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Bitter Melon - Benefits, Medicinal Properties
Bitter Melon is reported to help in the treatment of diabetes
and psoriasis. It has also been reported that Bitter Melon may
help in the treatment of HIV Bitter Melon is the English name of
Momordica charantia. Bitter Melon is also known by the...
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Detoxification therapy is the oldest known medical treatment on earth; it is a completely natural and necessary process to get you healthy and feeling your best. If you’ve never done an official detox program, you are long overdue for a...
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Eat for Beauty
Marjet D. Heitzer, Ph.D.
The Plateau-proof Diet Foundation
http://www.plateauproofdiet.com
Email: info@plateauproofdiet.com
Consuming a diet rich in beneficial nutrients such as vitamins
and minerals results in many welcomed side effects such as
weight loss and improved health not to mention enhanced beauty.
It is important to state here that this column is concerned with
the effects of nutrients derived from certain foods (not
supplements) on your overall appearance. One of the many
benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables may include
reduced wrinkle formation, leading to younger looking skin. The
definition of a wrinkle is: a small ridge, prominence, or furrow
formed by the shrinking or contraction of any smooth substance.
Of course, by the shear extent of creams that exist to combat
the signs of aging (i.e. wrinkles), no reader needs to be
reminded of the detailed definition.
Although many of us are too familiar with the definition of a
wrinkle, the reasons why we get them may not be clear. During
the aging process, fat as well as collagen and elastin (matrix
proteins responsible for the shape of organs) are lost in the
skin. To combat wrinkle formation, many topical creams either
replace the lost collagen and elastin or relax skin muscles,
resulting in a smoother appearance.
Sun damage by ultraviolet radiation (UVA) is one of the
leading causes of premature aging of the skin. UVA induces
premature aging by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS),
thereby increasing oxidative stress in the skin. ROS induced by
UVA, damages lipid, DNA, and proteins located within skin cells
(1). Furthermore, UVA induces gene expression of certain
enzymes, matrix metalloproteinases, which break down the support
matrix, collagen and elastin, found in skin, possibly leading to
wrinkle formation (1). For this reason, many marketing ads for
wrinkle creams include key words such as free radical,
collagen/elastin booster, and antioxidants.
Beta-carotene is a member of the carotenoid family (the bright
red, yellow, and orange pigments of fruit and vegetables) that
is found in foods such as carrots and green, leafy vegetables.
It is an antioxidant that is a potent ROS scavenger (2). Because
beta-carotene quenches ROS, they can no long damage skin lipids,
proteins, and DNA. Furthermore, beta-carotene represses
UVA-induced matrix metalloproteinase expression, making it one
of the few oral skin
protectants that fight against premature
aging.
Along with directly combating premature aging by removing ROS,
beta-carotene may indirectly affect wrinkle formation by
increasing retinoic acid production in the skin. Beta-carotene
is required for retinoic acid production which induces skin cell
proliferation, perhaps leading to a thickening of the skin. In
turn, a thicker skin layer may result in a smoother appearance
of the surface of the skin.
Because beta-carotene accumulates in the epidermis of the skin
by ingestion, it was tested and confirmed to aid in protecting
the skin from UVA-induced premature aging (3). Furthermore, the
levels of beta-carotene obtained from a diet rich in fruits and
vegetables were sufficient to produce the protection from UVA.
Additionally, beta-carotene is phytoprotective (plant-derived
protection) against erythema (redness of skin produced by the
congestion of capillaries in the skin) induced by UVA.
To maintain the skin benefits associated with consumption of
fruits and vegetables rich in beta-carotene, it is important to
maintain consumption of those foods. Because UVA destroys
beta-carotene in the skin, it must be replenished continuously.
Keep eating your brightly-colored vegies.
1.Wertz, K., Seifert, N., Hunziker, P. B., Riss, G., Wyss,
A., Lankin, C., and Goralczyk, R. Beta-carotene inhibits
UVA-induced matrix metallo protease 1 and 10 expression in
keratinocytes by a singlet oxygen-dependent mechanism. Free
Radic Biol Med, 37: 654-670, 2004.
2.Stahl, W. and Sies, H. Bioactivity and protective effects of
natural carotenoids. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1740: 101-107, 2005.
3.Bando, N., Hayashi, H., Wakamatsu, S., Inakuma, T., Miyoshi,
M., Nagao, A., Yamauchi, R., and Terao, J. Participation of
singlet oxygen in ultraviolet-a-induced lipid peroxidation in
mouse skin and its inhibition by dietary beta-carotene: an ex
vivo study. Free Radic Biol Med, 37: 1854-1863, 2004.
About the author:
Dr. Marjet Heitzer is a biomedical scientist specialized in
cancer and endocrine research. She is the founding editor of
'Trimming America', the free journal of 'The Plateau-proof Diet
Foundation'. She is a strong proponent of reversing obesity and
some of its comorbidities, including type II diabetes and
hypertension, with a lifestyle change that has healthy dieting
at its core.
Http://www.plateauproofdiet.com
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American Diabetes Association Home Page |
Their mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by this disease. Available in English and Spanish. |
www.diabetes.org |
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Diabetes Information - American Diabetes Association |
The American Diabetes Association recommends the FPG because it is easier, ... Take the first steps toward better diabetes care by visiting the Diabetes ... |
www.diabetes.org |
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Diabetes UK home page - Diabetes UK |
Diabetes UK is the largest organisation in the UK working for people with diabetes, funding research, campaigning and helping people live with the ... |
www.diabetes.org.uk |
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Canadian Diabetes Association |
To promote the health of Canadians through diabetes research, education, service, and advocacy. |
www.diabetes.ca |
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Diabetes information including treating type 2 diabetes at ... |
Offers dietary recommendations, including recipes and tips on managing blood sugar levels. From GlaxoSmithKline. |
www.diabetes.com |
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Diabetes |
Web site for Diabetes. ... publishes Diabetes. Stanford University Libraries' HighWire Press ® assists in the publication of Diabetes Online ... |
diabetes.diabetesjournals.org |
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CDC Diabetes Public Health Resource |
The diabetes information homepage of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, provided by the CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation. |
www.cdc.gov |
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CDC - Health Topic: Diabetes |
Diabetes · Diabetes and Research Diagnostics · Diabetes Surveillance Report · FAQ's on Diabetes · Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon ... |
www.cdc.gov |
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National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse |
Provides educational materials to increase knowledge and understanding about diabetes among patients, health care professionals, and the general public. |
diabetes.niddk.nih.gov |
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Diabetes mellitus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |
For diabetes mellitus in pets, see diabetes in cats and dogs. ... Type 1 diabetes mellitus - formerly known as insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM), ... |
en.wikipedia.org |
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MedlinePlus: Diabetes |
(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) - Links to PDF ... Select services and providers for Diabetes in your area. ... |
www.nlm.nih.gov |
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MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Diabetes |
Diabetes affects about 18 million Americans. There are many risk factors for ... These levels are considered to be risk factors for type 2 diabetes and its ... |
www.nlm.nih.gov |
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Diabetes |
What to expect from your diabetes diagnosis? Get up-to-the-minute information about medications, insulin, blood sugar management, nutrition requirements, ... |
diabetes.about.com |
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WebMD Diabetes Health Center - Information on Type 1 and Type 2 ... |
Find in-depth information here about diabetes prevention, diet, ... Study Shows Burned-Out Staffers More Likely to Get Type 2 DiabetesGo To Article ... |
www.webmd.com |
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WebMD Health - 404 Error |
Allergies|Anxiety Disorders|Arthritis|Asthma|Back Pain|Bipolar Disorder|Cancer|Children's Health|Cholesterol|Depression| Diabetes|Diet & Nutrition|Erectile ... |
www.webmd.com |
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Diabetes Overview |
Defines diabetes, including the various types and treatments. Provides information on the impact and cost of the disease, its increasing prevalence, ... |
www.niddk.nih.gov |
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Diabetes News - The New York Times |
A free collection of articles about diabetes published in The New York Times. |
topics.nytimes.com |
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children with DIABETES Online Community |
An online community for kids, families, and adults with diabetes, featuring message boards, chat rooms, and questions/answers from medical professionals. |
www.childrenwithdiabetes.com |
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International Diabetes Institute - Diabetes Research, Education ... |
The International Diabetes Institute is the leading national and international centre for diabetes research, diabetes education and diabetes care. |
www.diabetes.com.au |
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Diabetes New Zealand |
Educates and informs people about diabetes, its treatment, prevention, and cure of diabetes. |
www.diabetes.org.nz |
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