Rice is the worlds most popular food. Just when everyone is getting used to brown rice, ancient black rice is making a strong debut. New research is showing the outstanding benefits of black rice. Once only available to emperors. That holds true no more, we can all have some thanks to free marked economics. Black rice costs a bit more, but a little goes a long way.  If you’re wondering where and how to obtain the health benefits of fruits like blueberry in the dead of winter (if you prefer to eat seasonal food)… pull out your stash of black rice.  According to new research just a spoonful of black rice bran (10 cooked spoonfuls) is more nutrition dense than blueberries with less sugar and more fiber.

If you want to purchase black rice, the health benefits are in the whole grain  version.  Prices can vary widely, find a good product at a price that works with your budget.
Here is information on how to cook black rice (click here).

Black rice rivals pricey blueberries as source of healthful antioxidants

BOSTON, Aug. 26, 2010 — Health conscious consumers who hesitate at the price of fresh blueberries and blackberries, fruits renowned for high levels of healthful antioxidants, now have an economical alternative, scientists reported here today at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS). It is black rice, one variety of which got the moniker “Forbidden Rice” in ancient China because nobles commandeered every grain for themselves and forbade the common people from eating it.

“Just a spoonful of black rice bran contains more health promoting anthocyanin antioxidants than are found in a spoonful of blueberries, but with less sugar and more fiber and vitamin E antioxidants,” said Zhimin Xu, Associate Professor at the Department of Food Science at Louisiana State University Agricultural Center in Baton Rouge, La., who reported on the research. “If berries are used to boost health, why not black rice and black rice bran? Especially, black rice bran would be a unique and economical material to increase consumption of health promoting antioxidants.”

Like fruits, “black rice” is rich in anthocyanin antioxidants, substances that show promise for fighting heart disease, cancer, and other diseases. Food manufacturers could potentially use black rice bran or the bran extracts to boost the health value of breakfast cereals, beverages, cakes, cookies, and other foods, Xu and colleagues suggested.

Brown rice is the most widely produced rice variety worldwide. Rice millers remove only the outer husks, or “chaff,” from each rice grain to produce brown rice. If they process the rice further, removing the underlying nutrient rich “bran,” it becomes white rice. Xu noted that many consumers have heard that brown rice is more nutritious than white rice. The reason is that the bran of brown rice contains higher levels of gamma-tocotrienol, one of the vitamin E compounds, and gamma-oryzanol antioxidants, which are lipid-soluble antioxidants. Numerous studies showed that these antioxidants can reduce blood levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) — so called “bad” cholesterol — and may help fight heart disease. Xu and colleagues analyzed samples of black rice bran from rice grown in the southern United States. In addition, the lipid soluble antioxidants they found in black rice bran possess higher level of anthocyanins antioxidants, which are water-soluble antioxidants. Thus, black rice bran may be even healthier than brown rice bran, suggested Dr. Xu.

The scientists also showed that pigments in black rice bran extracts can produce a variety of different colors, ranging from pink to black, and may provide a healthier alternative to artificial food colorants that manufacturers now add to some foods and beverages. Several studies have linked some artificial colorants to cancer, behavioral problems in children, and other health problems.

Black rice is used mainly in Asia for food decoration, noodles, sushi, and pudding. Dr. Xu said that farmers are interested in growing black rice in Louisiana and that he would like to see people in the country embrace its use.

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The American Chemical Society is a non-profit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. With more than 161,000 members, ACS is the world’s largest scientific society and a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.
Photo credit: Pattaya Daily News

Tags: black rice, healthy eating, seasonal eating, whole grains

B vitamins–B-6, B-12 and folate–all nourish the brain. But much remains to be discovered about the relation between these essential nutrients and our brainpower.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutritionist Lindsay H. Allen has collaborated in ongoing research that has taken a closer look at the role these nutrients may play in preventing decline in brain function. The investigations, led by Mary N. Haan of the University of California-San Francisco, are part of the multiyear Sacramento (Calif.) Area Latino Study on Aging, or “SALSA.” Begun in 1996, the study attracted nearly 1,800 Hispanic seniors, ages 60 to 101, as volunteers.

According to Allen, the research is needed because many studies of B vitamins and brain function have given inconsistent or conflicting results. Allen is director of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Western Human Nutrition Research Center in Davis, Calif. ARS is the chief intramural scientific research agency of USDA. Scientists from the University of California-Davis (UCD) and the UCD Medical Center also are collaborating in the research.

An analysis of volunteers’ blood samples showed that lower levels of one B vitamin, folate, were associated with symptoms of dementia and poor brain function, also called “cognitive decline,” as determined by standard tests of memory and other factors. The impairments were detectable even though less than 1 percent of the volunteers were actually deficient in folate.

In women, but not men, low levels of folate were associated with symptoms of depression. In fact, female volunteers whose plasma folate levels were in the lowest third were more than twice as likely to have symptoms of depression as volunteers in the highest third. That finding provided new evidence of an association between lower blood folate and depression. Depression is already known to affect brain function.

In research with vitamin B-12, the SALSA team determined that a protein known as holoTC, short for holotranscobalamin, might be key to a new approach for detecting cognitive decline earlier and more accurately.

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The researchers have published these and other findings, beginning in 2003 and continuing through this year, in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, The Journal of Nutrition, and The Journal of Nutrition, Health, and Aging.

Tags: b vitamins, b vitamins depression, cognitvie function, depression in women, memory and b vitamins, the aging brain, vitamins and brain health

The nutritional benefits of blueberry continue to become more known to us. And while simply munching in blueberries is oh so purist, if you’re looking for a recipe for tweaking blueberries, here is one, perfect for a muggy summer day.
Quick, simple and easy,
Benefical Blueberries
A number of the beneficial compounds of blueberries have been identified. Here just one:
- pterostilbene, a phenolic compound found in blueberries, grapes, as well as other plants was found to effectively reduce the incidence and multiplicity of lesions in the colon of rats injected with the carcinogen azoxymethane (AOM).
- In human colonic adenocarcinoma cells (HT-29 cells), pterostilbene was also shown to reduce the levels of proteins associated with colon cancer.

And here is the yummy recipe:
1 16 ounce package frozen blueberries, thawed, or 2 cups fresh blueberries
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup lemonade concentrate, thawed
! 1/2 cups ginger ale

1. Bring blueberries, 1/2 cup water and sugar to a boil over medium heat. Cover, simmer 5 minutes; let cool.
Puree mixture, then stir in lemonade and ginger ale. Pour in 9×9 inch baking pan; freeze 1/2 hour. Remove; scrape ice crystals into mixture. Refreeze. Scrape every 20 to 30 minutes.
2. Mound slush into 6 dishes; serve.
Per serving: 110 calories; 0 G Prot; 0.5G Total Fat (0G Sat. Fat); 29G Carb; 0Mg Chol; 5Mg sodium; 2G fiber; 25g Sugars.

Credit: recipe source – Vegetarian Times

Source: USDA

Tags: blueberries, blueberry sorbet, frozen blueberry dessert, health benefits of blueberries, summertime dessert, vegan dessert, vegetarian dessert

I recently gave a Reflexology session to Djuna Wojton. She is a Reiki Master, author and filmmaker. That’s just a few of her offerings.

I had an opportunity to do a reflexology session with Djuna. Following are her comments on the session.
“I recently had a session with Catherine Carter. After ten minutes of receiving gentle pressure on points of my left foot, I felt relaxed and peaceful. At the end of the session I felt completely rejuvenated.”
Thanks Djuna. Giving the session was just as relaxing and peaceful for me as well.

You can read the full story and see a picture of me at work, at blog.

Tags: Djuna Wojton, reflexology, relaxation, self-healing

Embracing the natural world is deeply connected with well-being. Explore how the Japanese are healing stress by promoting this timeless behavior. Isn’t this better than taking medications or overeating? Feeling stressed out, go for a walk in the woods. It is probably wise to go with a friend or in a place not too isolated and enjoy yourself.
New York Times, July 6, 2010, page D5
The Claim: Exposure to Plants and Parks Can Boost Immunity
One study published in January included data on 280 healthy people in Japan, where visiting nature parks for therapeutic effect has become a popular practice called “Shinrin-yoku,” or “forest bathing.” On one day, some people were instructed to walk through a forest or wooded area for a few hours, while others walked through a city area. On the second day, they traded places. The scientists found that being among plants produced “lower concentrations of cortisol, lower pulse rate, and lower blood pressure,” among other things.

Trends in research related to “Shinrin-yoku” (taking in the forest atmosphere or forest bathing) in Japan.
Environ Health Prev Med. 2010 Jan;15(1):27-37.

Tsunetsugu Y, Park BJ, Miyazaki Y.

Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 1 Matsunosato, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8687, Japan, yukot@ffpri.affrc.go.jp.
Abstract

“Shinrin-yoku”, which can be defined as “taking in the forest atmosphere or forest bathing”, has been receiving increasing attention in Japan in recent years for its capacity to provide relaxation and reduce stress. Since 2004, the authors of this paper have been involved in an investigation designed to ascertain the physiological effects of “Shinrin-yoku” within the framework of the “Therapeutic Effects of Forests” project. We have conducted physiological experiments, both in actual forests and in the laboratory, to elucidate the physiological effects on individuals of exposure to the total environment of forests or to only certain elements of this environment, such as the odor of wood, the sound of running stream water, and the scenery of the forest. We have obtained physiological measurements of central nervous activity, autonomic nervous activity, and biomarkers reflecting stress response that can be applied in this line of approach. Using these measurements, we have summarized the separate elements of forests in terms of the five senses. We have also reviewed a selection of field studies and introduced a number of results from ongoing projects as well as those from early studies. Future perspectives are also discussed.

J Int Med Res. 2006 Mar-Apr;34(2):152-9.
The effects of exercise in forest and urban environments on sympathetic nervous activity of normal young adults.

Yamaguchi M, Deguchi M, Miyazaki Y.

Department of Material Systems Engineering and Life Science, Faculty of Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan. yamag@eng.toyama-u.ac.jp
Abstract

In Japan, forest-air bathing and walking (shinrin-yoku) has been proposed as a health-facilitating activity in which people spend a short period of time in a forest environment. Initially, we examined the usefulness of salivary amylase activity as an indicator of an individual’s stress levels in a forest environment. The circadian rhythm of salivary amylase activity was measured in healthy young male subjects under stress-free conditions. The salivary amylase activity remained relatively constant throughout the day. Salivary amylase activity was then measured before and after walking in both urban and forest environments using a hand-held monitor. Our results indicated that (i) the circadian rhythm fluctuations in salivary amylase activity were much smaller than the stressor-induced variations; (ii) salivary amylase activity was an excellent indicator of the changes in sympathetic nervous activity; and (iii) the forest was a good environment in which people could experience much less environment-derived stress.

Tags: forest bathing, healing stress, Shinrin-yoku, ways to calm down

What an interesting report! Although the United States spends more on health care, the results are not coming through. IMHO it could have something to do with a need for including holistic medicine in the health care system. Health is also about the whole person. However, a few American hospitals are enlarging their scope to be more inclusive (click here) of holistic approaches in health care. Let’s hope more come on board.

US ranks last among 7 countries on health system performance

Affordable Care Act holds promise for US performance; focus on information technology and primary care vital to achieving high performance

New York, NY, June 23, 2010—Despite having the most expensive health care system, the United States ranks last overall compared to six other industrialized countries—Australia, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom—on measures of health system performance in five areas: quality, efficiency, access to care, equity and the ability to lead long, healthy, productive lives, according to a new Commonwealth Fund report. While there is room for improvement in every country, the U.S. stands out for not getting good value for its health care dollars, ranking last despite spending $7,290 per capita on health care in 2007 compared to the $3,837 spent per capita in the Netherlands, which ranked first overall.

Provisions in the Affordable Care Act that could extend health insurance coverage to 32 million uninsured Americans have the potential to promote improvements to the United States’ standing when it comes to access to care and equity, according to Mirror Mirror On The Wall: How the Performance of the U.S. Health Care System Compares Internationally 2010 Update, by Commonwealth Fund researchers Karen Davis, Cathy Schoen, and Kristof Stremikis. The United States’ low marks in the quality and efficiency dimensions demonstrate the need to quickly implement provisions in the new health reform law and stimulus legislation that focus on realigning incentives to reward higher quality and greater value, investment in preventive care, and expanding the use of health information technology.

“It is disappointing, but not surprising that, despite our significant investment in health care, the U.S. continues to lag behind other countries,” said Commonwealth Fund President and lead author Karen Davis. “With enactment of the Affordable Care Act, however, we have entered a new era in American health care. We will begin strengthening primary care and investing in health information technology and quality improvement, ensuring that all Americans can obtain access to high quality, efficient health care.”

Earlier editions of the report, produced in 2004, 2006, and 2007, showed similar results. This year’s version incorporates data from patient and physician surveys conducted in seven countries in 2007, 2008, and 2009.

Key findings include:

On measures of quality the United States ranked 6th out of 7 countries. On two of four measures of quality—effective care and patient-centered care—the U.S. ranks in the middle (4th out of 7 countries). However, the U.S. ranks last when it comes to providing safe care, and next to last on coordinated care. U.S. patients with chronic conditions are the most likely to report being given the wrong medication or the wrong dose of their medication, and experiencing delays in being notified about an abnormal test result.

On measures of efficiency, the U.S ranked last due to low marks when it comes to spending on administrative costs, use of information technology, re-hospitalization, and duplicative medical testing. Nineteen percent of U.S. adults with chronic conditions reported they visited an emergency department for a condition that could have been treated by a regular doctor, had one been available, more than three times the rate of patients in Germany or the Netherlands (6%).

On measures of access to care, people in the U.S. have the hardest time affording the health care they need—with the U.S. ranking last on every measure of cost-related access problems. For example, 54 percent of adults with chronic conditions reported problems getting a recommended test, treatment or follow-up care because of cost. In the Netherlands, which ranked first on this measure, only 7 percent of adults with chronic conditions reported this problem.

On measures of healthy lives, the U.S. does poorly, ranking last when it comes to infant mortality and deaths before age 75 that were potentially preventable with timely access to effective health care, and second to last on healthy life expectancy at age 60.

On measures of equity, the U.S. ranks last. Among adults with chronic conditions almost half (45%) with below average incomes in the U.S. reported they went without needed care in the past year because of costs, compared with just 4 percent in the Netherlands. Lower-income U.S. adults with chronic conditions were significantly more likely than those in the six other countries surveyed to report not going to the doctor when they’re sick, not filling a prescription, or not getting recommended follow-up care because of costs.

Methodology

Data are drawn from the Commonwealth Fund 2007 International Health Policy Survey, conducted by telephone in Australia, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States; the 2008 International Health Policy Survey of Sicker Adults, conducted in the same seven countries plus France; the Commonwealth Fund 2009 International Health Policy Survey of Primary Care Physicians, conducted in the same eight countries plus Italy, Norway, and Sweden; the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Health Data 2009; and World Health Organization mortality and population statistics for 2002-03. The 2007 Commonwealth Fund survey focuses on the primary care experiences of nationally representative samples of adults ages 18 and older in the seven countries. The 2008 survey targets a representative sample of “sicker adults,” defined as those who rated their health status as fair or poor, had a serious illness in the past two years, had been hospitalized for something other than a normal delivery, or had undergone major surgery in the past two years. The 2009 survey looks at the experiences of primary care physicians.

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The Commonwealth Fund is a private foundation supporting independent research on health policy reform and a high performance health system.

Tags: ranking US health care, United States health care

Following is an interesting article (press release) on how integrative medicine is used alongside standard drug therapy. Note that the therapies mentioned in this are said to offset the harsh side effects of chemotherapy and boost the immune system. Later, it is stated that integrative medicine offers no cure for cancer. Cancer has been *cured* by the use of numerous modalities. Anyone interested should do their own research. The living proof is available. This Integrative Oncology program at Northwestern Memorial is to be commended. It is alleviating suffering, reducing cost and saving lives. Healing should do just this, heal, not cling to rigid viewpoints. Read on…please note, the emphasis in the text has been added.

25 February 2010

Northwestern Memorial’s Integrative Oncology Program aims to ease pain and help patients manage cancer

CHICAGO- The very instant Penny Kukovec was diagnosed with breast cancer her world permanently changed. Suddenly, it felt as if her life was out of her control. She felt powerless and overwhelmed. There were so many unanswered questions. Why me? What’s next? What about my family? The feelings Kukovec experienced are felt by many cancer patients following their initial diagnosis and as they pursue treatment. In an effort to effectively and compassionately respond to these worries, as well as address common side effects associated with cancer treatment, Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University now offer integrative oncology services.

“When a patient is diagnosed with cancer many of them want to fully participate in their recovery, but don’t know where to begin. This program gives them control over their treatment,” said Julian Schink, MD, chief of Gynecologic Oncology at Northwestern Memorial and the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.

The integrative oncology services are part of a larger 360 Care Program that recently launched aimed to address cancer patients’ needs from every angle through treatment that extends beyond medical therapies, to include counseling, stress management and integrative medicine. Integrative oncology services include acupuncture, massage, energy healing and naturopathic medicine offered by Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group’s Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness.

“Our goal is to treat the whole person, not just their illness,” said Melinda Ring, MD, medical director of the Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness. “Research suggests that a holistic approach can alleviate stress and anxiety, as well as the physical pain and discomfort patients often experience while undergoing cancer treatments by activating the body’s innate healing process.”

While there is little research to explain exactly how integrative approaches like acupuncture work, researchers at the National Institute of Health state complementary therapy such as acupuncture do improve the body’s immune system. In an oncology setting, integrative approaches provide an effective way to manage symptoms, alleviate side effects, and help patients restore their sense of control and vitality.

“My body was hit hard with trauma. I was so tired, my joints hurt and my muscles were tense. I knew I needed more help. When I began massage therapy my muscles relaxed, and it helped me release my emotions. It reminded my body that it can relax in spite of what I am going through,” said Penny Kukovec, patient at Northwestern Memorial.

Common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment for cancer include muscle tension, aches, pains nausea, vomiting and fatigue. The main role of complementary medicine is to provide supportive care and reduce adverse effects while helping the patient cope.

“Unfortunately, the side effects associated with conventional therapies often cause patients to end their treatments prematurely, or require that we take a less aggressive approach,” said Schink. “We’ve seen this occurrence decrease with the addition of integrative oncology services.”

“The medicine I was taking for my cancer caused nerve damage in my hands and feet. It was very uncomfortable. Acupuncture helped relieve the pain,” said Nancy Amicangelo, patient at Northwestern Memorial.

There is evidence that integrative approaches may also play a role in reducing the rate of depression among cancer patients. Services such as massage therapy are believed to have a short-term effect on reducing anxiety related to depression among patients.

“You’re sick, your hair falls out, and your family is stressed. When you are diagnosed it’s sometimes all that you can think about. The massages offer me a chance to escape,” said Kukovec.

While integrative medicine does not offer a cure for cancer, there is strong evidence that it positively affects the patient. Studies show 77 percent of cancer patients who incorporate complementary approaches believe it improves their quality of life, and 73 percent state it makes them feel hopeful. In addition, 71 percent say it helps to boost their immune system.

All patients under the care of a Northwestern Memorial oncologist are eligible to receive free integrative medicine services as part of their cancer treatment. The 360 Care Program was made possible by a generous gift from Abra Prentice Wilkin, board member of Northwestern Memorial Hospital and longtime supporter of the hospital.

Source:
Angela Salerno
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Photo credit: Emory University

Tags: cancer side effects, holisitc cancer care, holistic health, integrative cancer care, integrative medicine, treating adverse effects

The Buddhist nun Ani Choying Drolma runs a program in Nepal that trains nuns. Here she is chanting a mantra of the compassion Buddha.

Music can be an integral part of healing. The right kind of music invokes a healing response in the body/mind. Chant has a long history of assisting us in transformation.

I so appreciate her energy. What do you experience when you hear her chant? I find it healing and soothing.

Enjoy

Tags: Ani Choying Drolma, buddhist chanting, meditation music

I recently discovered this artist, watch the video, enjoy.

Tags: A State of Mind, inspiration, music, Raul Midon