The study, published in the academic journal Phytomedicine, also suggests this ancient Chinese remedy could play a vital role in protecting the body against cancer.

Led by Dr Ed Okello, the Newcastle team wanted to know if the protective properties of green tea – which have previously been shown to be present in the undigested, freshly brewed form of the drink – were still active once the tea had been digested.

Digestion is a vital process which provides our bodies with the nutrients we need to survive. But, says Dr Okello, it also means that just because the food we put into our mouths is generally accepted to contain health-boosting properties, we can’t assume these compounds will ever be absorbed by the body.

“What was really exciting about this study was that we found when green tea is digested by enzymes in the gut, the resulting chemicals are actually more effective against key triggers of Alzheimer’s development than the undigested form of the tea,” explains Dr Okello, based in the School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development at Newcastle University.

“In addition to this, we also found the digested compounds had anti-cancer properties, significantly slowing down the growth of the tumour cells which we were using in our experiments.”

As part of the research, the Newcastle team worked in collaboration with Dr Gordon McDougall of the Plant Products and Food Quality Group at the Scottish Crop Research Institute in Dundee, who developed technology which simulates the human digestive system.

It is this which made it possible for the team to analyse the protective properties of the products of digestion.

Two compounds are known to play a significant role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease – hydrogen peroxide and a protein known as beta-amyloid.

Previous studies have shown that compounds known as polyphenols, present in black and green tea, possess neuroprotective properties, binding with the toxic compounds and protecting the brain cells.

When ingested, the polyphenols are broken down to produce a mix of compounds and it was these the Newcastle team tested in their latest research.

“It’s one of the reasons why we have to be so careful when we make claims about the health benefits of various foods and supplements,” explains Dr Okello.

“There are certain chemicals we know to be beneficial and we can identify foods which are rich in them but what happens during the digestion process is crucial to whether these foods are actually doing us any good.”

Carrying out the experiments in the lab using a tumour cell model, they exposed the cells to varying concentrations of the different toxins and the digested green tea compounds.

Dr Okello explained: “The digested chemicals protected the cells, preventing the toxins from destroying the cells.

“We also saw them affecting the cancer cells, significantly slowing down their growth.

“Green tea has been used in Traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and what we have here provides the scientific evidence why it may be effective against some of the key diseases we face today.”

The next step is to discover whether the beneficial compounds are produced during digestion after healthy human volunteers consume tea polyphenols. The team has already received funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) to take this forward.

Dr Okello adds: “There are obviously many factors which together have an influence on diseases such as cancer and dementia – a good diet, plenty of exercise and a healthy lifestyle are all important.”

Source:
Dr. Ed Okello
Newcastle University

Nutrition / Diet; Cancer / Oncology From Medical News Today

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/212925.php

Plenty of experts agree that the solution is simple — sneak nutritious foods into dishes where they’ll be least expected. And a summer smoothie is a great way to do it. Kid-friendly and convenient for on-the-go adults, smoothies are the essence of summer refreshment. When you load them up with fresh superfoods — ingredients recognized for offering positive health benefits — smoothies also become a great way to take full advantage of summer’s nutritional bounty.

Blended with just the right balance of ingredients, practically any superfood will work in a smoothie. Here are a few ideas for what to toss in the blender:

• Blueberries – High in antioxidants like vitamins C and E, blueberries help boost the immune system naturally, combat free-radical damage and possibly even ease the effects of aging. Fresh or frozen, they’re a flavorful, health-filled addition to any smoothie recipe.
• Fresh ginger – For thousands of years, Asian cultures have relied on fresh ginger to aid in digestion. It’s also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties as well. You can use ground ginger, but most supermarkets now carry the fresh root, which will deliver the full flavor and health benefits.
• Egg whites – Egg whites are an unbeatable source of pure, fat-free, cholesterol-free, high-quality lean protein. A convenient option in a pourable carton, AllWhites brand 100 percent egg whites are pasteurized for safety, providing an easy way to add lean protein to a smoothie. Oprah Winfrey trainer Bob Greene incorporates AllWhites in his “Best Life Diet,” noting their ability to help keep your appetite in check.
• Honey – Not only is honey a great, natural alternative to processed sugar or chemical-based sugar substitutes to bring sweetness to your smoothie, its glucose is easily absorbed by the body and helps produce energy. It’s also thought to provide antioxidant and antibacterial benefits.
• Ground cinnamon – Studies show cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar, act as an anti-inflammatory and even an anti-bacterial. A popular flavor among kids, it’s also high in nutrients like iron and calcium.
• Sliced almonds (or other nuts) – Nuts are a good source of high-quality protein. Sprinkle a handful over the top of your smoothie to add protein and a fun crunch.

Here’s a health-filled summer smoothie recipe with ingredients designed to help boost productivity:

Blueberry Ginger Productivity Protein Smoothie

Preparation time: 5 minutes.

Ingredients:
1 cup frozen wild blueberries
1 container (6 ounces) fat-free vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup AllWhites 100 percent liquid egg whites
1/2 cup skim milk or soymilk
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons grated fresh gingerroot
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons sliced almonds

Directions:
Combine all ingredients except almonds in blender. Cover and blend on medium speed until smooth. Sprinkle each serving with 1 tablespoon almonds. Serve immediately.

Makes two eight-ounce servings. Nutrition per serving: 124 calories, 18 from fat; 2 grams total fat; 0 grams saturated fat; 2 mg cholesterol; 87 mg sodium; 22 grams total carbohydrates; 3 grams dietary fiber; 7 grams protein.

For more great recipe ideas, visit www.betterneggs.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Green tea has been linked to a positive effect on a wide range of conditions, including heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

Green tea has already been linked to health benefits

A UK charity said the tea might help men manage low-risk tumours.

Although previous studies have shown benefits from drinking green tea – including some positive findings in relation to prostate cancer, there have been mixed results.

In this study, Philadelphia-based researchers tested a compound called Polyphenon E.

They were looking for a number of biomarkers – molecules – including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) which are indicators of developing cancer.

They also looked for prostate specific antigen (PSA) – a protein only found in the prostate. Levels can rise if cancer is present.

12 cups
The study included 26 men, aged 41 to 72 years, who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and who were scheduled for radical prostate surgery.

Patients took four capsules containing Polyphenon E for an average of 34 days, up until the day before surgery – the equivalent of around 12 cups of normally brewed concentrated green tea.

The study found a significant reduction in levels of HGF, VEGF and PSA, with some patients demonstrating reductions of more than 30%.

Dr James Cardelli, from the Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, who led the study, said the compound, which was provided by the company Polyphenon Pharma, “may have the potential to lower the incidence and slow the progression of prostate cancer.”

There were only a few reported side effects associated with this study, and liver function remained normal.

Dr Cardelli said: “We think that the use of tea polyphenols alone or in combination with other compounds currently used for cancer therapy should be explored as an approach to prevent cancer progression and recurrence.”

“There is reasonably good evidence that many cancers are preventable, and our studies using plant-derived substances support the idea that plant compounds found in a healthy diet can play a role in preventing cancer development and progression.”

Keep progression at bay
John Neate, chief executive of the Prostate Cancer Charity, said: “There have been several studies into green tea and its potential benefits, but there is, as yet, no conclusive evidence.

“The results of this study do suggest that there is merit in further research into the effects of extracts of green tea, both in relation to its impact on the prevention of prostate cancer and in controlling progression in men already diagnosed with the disease, as was investigated in this instance.”

“These initial positive findings could indicate that green tea could have a place in ‘active surveillance’, where a slow-growing, low risk tumour is monitored for changes and men want to take something which could help keep progression at bay.

“Potentially, this could mean completely avoiding, in some cases, any of the more usual medical interventions and their associated side effects.”

Thanks to the superfruit trend, exotic fruits such as acai, goji, pomegranates and mangos have moved into the mainstream. Even familiar fruits such as blueberries, strawberries and cranberries also make the powerful superfruit list. The long list of superfruits and all their health benefits can be confusing so you may be left asking, what makes these fruits so “super?”

Superfruits are naturally abundant in antioxidants, which help prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals our bodies produce when exposed to everyday toxins, research shows. By increasing your intake of antioxidant-rich superfruit you can arm the body’s line of defense to prevent pathways for cancer, aging and a variety of diseases.

Any fruit is essential in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. By choosing a serving of superfruit you will also be amping up your body’s defense system.

Superfruits can still flex their antioxidant muscles when used in recipes or blended with other juices. Superfruits are increasing in popularity and now appear in bottled water, granola, powders and energy bars. Packaged fruits are a healthy, convenient solution to keep in your refrigerator and simply take with you on the go. Del Monte’s new SuperFruit snack cups contain familiar fruit chunks and also include a blend of superfruit juices including pomegranate, acai and mango.

“An added benefit of the already peeled and sliced fruit is that there is no waste, and no wasted time. It’s a healthy and convenient snack to have on hand during a busy day,” says registered dietician Laura Molseed Ali, who holds a master’s of science, and is a licensed dietician/nutritionist and Del Monte Foods’ resident dietitian.

Another product, POM Wonderful, has made tackling the hard-to-eat pomegranate easy with tasty pomegranate and tea juice blends. The small yet powerful acai berry is still useful in energy drinks and protein bars, and is also sold in a powder extract as a vitamin supplements.

Make your everyday meals something super with easy superfruit dishes.

Berry breakfast

• Blueberries: are No. 1 in total antioxidant power and are full of disease-fighting and anti-aging qualities. They are a perfect addition to yogurt.
• Strawberries: Full of essential nutrients and low in calories, they are a quick and nutritious snack for both kids and adults, and are perfect on waffles instead of syrup.

Sweet snacks

• Peaches: Packed with potassium essential for proper functioning of the body’s cells and maintaining a healthy metabolism, peaches are an excellent source of vitamin A, C and beta carotene. Peaches are great mixed in protein-rich cottage cheese.
• Bananas: Containing a high dose of potassium which is essential to keep your heart and nervous system in good shape, bananas are also one of the highest sources of naturally available vitamin B6.

Power-up dinners

• Cranberries: One of the original superfruits, cranberries are rich in important nutrients such as vitamin C, beta carotene and fiber and are linked to helping reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Cranberries are a perfect component to a sauce to go with pork or chicken.
• Mango: A relatively new-on-the-scene superfruit, nutritionists have added this sweet tropical delight to the list because of its high concentration of vitamin A and C which are important for normal growth and development. Mango and pineapple slices skewered with beef or shrimp and tossed on the grill can give a taste of the tropics.

Maintaining a diet rich in healthy and nutritional superfruits is easier than you think. Superfruits’ vitamin rich, antioxidant power will help rejuvenate the body and the mind. For more healthy tips visit www.trysuperfruit.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent