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Why MSG Is Unhealthy

by: Shona Botes

(NaturalNews) Monosodium Glutamate, or MSG as it is most commonly known as, is found in almost all convenience foods, fast foods and processed foods. It is used as a flavour enhancer in cheap, processed foods to make their taste more appealing. While making bland foods taste more appealing, this chemically structured ingredient is shown to cause neurotransmitter damage and is also linked to the skyrocketing cases of obesity we see today.

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Flaxseeds Can Reduce Cholesterol and Blood Lipid Levels

by: Michelle Bosmier

(NaturalNews) Folk stories had it that flaxseeds were blessed – that they could bring good fortune, restore health, and protect from the evil witchery. Nowadays, it's really no different. Bringing flaxseeds into your diet will definitely bring you good fortune, restore health, and protect you from the evils that your own body can produce.

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There is a little gender-related controversy regarding the lowering of cholesterol levels via flaxseed consumption. In a study conducted by ISU professor Suzanne Hendrich of Iowa State University's Nutrition and Wellness Research Center (NWRC), it was found that men's cholesterol levels can fall much faster than that of a woman's, upon the consumption of about 150 milligrams of flaxseeds (about three tablespoons) a day.

The study, which included 90 people of both genders, took place over a span of three months and looked at patients that all had high levels of cholesterol but no other underlying health-related conditions. According to Professor Hendrich, it is the flaxseed 'lignans' – a plant-based chemical compound group known for its protective health properties – that is responsible for helping lower cholesterol levels. "There are certainly some people who would prefer not to use a drug," Hendrich says, "but rather use foods to maintain their health. This potentially would be something to consider." Hendrich believes that where men in particular are concerned, the properties in flaxseeds make it a wonderful natural, long-term alternative for those who would rather opt for nature than drugs.

This doesn't mean that women should despair however. In another significant study conducted, women who added as little as 50 grams of ground flaxseed to their daily diets for four weeks were shown to have lowered LDL (bad) cholesterol levels by 18%, without touching the HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Gene Bruno, Dean of Academics at Huntington College of Health Sciences, wrote in his 2008 article that flaxseed research has also shown major serum lipid level reduction by about 8% – an effect traditionally achieved through the consumption of fish oils.

In another study involving only female volunteers and the consumption of 50 grams of flaxseed for a month, serum lipid levels went down by about 9%. Bruno also states that the lignans in flaxseeds have been found to possess anti-platelet activating properties – essential in preventing platelets in the bloodstream from clumping, rupturing, and creating harmful clots that can lead to heart-attacks and strokes, making flaxseed a premium health option.

Adding flaxseeds to your daily diet is not only highly beneficial for your health, but also very easy. Sprinkling a spoon or two of either whole or ground flaxseeds daily on your food will give you not only a good dose of omega-3 fats, but also both soluble and insoluble fiber – as well as will regulate your cholesterol levels.

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Heal With Honey

by: Traci Brosman

(NaturalNews) Honey is known for its many healing properties. Many believe that adding unfiltered, unprocessed, unheated honey to your daily diet can alleviate arthritis, reduce heart disease, lower cholesterol and reduce allergies. Honey has also been known to calm an upset stomach, lessen cold symptoms, strengthen the immune system and provide extra energy during a workout. As one of nature's natural anti-biotics, honey also heals wounds while minimizing scarring.

Honeys that have a wide variety of pollens have achieved wonderful results in minimizing many people's allergies. A tablespoon of lavender honey before bed helps people achieve a restful night's sleep. Cinnamon and turmeric combined with buckwheat honey reduces inflammation in the joints, thus relieving pain from arthritis and strengthening the immune system. Cinnamon honey is also known to help people recover from strokes, help lower cholesterol and eliminate bad breath.

There are many types of honey and not all honey has the same healing properties. Honey that has been processed or heated will not have the enzymes that aid in digestion. Filtering honey removes many types of pollen and other properties that aid in digestion, alleviate cold symptoms and reduce allergies.

When purchasing honey, you should know that USDA Organic does not mean the honey is from the United States. Currently the United States has not defined organic honey. Tests completed on honey produced in the U.S. (that is not organic) has shown extremely small traces of pesticide. It is more important however that the honey be processed organically. It is during this stage that pesticides and other contaminants can penetrate the honey at high levels.

Beekeepers Scott Shurman and Jean Vasicek suggest asking the following questions from the beekeeper you purchase your honey from.
1. How many beehives do you have? If they do not have any beehives, then they are not in control of how their honey is being processed.
2. How do you treat for mites? You are looking to make sure that pesticides are not used.
3. How do you feed your bees? Bees should be fed their own honey for most of the year. You do not want to purchase honey from a beekeeper that only feeds the bees sugar water.
4. Are you state certified for beekeeping and for your bottling facility? This answer should be yes.
5. Do you heat your honey? Purchase honey that has not been heated.
6. Do you filter your honey? The more honey is filtered the less medicinal benefits it will have.