Cutting Edge New Research On Cranberries & Health

Posted on 16/07/2013 by sbonham

We all have been told that cranberries help with urinary tract infections, but until now the mechanism and understanding of “why” has not been properly understood.

Researchers at McGill University’s Department of Chemical Engineering are shedding light on the biological mechanisms by which cranberries may impart protective properties against urinary tract and other infections. Two new studies, spearheaded by Prof. Nathalie Tufenkji, add to evidence of cranberries’ effects on UTI- causing bacteria.

Key Scientific Findings – Cranberry’s and Urinary Tract Infections

Overall, the research results led by Professor Tufenkji and published in the Canadian Journal of Microbiology demonstrated:

1) Cranberry powder can inhibit the ability of Proteus mirabilis, a bacterium frequently implicated in complicated UTI’s, to swarm on agar plates and swim within the agar

2) Increasing concentrations of cranberry powder reduce the bacteria’s production of urease, an enzyme that contributes to the virulence of infections.

Cranberry’s and Bacteria Inhibition In Medical Devices – Cutting Edge New Research

The findings of this work also point to the potential for cranberry derivatives to be used to prevent bacterial colonization in medical devices such as catheters. In fact, Dr. Tufenkji conducted a joint study with McGill’s processor Dr. Nazhat (a biomaterials expert) and they found that cranberry-enriched silicone substrates (note: silicone is often used in medical catheters and tubing) impaired the spread of Proteus Mirabilis bacteria. The results were published online in the Journal of Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces which point to potential uses for cranberry derivatives to hinder the spread of germs in implantable medical devices such as catheters that are frequently implicated in Urinary Tract Infections. This could also help with keeping bacteria under control at hospitals.

So why is important? Aren’t Urinary Infections Treated With Antibiotics?

Well, according to Dr. Tufenkji, “more than 150 million cases of UTI are reported globally each year, and antibiotic treatment remains the standard approach for managing these infections. The current rise of bacterial resistance to antibiotics underscores the importance of developing another approach.”

Starbucks Talks Sustainability

Posted on 21/06/2013 by sbonham

When you go to Starbucks, do you recycle the lid or cup? I didn’t think so.

Despite a somewhat unmatchable brand loyalty in the coffee space, Starbucks still takes heat due to the potential negative environmental impact of its disposable cups.

Starbucks is now rising up and taking action to become more sustainable. Recently, they rolled out plastic cups for cold beverages that are produced with polypropylene cups and lids, and launching new lightweight plastic cups to reduce resin consumption. In addition, Starbucks has a goal of making 100% of its cups reusable or recyclable by 2015.

In an attempt to find a solution to this recycling issue, Starbucks has launched an in-store recycling program at selected stores.While the program has hit some hiccups along the way, the company said it is committed to eventually offering in-store recycling on a wide scale.

Currently, Starbucks is working with ConAgra Foods to make their coffee cups recyclable. What is preventing this from happening is the non-recylcable polymer adhered onto the inside of their cups to prevent leak.

Conagra Foods are different in that they use post-industrial recycled polylactic acid and convert it into shrink film packaging materials (i.e. the inside lining of Starbucks coffee cups). The company’s PLA shrink film contains more than 50% post-industrial recycled material, and it uses this material for tamper-evident seals on some of ConAgra Foods’ table spreads. However, the CEO of Conagra Foods still recognizes the limitation of PLA based bio-plastics and their researchers are working hard to make sure no plastic/contamination occurs within the cups with PLA shrink film adhered to them (i.e. increased thermal stability). Below is a quote that expresses the CEO’s concerns more thoroughly…

“We know there are challenges with PLA and how it can impact the bottle-to-bottle recycling strategy,” she said. “But we have strict restrictions on PLA and we make sure it doesn’t stay with the package because we don’t want potential contamination.”

By collaborating with its suppliers, Conagra has been able to convert 260,000 pounds of resin from non-renewable resources (PVC and PET g) to PLA (plastic derived from starch). It will be exciting to learn more about what Conagra can do for food companies to reduce their environmental waste and make their materials more sustainable.

The Health Benefits of Pineapple

Posted on 10/06/2013 by sbonham

Health benefits of pineapples are endless. What surprised me the most about pineapples is how abundant in vitamin A they are. Vitamin A is great for supporting eye health (I have bad vision so this is great for me). Furthermore, vitamin A is full of antioxidants and when eating fruits and vegetables rich in these flavonoids it helps protect the body from lung and oral cavity cancers.

Manuka Health Benefits

Posted on 08/06/2013 by sbonham

Manuka honey is primarily produced in New Zealand. This natural super-food is gradually gaining the attention and respect of both medical professionals and everyday health-minded individuals due to its healing and antibacterial properties. Manuka honey comes from the Manuka trees, which are primarily found in a specific place in New Zealand called the East Cape Region.

What Are Some Manuka Health Benefits?

Manuka Health Benefits: Antibacterial Properties

In general, all kinds of honey have natural honey health benefits. However, what makes Manuka more potent and beneficial to health is its high concentration of a very powerful antibacterial component called methylglyoxal or MG.

The healing and antibacterial capacity of Manuka stems from its MG content. Generally speaking, the more MG a bottle of Manuka honey has, the more potent it is in providing various health benefits.

However, it is important to note that not all Manuka honeys are created equal. Honey experts use a certain scale in rating the potency of Manuka called Unique Manuka Factor or UMF. The higher the UMF is, the higher the concentration of MG and the more potent it is. Thus, for you to experience the therapeutic honey health benefits of Manuka, you need to make sure that it has a UMF rating of 10 or more.

Endless Manuka Honey Health Benefits

Typically, Manuka is used in treating wounds and burns by applying it on top of them. Aside from that, this natural health wonder is also marketed as a natural healer of various diseases. Here are some Manuka health benefits.

– Treat Gastrointestinal Problem

– Treat Diabetes

– Reduce Systemic Inflammation

– Prevent Cancer

– Treat Infections on the Eyes, Sinus, and Ears

–Reduce High Cholesterol

– Treat Rashes, Hives, Rosacea, Eczema

– Can Be Used as Facial Mask

However, it should be noted that some of these Manuka health benefits do not have any scientific researches or studies to back them up. In fact, Dr. Ron Fessenden from The Honey Revolution warns diabetic people not to take Manuka honey on a daily basis since its high concentration of methylglyoxal can lead to various health complications.

Manuka Flower

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5 Natural Ways To Relieve Headaches and Migraines

Posted on 05/06/2013 by sbonham

Have you ever felt like the only person in your family or group of friends that gets headaches? I have. Surprisingly, it is a lot more common than you would think. An estimated 15% of the population of America actually gets headaches once a week – that’s 40 million Americans!

There two main types of headaches- tension headaches and migraines. An estimated 90% of headaches are tension headaches (begin in the back of the neck or head and spread outward, with a dull non-throbbing pain). The other the other 10% are of the horrible kind – migraines, cluster headaches and caffeine withdrawal hadaches. These 10% are a direct result of the opening and closing of blood vessels in the head that set off pain.

So how does one naturally reduce headaches? Easy, through diet! Below are the top ten natural ways to reduce headaches.

1) Bay Leaves

Bay contains a compound known as parthenolides that are extremely useful in preventing migraines. Basically the parthenolides in the bay leaves inhibit serotonin release from blood cells. So next time when you make a soup, just throw a few bay leaves in it.

2) Feverfew

It’s been more than 10 years now since feverfew helped me with migraines. When reflecting on the medical literature, feverfew seems to work for about two-thirds of those who use it consistently. Furthermore, studies in the British Medical Journal agree that taking feverfew regularly prevents migraine attacks.

3) Willow Bark

This miracle tree was also previously discussed in Eco-Savy’s article on Natural Pain Relief Supplements. It basically contains an active ingredient called “salicin” which was originally used to make aspirin (of course today Aspirin is 100% synthesized- surprise, surprise).

Will Bark is so effective, that in Germany the government endorses willow bark as an effective pain reliever for headaches. Specifically the German Commission E recommends getting between 60-120 mg of salicin to treat a headache which is equivalent to 1 tsp. of the high-salicin bark or 1-1.5 tea spoons of white willow bark. Even more crazy is that 86% of the salicin in willow bark is absorbed by the digestive extract, providing a good blood level of the chemical for several hours.