Tips from gaining health

Data from more than 180 research papers suggests fish oils could minimize the effects that junk food can have on the brain, a review by researchers at the University of Liverpool has shown.

The team at the Universitys Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease reviewed research from around the world to see whether there was sufficient data available to suggest that omega-3s had a role to play in aiding weight loss.

Research over the past 10 years has indicated that high-fat diets could disrupt neurogenesis, a process that generates new nerve cells, but diets rich in omega-3s could prevent these negative effects by stimulating the area of the brain that control feeding, learning and memory.

Data from 185 research papers revealed, however, that fish oils do not have a direct impact on this process in these areas of the brain, but are likely to play a significant role in stalling ined sugars and saturated fats ability to inhibit the brains control on the bodys intake of food.

Dr Lucy Pickavance, from the Universitys Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, explains: "Body weight is influenced by many factors, and some of the most important of these are the nutrients we consume. Excessive intake of certain macronutrients, the ined sugars and saturated fats found in junk food, can lead to weight gain, disrupt metabolism and even affect mental processing.

"These changes can be seen in the brains structure, including its ability to generate new nerve cells, potentially linking obesity to neurodegenerative diseases. Research, however, has suggested that omega-3 fish oils can reverse or even prevent these effects. We wanted to investigate the literature on this topic to determine whether there is evidence to suggest that omega-3s might aid weight loss by stimulating particular brain processes."

Research papers showed that on high-fat diets hormones that are secreted from body tissues into the circulation after eating, and which normally protect neurons and stimulate their growth, are prevented from passing into the brain by increased circulation of inflammatory molecules and a type of fat called triglycerides.

Molecules that stimulate nerve growth are also reduced, but it appears, in studies with animal models, that omega-3s restore normal function by interfering with the production of these inflammatory molecules, suppressing triglycerides, and returning these nerve growth factors to normal.

Dr Pickavance added: "Fish oils dont appear to have a direct impact on weight loss, but they may take the brakes off the detrimental effects of some of the processes triggered in the brain by high-fat diets. They seem to mimic the effects of calorie restrictive diets and including more oily fish or fish oil supplements in our diets could certainly be a positive step forward for those wanting to improve their general health."

The research is published in the British Journal of Nutrition. Dr Pickavance will also be discussing the effects of high-fat diets on meal patterns and the impacts of high-saturated fats on muscle composition at the 20th European Congress on Obesity at the Liverpool Arena and Convention Centre later this month.

Dr Pickavance will exhibit her work on obesity at Liverpool World Museum for members of the public on the 8 June, as part of the Universitys Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease Meet the Scientist event.

Not only are the beans that are beneficial to health. If the oil is made manfatnya also abundant. A recent study showed that almond oil can fight obesity and diabetes.

Researchers from Missouri University of Science and Technology, almond oil can affect certain microorganisms in the body. As against obesity and diabetes, new findings could also be applied to your diet.

In the study, the researchers used mice in laboratory experiments. Obese mice given almond oil or grease on his food sterculic. The result, glucose in the body of the mice had improved insulin sensitivity.

The study, presented at the American Society for Microbiology, San Francisco had previously been done previous studies at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Oil was discovered in the enzyme stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) and are associated with insulin resistance.

However, other studies conducted over 9 weeks, it was the result showed that this oil can only control the diabetes. Research conducted by Gosh and Dr. Daniel Oether findings and is believed to be the new science.

The castor plant is a large, leafy, tropical-looking plant with red or green “beans.” The castor bean is not a true bean; it is a thick round seed with small bumps on the surface. The seeds and possibly leaves (depending on the plant’s growth) of the castor bean plant are poisonous, containing ricin proteins. In fact, raw castor beans can cause illness and even kill a child. The seeds of the plant contain approximately 60% vegetable oil, which is rich with ricinolein, a glyceride of ricinoleic acid. This is the part that is extracted for manufacturing.


Studies have shown that Castor Oil is a very strong laxative, which makes it very effective against constipation. If you are constipated and want to try this castor oil, simply take a teaspoon in the morning. You can mix the oil with your favorite juice to lessen the bitter taste without affecting the laxative effects. As a rule for laxatives, castor oil should not be taken for a very long time. As advised, do not take it continuously for more than 3 days. If symptoms persist for longer than 3 days, consult your physician immediately.

Here are other health benefits of castor oil

Arthritis Natural Remedy
The anti-inflammatory properties of Castor Oil make it an excellent massage oil for relieving arthritic joints, nerve inflammations, and sore muscles. Make a small pad by folding a small piece of unbleached cotton flannelette into 3 or 4 layers. Dip the cotton pad into Castor Oil and place it on to the affected joint or muscle. Cover the pad with a plastic wrap. Place a hot water bottle or heating pad over the plastic wrapped cotton pad. The plastic wrap will prevent the water bottle or heating pad from getting oily. Leave the cotton pad on for 45 minutes to an hour, once per day.

Hair Loss Treatment

Instructions

• Prepare your scalp for treatment. Wash your hair with regular shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Towel dry and let it air dry for 5-10 minutes.
• Prepare Castor oil solution. Mix equal parts Castor oil and grape seed oil to create an oil treatment.
• Apply Castor oil solution to the scalp. Slowly massage the Castor oil into the scalp to cover it entirely. Make sure all areas including the base of the scalp near the neck and patches around the ears are covered with the oil solution.
• Wrap your hair in a towel. Create a "hair turban" with the towel and clip it in place with the jaw clip. Make sure the entire scalp is covered with the towel.
• Let the treatment set for at least 15-20 minutes.
• Rinse the hair with warm water.
• Repeat the process at least 1-2 times per week. This will help stimulate hair growth and help slow down hair loss over time.

Be sure to avoid getting the oil solution into eyes or on clothing.

Castor Oil for Acne
The Ricinoleic Acid in castor oil works to inhibit many viruses and bacteria, and as castor oil is able to penetrate skin tissue deeply, this makes it an effective treatment for acne.

To treat acne, dab a hot damp washcloth all over your face in the evening before you go to bed. The heat will gently open the pores on your face. After this, massage a little castor oil gently into the skin. Leave on overnight. Repeat this daily for 1 to 2 weeks to see results. You can also repeat this twice in the day, once at night and once in the morning.

Castor Oil for Smooth Skin
Castor oil’s ability to penetrate more deeply than any other essential plant oil make it an excellent way to keep skin looking youthful and fresh. Castor oil works better than any store-bought anti-ageing creams.

The best way to use castor oil is to rub in a small amount over your face and around your eyes before bed. This may be hard to do at first because castor oil is extremely thick and sticky. Therefore, rub the oil in as thoroughly as possible and then pat your face gently with a tissue to get rid of the excess. This will keep wrinkles at bay. Be sure to use only cold pressed castor oil that is hexane free. Any other kind may clog your pores. Castor oil is found in several anti-ageing creams, wrinkle creams and under-eye creams.

Successful studies have approved the use of Castor Oil for skin infections and other skin problems such as sunburn, abrasions, acne, dry skin, boils, warts, stretch marks, athletes foot and chronic itching and inflamed skin.

Side Effects of Castor Oil
Castor oil is normally safe if used in moderation. However, pregnant and lactating women and people with intestinal blockage, acute inflammatory intestinal disease, appendicitis, or abdominal pain should not take Castor Oil without their doctors approval.

Note that precautions must be taken when taking the oil internally, so you should always follow the directions on the package and consult your doctor or naturopathic professional before consuming it. A typical recommended dosage for the oil is no more than one-half to one full teaspoon per day. Over-dosage of Castor Oil may result in diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or cramping.

With the many health benefits of castor oil, it is no wonder why it is one of the most beneficial oils that are available for us to use. Castor oil is truly a valuable, organic remedy that can help improve your body’s physical fitness, vigor and overall wellness.