Diet
Genesis 1
29And God said, "See, I have given you every herb that yields
seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit
yields seed; to you it shall be for food.
30Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and
to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have
given every green herb for food"; and it was so.
During the last five years, researcher D. Gary
Young has traveled throughout the world investigating the regions
inhabited by two of the most long-lived peoples on earth: the Ningxia
province in China and Hunzaland in Pakistan. After intensively examining
the dietary habits of these cultures, he found one common denominator: a
mineral-rich diet exceptionally rich in antioxidant foods, such as
wolfberries and apricots. In particular, he found that Chinese wolfberries
(Ningxia variety) and potassium-rich apricots were two foods consumed by
people routinely reaching 110 and 120 years of age.
In his book, Longevity Secrets, Gary Young probes the scientific reasons why these foods may confer important anti-aging properties. A high content of vital minerals such as magnesium and potassium may be responsible. Also a high content of potent natural antixodiants and consumption of mineral rich glacial water may also be contributing factors.
Chinese Wolfberry, Ningxia variety
SuperAntioxidant Foods
Research also indicates that foods high in antioxidants, such as wolfberries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and spinach can dramatically increase glutathione levels and actually reverse the signs of aging.
A new test developed by USDA researchers at Tufts University in Boston, Massachussetts, has been able to identify the highest known antioxidant foods. Known as ORAC (oxygen radical absorbant capacity), this test is the first of its kind to measure both time and degree of free-radical inhibition.
The Ningxia wolfberry was found to have the highest ORAC score of any food tested. A special variety grown on the Yellow River in the Ningxia Provence of central China, the Ningxia cultivar is very different from any other type of wolfberry. Among the 17 types of wolfberry identified, the Ningxia wolfberry has by far the highest levels of immune-stumilating polysaccharides. It also possesses over 33 times the antioxidant power of oranges and an incredible 120 times the antioxidant potential of carrots. In addition, the Chinese wolfberry is one of the most nutrient-dense foods known, rich in many vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, B vitamins, and vitamin C. (for further information on Ningxia Wolfberry Research (see Appendix G)
SuperAntioxidant Essential Oils
Essential oils have also been found to have very powerful antioxidant properties. In animal studies at the Scottish Agricultural College, researchers found that orally administered dosages of thyme oil actually slowed aging and dramatically increased organ and tissue antioxidant levels. A diet high in antioxidants can combat the free-radical damage in the body that is associated with premature aging and degenerative diseases. (See Appendix N) for a list of foods and essential oils rated highest in antioxidant capacity according to ORAC.
Long History in China
In the early 1980s, a group of researchers from the Natural Science Institute began studying a region on the West Elbow Plateau of the Yellow River in Inner Mongolia where people lived to be over 100 years old - 10 to 20 years longer than the average person in the region. The inhabitants shared one trait that distinguished them from others. They were pre-dominantly vegetarian and regularly consumed wolfberries. Moreover, the people who consumed this fruit lived free of common diseases like arthritis, cancer, and diabetes.
Both the Chinese wolfberry (also known as Lycium barbarum by botanists and as the goji berry by native Chinese) and ginseng (Panax ginseng) have been highly regarded for centuries as the fore-most nutritional and therapeutic plants in China. In fact, the Chinese hold a strong belief that human life might be extended significantly by using either of these herbs for an extended period. Unfortunately, ginseng is considered too strong for continuous use, and large amounts may not be suitable for people with high blood pressure or heart disease. On the other hand, the wolfberry is much milder, with no known risk from continuous use.
Some 17 different varieties of wolfberry have been identified. However, only one – the Ningxia cultivar – has been shown to possess the extraordinary nutrient and antioxidant content to support greater longevity. Until recently the Ningxia wolfberry was grown only on the Yellow River in the Ningxia Province of China, but it has been successfully transplanted and cultivated at the Young Living farm in Mona, Utah
18 Amino Acids and 21 Trace Minerals
In 1988, the Beijing Nutrition Research Institute conducted detailed chemical analyses and nutritional composition studies of the dried wolfberry fruit. What they discovered was stunning! The wolfberry contained over 18 amino acids, 21 trace minerals, more protein than bee pollen, more vitamin C than oranges, and nearly as much beta carotene as carrots. Perhaps this is why the Chinese have traditionally attributed so many benefits to the wolfberry, claiming it protects liver function, replenishes vital essences, improves visual acuity, and lowers blood pressure and cholesterol. The wolfberry was also said to strengthen muscles and bones, stimulate the heart, and work as an aid to treat diabetes and impotence.
Strongest Antioxidant Known
According to a new test known as ORAC* (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), developed by USDA researchers at Tufts University, The Ningxia Wolfberry is the highest known antioxidant food, possessing an unmatched ability to absorb injurious free radicals that attack the body and contribute to cancer and aging.
Developed by Dr. Guohua Cao at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, the ORAC test is one of the most sensitive and reliable methods for measuring the ability of antioxidants to absorb oxygen radicals. It is the only test to combine both time and degree of inhibition of free radicals.
Strongest Known Antioxidants Foods
ORAC*
Ningxia wolfberry 25,300
Prunes 5,770
Blueberries 2,400
Kale 1,770
Strawberries 1,540
Spinach 1.260
Raspberries 1,220
Beets 840
Oranges 750
*Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) of 3.5 oz.
Since the early 1980s, the Chinese wolfberry has been the subject of a number of important clinical studies - including several published by the State Scientific and Technological Commission in China. These studies have documented the antioxidant and immune-stimulating properties of the Chinese wolfberry.
From July 1982 to January 1984, the Ningxia Institute of Drug Inspection conducted a pharmacological experiment using multiindex screening (Register No. 870303). Their conclusion was:
The fruits and pedicels of wolfberry were effective in increasing white blood cells, protecting the liver, and relieving hypertension. The alcoholic extract of wolfberry fruits inhibited tumor growth in mice by 58 percent, and the protein of wolfberry displayed an insulin-like action that was effective in promoting fat decomposition and reducing blood sugar.
A university in Japan experimented with diffusing different oils in the office. When they diffused lemon, there were 54 percent fewer errors, with jasmine there were 33 percent fewer errors, and with lavender there were 20 percent fewer errors. When oils were diffused while studying and taking a test, test scores increased by as much as 50 percent.
Diffusing an essential oil while studying may also improve memory while taking a test. By inhaling the same aroma, the smell of the oil may encourage recall of facts or figures learned previously by bringing back the memory of what was studied.
Another clinical experiment by the Ningxia Institute (Register No. 870306, October 1982 to May 1985) studied the effects of wolfberry on the immune, physiological, and biochemical indexes of the blood of aged volunteers. The results indicated that the wolfberry caused the blood of older people to noticeably revert to a younger state.
Can the Wolfberry Boost Immune Function?
According to a report of the State Scientific and Technological Commission of China, the wolfberry contains compounds known as lycium polysaccharides, which appeared to be highly effective in promoting immunity. These results were supported in a number of clinical trials.
In one study on a group of cancer patients, the wolfberry triggered an increase in both lymphocyte transformation rate and white blood cell count (measures of immune function). In another study involving a group of 50 people with lower-limit white blood cell counts, the wolfberry increased phagocytosis and the titre of serum antibodies (another index of immune function). Unhealthy levels of titre of serum antibodies have long been associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (also known as Epstein-Barr). Does this mean that the wolfberry could be used as a weapon against Epstein-Barr? The possibilities are intriguing.
In another study, consumption of wolfberry led to a strengthening of immunoglobulin A levels (an index of immune function). Because the decline of immunoglobulin A is one of the signs of aging, an increase in these levels suggests that the wolfberry may enable injured DNA to better repair itself and ward off tissue degeneration.
Is the Wolfberry a Powerful Antioxidant?
As we grow older, the levels of lipid peroxide in our blood increase, while levels of health-protecting antioxidants, like superoxide dismutase (SOD), decrease. In a clinical study of people who consumed doses of wolfberry, SOD in the blood increased by a remarkable 48 percent while hemoglobin increased by 12 percent. Even better, lipid peroxide levels dropped by an astonishing 65 percent.
Does the Wolfberry Protect Eyesight?
A test was conducted on the effects of wolfberry on eyesight. Twenty-seven people were tested and showed a dramatic improvement in both dark adaptation and vitamin A and carotene content of their serum (measures of eyesight acuity).
More recent studies in the 1990s have lent additional scientific support.
Abstracts
1. Use of Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum polysaccharides) to Treat Cancer
Author: G. W. Cao, W. G. Yang, P. Du
Journal: Chunghua Chung Lui Tsa Chih 16 (Nov.
1994): 428-31
Location: Second Military Medical University, Shanghai
Conclusion: Lycium barbarum polysaccharides can be used as an adjuvant in the treatment of cancer.
Abstract: Seventy-nine advanced cancer patients were treated with a combination of LAK/IL-2 and Lycium barbarum polysaccharides. Patients treated with only LAK/IL-2 showed a response rate of only 16 percent, while those treated with both LAK/IL-2 and Lycium barbarum polysaccharides showed a response rate of 40.9 percent. Moreover, the mean remission in the Lycium barbarum group lasted significantly longer. Lymphokine-activated natural killer cells (LAK) and interleukin 2 (IL-2).
2. The Role of Lycium barbarum Polysaccharide as an Antioxidant
Author: X. Zhang
Journal: Chung Kuo Chung Yao Tsa Chih 18 (Feb. 1993): 110-2, 128
Location: Beijing Military Hospital
Conclusion: The effects of free radicals on cells can be prevented and reversed by incubation with either Lycium barbarum polysaccharide or superoxide dismutase.
Abstract: Researchers incubated cells (Xenopus Oocytes) in a solution containing a free-radical-producing system for 6 hours. The changes in the electrical profile of the cell membranes were determined using a microelectrode electrophysiological technique. The results showed that Lycium barbarum polysaccharide prevented and reversed free radical damage to the cells.
3. Protective Action of Lycium barbarum on Hydrogen Peroxide-induced Lipid Peroxidation
Author: B. Ren, Y. Ma, Y. Shen, B. Gao
Journal: Chung Kuo Chung Yao Tsa Chih 20 (May 1995): 303-4
Location: Ningxia Medical College, Yinchuan
Conclusion: Lycium barbarum protects red blood cell membranes against lipid peroxidation.
Abstract: Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), a powerful promoter of oxidative damage, was used to promote lipid peroxidation of the red blood cell membranes of rats. Dried Lycium berries showed the greatest protective effect against H 2 O 2 damage, followed by Lycium barbarum polysaccharide.
4. Effects of Lycium barbarum on the Attachment and Growth of Human Gingival Cells to Root Surfaces
Author: B. Liu
Journal: Chung Kuo Chung Yao Tsa Chih 27 (May 1992): 159-61, 190
Location: College of Stomatology, Fourth Medical University, Xian
Conclusion: Lycium barbarum improved the attachment and growth of human gingival cells to root surfaces.
Abstract: A dose of 1.25 mg/ml Lycium barbarum was used to stimulate the in vitro attachment of human gingival fibrobasts to the surfaces of dental roots. In response to Lycium barbarum exposure, cells on diseased root surfaces increased in quantity, exhibited better growth and distribution. Drynaria displayed similar effects but was not as potent as the Lycium barbarum.
A new test developed by USDA researchers at Tufts University in Boston, Massachussetts, has been able to identify the highest known antioxidant foods. Known as ORAC (oxygen radical absorbant capacity), this test is the first of its kind to measure both time and degree of free-radical inhibition.
ESSENTIAL OILS
ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY*
Clove 10,786,875
Thyme 159,590
Oregano 153,007
Mountain savory 113,071
Cinnamon bark 103,448
Cistus 38,648
Eucalyptus globulus 24,157
Orange 18,898
Lemongrass 17,765
Helichrysum 17,430
Ravensara 8,927
Lemon 6,125
Spearmint 5,398
Lavender 3,669
Rosemary CT cineol 3,309
Juniper 2,517
Roman chamomile 2,446
Sandalwood 1,655
FOODS
ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY*
Ningxia Wolfberry 25,300
Blueberries 2,400
Kale 1,770
Strawberries 1,540
Spinach 1,260
Raspberries 1,220
Brussels sprouts 980
Plums 949
Beets 840
Broccoli florets 890
Oranges 750
Red Grapes 739
Red Bell Peppers 710
Cherries 670
Yellow corn 400
Eggplant 390
Carrots 210
* Antioxidant Capacity is estimated by Ferric
Reducing Power and is expressed as micromole Trolox equivalent (TE) per
liter.
Get your Health
in order using Therapeutic GRADE-A Essential Oils.
The only Essential Oils that are AFNOR & ISO Certified.
Follow the banner below.
