June, 2008
New Vitamin E and Cataract Study
An observational 10-year study of more than 35,000 middle-aged U.S. women observed the women’s use of dietary supplements and occurrence of cataracts.
The study found significant evidence that women who had more lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin E in their diet were less likely to develop cataracts than women who are lacking intake of these nutrients. In fact, the women who got the most lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin E were 18% less likely to get cataracts.
These nutrients are hot topics in research right now, including the ongoing AREDS II study.
Ref: *Christen, W. Archives of Ophthalmology, January 2008; vol 126: pp 102-109. WebMD Medical News: "Nutrients May Help Save Eyes." National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: "Vitamin E." News release, JAMA/Archives.
Editor's Note: See our comprehensive eye multiformula with 400IU of vitamin E as natural d-alpha-tocopheryl succinate.
Dr. Grossman's Eye Exercises on Youtube.com
You can see Dr. Grossman demonstrate 3 of his favorite eye exercises on youtube.
Please feel free to write a nice comment on youtube as this helps to get our video to reach more people.
Editor's Note: Don't forget Dr. Grossman's free eye exercise e-booklet - with details for different vision conditions.
Few Short-Term Differences Seen Between Lucentis and Avastin in Treating Choroidal Neovascularisation
According to a recent review, there appears to be few meaningful differences other than price between the vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors ranibizumab and bevacizumab -- at least in the short term.
Researchers presented the results of a retrospective review of patient charts in a poster presentation here at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2008 Annual Meeting.
The researchers observed no clinically relevant or statistically significant differences between the drugs when used to treat choroidal neovascularisation secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
See the full article at docguide.com.
Editor's Note: This finding may be very important to patients as the cost of Avastin may be a little as 10% of the cost of Lucentis, and as people with wet AMD may require multiple injections, the cost savings can be quite significant.
Editor's Note2: As these injections can be very important in helping preserve vision for those with active bleeding in the retina, the long term approach should also include a very targeted nutritional protocol as may reduce or eliminate the need for ongoing injections in the future, and ultimately help preserve vision. See more information on macular degeneration.
Breakthrough technique pioneered at Novartis research institute restores light sensitivity in damaged retinas
Study published in the April 27 online issue of Nature Neuroscience shows that the new technique enabled blind mice to successfully perform visually guided behavioral tasks, an unprecedented result that opens the way for clinical trials in humans. This novel approach is administering with a gene of a light-activated protein from green algae to selected retinal cells (ON Bipolar cells).
The approach pioneered at FMI could be an alternative to surgical transplantation of electrode arrays for the millions affected by blindness as a result of retinitis pigmentosa and late-stage macular degeneration
"We are excited and encouraged by the results of the study, which open the way for clinical trials in humans," said Susan M. Gasser, Director of FMI. "The new technique developed at the FMI could revolutionize the way that retinitis pigmentosa and late-stage macular degeneration are treated, potentially eliminating the need for surgery."
Editor's Note: For a great whole food eye formula for the eyes, see our Advanced Eye and Vision Support Formula.
Spices Are High Antioxidants
Did you know that one teaspoon of cloves provides more antioxidant protection than 1/2 cup of blueberries. An antioxidant is a molecule capable of slowing or preventing the oxidation of the molecules in the body. Oxidation is basically our bodies natural "rusting" process, and results in the production of free radicals which causes cell destruction.
Here's a sample list of antioxidant compounds per serving measure in millimoles per gram:
- Blueberries 1/2 cup 4,848
- Cinnamon 1 teaspoon 6,956
- Cloves 1/2 teaspoon 3,302
- Cranberries 1/2 cup 4,792
- Oregano 1 teaspoon 3,602
- Pomegranate juice 8 oz. 5,853
- Turmeric 1/2 teaspoon 1,752
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture and McCormick Spice Institute
Editor's Note: Diets in high levels of antioxidants have been shown in numerous research studies to help prevent eye disease, heart disease, neurogenerative disease, Alzheimer's Disease, and supports overall health. We have an excellent whole food eye formula high in natural antioxidants.
Study Shows Acupuncture Works for Migraines
The latest study, published in the March, 2008 journal "Headache" confirms that acupuncture significantly reduces migraines and works better that drugs alone.
The study was conducted at the University of Padua in Italy by Dr. Enrico Facco and his colleagues. The study included 160 participants that were divided into four groups. One part of the group received a standard mock acupuncture protocol, an accurate mock acupuncture healing ritual, and an untreated control.
The participants in all the groups were given the medication, Rizatriptan, to treat any migraine attacks.
This study was performed over a 6 month period. The results were that the only lasting improvements were with the group receiving true, traditional acupuncture treatments, the improvement in migraine disability measured on a standardized scale. The groups using only the medication and the mock acupuncture plus Rizatriptan showed only temporary or transient improvement.
SOURCE: Headache, March 2008.
This Company May Be the Biggest Threat to Your Future Health
On March 11 a new documentary was aired on French television. It is a documentary most Americans will never see, explaining how the gigantic biotech corporation Monsanto is threatening to destroy the agricultural biodiversity which has served mankind for thousands of years.
Since the 1980s, Monsanto has become the world leader in genetic modification of seeds and has won 674 biotechnology patents, more than any other company. Farmers who buy Monsanto’s Roundup Ready seeds are required to sign an agreement promising not to save the seed produced after each harvest for re-planting, or to sell the seed to other farmers. This means that farmers must buy new seed every year.
This is very scary direction the 1980 Supreme Court allowed companies for the first time to patent seeds, setting the stage for large corporate control of our food supply.
For full article and video, go to http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/05/01/
this-company-may-be-the-biggest-threat-to-your-future-health.aspx?source=nl
For the full expose of the GMO industry and the potential damage to our health and environment, read one of Jeffrey Smith's books, "Seeds of Deception" or "Genetic Roulette" both available at SeedsofDeception.com.
Recipe of the Month
Recipe from "Going Wild in the Kitchen"
Asparagus Soup with Fresh Fennel
Fennel, with its subtle anise flavor, goes well with potatoes and asparagus in this simple, puréed soup. A great first course.
Serves 4 to 6
6 cups water
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, thickly sliced
3/4 cup coarsely chopped fennel
1 cup coarsely chopped unpeeled red potatoes
1/2 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
3 1/2 cups 1-inch asparagus pieces
1/2 cup coarsely chopped parsley
6 thin orange slices
- Boil the water in a separate pot.
- Place the oil in a 6-quart stockpot, and warm over medium heat. Add the garlic, fennel, potato, and salt,
and sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes, or until the fennel begins to soften.
- Add the asparagus and boiling water to the pot. Allow the ingredients to simmer for 5 to 10 minutes,
or until the asparagus is bright green and tender.
- Stir in the parsley, and remove the pot from the stove.
- Let the soup cool for 5 to 10 minutes, then purée the ingredients in a blender. (This may have to be done in two or three batches.)
- Adjust the seasonings, if desired.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish each with an orange slice before serving.
Leslie is also available for nutritional consultations.
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