Research by experts indicates that bananas have a substance that has the potential to slow down HIV infection. This finding is expected to open a new window in the treatment of prevention of HIV infection which the cure has yet not been found.

Researchers from the University of Michigan Medical School are interested in lectins, chemicals that are naturally in plants, because of its ability to stop the chain reaction of various types of infections. Laboratory test results show, BanLec, lectins found in bananas, as effective as anti-HIV medicines at this time.

A new way to stop the spread of HIV is absolutely necessary. We have a number of new HIV infections exceeds the number of individuals who received antiretroviral drugs, namely 2.5 to 1. In fact, there are no signs of an HIV vaccine would appear in the near future.

At present the use of condoms is still the main method of HIV prevention when it is used consistently and correctly. Other prevention strategies are also effective to prevent transmission through the vagina and rectum by using a drug that prevents HIV entry into target cells.

Research conducted by Michigan State University researcher shows how lectins can identify the attackers from outside the body, such as viruses, and attacks it as a pathogen, can be developed to identify the HIV virus.

Besides having the same potential anti-HIV medicine currently available, the banana lectins are also much cheaper to produce as a medicine that can reach the wider community.

“The problem for anti-HIV medicines is the ability of the virus to mutate and become resistant. However, it can be prevented by lectins. Lectins can be attached to the sugar found in various points of HIV-1 and it is estimated that the virus needs multiple mutation to get it, “said Erwin J Goldstein, PhD, professor of biological chemistry.

Salt is very necessary to make a delicious dishes. However, too much salt was dangerous to health. Excessive salt intake can increase blood pressure.

This one item seems trivial. But a little less on food, can make bland food. Meanwhile, when most would threaten your health. “When viewed in the size of the individual, reducing salt intake may be affected only slightly in the body. But in a larger population, can be seen decline in cardiac disorders and certainly a significant health cost savings, “said author Annals of Internal Medicine, Dr. Crystal Smith-Spangler.

For the purpose of this is the U.S. government began to encourage the movement to reduce salt. In addition to increasing the health level, also reducing the state budget. “We hope that the government did not delay this action. And we urge the Ministry of Health, “Dr. Walter Willett as the head of Nutrition and Epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health, Boston. Walter.

Ministry of Health of New York also fully supports this campaign, by initiating movement The National Salt Reduction or reduction of the national salt consumption. This campaign seeks to cut salt intake by 20 percent over five years into the future. This campaign aimed primarily for the restaurant and food business, which largely contributed to salt intake for the population of the United States.

The actions of the American government is not without reason. According to Dr Thomas R Frieden, too much consuming salt causes at least 100,000 deaths annually in America. Furthermore, Thomas said, as quoted from webmd.com, there are at least two ways to cut the use of salt in food and making people healthier life.

The first road, the government in collaboration with food companies to reduce the amount of sodium used in food processing. This action is similar to that done by the previous British country. By running this, no decrease in salt intake of about 9.5 per cent in each population of England.

The same percentage can be gained by the United States if the following ways that have been run by the British. Americans could prevent as many as 531,885 cases of stroke and 480,358 cases of heart attack, for people aged between 40-85 years old. This can both improve the quality of life more than 2.1 million lives and could save medical expenses up 32.1 million dollars.

Other way is to levy taxes on the salt so that the price of the product rose 40 percent salt. In this way is estimated to 327,892 cases and 306,137 cases of stroke, heart attacks could be reduced. Health costs were saved up 22.4 million dollars, and improve the quality of life of 1.3 million inhabitants.

Reflecting on the experience of other countries, England for example, which has pioneered the movement nationally to reduce salt, reduce the salt levels will in fact immediately raises the pros and cons in society.

“Conversely, if governments do trimming salinity is gradually and slowly, so people will not realize it,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director of Public Health for Seattle and King County, Washington.

It seems Americans are trying hard to fight salt intake. Even the Department of Food and Drug Administration says the United States, healthy food salt content should not exceed 480 mg in each presentation.

Despite being much reviled, but the true sodium, or salt plays a major role in food processing. In the salt content of useful to keep the bacteria multiply in food. Especially in cheese products, salad dressings, and food fermentation. Salt is also an essential nutrient to add flavor and food coloring. Some foods are added to salt in it, including tomato sauce, soups, and canned food.

Before buying food products, you should first read the label indicated. Salt content in foods can be seen from nutrition facts label. Notice how the existing levels of sodium in foods, which are measured in milligrams (mg). Read also whether the food contains a soda. Soda here refers to sodium bicarbonate or baking soda,.

Keep in mind also, some writing that is usually listed on the label. For example, sodium-free or free of sodium, that is only using sodium less than 5 mg in each product. While sodium is very low or very low sodium, means reducing as much as 35 mg of sodium in each product. The low sodium, means the product is to reduce sodium 140 mg in each presentation.

You may often find a written product contains no added salt or no salt (unsalted or no salt added). This product is not using such salts used. But that does not mean free of salt, still, still contains salt, but salt is a natural part of the product concerned.

Sodium should be aware not only of food. Thus even with medication. In fact, drugs on the market also contain sodium. Thus, first read the existing label on the drug. Note the contents contained in the drug and read carefully what the drug does contain sodium.

Usually drugs that contain sodium is 5 mg per dose. The solution, some pharmaceutical companies are now starting to produce drugs that lower sodium. If you are still in doubt, it is better to ask first to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to buy drugs. So, have you reduce the salt today?

Various natural treatments is claimed to be able to fight cancer cells. Researchers found papaya leaf extract can be effective against various tumors and can be used as a traditional medicine.

Nam Dang, a researcher from the University of Florida and his colleague from Japan documented the anti-cancer effects of papaya against cervical tumors, breast, liver and pancreas. This research’s report has also been published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

The researchers used extracts made from dried papaya leaves and found the resulting effects can be more powerful. Dang and other scientists showed that the papaya leaf extract could increase the production of a key signal molecule called TH1 type cytokines, these molecules help regulate the body’s immune system.

“This could be a maintenance therapy to fight cancer cells by increasing the body’s immune system,” researchers said in the journal, which was released last February, as quoted from AFP, Wednesday (10/3/2010).

Scientists said that papaya leaf extract has no toxic effect on normal cells, this of course can avoid the side effects which generally always occur in some cancer treatments.

Researchers used 10 types of cancer cells with a variety of different 4 papaya leaf extract and measure the effects after being given papaya leaf extract for 24 hours. The results shows that this papaya leaf extract can slow the growth of cancer cells.

The results still needs a long time and certainly will be developed until it can be carried out on a clinical trials. If the research is successful, it will create a new treatment to fight cancer cells by using traditional materials.

The key to addressing excessive body sweating is to know what causes it. For people with secondary hyperhidrosis (or the sweating is caused by another medical condition), the solution is pretty straightforward: deal with the bigger illness and the sweating will subside.

However, the picture gets a little complicated for those born with excessive body sweating (or primary hyperhidrosis). While the condition will not go away immediately, there are ways to effectively manage and reduce it:

Iontophoresis is a series of treatments that involves low levels of electrical impulses to block the sweat glands with water minerals. The procedure is currently used to treat sweating localized at the head, feet, hands and armpits.

Specialized medications, like Oxybutynin have been found to reduce the amount of perspiration. Also available in the market are antiperspirants with higher doses of aluminium chloride and especially made for excessive sweating.

Botulinum Toxin Type A, or Botox injections work by disabling the sweat glands for as much as nine months. This procedure is a common alternative for those suffering from excessive sweating in the face.

Surgical solutions often involve removing some of the sweat glands. Another procedure, known as Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) entails cutting a nerve that triggers the sweating.

Many are concerned with the side effects and cost of using medicines and surgery to reduce the sweating. For them, alternative and natural solutions show results in a longer period of time but they are proven to be safer.

These solutions include controlled breathing, meditation and other yoga techniques to help calm the body and reduce sweating. Homeopathy, or the use of special herbs, have certain solutions either taken as teas or included in the bathwater. Others also find that eating a balanced diet free from coffee, colas, alcohol and spicy food help reduce sweating.

Excessive body sweating may often be physically harmless but it can hamper one’s social life. However, there’s more than one way to manage and even cut down the perspiration.

Have you ever heard of Li Qing Yuen? He’s the person who lived up to a ripe old age of 252 years. No kidding. The life (and longevity) of Prof. Li Qing Yuen, who lived between 1678-1930, is one of the best documented. And you know what? He’s reported to have consumed Goji berries daily!

Goji berry is a member of the wolfberry family and is known by the scientific name of Lycium barbarum. It’s credited with increasing the life span and having several health improving properties. It is one of the richest natural nutrients available on earth. It is said that the Chinese have been using Goji berry, as a food and a medicine, for more than five thousand years.

Nutritional value of Goji Berries

Goji berry is a rich source of nutrients and amino acids. It contains 18 amino acids, 21 trace minerals and several vitamins and minerals. It has six times more amino acids than bee pollen, 500 times more Vitamin C by weight than oranges, more iron than spinach, and more Beta carotene than carrots. Goji berry contains minerals like Calcium and Magnesium, and Vitamins B1, B2, B6 and Vitamin E, normally found in grains and seeds and rarely in fruits. In addition, these berries contain many complex compounds and phytonutrients. High levels of protein content (13% of these berries are protein – higher than whole wheat), and antioxidants are other nutrient highlights. In addition, Goji berries contain Beta-sitosterol, Betaine, and essential fatty acids. With all this nutrition packed into it, it is small wonder that these berries have a great medicinal and health value.

Benefits of Goji Berries

Goji berries have been used in traditional systems of medicine to treat various conditions like anemia, cough and inflammation. It has also been used for improving the immune system, protection of the liver, and improving eyesight. Apart from the curative properties, Goji berry is believed to have a positive effect on the health and wellness of those consuming it, and benefits the user with longevity, increased vitality and sexual prowess.

Elderly patients, who were given Goji berries thrice a week, reported several benefits, including improved sleep, better appetite and recovery of sexual function in some cases.

Antioxidants combat free radicals, which are responsible for damaging cells and DNA, increasing the risk of cancer and aiding the ageing process. The high level of antioxidants in Goji berries ensures that the ageing process is slowed down. It is believed that Goji berries have contributed to the freedom from diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease in the people of Asia who have been consuming this fruit.

About the plant

Goji berry grows in protected valleys with vines reaching up to heights of 4 m. The plant grows in sandy or clay soil conditions under semi shade or no shade. The fruits are never plucked by hand since they are very sensitive and can be spoilt if they are touched by hand at this stage. Instead the fruits are shaken on to a mat and then dried in the shade.

Dosage and consumption details

Goji berries taste somewhat like raisins. They can be taken alone or mixed with other ingredients. Daily dosage could be about 10-30 grams.

The best way to take dried Goji berries is to wash them in water and soak them for a short while, before consuming. You can get it at reasonable prices at most Chinese stores.