Healthy Things

Chlorella once was a promising solution to the problem of world hunger. Being a source of complete protein and comprised of more than 40% protein (many claim 60%), chlorella was identified as a super food, fit to solve world hunger.

Although chlorella had proven to be less of a superfood than once thought (processing it removes some benefits, while unprocessed, its cell wall is too thick for our bodies to digest) it is still a good addition to the diet or health regimen.

Its benefits are mostly potential. Many studies on Chlorella have been animal based, so the benefits that Chlorella has to offer in some areas apply to laboratory animals.

Its use could potentially:
Lower blood pressure
Lower cholesterol
Shrink specific tumors
Detoxify us of bad metals such as cadmium, mercury as it binds these metals and they cannot be unbound to harm us while leaving our intestines.
Boost the immune system

Many claims regarding chorella are the same as those made of chloraphyll. Much although not all of this (such as chloraphyll binding to carcinogens), is speculative. Whether it is an effective anti-carcinogen and can solve problems outside of laboratory in humans as expected, is where the speculation lies.

Chloraphyll may potentially protect against radiation (an expected benefit for which the Japanese consume Spirulina). Beyond the benefits of chloraphyll, Chlorella is a source of complete protein, having 19 amino acids.

The big let down many years ago, was over its ability to hold its own in the mass harvesting / distribution arena and extracting what's within the cell wall without destroying the contents. Since the 1940's when the hoopla began, technology has advanced us to cracked cell wall chlorella. This case has been cracked, but have manufacturers caught up to this technology and can you expect the average product containing chlorella to benefit from this technology? Many manufacturers do market cracked cell wall Chlorella, but there is still the controversy over which process of cracking the cell wall is most beneficial.

Chlorella is available from a wide variety of manufactures in pure form or formulas created to target your individual health needs. There are formulas for detoxifying the body of heavy metals and chemicals such as dioxin, others that focus on its purported role in easing symptoms of fibromyalgia, lowering cholesterol and boosting the immune system.

Spirulina is a blue-green algea and contains the gamut of essential fatty acids and is rich in GLA. Russian studies supported its use in the shrinking or minimizing of fibroid conditions. (The iodine therein is claimed to help ease and reduce symptoms of fibrocystic breasts). Spirulina contains a good amount of potassium, but the bioavalability of the B12 it is rich in, is in question. It is also reported to aid the sinuses as a palliative treatment for allergic rhinitis and prophylactic for chronic sinusitis.

Making the Choice Regarding Supplementation

Chlorella is one example of many other substances that were built up with much hype. Its prognoses changed and then was reinvented through the benefit of technology and finally accepting it for what it is.

As consumers, we can do that, and we should regarding other supplements and natural products. Reading up on a product before purchase and consulting with medical professionals who appreciate wholistic medicine, can help us make the right decisions regarding the benefits of a product. As long as we keep an enlightened and reasonable perspective, not expecting that we will be transformed overnight, but: knowing we may feel better; or may not have to take Tums as often; that some discomfort may be relieved or prevented; we can forget about all of those excessive health claims and take the product for what it is worth.

A Good Place To Begin

1. Can this product harm me or become toxic over time?
2. Are there side effects?
3. Can this product interact negatively with any current prescription medication or OTC remedy?
4. How much do I need?
5. What is a safe amount / dosage for me?
6. How long can I / do I need to take this product?

As with anything, balance is necessary. For all of the information out on pomegranate juice, I would simply consider it a good addition to my diet, knowing its not the only act in town. I may opt for some other product that can accomplish the same thing, or a combination of products. If I feel all the claims are not true, I don't necessarily have to shun the product. That's what we are prone to do.

We can get inundated with information. We become wary and believe it is all false or something to be avoided, then throw the baby out with the bath water. One good example is the current situation with the use of hand sanitizers, antibacterial soaps and antibiotics. When over used and inappropriately used, there is the threat of creating super bugs that are resistant to them.

But notice how health departments began supporting their use during the outbreak of the H1N1 virus? Why? Because they do work. People don't carry soap and water in their pockets but can carry sanitizers easily. When there is no access to running water and soap, something must be used to prevent contagion. Recent studies claim that alcohol (often the active ingredient) does not stand up to ordinary soap in killing germs and that alcohol products can only kill 70% of pathogens.

The advantage of soap and water is that water can help to physically carry the particles and germs away from our hands. Sometimes that can be enough. Other times, despite how much we believe in the bushel of dirt a day theory (our immune systems are weakened because we are underexposed to dirt and germs like farmers and the like) some bugs we come in contact with can throw anyone for a loop and give us a lifelong illnesses or conditions. Better safe than sorry.

About Regulation

When claims are made regarding the benefits of natural products as medical aids, they are considered drugs by the FDA, and consequently, they will eventually be regulated as such. When a product is marketed as a drug, different rules apply. If the manufacture has not applied to market the product as a drug, warning letter such as the excerpt below (sent to Tropical Traditions) may ensue.

"This is to advise you that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reviewed your web site at the Internet address http://www.mercola.com and has determined that the products Living Fuel RxTM, Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil, and Chlorella are promoted for conditions that cause these products to be drugs under section 201(g)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act) [21 U.S.C. § 321(g)(1)]. The therapeutic claims on your web site establish that these products are drugs because they are intended for use in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of diseases. The marketing of these products with these claims violates the Act."

Does this mean that these claims are false? Sometimes, sometimes not. Sometimes the issue is simply in marketing and regulation. If claims are made that a product can cure, treat or prevent an illness it must be regulated as a drug. Licensing becomes an issue.

It is like trying to drive a semi truck with a regular drivers license. If you did not apply for a CDL, you cannot legally drive a semi truck. (As well the criteria and learning curve are a bit more steep). If a product is claiming to have properties that cure treat or prevent disease, its manufacturer must go through the proper channels. Other times there is no substantiated (scientific) data that support the claims. There may even have be research and testing that suggest what is claimed, but it may not conclusive or proven.

Since supplements and herbals are not regulated by the FDA the way drugs are, natural products, herbals and supplements can be placed on the market easily. Some of these items fall into categories of herbs or contain ingredients that are GRAS (generally recognized as safe). It is when many people began experiencing problems with a product, that it is then regulated. But the product has to be proven unsafe to be pulled from the market. This after the fact regulating is called post market surveillance.

There will always be those making claims that the government does not want us to benefit from natural products and that government is hindering us from circumventing the status quo (doctors and pills). As politics can influence decision making in any organization, and there are times when many have questioned the validity of the rule or regulation, the reason for enforcement or lack of enforcement in certain exceptions. Many of these regulations exist to protect us from exploitation.

Sometimes manufacturers will place themselves in a precarious position by making false claims simply to sell a product. The FDA is not always the bad guy who doesn't want the public to be healthy because pharmaceutical companies cannot benefit from drug sells. Many companies are manufacturing, distributing both drugs and supplements, wearing two faces and playing good cop, bad cop.

Here are the rules regarding drugs and supplements.

It is mostly an honor system. The FDA trusts that ingredients are those in general use and are recognized as safe. The manufacturer can on its own make this decision. It does not have to prove the product is safe before marketing it. If an ingredient is not in general use or already recognized as safe it must be listed as new and manufacturers must prove to the FDA that is is 'reasonably' safe.
No knowledge or suspicion of harmful findings regarding a product need be reported by the manufacturer.
No FDA approval is required before a supplement is marketed.
The FDA does not require limits on dosage amounts or serving sizes.
Manufacturers must: List all ingredients, list total volume of contents, disclose their production / distribution whereabouts.

A while back a bout of gastroenteritis taught me a thing or two about acting upon what my body tells me. I have always known my body craves what it needs. When I have a craving for something there is usually some logic behind it. I think about the benefits of the food that I crave (unless it is absolutely junk) and then target my nutritional needs.

The day before my gastroenteritis hit, I craved dried papaya and carob. Being no stranger to reflux, and things that make my digestive system miserable, during a bout of such misery, I would instinctively know to search for something that would stick to my stomach.

Maybe it was all those Pepto Bismol commercials (it coats soothes and releives) that taught me this. My remedies include bananas, molasses, peanut butter and tamarinds, but my favorite choice is carob (in the form of a brownie--recipes to follow).

Carob

Carob, otherwise known as locust bean is used as a thickener in ice cream (locust bean gum) and a gelling agent. Carob has long been a remedy for diarrhea for adults and children. Carob has tannins. Many foods that have tannins can be beneficial to our digestive systems. It's carobs special tannins that make it a good choice for diarrhea and preventing reflux. What makes carob good for diarrhea is its ability to bind to toxins. The tannins in carob have a colloidal action and can bind to the toxins as well as inhibit bacterial growth. This can be beneficial in both the stomach and intestine. * It may also be carobs high level of phosphates which can help with the bacterial problem in the intestines.

Unlike chocolate, carob does not impart stimulating effects of caffeine, nor theobromine which can be a problem for people who have asthma. It is safe for children and can be purchased in powder form. This powder can be mixed with other foods for some preventive measures against heartburn, or treatment of diarrhea. I like the powder form because it does not contain added sugars. I can mix it into a fruit cup, or sprinkle it into my cereal as needed or desired. I can add it to pancakes, teff or cream of wheat.

Recipe Ideas

If you do not cook from scratch, use a box yellow or white cake mix follow the recipe altering the amounts of egg, oil and liquid to fit this recipe. You may choose to start from scratch with a basic white cake recipe.
To the box cake mix:
Add 2/3 cup carob powder
Use 1/3 cup pure dark cherry juice adding 1 cup of water to it.
This will replace 1 cup of water in the recipe.
Add 1 extra cup of sugar if your cherry juice is tart.
Eggs per recipe ( I used 2 egg whites and one whole egg)
1/4 C cooking oil

Alternately, you may use your favorite brownie recipe substituting the chocolate for carob, adding 2 Tablespoons grape jelly or 1/3 C grape juice.

As a recipe for one and to avoid having too much of a good thing on hand, I used teff flour mixed with 1 tsp carob powder with malted barley powder (for a sweetener). Mix and measure as you would for a pancake. I added this to a small mixing bowl and microwaved for under 1 minute. Voila, instant cupcake. No eggs, not oils.

Soother Number Two, Tamarind

Tamanrind is, a relative of carob having similar bean pods. Like carob it contains tannins and should be used in moderation. The pods can be boiled and used as an herbal tea or tisane. Tamarind can be used similarly to other tannin containing fruits and herbs. It has benefits both internally and externally as a gargle, anti inflammatory, to relieve indigestion, as both a laxative and aid for diarrhea and is a good source of vitamin C.

Certain parts of the tree such as its bark can be used as an astringent, for treating gingivitis and eye inflammations and in rheumatoid arthritis. It is also used in cases of sunstroke and is probably that additional item that summer survivalist may want to carry around in their vehicles.

To use as a tea, peel the been pods and the stringy fibers away from the bean. Boil until the gooey fruit cooks away from the bean. Remove the beans, remaining fibers and strain or dilute. Add sugar or your preferred sweetener. Tamarind has sort of tart, instant-iced tea-with-lemon taste.

Good Companions A few good companions to tamarind are Melissa Officinalis (lemon balm) and fennel. Use with lemon balm to increase its stomach soothing properties. Lemon balm is calming, relieves flatulence (as does fennel, the seeds can be boiled and used similarly) is soporific and has antibacterial properties. Like tamarind it can be boiled and used as a gargle for a sore throat. It is often paired with chamomile tea. .

I sometimes make a tisane of lemon balm, fennel (sparingly) chamomile with crystalized ginger as a sweetener. As lemon balm tends to have a weak taste the extra kick of ginger and chamomile makes it a very palatable tea. For even extra lemon taste add lemon verbena leaves or a few drops of lemon extract. This makes a good chilled summer drink.

Avoid lemon balm if you are taking thyroid medications. Avoid overuse of fennel as it can act as a diuretic.

About tannins

Tannins are compounds found in a great variety of plants, from trees and pomogranates to tamarind, teas and tisanes. Tannins like many other compounds have their benefits and risks. Tannins can be used internally for gastritis, as a laxative or externally, and to sooth insect stings.

Although plants containing tannins have many health benefits, tannins can interfere with iron absorption. Ways of avoiding this are by consuming these foods or herbs containing them in moderation, and avoiding their consumption during meals or with mineral suppliments. For this reason, tea and coffee which contain tannins, are best consumed between meals.

Adding lemon to tea can also be beneficial in counteracting the effects of tannins. Consuming high amounts of vitamin C can neutralize the effect of tannins on iron absorption. Tannins do not affect the absorption of iron from animal sources as it does iron from plant sources.

Tannins are anti-inflammatory have positive action on the bowels and digestive system. Tannins are good for treating gastritis, skin conditions, and sore throats as they are antiviral and antibacterial. Tannins exist in two classes: hydrolysable and condensed. Different types of tannins will have different actions on the body. Condensed tannins are not a threat to iron absorption.

About oxalic acid

Oxalic acid is a chemical compound found in foods usually dark green leafy vegetables. It is present in many vegetables such as spinach, beet leaves, swiss chard, peas, potoatoes and rhubabrb as well as in black tea and chocolate. It is the compound that renders the leaves of rhubarb inedible for it is there that it is in high concentration. Oxalic acid is used commercially in bleaches, products that remove rust and other metal cleaners.

Although oxalic acid is known for its toxicity, in most foods (except for the leaves of rhubarb), it is not of significant threat for the average person. To those with medical conditions such as kidney problems, diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis, oxalic acid can be problemantic. Oxalates can precipitate kidney stones.

Oxalates can iinterfere with calcium absorption as it binds to calcium. Even in foods that contain oxalic acid, cooking them removes the threat of its interfering with the bodies ability to absorb calcium. (Still one must avoid the leaves of rhubarb.) Taking additional calcium supplements along with these foods helps the body avoid problems incurred by absorbing oxalates.

* (A recent study conducted at the University of Chicago provided a link to the deadly nature of bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and low levels of phospates in the intestines. P. aeruginosa is normally found in the intestine but under certain conditions can turn lethal to its hosts. Scientists learned that these bacteria go searching for phospates in our bodies when they are depleted in their normal environment (the intestines).

This search for phospates causes the bacteria to land in vital organs that contain high levels of them. Antibiotics that target the bloodstream can be ineffective against them. Our bones contain 85% of our bodies phospates, but they are not readily available to bacteria as the phosphates contained in our organs.)

"When the USDA did their nutrient analysis on cooked teff, they didn't measure the fiber content. (Arrgh!). If you look in the detailed nutrient charts lower down on the page, you'll see this symbol: "~", which means unknown.

Unfortunately, this is being incorrectly shown as 0% in the nutrition facts label. (We're getting that fixed.).

FORTUNATELY, they did a more complete analysis on uncooked teff, which you'll find here: http://www.nutritiondata.com/facts/cereal-grains-and-pasta/10357/2. As you can see, uncooked teff contains about 2 grams of fiber per ounce.

So, the best suggestion we can offer is to use the appropriate amount of uncooked teff instead of the cooked teff as the basis for your nutrient info."