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Menopausal women tend to have similar body shapes of apples, a large abdominal, which is identical with high levels of cholesterol and fat. The ill effects of the “apple body” can be combated with an apple. A study in the United States said apple is a “miracle fruit”.

This study, involving 160 postmenopausal women ages 45-65, who were randomly divided into two groups, one group received 75g / day of dried apples for one year, and another group received prunes. Blood samples were taken at month 3, 6, and 12. The results are startling: women who ate the apple, the cholesterol levels of “bad” LDL dropped 23% in 6 months. Lipid hydroperoxide levels and C-reactive protein (CRP) was also down.

Lipid hydroperoxide is a lipid (fat) is oxidized and damaged, which damage cells. CRP is a protein in an area that increases the inflammatory response (inflammation). The higher the CRP, the higher the inflammation. Previous research in animals shows, pectin and polyphenols in apple improve fat metabolism and lowers the production of pro-inflammatory molecules.

In contrast, levels of “good” cholesterol HDL  increased by about 4%. Another advantage, an additional 240 calories of dried apple consumption does not cause weight gain. In fact, weight loss of about 3,30 pound. One reason may have come from pectin, which creates a feeling of fullness and suppress appetite.

A plate of vegetables and tomatoes sprinkled with olives, then doused with olive oil. Or a bowl of cereal with fruit pieces and nuts. Side dishes, more fish than red meat and poultry, as well as the more unsaturated fats than saturated fats. This is the Mediterranean diet. Not only tasty, Mediterranean diet was to prevent brain damage that interferes with memory and thinking ability. Studies conducted in New York, United States, against 712 people proves this.

After 6 years, all participants undergo an MRI examination, and 238 of them had at least one part of the brain damage. After investigation, those whose diets most closely to the Mediterranean diet, may suffer brain damage 36% smaller than those whose diets away from the Mediterranean diet. Meanwhile, those whose diets are close enough to the Mediterranean diet, 21% smaller.

Concluded, diet is far from the Mediterranean diet, comparable to the increase in blood pressure and brain damage. Previous research shows that Mediterranean diet or a diet similar to it can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and prolong life of Alzheimer’s sufferers. Based on the research note that this is also affected by brain damage, which occurred less with the Mediterranean diet.

Breast milk is a gift from the Creator. Breast milk contains nutrients that are fully equipped with the appropriate levels and suitable for babies. Breast milk contains substances off (nutrients), and also contains a living substance, in the form of enzymes and antibodies. This makes the nutrients in breast milk is easily digested and absorbed by the baby’s intestines, which have not been fully developed.

What if the baby does not get breast milk? First, babies do not receive colostrum, the milk produced during late pregnancy of the mother, until a few days after birth. This thick yellowish milk is the first shield for baby. At birth, the baby’s immune system has not worked, so very vulnerable to a variety of invading microorganisms. Colostrum, in addition to rich in nutrients, also contain the antibody immunoglobulin (lg), which activates the immune system and train it to recognize “friends” and “opponents”.

Another benefit, related to the gastrointestinal tract. A study in Switzerland and Australia reported, the protein in breast milk (which is not in cow’s milk) may fight disease by helping remove bacteria, viruses and pathogenic organisms from the infant gastrointestinal tract. Infants who received breast milk less frequently affected by diarrhea, rash or allergy, compared with infants who received cow’s milk.

Certain types of sugars in breast milk could help fight the NEC (necrotizing enterocolitits), a deadly disease which affects approximately 10% of premature babies. This sugar prevents bacterial infections, including those that cause diarrhea.

Still associated with the gastrointestinal tract, the study in England found that an ingredient in the breast milk can protect and improve the baby’s gut. This substance is called PSTI (pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor). Test results showed that when cells in the intestine destroyed, PSTI stimulates the cells to move into the damaged area, forming a “plaster” the natural protector. PSTI also prevent further damage, by stopping the cells of the intestine from self-destructing. Additional research showed that PSTI could reduce the damage of intestinal cells to 75%. The content of PSTI 7 times higher in colostrum than breast milk. Read the rest of this entry »