Organic Parade

Whilst the estrogen-like plant chemicals found in soy isoflavones have a vast amount of well-known benefits for women, new research has that soy isoflavones have significant benefits for men too, notably in the form of a reduction in the symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).

Many of the health benefits of soybeans are found in the isoflavones, which have been found in several studies to be effective in the treatment and prevention of many health conditions including breast cancer, heart disease, due to their ability to reduce cholesterol, and particularly menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis. Soy isoflavones are one of a group of plant chemicals, best known as phytoestrogens and have impressive abilities which can help to balance estrogen in the body.

Their effectiveness in treating conditions of excess estrogen, such as premestrual syndrome, is derived from the isoflavones’ ability to block receptor sites, whilst in conditions of estrogen deficiency, such as osteoporosis and menopausal symptoms, soy isoflavones can increase estrogen activity by acting as a weak estrogen.

Nonetheless, a new study published by the British Journal of Nutrition suggests the efficacy of soy isoflavones in the treatment and prevention of BPH, a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. Whilst unpleasant, BPH is a common ailment affecting the prostate of many ageing men which can exhibit various symptoms including trouble starting or maintaining urination, the need to urinate more often, urine leaks or the need to go during the night. Whilst it is thought to be testosterone that is responsible for the changes that cause to prostate to enlarge and put pressure on the urethra, the new study has found that estrogen also plays a key role.

The study into the effects of soy isoflavones on the symptoms of BPH was carried out on men aged 65 and over and found that those with an intake of at least 5 mg of isoflavones, had fewer urinary tract symptoms than those who did not. The researchers suggested that although 5mg is relatively low, it did have a positive effect and emphasises the fact that although low levels of soy isoflavones may be acquired from the diet, a daily natural supplement can significantly help to ensure optimum levels of the beneficial isoflavones to achieve the advantages of reduced BPH symptoms, helping to slow and even prevent prostate cancer growth.

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I bought the Appeton with Lysine in both liquid and tablet for my kids. As expected, Baby wants liquid, and the brother prefers the tablets. He thinks those are sweets, lol. I keep them well away from him as it’s dangerous to overdose in Vitamin A. I didnt give it to them everyday but prefer to go slow. Baby didnt suspect anything different with his food and happily finished his porridge as usual. My big kid also sucked on the sweet tabs. I hope their appetite improves after this and put on more weight.

Iron is essential for formation of red blood cells and promotes healthy blood circulation. Lacking from it can result in anaemia, which is particularly common among menstruating women. Good sources of iron include fresh cockles, anchovy (whole), liver, lean meat, poultry, spinach and kangkung. Also take food rich in vitamin C as this helps your body absorb iron more effectively.

Folate supports red blood cell production and helps prevent anaemia. It’s particularly important before and in the first weeks of pregnancy as it reduces the risk of neural tube defects, which affect the brain and spinal cord. Because neural tube defects occur in an embryo before a woman even realises she’s pregnant, it’s important that all women of childbearing age emphasise folate in their diet.  Foods high in folate include green leafy vegetables, lady’s fingers, lentils and legumes.

Research by Professor Michael Aviram of the Technion Israel Institute of Technology has shown that lycopene can partially inhibit the body’s production of cholesterol. Lycopene and cholesterol share common pathways in the body. By loading up the pathways with lycopene, it essentially leaves less space for cholesterol to build up.

Lycopene is also an excellent antioxidant that helps to prevent formation of oxidised LDL, the “bad” cholesterol in the blood. Oxidised LDL is one of the primary causes of narrowed and hardened arteries that ultimately lead to cardiac arrest.

Lycopene is very efficient in eliminating free radicals and helps us reduce the risk of cancer and some age-related diseases. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules which have been implicated as one of the causes of cancers and other serious diseases.

According to a Dr. Edward Giovannucci of Harvard, eating tomatoes twice or more a week reduces the risk of prostate cancer in men by 21 to 43%. Another study published in the International Journal of Cancer mentions that lycopene may protect our bodies against cancer of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, colon and rectum. Post-menopausal women can lower their risk of developing ovarian cancer by eating food high in beta-carotene and lycopene.

Lycopene is a fat soluble substance. Without fat, it’s impossible for lycopene to be absorbed into our blood stream. Lycopene, in cooked tomatoes, is more readily absorbed. The absorption rate increases by threefold if tomatoes were to be cooked with butter or oil. To ensure you get a good dose of lycopene daily, add lots of tomatoes and pasta sauce onto your spaghetti or pizza. And dont forget the bottle of ketchup. And of course, organic if possible.

Lycopene is the substance that makes tomatoes stand out as a popular health food. It is an antioxidant of the carotenoid family. Even though there are more than 500 carotenoids found in plants, lycopene is the most abundant in human blood and tissues. Unfortunately, most human beings do not have enough lycopene in our bodies. This is because lycopene levels reduces significantly when we are under stress or when we do not have enough nutrients in our daily diet.

Convenience is a thing of necessity these days. However, there are instances where convenience may actually work against our efforts to stay healthy. Within 3 days of being sliced, pre-cut fruits like pineapples lose 25% of their carotenoids - healthy compounds that fight both cancer and heart disease.

There are no obvious signs of this as, even after 9 days, there was not any difference in color or firmness between the whole pineapple and the pre-cut fruit. Then again, you could always eat 25% more of the pre-cut pineapple to make up for the amount of lost carotenoids.

Studies have linked Omega-3 to better memory retention and mental abilities in children. These essential fatty acids also help to promote better motor coordination and prevent growth retardation in infants and children. If your children are suffering from dry or problematic skin especially itchiness on the front of the lower limbs, you may want to increase the amount of Omega-3 in their diet.