen symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia by enhancing cortisol activity. Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草)contains phytoestrogens that seem to have minimal estrogens-like effects. As such, it often included in formulas, to help combat PMS and menopausal complaints. Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草)also contains various flavonoids, which are potent antioxidants.

Some experts point out that one -- among the arsenal of benefits of Licorice Root, Gan Cao (甘草)an excellent liver tonic.

Body Chemistry, Fast Oxidizer or Slow Oxidizer and Body Weight: The metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats into energy referred to as oxidation. Energy formed and released at different stages during two cycles - glycolysis and the citric acid cycle. To get most of the energy out of foods, both cycles need to work at the right rate. If carbohydrates and amino acids oxidized too slowly ("slow oxidation") in one cycle or too fast in another cycle ("rapid oxidation"), energy production reduced. Both fast and slow oxidizers suffer from inefficient energy production but for different biochemical reasons. The most common symptoms of a fast or slow oxidative rate are FATIGUE, EMOTIONAL DURESS of some type, LOWERED RESISTANCE to infections, a LOW BODY TEMPERATURE, GALL BLADDER or LIVER PROBLEMS, and being over or under WEIGHT. One’s oxidation rate influenced by both genetics and the food. Thus, what one eats affects the rate of oxidation and energy production which in turn affects one mental, emotional, behavioral, and in some cases, physical characteristics.

THE SLOW (KETOGENIC) OXIDIZER

The characteristics of slow oxidation tend to be of the alkaline, hypo-active quality. Slow oxidizers tend to have remarkably little appetite, an aversion to rich proteins and fats, low but steady energy levels, depression, digestive problems due to lack of hydrochloric acid production, calcium deposits, poor fat metabolism, apathy, lethargy, repressed emotions, introversion, belching, premature aging, and often feel cold. A slow oxidizer often finds he/she thinks and feels better if after a heavy dinner, he/she does not eat anything after arising the next morning. For this reason, he/she should not eat a substantial breakfast. High intensity, short duration exercise, poorly tolerated and for the slow oxidizer needs to be of low intensity and long term (aerobic).

Slow oxidizers have problems metabolizing carbohydrates and tend to have higher blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) after an oral glucose tolerance test. Slower oxidizers have lower levels of blood lipid (cholesterol, triglyceride) and citric acid cycle intermediates and higher levels of pyruvate and lactate. They tend to be able to keep their breath for a relatively long time and have a slightly lower pulse rate.

Dietary recommendations for the slow oxidizer:

ALLOWED

PROTEINS: low fat, low purine type such as selected fish, chicken, turkey, eggs, low fat dairy CARBOHYDRATES: vegetables,

SUPPLEMENTS: Emphasize activated vitamin B1, B2, and B6, niacin. and potassium citrate, magnesium citrate and chloride, copper, manganese aspartate, and iron. PABA, vitamin C and D, and chromium recommended.

Eat a light breakfast (that contains protein) and check calcium.

ALLOWED IN MODERATION

Whole fruits, lean beef, lamb, natural and whole grains, breads and cereals, cold-processed non-hydrogenated vegetable oil (ex: olive is the preferred source).

AVOID

HIGH FAT or HIGH PURINE PROTEINS: fatty red meat, salmon, tuna, herring, anchovies, high purine proteins such as liver, caviar, meat concentrates, artichoke hearts, and inexpensive purine containing foods such as beans, peas, lentils, cauliflower, spinach, and asparagus.

FATTY FOODS: lard, butter, oils, fatty meats, nuts, avocado, high fat pastries low in flour such as cheese cake, Danish, and torts. High fat content DAIRY products like cheese and cream.

CARBOHYDRATES: sugars, fruit juices, alcoholic beverages, and meals consisting mainly of starches and sugars.

THE FAST (GLUCOGENIC) OXIDIZER

The characteristics of fast oxidation tend to be of the acid, hyper-active quality. Most women tend to be fast oxidizers. Fast oxidizers tend to have healthy appetites, crave and do well on rich proteins and fatty foods, tend to get hyper yet feel exhausted underneath, feel anxious, nervous, jittery, have serious emotional ups and downs, feel too warm, irritable, impatient, are competitive and usually extroverted.

Fast oxidizers tend to have low blood sugar (reactive hypoglycemia) and higher levels of blood cholesterol and triglyceride and citric acid cycle intermediates. Bilirubin commonly found in the urine. They tend to be unable to hold their breath a long time (one can consider the fast oxidizer functionally anemic due to low oxygen capacity in the blood) and have a slightly faster pulse rate. Exercise should be of high intensity and short term (anaerobic) if normal or underweight but aerobic (walking, biking, etc.) if overweight.

FOODS RECOMMENDED for a Fast Oxidizer

FATS/PROTEINS: all meats (especially beef, lamb, and venison), fish (especially tuna and salmon) and fowl, especially high fat, high purine (adenine) types: such as anchovies, brains, meat gravies, soups, heart, herring, caviar, kidney, liver, sweetbreads, mussels, sardines, tuna, and meat extracts. Foods with low purine ideas include meat, shellfish (clams, crabs, lobster, oysters, and shrimp), asparagus, cauliflower, spinach, lentils, yeast, whole grain breads and cereals, beans, peas and mushrooms.

NUTS & SEEDS: almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds

CARBOHYDRATES: cauliflower, beans, peas, lentils, broccoli, barley, corn, sprouted grains (sprouting destroys the phytates that bind calcium)

SUPPLEMENTS: Should include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B12, niacin amide, calcium pantothenate, bioflavonoids, choline, inositol, calcium, phosphorus, iodine, and zinc. Carnitine.

Eat a full breakfast. Eat frequently

ALLOWED IN MODERATION

PROTEINS: milk, buttermilk, cottage cheese, eggs VEGETABLES: root vegetables (carrots, beets, yams, potatoes, radishes, and onions), lettuce, green peppers, cabbages, pickles, cucumbers, and tomatoes

AVOID

SWEETS & STARCHES: - simple carbohydrates like glucose, maltose, fruit juices, honey, corn syrup, highly glycemic foods like white bread, white rice, soft drinks, catsup, and meals consisting mainly of starches and sugars.

MISCELLANEOUS: spices, gravy, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks such as coffee, colas or tea. SUPPLEMENTS: limit vitamin B1 (thiamine) and vitamin B3 (niacin) because they grow Coenzyme A and increase carbohydrate oxidation; vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) because they increase the breakdown of amino acids leading to a faster citric acid cycle activity and more CO2 generation; glucogenic amino acids (Alanine, Glycine, and Serine), and citrates.

NOTE:

Body Chemistry, Fast Oxidizer or Slow Oxidizer & Body Weight: ABOUT either a SLOW or FAST OXIDATIVE RATE Never eat a meal that is mostly carbohydrates. Avoid all "trans" fats (hydrogenated vegetable oils).

Any sharp shift in the weather tends to further disturb one's metabolism in the way it usually tends. Fast oxidizers go faster, and slow oxidizers go slower.

Common pesticides, paints, and chemicals can distract the energy producing abilities of tissues.

In addition to knowing what foods to use sparingly and what foods to emphasize - make sure the status of your diet contains enough of the correct protein at every meal (about 1 gram per kilogram/2.2 pounds of ideal body weight a day).

The metabolites of protein-derived sugar stored in the liver as glycogen and converted to glucose when sugar derived directly from carbohydrates in the diet runs out. The gradual digestion of protein keeps a reasonable and running glycogen (and therefore blood sugar) reserve. That is not to mention protein can be substituted for sugar and starch in the diet, for without available glucose, protein cannot be converted into glycogen.

Alcohol depletes glycogen storage in the liver causing an increase in blood sugar. Alcohol also increases the demand for carbohydrates (by directly broken down into acetyl CoA of the Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle) and the resultant nutrients needed to metabolize it.

If think the "need of a drink," do not. One need energy (ATP derived from oxidation)! Eat animal products limited or natural; avoid overcooked animal products since heat destroys essential amino acids (Phe, Lys, Thr, His, Tryp) and beneficial enzymes.

An easy way to calculate the amount is to divide one ideal body weight by 15 to get the number of ounces of cooked meat to be consumed per day. Ex: 150 pound Ideal Body Weight = 10 ounces).