10 Amazing Health Benefits Of Olive Leaf And How To Make Your Own Olive Leaf Tea

10 Amazing Health Benefits of Olive Leaf and How to Make Your Own Olive Leaf Tea

The wonderful qualities of olive oil are well known to us all, but did you know you can also use the leaves of this magnificent tree? A variety of new studies reveal what ancient cultures knew for centuries – infusion made of the olive leaves has extraordinary health properties that work against a wide variety of diseases and symptoms.
It all starts with phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are actually chemicals found in plants (phyto in Greek means plant) and aim to protect the plant against diseases and various pests. When we consume the plants, we absorb the phytochemicals into our body and allow them to also protect us from those hazards. One of those phytochemicals found in olive leaves is called oleuropein, and this is one of the main active ingredients responsible for it’s health benefits.
The Amazing health benefits of olive leaves:
1. Inhibition and prevention of cancer
Olive leaf extract has been shown to have anti melanoma effect in mice. Late phase tumor treatment significantly reduced tumor volume. Other studies have also shown protective capabilities against breast cancer and showed an arrested growth in a tissue culture of human breast cancer cells at an early stage in the growth cycle.
2. Building bone
A Spanish study from 2011 found that oleuropein stimulates production of bone-building cells (osteoblasts), thus preventing the loss of bone density and fights osteoporosis. Find here more information about the 4 steps to prevent osteoporosis.
3. Anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties
The oleuropein, and other compound found in olive leaf, have a unique Continue reading

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A Patent’s Just Been Granted For What Could Be a Functional ‘Cure’ For Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes isn’t an easy disease to put an end to; not only do scientists have to fix the complete lack of insulin being produced by the patient’s own pancreas, but the cells they try to send in to help keep getting destroyed by the immune system. It’s a medical catch-22.
But a US patent has just been approved for what could be the first functional cure for the condition – by combining insulin-delivering cells with technology that allows them to hide from the immune system for years at a time.
The cells are called ‘Melligen cells’, and they can produce, store, and release insulin in response to human blood sugar levels.
University of Technology Sydney (UTS) scientists have been genetically engineering these Melligen cells for years so they can release insulin in order to regulate human blood sugar levels – just like the beta cells that are destroyed by type 1 diabetes are supposed to.
And last year, the team published a paper showing they could reverse type 1 diabetes in mice.
That was great, but those mice were immunocompromised, which meant they didn’t have an immune response. In the human body, the cells would still be attacked on entry. And that’s where this new collaboration comes in.
The UTS scientists have now joined up with US clinical stage biotechnology company PharmaCyte Biotech, who have developed a product called Cell-in-a-Box that can, in theory, encapsulate the Melligen cells and hide them from the immune system. They’ve just patented the combination.
"My team and I are extremely pleased that the US patent for the Melligen cells has b Continue reading

Take Control of Your Weight and Your Diabetes!

Join The 8-Week Diabetes Weight Loss Challenge SparkTeam!
SparkPeople's Official 8-Week Diabetes Weight Loss Challenge will help you take control of your diabetes and get real results! Get weekly challenges and a simple exercise program that's been proven to help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. By tracking your progress and completing the challenge you'll receive a special SparkTrophy to display on your SparkPage. Join anytime to start the challenge! Continue reading

Best vegetables for people with diabetes

When you have diabetes, not all vegetables are created equal.
While most vegetables are packed with fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, some will affect your blood sugar much differently than others.
Keeping a list of starchy vs. non-starchy vegetables on hand will help you make the best choices when you're grocery shopping or eating out.
Non-starchy vegetables
Non-starchy vegetables are the best for diabetes, as they are naturally low in sugar, carbohydrates and calories. Some common non-starchy vegetables include:
-Artichokes
-Asparagus
-Baby corn
-Bean sprouts
-Brussels sprouts
-Cauliflower
-Carrots
-Eggplant
-Peppers
-Greens (collard, kale, turnip, romaine, spinach etc.)
-Tomato
If you fill your plate mostly with non-starchy vegetables that are steamed or cooked in a light amount of oil, you generally don't have to worry about portion sizes with non-starchy vegetables.
One study from Newcastle University even found that a low-calorie diet consisting mainly of non-starchy vegetables could successfully reverse type 2 diabetes.
Starchy vegetables
Starchy vegetables, like potatoes, green peas, beans or pumpkin, can still be enjoyed when you have diabetes, but certain precautions should be taken. First, note that the proper serving size is about 1/2 cup to one cup, depending on the vegetable. Cooking starchy vegetables can also raise their glycemic index profile, so you should account for that when meal planning around your blood sugar. Starchy vegetables are also higher in calories - especially if they are cooked in fat.
Canned vs. fresh
Fresh vegetables are always Continue reading

Glucomannan: A Super Fiber for Weight Loss & More?!

In recent decades, glucomannan has been introduced to the United States and European markets as a food additive and dietary supplement. What is glucomannan? It’s a beneficial, soluble and fermentable dietary fiber derived from the root of the konjac plant, which is native to Asia.
People in East Asia have used konjac fiber, also known as glucomannan powder, for thousands of years as both food and traditional medicine. The indigenous people of China have used konjac to treat asthma, breast pain, coughs, hernias, burns and various skin disorders. Fast-forward to present day and scientific studies have revealed that supplementing with konjac glucomannan can significantly lower plasma cholesterol, improve carbohydrate metabolism, encourage bowel movements and promote a healthy colon. (1)
One of the reasons some people may be familiar with glucomannan is because it’s marketed for its ability to promote weight loss. Search for “glucomannan Walmart” and you’ll see that chains like Walmart are already selling this plant fiber as a supplement. There is even a brand-name dietary supplement called Lipozene with glucomannan as its primary ingredient.
Glucomannan weight loss just might be possible if you also lead a generally healthy lifestyle, but it’s important to choose the right product and take it in a safe manner. The fiber from konjac root also holds many other surprising health benefits. There are not many glucomannan side effects, but the most dangerous one (choking) is possible yet avoidable. Pretty much tasteless, glucomannan powder can be added to smoothies and b Continue reading