Blood Type Increases Heart Disease Risk

Two studies were performed that indicated people with blood types A, B, or AB have a greater risk for developing coronary heart disease when compared to those with blood type O. 

Blood type AB - 4% of the population - 23% increased risk
Blood type B - 12% of population - 11% increased risk
Blood type A - 36% of population - 5% increased risk

The findings are based on an analysis of 62,073 women in the Nurses Health Study (NHS) and 27,428 men in the Health Professional Follow-up Study (HPFS).  These people were predominantly white, aged 30-75 and followed for 26 years (NHS) and 24 years (HPFS).

The mechanism for this increased risk seems to be a genetic inheritance of a non-O blood group. In non-O individuals, plasma levels of clotting factor VIII-von Willebrand factor (vWF) complex are ≈25% higher than group O individuals which confers higher risk.  Other studies show that non-O individuals have higher lipid levels (cholesterol, triglycerides) and inflammatory markers, including soluble intercellular adhesion molecule, plasma soluble E-selectin levels, P-selectin levels, and tumor necrosis factor-α.   All of these elevated levels of inflammation increase the risk for coronary heart disease.

You can't change your blood type, but you can decrease your risk by adhering to a healthy lifestyle, one way is by eating right for your blood type.



The Incredible Blueberry

Blueberries are very low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium and are a very good source of dietary fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K and Manganese.

According to the ND Nutrition Facts and Analysis for Blueberries, 1 Cup of raw Blueberries contains:

• 84 calories
• 4 grams of fiber or 14 %DV
• 24%DV of Vitamin C
• 36%DV of Vitamin K
• 25%DV of Manganese

Percent Daily Values (%DV) are for adults or children aged 4 or older, and are based on a 2,000 calorie reference diet.  Your daily values my be higher or lower based on your individual needs.

Did you know that:

• Blueberries are loaded with carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, and flavonoids like rutin, resveratrol and quercitin (all excellent for the eyes and eye health).
• The pigments that give blueberries their color improve the structure of veins and the vascular system.
• Blueberries are high in the soluble fiber pectin, which has been shown to lower cholesterol.
• A study reported in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that blueberries inhibit colon cancer proliferation and induce programmed cell death.
• Just recently, Beckman Research Institute at the City of Hope, Duarte, CA researchers found that feeding blueberry powder to mice significantly reduced the growth and spread of triple negative breast cancer cells (TNBC), a very aggressive form of cancer - PubMed
• Blueberries are excellent for the relief of diarrhea and constipation.
• Blueberries also help reduce inflammation in the digestive and urinary tracts.
• A study in the journal Free Radical Biology and Medicine suggests that the best way to gain maximum benefits from blueberries and other fruits is to consume them either one hour before protein (milk, etc.) is consumed, or two hours after. - Milk destroys antioxidant benefits in blueberries

More Incredible Info on Blueberries:

• Polyphenols in blueberries inhibit the formation of fat cells - NaturalNews
• Study: Prevent high blood pressure by eating blueberries - NaturalNews
• Blueberries halt hardening of the arteries - NaturalNews
• Find Cancer Prevention with the Power of Blueberries - NaturalNews

Post shared at:  Monday Mania

Health Benefits of Cashews

Did you know that a 1/4 cup of cashew nuts supplies you with:

• 37..4% of the daily recommended value of monounsaturated fat
• 38.0% of the daily recommended value of copper
• 22.3% of the daily recommended value for magnesium

Cashew nuts contain Heart-Protective Monounsaturated Fats:

• Cashews have a lower fat content than most other nuts
• Cashews contain primarily unsaturated fatty acids, 75% of which is oleic acid, the same heart-healthy monounsaturated fat found in olive oil
• Oleic acid found in cashews promotes good cardiovascular health
• Monounsaturated fats reduce high triglyceride levels which are associated with increased risk for heart disease

Eating cashews provides the body with a good source of Copper, Copper plays a role in a wide range of physiological processes including:

• Iron utilization
• Elimination of free radicals
• Development of bone and connective tissue
• Production of the skin and hair pigment called melanin
• Energy production
• Antioxidant defenses

Inadequate intake of copper can lead to health problems such as:

• Iron deficiency anemia
• Ruptured blood vessels
• Osteoporosis
• Joint problems such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Brain disturbances
• Elevated LDL (bad) cholesterol and reduced HDL (good) cholesterol levels
• Irregular heartbeat
• Increased susceptibility to infections

Cashews are a great source of Magnesium, adequate levels of Magnesium in the body:

• Ensures healthy bones
• Helps to lower blood pressure
• Helps to prevent heart attacks
• Promotes normal sleep patterns
• Reduces the severity of asthma

Insufficient Magnesium can contribute to:

• High blood pressure
• Muscle spasms
• Mirgraine headaches
• Muscle cramps
• Tension
• Soreness
• Fatigue

Cashews should always be stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place.
Moderation is key, because of their high fat content, over consumption of these delicious nuts can cause unwanted weight gain.
If you overindulge the oxalates in cashews can also become concentrated in your body fluids, crystallizing and causing health problems in people with preexisting kidney or gallbladder problems.  source:  www.organiccashewnuts.com/cashewbenefits.htm

FIR Dome, etc. Aids Lymphoma Patient

Below is a testimonial from a lymphoma patient who noticed greatly improved results after he began using the FIR Dome, Original Sun Ancon Chi Machine, Beta-1,3D Glucan, and Curcumin:

Due to my diagnosis of Lymphoma in April 2008, I decided to change my eating habits by eliminating chicken and red meats, reducing sugar and white flour along with foods made with those ingredients and eating more fruits and vegetables.

I thought I was making progress but was informed in Dec. 2008 after undergoing 3 PET Scans over the course of 8 months that my largest retroperitoneal lymph nodes were holding at 19mm and others at 14mm, I needed to do something more, but what!

In Feb. 2009, Nancy, from HealthIsInReach.com, suggested I include Beta-1,3D Glucan, Curcumin, the FIR Dome and the Original Sun Ancon Chi Machine to my regimen which at that time consisted of Vit. D3, Ester C, B Complex, Fish Oil, Resveratrol, Vit. E, Selenium, Sublingual B-12, CoQ10, and Zinc.

One thing to mention at this time, concerns my cholesterol, in June 2008 I had a cholesterol reading of 284, then in Jan. 2009 my cholesterol was 260, but things started happening after taking the Beta Glucan, Curcumin and using the FIR Dome and Chi Machine, in May 2009 my cholesterol was down to 161, then in Aug. 2009, my cholesterol came down even further to a reading of 138.

In Oct. 2009 I went through my 4th PET Scan, which revealed shrinkage to my Retroperitoneal lymph nodes. The 19mm lymph nodes diagnosed on Dec. 2008 came in at 10mm and my Dec. 2008 14mm lymph nodes were down to 7mm. I couldn't believe it, I honestly believe the products Nancy suggested has allowed me better PET Scan and cholesterol results.

I can't stop now though, I know I just have to keep plugging away with my daily regimen and who knows, my cancer may be gone in no time, a prayer or two on my behalf wouldn't hurt and would be much appreciated as well. -J.M. source

Inspirational Message for Today:
But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15

The Truth About Coffee

Did you know that the U.S. imports over $4 billion in coffee each year and Americans drink 400 million cups per day.

Coffee places an enormous metabolic burden on the body and offers no nutritional value; no vitamins, no minerals, no enzymes.

Coffee can:

• increase your risk for stomach cancer and leukemia
• interfere with your body's ability to use water, and promote fluid loss
• raise your cholesterol
• send your insulin levels out of control
• contribute to rheumatoid arthritis and stroke
• damage your blood vessels
• increase your risk of heart disease
• interfere with your body's ability to use folate and vit. B12 and B6
• stimulate your adrenals, which may eventually lead to adrenal gland burn out
• raise the acidity level of your blood
• lead to insomnia
• raise your blood pressure and stress hormone levels
• deplete iron and calcium levels in women
• cause anxiety and a sensation of jitteriness and nervousness

Studies indicate over 300mg of caffeine/day, which is the equivalent of two or three eight ounce cups of coffee, may also increase your risk of:

• Miscarriage/spontaneous abortion
• Delivering a low birth weight baby
• Having a child with certain birth defects like clef palate

Four or more cups of coffee a day may increase your baby's risk of SIDS.

It's important to realize that any caffeine you ingest passes easily through the placenta to your unborn child. It is also transferred through breast milk, and stays in your body and the body of your unborn child or infant longer than average. Your unborn baby has no ability to detoxify the caffeine he or she is exposed to.

A better alternative is simply, pure water. Green tea is another option. source

Another article of interest: "Sodas-How Good Are They?" exposes caffeine