Article courtesy of GreenMedInfo.com

 

Grape Seed Extract Superior To Blockbuster Diabetes Drug, Preclinical Study Finds

A new study published in the Journal of Cell Communication and Signaling compared the effects of a grape seed extract (GSP) to the diabetes drug metformin (MET) in rats fed a high fat, high fructose diet (HFFD) designed to provoke insulin resistance.

Titled, "Grape seed proanthocyanidins and metformin act by different mechanisms to promote insulin signaling in rats fed high calorie diet," Indian researchers discovered that both substances reduced elevated blood glucose (hyperglycemia) and elevated blood insulin (hyperinsulinemia), while improving the following diet-altered parameters: glycolysis, tyrosine phosphorylation of IR-β and IRS-1, IRS-1-PI3K association and Akt activation.

Furthermore, adverse changes induced by the HFFD, such as the activation of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, leptin and suppression of cytokine signaling-3 and reduction in adiponectin, were reversed by GSP more effectively than by MET.

Proanthocyanidins are a type of secondary plant metabolites known as flavonoids found in many plants, but are particularly concentrated in cocoa beans, cinnamon, grape seeds and skin, and maritime pine bark (pycnogenol). Proanthrocyanidins are known primarily through their antioxidant properties, but the GreenMedInfo.com research project has identified at least 20 beneficial physiological actions to this phytochemical class relevant to at least 50 disease states.

Metformin, on the other hand, is an oral antidiabetic drug in the biguanide class, and is used as the first-line drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The original inspiration for the biguanide class was the discovery, in the 1920s, of guanidine compounds within the herb French lilac (Galega officinalis), long used to treat diabetes in traditional medicine. Metformin, however, is an entirely synthetic compound, whose exact mechanisms of action are unknown. What is known is that like other antidiabetic drugs (e.g. Avandia) metformin is cardiotoxic and has been linked to increased cardiac mortality in a number of studies. Proanthrocyanidins, and grape seed extract in particular, have been extensively researched to have protective and therapeutic properties on the cardiovascular system.

Clearly, the weight of evidence suggests that grape seed proanthrocyanins hold great promise as a metformin alternative and/or anti-diabetic agent. Unfortunately, the law forbids the medicinal use of natural substances, and lacking the $800 million plus required on average to fund the clinical trials necessary to file for FDA drug approval, health consumers are left almost entirely without guidance from conventional medical practitioners who lose their FDA-underwritten liability shield when they deviate from the drug-based standard of care.

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nutraMetrix Isotonix® OPC-3®

 

Key Ingredients Found In nutraMetrix Isotonix OPC-3®:

Grape Seed Extract 25 mg
Grape seed extract is typically extracted from the seeds of red grapes (instead of white), which have a high content of compounds known as oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). Grape seed extract is extremely rich in polyphenols, compounds with high antioxidant activity. Grape seed extract has been found to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.* 

Red Wine Extract 25 mg
Red wine extract is a powerful antioxidant. This extract is found in grape vines, roots, seeds and stalks, with the highest concentration in the skins. The antioxidant properties of red wine extract contribute to maintaining healthy circulation by strengthening capillaries, arteries and veins, and promoting overall cardiovascular health.*
In the late 1990s, scientists took note of a phenomenon among the French. There were very low rates of cardiovascular problems in the provinces where residents consistently ate high fat foods and drank red wine. Scientists concluded that the protective properties of red wine have helped the French maintain cardiovascular health for years and subsequent scientific studies have further shown that the OPCs found in red wine are particularly beneficial for protecting the heart and blood vessels.*     

Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol®) 25 mg
Pycnogenol is a natural plant extract from the bark of the maritime pine tree, which grows exclusively along the coast of southwest France in Les Landes de Gascogne. This unspoiled and natural forest environment is the unique source of pine bark. Pycnogenol is one of the most researched ingredients in the natural product marketplace. Published findings have demonstrated Pycnogenol’s wide array of beneficial effects on the body. Pine bark extract is an all natural combination of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and organic acids.
The extract has three basic properties — it is a powerful antioxidant, selectively binds to collagen and elastin, and promotes the normal production of endothelial nitric oxide, which promotes the normal dilation of blood vessels.*
As one of the most potent natural scavenger of free radicals, Pycnogenol combats many aggressive free radicals before they cause oxidative stress to vital organs. Its super-antioxidant capabilities help support healthy blood platelet activity, support healthy blood glucose levels, reduce mild menstrual cramping and abdominal pain, maintain joint flexibility, promote cardiovascular health, promote healthy sperm quality, maintain healthy cholesterol levels and support a healthy complexion.*

Bilberry Extract 25 mg
Bilberry extract is derived from the leaves and berry-like fruit of a common European shrub closely related to the blueberry. Extracts of the ripe berry are known to contain flavonoid pigments known as anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants. Scientific studies confirm that bilberry extract supports healthy vision and venous circulation. Bilberry extract helps maintain healthy circulation by strengthening capillaries, arteries and veins.*

Citrus Extract (Bioflavonoids) 25 mg
Bioflavonoids are antioxidants found in certain plants that act as light filters, which protect delicate DNA chains and other important macromolecules by absorbing ultraviolet radiation. They have been found to promote cardiovascular health, help maintain healthy circulation by strengthening capillaries, arteries and veins, and demonstrate anti-inflammatory activity.*

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Eat Well, Exercise, and Supplement Intelligently

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Is Modern Wheat Making You Fat?

(Courtesy of Our Health Co-Op)

We will keep returning to issues with wheat in our modern diet, as it has been shown to increase obesity around the world as much or more than it has increased crop yields. We think the picture above says it all.

When wheat was genetically modified to address world hunger, it was fattened up and made into a short, stubby dwarf species, which is vastly different from the ancient einkorn wheat mentioned in the Bible. Fattened up wheat kernels are not just carbohydrates but super carbs that our bodies never evolved to work with.

You see, modern wheat has a super starch, amylopectin A, that is rapidly digested and leads to insulin resistance in rats and humans alike. Wheat raises blood sugar faster than table sugar and leads to blood sugar swings that fuel food cravings versus weight loss. Whole grain wheat does not help much as it is this super starch that drives insulin problems and willpower issues alike.

Here’s what Dr. Davis, author of Wheat Belly, has to say about wheat and weight loss:

“Typically, people who say goodbye to wheat lose a pound a day for the first 10 days. Weight loss then slows to yield 25-30 pounds over the subsequent 3-6 months… When you remove wheat from the diet, you’ve removed a food that leads to fat deposition in the abdomen. Factor in that the gliadin protein unique to wheat that is degraded to a morphine-like compound that stimulates appetite remove it and appetite shrinks. The average daily calorie intake drops 400 calories per day—with less hunger, less cravings and food is more satisfying. This all occurs without imposing calorie limits, cutting fat grams, or limiting portion size. It all happens just by eliminating this thing called wheat.”

If you have trouble with cravings, blood sugar management, and/or weight, you just might want to experiment with going gluten-free.

Diabetes control requires the proper nutrients

Courtesy of Natural News
Wednesday, October 24, 2012 
by: Derrell Jones

Disturbingly, diabetes kills more people in America than breast cancer and AIDS combined. The World Health Organization anticipates that by 2030, over 360 million people will have diabetes. If you wish to avoid diabetes or you currently have diabetes and wish to slow or stop its progression, then proper nutrient support is imperative. The nutrients and what foods to find them in are emphasized below.

The powerful usual suspects

B Vitamin Complex: B Vitamins are extremely important especially to diabetics but two are of particular help. Daily intake of vitamin B6 can reduce the need for insulin. Dr. John Ellis, M.D. found that a normal blood sugar level was regained when 100 mg of B6 was taken daily. Biotin, another vitamin in the complex, works with insulin in assisting the body in the utilization of glucose. Biotin is also instrumental in preventing or reversing peripheral neuropathy in diabetics. A person can find these in foods such as turkey, dark meat chicken, beef and chicken livers, mushrooms, oats, and avocado to name a few.

Vitamin C: Diabetics tend to be susceptible to infections. Vitamin C's antioxidant powers can help combat that. Also, vitamin C helps the body to form collagen which is important for vascular health delaying or preventing vascular complications. Deficiencies have led to a decreased production of insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Vitamin C can be found in foods such as broccoli, spinach, cabbage, mangoes, asparagus, cantaloupe, and citrus fruits for example.

Vitamin E: Frequently, diabetics suffer from damage to their eyes and kidneys. Vitamin E assists in preventing this damage because it is a powerful anticoagulant which reduces stress to the vascular regions of these vital organs/organelles. The following are foods which contain vitamin E: Spinach, almonds, peanuts, broccoli, mangoes, kiwi fruit and tomatoes.

Magnesium and Potassium: When the body is deficient in these two nutrients, glucose intolerance is likely. This leads to organ and nerve damage. Magnesium serves as a supporter and protector of the cardiovascular system. It helps to widen blood vessels and also reduces circulating cholesterol in the bloodstream. Potassium deficiencies can occur from the insulin support given to diabetics. Ironically, lowered potassium levels lead to poor insulin sensitivity, responsiveness and secretion exacerbating diabetic complications. You can find magnesium in nuts, seeds, whole unrefined grains, and green vegetables like spinach. Potassium can be found in bananas, apricots, dates, chicken, fish, turkey and so on.

Important but lesser known nutrients

Chromium: Whenever glucose or insulin enters the bloodstream, chromium goes right to work unless the body's reserves are low. Chromium deficiency in the average western diet means the body cannot replenish what is lost during the ordinary course of business. Add to that the fact that refined sugars strip the body of chromium adverse health conditions like diabetes is more likely. Chromium helps to normalize blood glucose levels and decreases insulin resistance. It can be found in many foods like beef liver, whole wheat or rye bread, chicken, potatoes and eggs just to name a few.

Alpha-Lipoic acid: Alpha-lipoic acid has been demonstrated to help increase the use of glucose by cells and lower insulin resistance. In fact, alpha-lipoic acid has proven to be so effective for diabetes treatment that it has been prescribed by German doctors for the last 30 years.

There are additional nutrients that are of great benefit to diabetics such as vanadium, zinc, coenzyme Q10 and essential fatty acids. Speak to a trusted healthcare provider to help create a plan that will optimize your health through proper nutrient intake.

Commentary

Although supplements are important, Orlampa Enterprises always states that a person must "eat well, exercise, and supplement intelligently."  By eating well, a person with diabetes MUST eat well. We strongly suggest that someone with diabetes understand the glycemic index of foods.  The glycemic index (or GI) measures how fast and how high blood sugar levels rise after consuming foods that contain carbohydrates. White bread, for example, is a high glycemic index food and is converted almost immediately to glucose, causing blood sugar levels to spike rapidly and potentially triggering the body to store some of the calories as fat.

Different types of carbohydrates are processed differently by the body and, consequently, have different effects on blood glucose levels. The glycemic index ranks carbohydrate-rich foods according to their effect on blood glucose levels. The best sources of carbohydrates – fruits, vegetables and whole grains – deliver essential vitamins and minerals, fiber and a host of important phytonutrients, all while having minimal impact on blood sugar.

As stated above, exercise is also a key component to obtaining optimal health.  Would you be interested in learning about a low glycemic lifestyle?  Click here.  Orlampa Enterprises helps individuals (and groups) find their fit!   

Find Your Fit Kit

Orlampa Enterprises, Inc. specializes in helping individuals lose sickness and find wellness.  

Orlampa Enterprises also helps health care professionals implement holistic wellness programs into their existing practice with the goal to educate both the health care provider and the patient. The programs, which provide the health care professional with a substantial additional income stream in this ever changing medical marketplace, allow the patient to achieve true wellness instead of receiving a traditional treatment for symptoms.

Orlampa Enterprises is an internet based product broker specializing in personalized health and wellness related services. Orlampa Enterprises is primed to continue its growth by duplicating its successful business model of educating, training, and developing entrepreneurial leaders as business partners. As an Unfranchise™ business owner, Orlampa Enterprises, proudly utilizes highly researched products including nutraMetrix® nutritional supplements. 

 Orlampa Enterprises' motto is "Eat well, exercise, and supplement intelligently."

Contact Beth at bb@orlampa.com or 727.492.8212 for more information about nutraMetrix® partnership opportunities available.

Turmeric May Repair and Regenerate Diabetic Liver Function

Written by: Sayer Ji (courtesy of greenmedinfo.com)

 

Groundbreaking new research published in the Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand found that curcumin, the primary polyphenol in turmeric, is capable of repairing and even regenerating the liver tissues of diabetic rats.
The research was performed at Srinakharinwirot University in Bangkok, Thailand. The administration of curcumin to diabetic rats, whose livers showed the characteristic pathology and destruction of liver tissues and microvasculature, resulted in significant reversal of the condition.

They noted:

Fascinatingly, liver microvasculature in curcumin treated group developed into regenerate and repair into healthy and normal characteristics." They concluded: "These results optimistically demonstrated the potential use of curcumin as a novel therapeutic agent in liver pathology of diabetic rats.

Curcumin is actually one of the world's most thoroughly studied and well-characterized natural compounds, with over 5100 references in peer-reviewed publications. Over 1400 of these have been selected for inclusion in our database, and indicate its value in over 500 health conditions. Considering its remarkably wide range of therapeutic benefits, it is not surprising that curcumin has been researched to either prevent or treat, liver disease.  For example, you can view 36 studies on curcumin's anti-liver cancer properties here: curcumin liver cancer.  Perhaps even more impressive are these 78 studies on curcumin's liver-protective properties: hepatoprotective properties of curcumin.  Another 30 studies indicate its profound value in improving liver fibrosis.
There are also a broad range of therapeutic effects relevant to diabetes, as illustrated by the screenshot of the section on our database below.

Also, it is important to realize that curcumin, relative to conventional pharmacological agents, has a broad, and extremely effective therapeutic profile. In fact, we have indexed over 160 distinct, beneficial pharmacological actions associated with curcumin alone. Moreover, curcumin has been shown to be at least as effective, and in some cases superior to the following drug types:

• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)[i]
• Hydrocortisone[ii] (for inflammation)
• Prednisone[iii] (for inflammation)
• Corticosteroids (uveitis)[iv]
• Memantine and Diclofenac[v] (for memory)
• Atorvastain (for inflammation-mediated endothelial dysfunction)[vi]
• Dexamethasone (lung transplantation or injury)[vii] [viii]
• Fluoxetine [Prozac] and imipramine [Tofranil] (depression)[ix]
• Acetylsalicylic acid (Thrombosis and Arthritis)[x]
• Quinidine (myocardial ischemia)[xi]
• Oxaliplatin (Colorectal Cancer)[xii]
• Metformin (Gluconeogenesis/Blood Sugar)[xiii]

Finally, curcumin's superiority over conventional pharmacological agents in treating cancer is well characterized. We have indexed 36 studies showing curcumin is ability to inhibit and/or kill drug-resistance cancers. Even more impressive, here are 27 studies showing that curcumin can kill multi-drug resistance cancers.
We will end with a simple image. Turmeric, the mother plant if you will, which gives rise to the compound curcumin. Do you see how the Earth provides this gift for free? It simply grows out of the ground. There is love in this fact. I hope you can appreciate the profound meaning of this gift.

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This well written article is courtesy of greenmedinfo.com and clearly shows the benefits of a high quality curcumin supplement like Curcumin Extreme.  To learn more, click on the link below.

 

Learn more about Curcumin Extreme

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If you are a healthcare provider or a patient who would like to receive nutritional counseling, please call Beth Black at Orlampa Enterprises, Inc. at (727) 492-8212.

Orlampa Enterprises is an internet based product broker specializing in personalized health and wellness related services. Orlampa Enterprises is primed to continue its growth by duplicating its successful business model of educating, training, and developing entrepreneurial leaders as business partners. As an Unfranchise™ business owner, Orlampa Enterprises, proudly utilizes highly researched products including Isotonix® nutritional supplements. Orlampa Enterprises is a privately held company based in Trinity, Florida.  

Orlampa Enterprises' motto is "Eat well, exercise, and supplement intelligently."

Contact bb@orlampa.com for more information about independent Unfranchise™ business partnership opportunities available.