We know walnuts are perfect as a snack. And that they also make excellent additions to salads, desserts, and a variety of sauces. Perhaps you may have consumed these nuts regularly or perhaps you may have never given a single thought about their benefits. My purpose today will be to make you change your mind and become a complete fanatic of this woody treat.

Before I came to know more about walnuts, all I knew was that I loved popping them into my mouth as a daytime snack. But soon enough I started to learn that they could do wonders in the “skin department”. Herbalists have known for a long time that the bark and leaves from the walnut tree have astringent properties that are good for skin problems. Does this mean you should run to your closest herbal shop and buy the ingredients for a simple decoction? Well… actually, yes. I never said that all benefits of walnuts were coming from the fruit itself. In fact, most of the time a large amount of benefits that come from the plant kingdom do so when you are willing to go the extra mile and explore other parts of trees and plants beyond their fruits. There are records that go back to the 17th century where walnut husk, named “‘vegetable arsenic”, had been used to treat eczema and other skin diseases effectively. True, individuals of that era also believed in witches and a little before that some believed the world was flat! But you do not have to take my word for it. Just take a few sips a day for a reasonable period of time, say a couple of weeks and see how this might improve your skin. Just do not forget to ask the local herbalist for some advise before departing from your hard earned dollars!

I can hear you saying you are not into tree drinking. Ok, so let me explore the walnut subject a little more.

In order of importance we know walnuts contain omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, manganese, copper and tryptophan. Starting with omega 3 fatty acids we have read many times how beneficial they are when it comes to cardiovascular protection by means of helping lower bad cholesterol levels. In fact, the FDA approved the following health claim on March 2004 in regards to walnuts: “Supportive but not conclusive research shows that eating 1.5 oz of walnuts per day, as part of a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet, and not resulting in increased caloric intake may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.” A less known fact is that these acids can have positive effects on inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. As such, walnuts can also be considered as skin food, meaning that they actually help you achieve a softer and smoother complexion. Many of us suffering from skin inflammation tend to spend a huge part of our expenses on medications, not knowing that one of the best means in maintaining healthy skin is through healthy eating habits. Who would have ever thought that snacking on walnuts will help your skin heal from infections better?

The important numbers are as follows:

Total Omega-3 fatty acids per 1 cup of chopped walnuts: 10623mg
Total Omega-6 fatty acids per 1 cup of chopped walnuts: 44567mg
1 cup of chopped walnuts is approx 117 grams.

An in-depth look at Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Source: http://www.livestrong.com

The most essential varieties of walnuts include the Persian walnut, black walnut, and the butternut walnut. As mentioned before, walnuts are an excellent source of linoleic acids and alpha linoleic acids (omega-6 fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids, respectively). Black walnuts are known specifically to be an excellent source of vitamin E but one of the most well kept secrets regarding this brain-shaped fruit is that they may also be a good source of vitamin C. Some research papers have concluded that young walnuts are especially abundant in vitamin C. One particular paper (http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/picrender.fcgi?artid=437827&blobtype=pdf – PDF file) has established these findings in 1947 for walnuts in their early stages of development. Vitamin C protects our skin from harmful free radicals that hasten aging and give our skin a duller complexion. It also promotes collagen formation in the skin, making your skin firm and elastic. It would only make sense then to incorporate this valuable nutrient into your regular diet as soon as you can.

So go ahead and turn your kitchen into your mini skin chemistry lab and start mixing some very fine walnut shell powder with some finely chopped vitamin c, add a little bit of lemon extract and a little bit of clay and you too can become the proud inventor of the next revolutionary skin exfoliate recipe. A cheaper way to detox your skin for sure!

Sources:
http://www.botanical.com
http://www.whfoods.com/
http://www.livestrong.com/
http://wellnessletter.com/html/wl/2003/wlFeatured0503.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walnut
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manganese

And here’s the beef… errr… the milk. In essence, our skin needs a healthy dose of vitamin A for optimum skin cell health. In fact, our skin cells are heavily dependent on this particular vitamin as explained in my previous article. The great thing about most dairy products, yogurt included, is that they are good sources of vitamin A. There are other sources of vitamin A, of course: carrots, parsley, and oranges among others. But according to WebMD people who have diabetes or thyroid conditions can get more vitamin A through yogurt than through any other type of food. People who have such health problems are sometimes unable to convert the beta carotene found in carrots and parsley into vitamin A. The type of vitamin A present in dairy instead, is ideal for almost everyone. And one additional benefit is that those who are somewhat intolerant to lactose can get all the benefits of whole milk without any of the side effects. Just remember that this article stresses skin care factors over weight issues. Otherwise, I would have written in length about the low fat varieties.

In a prior paragraph I mentioned the vitamin B complex. This is because there is one B that pertains to the subject of this article and that is Riboflavin, commonly known as vitamin B2. This micronutrient appears to play a key role in the health of our cells. Its deficiency, for example, produces symptoms that can range from cracked and red lips, mouth ulcers, cracks at the corners of the mouth and also dry and scaling skin. So in this case, the benefits to our skin are not so much dependent on its ingestion but on its deficiency. Or better put, in NOT having a deficiency.

Time for my awaited infomercial tip “but wait, there’s more!!” And there certainly is. Many of the benefits that come from yogurt, do so in an indirect fashion. Let me explain: the live bacteria -Lactobacillus acidophilus among others- found in yogurt are also among the reasons this delectable treat helps you achieve better skin. A good digestive system almost always translates into healthier skin by way of our system getting rid of toxic elements that would otherwise make their way to our most external tissue. A diet rich in trans fats, indigestible starches, and preservatives can wreak havoc inside our little bodies. Since yogurt strengthens and promotes proper digestion, the end result is that your skin benefits from this sort of detoxification.

Last but not least, yogurt also adds essential enzymes and healthy oils that are necessary to our skin, keeping it well moisturized. In fact, making a yogurt facial mask helps free your skin from blemishes and even acne. Call it anecdotal evidence, if you will. The zinc content in the yogurt helps clear the skin faster, and the lactic acid acts as a natural and rich skin moisturizer. Whether you choose to eat yogurt or apply it unto your skin, you will be able to benefit either way!

Now, a few words for the weight conscious crowd who is reading this piece. And that would mean almost all of us. Yogurt is essentially classified under dairy, and almost all forms of dairy can be fattening. To avoid gaining weight, it is best to choose low fat yogurt and definitely avoid the flavored ones or even those mixed in with dried fruits. But the caveat remains that only whole milk yogurt will derive all the benefits to our skin. So now we are back to our old tug-of-war… Do I worry about my love handles or is my skin ever more important? I think this weekend I will be checking at my local store some of the yogurt makers that are available and get started with some experimentation. Maybe I stumble upon that perfect, balanced yogurt recipe that will clear my skin AND keep my midsection at bay!

We have all come across them in desserts, cakes, jams and jellies. But have you ever stopped to think whether this delicious fruit was making you any healthier? Read on to find the answers.

Fact #1: Blackberries contain about 7 1/2 grams of fiber and only 62 calories per cup. They are a great source of pectin. Culinary uses aside, the latter has been known to be one of the best sources of dietary fiber. Pectin is a soluble fiber that binds to dietary fats blocking the absorption of up to 90 calories a day. Because it travels through the small intestine more or less intact, it helps our bodies get rid of certain elements that have proven to deteriorate our biological systems. Even though it does not contribute directly to our nutrition, it is a fact that it has positive effects in regards to controlling our blood cholesterol levels. Thus, it is a good idea to make it part of our regular dietary consumption. By the way, citrus peels are the ones that have the highest concentration of pectin at 30%. And apples, apricots, carrots and oranges compete shoulder to shoulder for that second spot.

Fact #2: Blackberries also contain large amounts of anthocyanins, a pigment that produces a somewhat stringent flavor and induces dark coloring in fruits. This pigment is also responsible for triggering neuronal growth in the brain’s hyppocampus which helps to improve our memory and focus. Some studies suggest that berries are able to accomplish such feat in as little as 8 weeks. According to Wikipedia, “Plants rich in anthocyanins are Vaccinium species, such as blueberry, cranberry and bilberry, Rubus berries including black raspberry, red raspberry and blackberry, blackcurrant, cherry, eggplant peel, black rice, Concord grape and muscadine grape, red cabbage and violet petals.” We also know that the most salient feature of anthocyanins is that they can act as powerful antioxidants. Still, there is ongoing research to establish its effectiveness in scavenging of free-radicals in an environment beyond its own. This past June, the National Berry Crops Initiative Berry Health Benefits Symposium was held in Monterrey, CA to explore the positive impact in human health in relation to the consumption of berries. There is now laboratory evidence that among the many benefits that may result from anthocyanins consumption there is the prevention of:

- certain forms of cancer,
- prevention of aging and neurological diseases,
- prevention of inflammation,
- prevention of diabetes,
- prevention of bacterial infections.

Fact #3: But perhaps the most interesting fact about blackberries, or berries in general, is that their anthocyanins can be successfully used in the solar industry. What!? …you may be asking. In layman terms, they absorb light and can convert it into electrons. Due to their abundance in nature and projected 90% efficiency -plus their ability to bend or be printed- it’s not inconceivable that one day they may get to replace silicon cells. No doubt they are going to taste exponentially better!

So next time you are ready to prepare wheaties for the boys… don’t forget about those berries!

Acne Scars Cured By A Wild Rose Grown In Chile.

For many people within the skin care industry the ingredient Rosehip Oil is probably not that new, but for others they have never heard of it. Originally used by doctors in Italy back in the mid eighties as a healing solution for surgical patients and patients who had suffered a scar due to an injury of some sort, it has since made an interesting transformation in the skin care industry. At a time when consumers are looking to remedy their skin care issues topically rather than surgically, products containing Rosehip Oil are growing increasingly popular in at home scar removal treatments. The author examines these at home scar removal creams, and how the inclusion of Rosehip Oil has catapulted one acne scar removal cream to the top of the industry leaders.

Rosehip Oil is an oil that is extracted from the wild rose of Chile, Rosa Mosqueta. The legend of this powerful healing oil can be documented back for centuries throughout the South American cultures. It not only stimulates the skin to grow new skin cells and heals wounds, wrinkles and other damage to the skin, it effectively penetrates scar tissue and breaks down the damage. By breaking down the acne scar tissue, Rosehip oil can better penetrate and heal the area, minimizing scar tissue, both in appearance and reality. While many people native to Chile have known about his treatment for years and years Rosehip Oil was not a part of medical scar treatment until the mid-1980’s.

It was in the mid 1980’s that doctors, specifically those in Italy, began using this oil extract as a treatment for their patients who had experienced surgical scarring or had existing scars from accidents. By 1988 these Italian doctors had began using the product on most of their patients due to its highly effective nature. The success that they found with this ingredient was unparalleled and the groundwork these doctors laid has led the way to the highly effective scar treatments we are able to use today.

As scientists at leading cosmetics companies like Dermajuv, went to work to develop the world’s most effective acne scar removal cream, there was little surprise that it was going to include Rosehip Oil in the formula. What was surprising, however, was how dramatically these results could be improved if the Rosehip was combined with other leading anti scarring ingredients. By combining ingredients such as Collaxyl, Panthenol, and Allantoin, with the Rosehip interesting things began to happen, things that would ultimately lead to the most anticipated scarring treatment ever. Scientists who developed the Dermajuv Acne Scars Fading Cream discovered that this formula not only increased the cellular regeneration and scar tissue breakdown, it also removed discoloration and soothed the texture of the skin. The combination of vitamins, oils and peptides allow the skin to heal scars as well as be provided the ideal nourishment it needs to heal most effectively. These scientists continued to engineer these formulas until they got it just perfect, and boy does the industry thank them.

The formulas that are based on Rosehip Oil and combined with the ingredients listed above have changed the way that acne scarring sufferers look at the treatments they have available to them. Whereas once, they did not believe that a realistic solution was available, consumers can now completely and effectively remove all indications of acne scars, provided that they use the right ingredients. If you are suffering from scarring, specifically acne scarring, look for a product that uses these ingredients, as they are the best. As is the case with all skin care, the success of a product depends predominantly on the ingredients included, and certainly acne scarring is no exception to that rule.

About the Author
Mark Robbins is an skin care writer, who researches the latest breakthroughs on acne scars removal. Mark points to the story of one of his readers, Sabrina here http://www.acnescarscream.net and also suggests that interested parties take a look at the “Dermajuv Acne Scars Fading Cream” if they are interested in buying something that works.

So let’s rewind a little and start again. Do you know why tomatoes have that deep red color? Lycopene is the answer. Lycopene is tomato plant’s pigment that produces the vegetable’s ultra deep and ultra rich red color. But what we really need to know is that this pigment is an aid in the biosynthesis of many carotenoids, including beta carotene. Now, if you have been reading this blog you may remember I mentioned beta carotene when I wrote about Vitamin A, the miracle. The point of that article was to stress that vitamin A is a retinoid which -through one of its most usable forms called retinol A- finds its way into topical creams that help rejuvenate the skin. So now we can put it altogether and say that given Lycopene’s association to beta carotene one of it’s most important functions is its antioxidant activity.

Antioxidant activity is a critical area that has a strong correlation to our overall health. Although the FDA has declared there is not enough evidence to conclusively state that eating tomatoes may prevent certain forms of cancer, there is some anecdotal evidence that tomatoes indeed may provide many health benefits. Officially, however, the FDA (2005) has authorized dealers to only state a very narrow claim in regards to possible health benefits (very limited and preliminary scientific research suggests that eating one-half to one cup of tomatoes and/or tomato sauce a week may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. FDA concludes that there is little scientific evidence supporting this claim.)

In spite of this, the general consensus is that tomatoes -specially cooked and crushed ones served in oil-rich foods such as pastas, which greatly increases assimilation from the digestive tract into the bloodstream as Lycopene is fat-soluble-, confer tissue-protecting ability via Lycopene (antioxidant) which is easily absorbed into our skin cells. This is the opinion of Debra Jaliman who has specialized in anti-aging treatments and currently heads a New York City dermatology practice and is also an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. She also believes that the health benefits associated with Lycopene ingestion may last for months. “It improves skin texture and its overall health” she stated in a recent interview.

To conclude I would like to quote some information found at wikipedia that highlights the importance of Lycopene when it comes to its antioxidant properties: “Lycopene may be the most powerful carotenoid quencher of singlet oxygen, being 100 times more efficient in test tube studies of singlet-oxygen quenching action than vitamin E, which in turn has 125 times the quenching action of glutathione. Singlet oxygen produced during exposure to ultraviolet light is a primary cause of skin aging.”

And now the final bonus: tomatoes are not alone! There are other fruits and vegetables that are high in lycopene as well. A short list:

Gac
Watermelon
Pink grapefruit
Pink guava
Papaya
Red bell pepper
Seabuckthorn
Wolfberry
Rosehip.

There are many varieties out there among some of the craziest ones there is opal and cinnamon. Asian varieties add even a more exotic angle. Note that this herb has been produced for over 5000 years and was cultivated in its earlier years in places such as Iran and India. An older fella’ with a bit of history! Both its mint flavor and strong smell derived from its essential oils.

So now that I have laid out this brief introduction on this wonder herb, I should focus more on its health benefits. After all, this is what this blog is about… Let me quickly paraphrase one old friend, wikipedia: “…Basil and oregano contain large amounts of (E)-beta-caryophyllene (BCP), which might have a use in treating inflammatory bowel diseases and arthritis. BCP is the only product identified in nature that activates CB2 selectively; it interacts with one of two cannabinoid receptors (CB2), blocking chemical signals that lead to inflammation, without triggering cannabis’s mood-altering effects.” In case you missed it, what is really important and the key word from this line is: BCP is the only product in nature that can activate CB2 to block chemicals that lead to swelling, thus preventing it. In order words, basil -which contains large amounts of it, can provide quick pain relief to muscles and the like. You do not need to be a doctor to understand that a good amount of chopped basil sprinkled in the area where the muscle hurts can alleviate you just like if you were taking some aspirin, all the while instilling a fresh aroma into the environment.

More technically speaking, it is a component of the herb’s natural oil -eugenol- that causes the inhibition of a key enzyme from synthesizing the inflamatory prostaglandins which make the nerves sensitive.

The Kasturba Medical College in India has performed some studies to prove the antioxidant properties of basil and as part of their conclusions it is believed that wrinkles can soften to a degree in as little as 10 days, when making the herb part of one’s daily diet. In this case, the benefits lie on a different factor: the high concentration of flavanoids like “orientin and vicenin” which are engines of collagen production that contribute to a higher cell turnover, helping in turn rejuvenate your skin.

The below links lead to some of the studies performed by Kasturba:
1. Antioxidant properties of basil.
2. Enhancement of bone marrow radioprotection.
3. Protection against radiation injury.

Last but not least, basil can also aid in combating excess weight. Belly fat storage is dependent on the production of calcitriol by our bodies and basil helps suppress it. Together with its provision of manganese that helps regulate the levels of glucose in our bodies, basil works as a potent aid for burning fat faster than normal.

Just don’t over plant it everywhere in your house/apartment!

What can we find in nature that may supply us with an additional reservoir of collagen, helping us avoid the topical cream? Most forms of vitamin A that are quickly assimilated by our bodies come from the animal kingdom. These are the above mentioned retinoids. Provitamins instead, which are precursors and must be converted into a form that our bodies can assimilate, are found in the realm of fruits and vegetables. Specially those of orange, dark green and yellow pigmentations. These colors indicate the presence of carotenoids.

Problem is that the ratio of conversion of beta-carotene to vitamin A inside our bodies is pretty low, thus a normal human being is required to eat vast quantities of these fruits and vegetables in order to produce sufficient vitamin A. Because the body converts carotene into vitamin A as needed, the risk of intoxication is minimal. The animal form instead, can produce too much of it to levels that are considered harmful, even lethal. According to wikipedia “… if eaten in one meal, 30 to 90 grams of polar bear liver is enough to kill a human being, or to make even sled dogs very ill…”

So what is the take-away today? You need vitamin A to function properly. In measured quantities, the foods that can provide it are: liver (chicken, pork, turkey, beef and fish), eggs, cheese, milk, cod liver oil and butter/margarine. Given the slow intake and rate of conversion from fruits and vegetables you must rely on these foods preferably.

And for a more laser-focused approach you can test some of the more common topical creams, under supervision of a doctor. Some recent studies have shown that compounds made out of vitamin A have consistently estimulated the production of collagen in a much higher degree than regular creams. One such cream can be Neutrogena’s Ageless Intensives Deep Wrinkle Eye Cream. According to Dr. Irwin (Surgery Free Makeover) it is best to take a gradual approach, applying the cream every couple of days only and during nights, as the Sun can make vitamin A unstable.

Oops… I know, you came here for a miracle cure. I am sorry, but I think that the fastest that you come to terms with your age the easier it will be to handle the situation. See, you can still work wonders on your face, improve the tone of your skin and overall obtain a much younger facial expression whether through facial excercises or specialty creams -yes, there is light at the end of the tunnel- that can work out some improvement.

But there is a reason for the heads up. In a coming issue by Consumerreports.org, the team at work tested 16 over-the-counter wrinkle creams both from the US and Europe to find a mix bag of results. The creams that proved to work resulted in a noticeable improvement of the skin around the eyes, however, even in the best cases women weren’t able to take years away from their shoulders. The controversy stems from the fact that highly priced creams worked evenly to the controlled cream -a moisturizer with no anti-wrinkle claims- used by CR as their benchmark. In the cases of the creams that showed good results this was based on “reduced wrinkle length or depth”.

A few quick conclusions:

* Changes were minor even among the best-performing products.
* Wrinkle reduction around the eyes was generally pretty subtle.
* After six weeks of daily use, none came close to eliminating wrinkles.
* Pricing made no difference whatsoever and drugstore brands performed equally to premium brands.

So when all is said and done… keep drinking lots and lots of water!

Earlier this year and as of May 2009, the FDA issued an “Early Communication about an Ongoing Safety Review of Botox and Botox Cosmetic (Botulinum toxin Type A) and Myobloc (Botulinum toxin Type B) that can be found here. If you are considering a skin treatment via Botox it is important that you become acquainted with this literature. There have reports of death associated with the use of this medicine, however, the FDA was able to identify specifically when these cases ocurred. As per their literature, “FDA now has evidence that similar, potentially life-threatening systemic toxicity from the use of botulinum toxin products can also result after local injection in patients with other underlying conditions such as those with cerebral palsy associated limb spasticity.”

According to Consumerreports.org “…Doctors have long known that in people who have pre-existing neuromuscular disorders the shots can trigger effects far from the injection site, including difficulty swallowing and breathing…” making it even more important that you approach this subejct with caution. For those looking to eliminate wrinkles and improve the looks of your facial tissue it is essential to first try organic and natural elements, items that are natural and are found on this earth and more importantly take a gradual approach.