Can an Australian superfood plum help you lose weight?

By Ian Lloyd Neubauer

The Queen Garnet plum - a superfood that is claimed to help weightloss

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The rise of the superfood began in the 1990s and has grown to include a dizzying array of foods, everything from the Peruvian grain quinoa to the ancient European vegetable kale but not everyone agrees we really need them.

A fruit that can make you thin? That is the gospel according to growers of Australia's Queen Garnet plum - a "freak" stone fruit with extraordinarily high levels of anthocyanin.

Anthocyanin is the pigment that gives plums, strawberries and blueberries their deep blush.

It is also a class of antioxidant - a compound that reduces oxidative stress in living cells, and which has been investigated for its role in preventing or helping fight disease.

The Queen Garnet came under the spotlight in February when the fruit's praises were sung by popular ABC TV show Landline.

The programme detailed new research by the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) that produced evidence of the berry's weight-loss potential.

A flurry of positive rural newspaper reports followed, prompting a rush of consumer interest in the Queen Garnet.

Pricey plums

Superfood status can be measured in dollars. Western consumer demand for quinoa, for example, has sent export prices in Peru soaring.

Experts warn that no single food item is a panacea and that there has been a long line of supposed superfoods with health claims that have been found wanting.

The Maqui berry of Chile and the goji berry of China are textbook examples, with producers linking these ancient foods to myriad and sometimes dubious health claims.

When obese rats drank the plum juice they lost weight

The Queen Garnet plum story is a little different. It was accidentally created by plant breeders trying to make a disease-resistant version of the common Japanese plum for the Queensland government a decade ago.

Then researchers at USQ took a closer look at the plum's positive properties. They fed rats a diet high in fats and carbohydrates until they were obese.

Then they added a few drops of Queen Garnet plum juice to the rats' drinking water, while exercising the rats half an hour a day. Within eight weeks, the rats had shed most of their excess weight.

That research, coupled with the Queen Garnet's reputedly deliciously sweet flesh proved a public relations masterstroke for farming co-op Nutrafruit, which paid the Queensland Government for the global license to commercialise the fruit.

But how much weight should be placed on scientific research conducted on rats? USQ Biomedical Sciences Professor Lindsay Brown, who led the research, says the results make a strong case for the Queen Garnet's health claims and for further funding for human trials.

"All the changes that rats experience with obesity - glucose levels, cardiovascular functions, inflammation - all those occur the same way in humans," Prof Brown told the BBC, adding: "The plums taste really nice."

Too good to be true?

However, others are more cautious.

Professor Manny Noakes, research director for nutrition and health at the Australian science agency CSIRO, says it is not a clear-cut case.

"It's very good research and very interesting research," says Prof Noakes.

"But when I last checked, humans and rodents were very different. You can feed rats an entire diet to test a hypothesis but that doesn't mean you'll get the same results in humans.

"To make a claim that the consumption of a food will make a difference to people's weight is a pretty long bow to cast.

"Unfortunately, this is something that happens a lot when it comes to promoting the health benefits of food. Similar claims have been made by research on animals using everyday grape seeds."

The Queen Garnet was accidentally created whilst trying to make a disease-resistant version of the common Japanese plum

USQ's research on the Queen Garnet was partly funded by the Queensland government. However, consumers need to beware of food manufacturers who publish self-funded scientific research on the weight-loss properties of their products, says Charles Fisher, a principal at food regulatory specialist Food Legal.

Mr Fisher says about 10 manufacturers have done so since Food Standards Australia New Zealand legalised the practice in 2013.

"From a legal perspective there is a big gap between what consumers understand when they hear the word 'antioxidant' and what the scientific reality may be." he notes.

Critics of cultivated fruit such as the Queen Garnet argue native fruits such as lemon myrtle can deliver even higher levels of anthocyanins.

But Nutrafruit director Hugh Macintosh says indigenous foods are extremely difficult to commercialise.

"There are many fruits out there with high levels of antioxidants but they have to be harvested in the wild so the supply is unreliable, whereas we've been growing plums for a long time so know how to do it consistently," says Mr Macintosh.

"Our plums may not be as sexy as something found in the Amazon but they're something most of us have been eating all our lives and they have a lot of potential," the Nutrafruit director adds.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-31629272

Red wine antioxidant can prevent memory deterioration?

You'd expect red wine to make remembering harder not easier, but in fact it helps prevent age related memory decline, according to new research.

Scientists at Texas A&M say it's all down to the wonder antioxidant resveratrol, also found in the skin of red grapes, some berries and peanuts.

Ashok K Shetty, a professor at the university's Health Science Center College of Medicine, was investigating the benefits of resveratrol, already celebrated for it's alleged ability to help prevent heart disease and stave off aging.

Shetty and his team of researchers found the antioxidant also has a positive effect on the hippocampus, part of the brain that is vital to memory, learning and mood.

The study, published in Scientific Reports late last month, said that elderly rats treated with resveratrol enjoyed far better blood flow, memory and other brain growth than those not given the antioxidant.

Shetty said: “The results of the study were striking.

“They indicated that for the control rats who did not receive resveratrol, spatial learning ability was largely maintained but ability to make new spatial memories significantly declined between 22 and 25 months. By contrast, both spatial learning and memory improved in the resveratrol-treated rats.”

The rats given resveratrol experienced double the neurogenesis (the growth and development of neurons) of the control rats, much better microvasculature, and decreased inflammation of the hippocampus.

Shetty said: “The study provides novel evidence that resveratrol treatment in late middle age can help improve memory and mood function in old age.

ZACHARY DAVIES BOREN

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/red-wine-antioxidant-can-prevent-memory-deterioration-10029101.html

Sumac, the Super Food with an Off-the-Charts Antioxidant Value

by Christina Sarich                                                                                                                                               
         Eating phytonutrients-dense food is an easy way to boost immunity and slow the aging process. The greater our level of antioxidants, the fewer free-radicals have the chance to ravage our cells. While eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods is ideal since they all provide specific types of antioxidants, some foods stand out above others for their level of these disease-killing nutrients. Sumac, a high-tannin variety of sorghum, is one of them.

The antioxidant value of raw Sumac bran described in ORAC units is 312,400 μ mol TE/100g. This red-orange tangy spice is used the world over as a culinary delicacy, bust also to heal the body.

The ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) chart was developed by scientists at the National Institutes of Health and Aging as a way to measure a food’s ability to neutralize free radicals. Foods that rank high on this chart are thought to do the job of neutralizing these pesky radicals the best.

Sumac is one of the foods listed at the very top of the ORAC chart. In comparison, it has roughly four times the ability to fight free radicals as organic parsley which rates high on the chart, and three times the free-radical fighting ability as ground sage – also high on the ORAC chart.

Read: Cloves – The Spice with MASS Antioxidants

Sumac comes from sorghum, a species of wild-growing grasses. It grows in ‘sumac-bobs’ that are bright red or reddish-purple in color. It is a close relative of poison ivy, but without the painful volatile oils that many people are allergic to. Many grains in this genus are raised for pasture-grazing and most grow natively in the subtropical regions of the world, including the Southwest Pacific, Australia and Asia.

Sumac is used around the world for its healing properties. It is anti-aging, anti-fungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial. Its bio-active compounds have innumerable uses for both the food industry and healing. It has been used in Southern Europe, Afghanistan, and Iran. If mixed with onion, sumac is a delicious appetizer all on its own.

The native American Indians used sumac in their tobacco, and some made sumac-ade or Indian lemonade, called ‘rhus’-juice, another name for the spice. It was once found in an 11th-century shipwreck off the coast of Rhodes. It is full of vitamin C, Omega 3 fatty acids, protein, fiber, and important trace minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. All of the health benefits of Sumac are still being researched.

- See more at: http://naturalsociety.com/sumac-super-food-charts-orac-value/#sthash.ZSzqyNK4.dpuf                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

30 Amazing Benefits Of Moringa Plant For Skin, Hair And Health

by Drew Canole

Drumsticks are an integral part of the delicious sambhar and other South Indian delicacies. It has a unique taste and texture. You would be surprised to know that the drumstick tree or moringa tree is highly beneficial for the human body. Astonishingly all its parts are edible as well.

Drumsticks are an integral part of the delicious sambhar and other South Indian delicacies. It has a unique taste and texture. You would be surprised to know that the drumstick tree or moringa tree is highly beneficial for the human body. Astonishingly all its parts are edible as well.

Let’s delve deep into the secrets of the moringa plant and identify the benefits.

What is the Moringa Tree?

• The miracle tree Moringa is a multipurpose tree that is native to parts of Africa and Asia. It is also called drumstick tree by the British and Malunggay in Philippines
• In India, it is found on the foothills of the Himalayan mountains. This plant belongs to the family Moringaceae. It derives its name from the Malayalam word, ‘Muringa’. It is a multipurpose plant and its leaves, pods, fruits, flowers, roots and bark are beneficial in one way or the other.

cc licensed ( BY ) flickr photo shared by Trees ForTheFuture

• The moringa tree grows easily in a semi-arid, tropical and sub-tropical climate and is reported to be beneficial for human beings as its various parts are edible.
• Some of the most commonly used parts are moringa leaves and seeds. Moringa seeds and roots are used to extract oil and the flowers can be cooked and eaten.
• Apart from these, its bark, sap, seeds, oil, leaves, roots and flowers are used in making traditional medicine in many countries.

 Health Benefits Of Moringa:

The most amazing thing about Moringa is that all parts of this plant including its bark, roots, leaves, flowers, seeds, sap and pods are a storehouse of nutrients and antioxidants. Thus, this plant possesses innumerable health benefits and has the capacity of curing several diseases. For this reason, it is referred to as the ‘miracle tree’ and is widely used in traditional medicine. The various health benefits of moringa are as follows.

1. The seeds of moringa contain 40 percent edible oil known as Ben oil. This clear, sweet and odourless oil is rich in antioxidants and is similar to olive oil in terms of its nutritional profile.It has an indefinite shelf life as it does not turn rancid like other oils.

2. Moringa leaves are the most widely used parts of this plant. These leaves are edible. They contain three times more iron than spinach.

3. Moringa contains all the essential amino acids needed by the body. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins which are needed to grow, repair and maintain cells. Human body manufactures 10 to 12 amino acids. The remaining 8 amino acids are known as the essential amino acids which should be provided from everyday diet and moringa contains all of them. The list of essential amino acids and their benefits are given below. 

ISOLEUCINE	Helps in building protein and enzymes and creation of biochemical components within the body.
LEUCINE	Builds protein and enzymes along with isoleucine to enhance body’s energy and alertness.
LYSINE	Ensures the absorption of right amount of calcium by the body and aids in collagen formation and production of antibodies, hormones and enzymes. Maintains the balance of nutrients that reduce viral growth.
METHEONINE	Provides sulphur to the body and prevents hair, skin and nail problems. Lowers cholesterol levels by increasing liver’s production of lecithin. Helps in reducing liver fat and bladder irritation.
PHENYLALAINE	Production of chemicals required to transmit signals between nerve cells and brain, thus reducing hunger pains. It also improves memory.
THREONINE	Forms an important part of collagen, elastin and enamel proteins. Assists metabolism, prevents fat build up in the liver and boosts digestive and intestinal tracts.
TRYTOHYAN	Supports the immune system and alleviates insomnia. Reduction of anxiety, depression and migraine symptoms. Decreases the risk of artery and heart spasms as it reduces cholesterol levels along with lysine.
VALINE	Promotes a sharp mind, coordinated muscles and calm mood

4. The Moringa leaves help in boosting energy levels in a natural manner, which is long lasting. It is also found to heal ulcers, restrict tumours, reduce arthritis pain and inflammation and control blood pressure.

5. Daily consumption of moringa as part of the diet improves the body’s natural defence mechanism. It is an immune stimulant and it is often prescribed for AIDS afflicted patients.

6. It is rich in vitamin A or beta-carotene and acts as an effective weapon against blindness.

7. It plays an important role in lactating mothers. Consumption of moringa is reported to cause a dramatic increase in breast milk.

8. As it balances the sugar levels, it can be extremely effective against diabetics.

9. Increased consumption of junk food in the present scenario can lead to high cholesterol levels. Moringa helps in balancing the cholesterol levels in the body.

10. Consumption of moringa leaves stimulates metabolism and cell structure of the body.

11. This plant also has several antibacterial properties and hence can be used as a purifier and as a natural detoxifier.

• Moringa seeds mixed in impure water can help in absorbing all the impurities.
• Moringa helps in the removal and excretion of toxic build up by attracting toxins from the blood.

12. No side effects of moringa leaves have been reported. Hence, it can be safely consumed by children and adults. Nowadays, it is used in porridge, pasta and bread to increase the nutrient content of meals.

13. Moringa supplements are better than most of the multivitamin and calcium supplements available in the market which uses synthetic ingredients. Moringa supplements are prepared from moringa leaves and pods which are natural sources of calcium and multivitamins. Their processing method increases the availability and absorption of nutrients by the body.

14. Moringa seeds are used in the manufacture of perfumes and aromatherapy oils. The flowers of moringa are used in making herbal tea which contains flavonoids and antioxidants.

cc licensed ( BY ) flickr photo shared by Forest and Kim Starr

15. Due to their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, moringa supplements facilitate quick healing of minor injuries like bruises, cuts and burns.

16. Roots of moringa are used in traditional medicine to control disorders of the circulatory system, for stimulating appetite and to improve the functioning of the digestive tract. In addition to these, they can treat sexual dysfunctions, female reproductive tract problems and arthritis.

17. According to research, certain elements contained in moringa roots can cure ovarian cancer, kidney stones and inflammations. They improve the overall kidney function by enabling the body to flush out calcium and phosphates from kidneys more efficiently.

Hair Benefits Of Moringa:

Healthy hair improves physical appearance to a great extent. Health problems or nutritional deficiencies can damage the hair and cause problems like dandruff, split ends and breakage. Hence, proper intake of vitamins and minerals is essential for maintaining healthy hair. Certain vitamins, minerals and amino acids are involved in the formation of keratin protein.

18. Moringa Oleifera has a high content of vitamin A, thus promoting hair growth and maintenance. Optimum delivery of oxygen and nutrients from the circulatory system to the hair follicle is vital for proper hair growth. Vitamin A plays an important role in the development of healthy cells and tissues in the body and reduction of hair loss. Deficiency of vitamin A can cause thickening of scalp, dry hair and dandruff.

19. Moringa plant also contains zinc which stimulates hair growth by enhancing the immune function. Zinc and silica along with vitamin A prevent drying and clogging of the sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands are responsible for production of sebum. Deficiency of zinc can lead to atrophy of the hair follicles due to the impairment of DNA and protein synthesis. Zinc also influences the conformation of nucleic acids.

20. Vitamin E in Moringa is a powerful antioxidant that stimulates blood circulation around the scalp. Proper flow of blood to the scalp helps in the absorption of more nutrients available in the hair follicles.

21. Moringa is a storehouse of all the nutrients required for healthy hair. Hair loss occurs due to the deficiency of vitamin B- especially B6, biotin, inositol and folic acid. Proper blood circulation to the scalp enables hair follicles to grow stronger and healthier. Vitamin C together with vitamin E helps in the improvement of blood circulation in the scalp. It is vital to maintain capillaries that carry blood onto the follicles.

22. Moringa contains abundant quantities of minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, selenium, copper and manganese which are essential for healthy hair.

Source: >Dolce Bella Organic

23. Moringa oil is a natural supplement for improving the health and strength of hair and scalp. Regular massage with this oil helps in reducing split ends and dandruff. It supplies rejuvenating vitamins and minerals to the hair follicles and tissues of the scalp.

Skin Benefits Of Moringa:

Just like healthy hair, the supply of proper nutrients is vital for the maintenance of healthy skin. Moringa is loaded with nutrients like calcium, vitamin A, B, C, D, E; minerals like copper, iron, zinc, magnesium, silica and manganese. Moringa has moisturizing and nourishing properties and an excellent cleansing ability which makes it an active ingredient in skin care products.

24. Moringa has been found to possess anti-ageing properties. The effect of free radicals on human skin causes the appearance of wrinkles and makes the skin aged and less resistant to lines. Moringa has an excellent cleansing ability which aids in cleaning the skin cells of free radicals and restoring the vitality and youthful complexion of the skin.

25. Moringa leaves contain about 30 antioxidants that contribute greatly towards healthy skin. Moringa oil is highly absorbable and hence helps in delivering these powerful antioxidants to the skin cells.

26. Moringa leaves also contain sulphur. This mineral is present in every single cell of the body and is the key ingredient for Collagen and keratin. Collagen is an elastic substance that gives flexibility and softness to the skin and keratin is a rigid substance which gives the skin rigidity and strength. These two substances form the majority of skin tissue and are made up of proteins constructed from sulphur.

27. The seed extract of moringa herb is popular in the cosmetic industry due to its therapeutic skincare benefits and skin purifying properties. It possesses the ability to filter out impurities that are deeply rooted within the skin and has an amazing detoxifying and rejuvenating properties. It enhances the fairness of skin by balancing the natural skin colour and tone. A paste made from moringa leaves beautifies the skin and can be used as a face mask.

28. The ben oil which is extracted from moringa seeds is used to soften and soothe baby’s’ skin.

29. Moringa seed extract is used in protective creams and has the ability to provide protection against cigarette smoke and heavy metal pollution.

30. It is a powerful cleaning agent and moringa seed powder is used as an active ingredient in deep cleansing creams and lotions. It protects the skin from adhering pollution and smog.

Nutritional Value Of Moringa:

The most amazing fact about Moringa is that it is a storehouse of nutrients and medicinal chemicals. The various parts of this plant are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, iron and protein. It contains a plethora of phytonutrients, eight essential amino acids and other powerful disease-fighting antioxidants. According to the Ayurveda, moringa comprises of around 539 compounds capable of preventing 300 diseases. Moringa contains more than 90 nutrients and 46 different antioxidants which make it a powerhouse of nutrition. The table given below provides a list of the nutritional value of this wonderful plant.

Source: Moringa Organics

 Moringa leaves are a storehouse of nutrients. They contain seven times more potassium than bananas and twice the amount of protein as that contained in milk. Milk is considered to be an important source of calcium, but moringa leaves contain four times more calcium than milk. They contain four times more vitamin A or beta carotene than carrots. Moringa powder which is prepared by grinding the dried leaves of Moringa contains seven times more vitamin C than oranges, 25 times the amount of iron in spinach, 36 times the amount of magnesium in eggs, 50 times more vitamin B3 than peanuts and 50 times more vitamin B2 than bananas.

 Moringa leaves compared to common foods

Values per 100gm. edible portion

In addition to these nutrients, moringa leaves contain all the essential amino acids needed for growth and development of the body.

Amino Acid Content of Moringa Leaves:

All values are per 100 grams of edible portion.

Fresh Leaves Dried Leaves.

Looking at the benefits of Moringa, it is imperative to include it in our diets and daily regime. With its antioxidant, purifying and detox properties it is the skin’s best friend. Always do a patch test before applying any new product on your skin like ben oil and the paste of moringa leaves. Moringa is an easy and delicious way to reap the benefits.

- See more at: http://fitlife.tv/30-amazing-benefits-of-moringa-plant-for-skin-hair-and-health/#sthash.ZBsBGCeV.dpuf