Can Green Tea fight HIV infection?

This is amazing. The most notable ingredient of green tea, the compound EGCG, may help block SEVI and fight HIV infection.

From the article itself, ""EGCG, a natural ingredient of green tea, may be a valuable and cost-efficient inhibitor of semen-mediated enhancement of virus infection, and hence of sexual transmission of HIV,"

From this site:

1. EGCG seems to accomplish the remarkable feat of preventing cancer cell growth by inhibiting a particular enzyme, dihydrofolate reductase and according to a Professor Roger Thorneley of the John Innes Center in Norwich, England.

2. Researchers from the University of Louisville conducted a study to determine if catechin polyphenols found in green tea may possibly protect the brain from oxidative stress caused by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Green Tea Ingredient Blocks HIV Infection



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What are some good fiber foods?

Some of the best foods for getting natural fiber into your daily diet are: 1) Banana's, 2) Apples, 3) Almonds, 4) Blackberries, 5) Raspberries, 6) whole wheat spaghetti 7) baked beans, 8) black beans. Of course, there are dozens of other choices. And many fruits and veggies that offer more fiber per serving.

However, these just happen to be some of my own personal favorites. Of course, fruit is expensive these days. Which for me just means: eat the good stuff and stop paying for the bad stuff (worthless, empty-calorie snacks, and such).

1. In a Harvard study conducted on 40,000 male health professionals, researchers discovered that a high intake of dietary fiber reduced the risk of coronary heart disease by 40 percent compared to a low fiber intake.

2. Fiber has many health benefits, from regulating blood sugar and filling you up, to protecting against diabetes and digestive issues

3. Legumes, seeds and nuts are foods to look for containing both protein and fiber



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Is There Evidence That Acupuncture Works?

Written by Tena Moore


Some people think that acupuncture is a new-age healing method, not based on logical and proven medical and clinical evidence, but they may be wrong. New studies are emerging that seek to understand the relationship between acupuncture and health. As far as evidence is concerned, it may still be split down the middle 50/50 when it comes to proving that acupuncture can have a positive effect on health. Some studies and clinical trials have shown no effect, and some have shown significant positive effects.

Studies on Acupuncture

At least 30 trials have been highlighted in various print and online publications that show acupuncture is not effective for headaches.

That being said, at least 3 large studies found that using this traditional Chinese healing method reduces headaches significantly.

One large study involving 400 patients found that 12 sessions of acupuncture reduced headache for an entire year. A two-year study found that it was affective for headache by a 34 percent reduction, but other studies have found that ‘sham’ acupuncture or sticking needles in random points on the body that do not follow the meridian system, is just as effective.

So, to answer the question of whether there is evidence that acupuncture works: Yes. And no.

Choose a Medically Trained Acupuncturist

Surveys have shown that medically trained acupuncturists are more effective and have fewer cases of complications such as fainting, infection, increased pain, or punctured lung. These complications are not common, but can happen, although just as many or more complications are linked to conventional medicine and invasive surgeries.

All in all, many medical professionals believe that acupuncture is a safe procedure when administered by a medical professional. Medical centers that take a more holistic approach can now be found in some locations. These centers offer traditional and conventional options in one place, and allow for immediate communication between traditional doctor and conventional doctor, for a more integrated approach to health and healing.

The best way to decide if acupuncture is effective is to try it out for a current health issue, such as headaches and pain, or to stop smoking or overeating. Since there are not many reported negative side effects to trying the Chinese healing method, trying it out for one’s self may help clear the confusion as to its benefit, or lack thereof.

Make sure to ask around for local acupuncturist recommendations from friends and family, and speak with your doctor about your decision. An acupuncturist may prescribe herbs that can interact with certain medications. It is best to take a list of medications to share with your acupuncturist, and offer full disclosure between all medical professionals.


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What foods have both fiber and protein?

Written by Tena Moore


Fiber and protein are both crucial to a healthy diet. Incorporating foods into your diet that contain both can be a very healthy move, especially if you are a vegetarian or vegan, since you will not be getting any protein from animal sources. Animal proteins are not a complete fiber and protein food; they do not contain significant amounts of fiber, only plant sources contain both.

Legumes, seeds and nuts are foods to look for containing both protein and fiber. Lentils are an excellent source of both fiber and protein – and may possibly be the best source for consuming both as a team. Beans such as chickpeas, peas, edamame (soybeans), kidney beans, black beans, and nearly all beans, are a very rich source of both fiber and protein. In addition to legumes, protein and fiber can be found in a variety of nuts and seeds. Grab almonds, cashews, flax seeds, chia seeds or pumpkin seeds to get both necessary ingredients in an easy to grab snack.

Leafy greens, such as kale, chard, spinach, cabbage and turnip greens, as well as almost all other leafy greens including mustard greens, romaine lettuce, dandelion greens, arugula, endive and bok choy, have a high amount of protein and fiber per calorie. While it is challenging sometimes to get enough leafy greens in one’s diet, making a green smoothie with leafy greens can be a very delectable way to get a high amount of this nutritious food. Just blend greens with water, bananas for creaminess, and fruit for a sweet flavor, to make a large portion of greens very palatable. Leafy greens can also be steamed or used in salads.

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How good is fish for your diet?

Written by Tena Moore


Fish, especially fatty fish eaten in moderation, is excellent for anyone’s diet. While the term ‘fatty’ might make some cringe, these fish are the healthiest and tastiest of all fish, and are considered a great source of ‘good’, heart healthy fats. According to the American Dietetic Association, fatty fish to consume on a regular basis are: sardines, herring, tuna, trout, mackerel, and salmon. A number of studies have shown that eating these fish can reduce risk of heart disease.

Fatty, cold water fish are low fat and contain high amounts of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Eating fatty, cold water fish can lower triglycerides and cholesterol, and reduce inflammation in the body, but it depends on your cooking method. Grilling, steaming and broiling are the best cooking methods for cooking to gain the most health benefits, and eating at least two 3-4 ounce servings a week is recommended.

Although many people steer clear of fish due to the chances of mercury, polycholorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other toxins, fatty, cold water fish contain less than most fish. Many experts say that the key is to stay away from fish such as tilefish, swordfish, shark, king mackerel and other large fish that contain the most toxins. They also suggest that fish is rotated in the diet; for example, do not always eat tuna or salmon, but get a wide variety of healthy fish in your diet. Locally caught fish is always the best choice.

For those who do not like fish or are vegetarians, but want the same health benefits, omega-3 fatty acids can be found in flaxseed oil, walnuts, omega-3 enriched eggs and canola oil. Fish oil supplements can also be taken.


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Which B vitamins are the best?

Written by Tena Moore


To be honest, all B vitamins are important. While some people, and even some doctors, like to think that singling out one certain vitamin by itself is helpful for the body, most vitamins, minerals and other nutrients work as a team to get many jobs done at once. Each vitamin in the family of B vitamins all have different functions, and your body needs all of them.

The vitamin B complex consists of 8 B vitamins: B1 (also known as thiamine), B2 (also known as riboflavin), B3 (also known as niacin), B5 (also known as pantothenic acid), B6 (also known as pyridoxine), B7 (also known as biotin), B9 (also known as folic acid), and B12 (also known as cobalamin). The B vitamins work together to supply energy to the body and brain. They are needed for cell growth and reproduction, metabolism, a healthy immune system and a healthy nervous system.

Some people might say that vitamin B12 is the most important of the B vitamins; it is needed for digestion, energy production, cell function, gene function, metabolism and the absorptions of foods. A lot of emphasis has been placed on B12. Yet B9 helps the body create hemoglobin (very important during pregnancy), B7 helps the body metabolize protein and metabolize fat, B6 helps the body create red blood cells and reduces cholesterol in the arteries, while B2 protects against cancers and is needed to utilize oxygen.

Taking a B-Complex and supplying your body with all B vitamins is the best choice.



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High Fiber Relatively Low Carb Cereal

Written by Tim Moore


In the last few months, I've reordered some of my daily habits. Some of this is due to time constraints. Well, actually, a lot of is due to time constraints. And what I'm referring to there is that I don't eat out nearly as much because of time factors. However, that's a good thing. It is incredibly amazing to me how many calories restaurant food is packed with. And it doesn't really matter, in most cases, what kind of restaurant we're talking about: fast food, chain, upscale. Calories, calories, calories is what you get, far more than what your body needs on a daily basis.

Anyway, I've been changing habits. For a long time, I've been walking about three miles a day to get more calories expended. Also, its just nice to be outside in the mornings before the summertime humidity kicks up and the sun gets oppressive. I've also been eating oatmeal and cereal for breakfast. That's what I really wanted to blog about in this post.

I was shocked at how many grams of carbohydrate some of the cereal brands have. And I only really realized how large the numbers were when I looked at the cereal brands that I'm currently eating, which I think are great.

The first is Kashi honey toasted oat cereal. Fairly tasty with 25 grams of carbs, five of which is fiber. The second is Puffins, by Barbara's bakery, a brand I have only seen so far at Food Lion. I get the cinnamon flavor of Puffins and I think it tastes pretty good. Per serving, Puffins has 26 grams of carbs and six grams of this is fiber.

The thing I like about cereal is that its a great zero cholesterol breakfast, before you get to the milk of course. But it's also fairly low in total calories, milk included, and it fills you up. Compare that to the typical sausage and egg laden breakfast at a pancake house or at a fast food drive-through.



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