=========================================================================
Lifetime Wellness Newsletter

(Physical, financial, environmental, and personal wellness)

Earlier editions of the Lifetime Wellness Newsletter may be found at:

http://www.nigel-brooks-voice.com/lifetimewellnessnewsletterdigest.html

In this edition:

• Mango or mangosteen?

• What is glucosamine?

• What is BMI?

• What is an amino acid?

• The importance of manganese

• The cash flow quadrant

***

In the news:

4 out of every 5 U.S. adults favor allowing importation of prescription drugs:

http://www.newsrx.com/health-articles/366225.html

***

Mango or mangosteen?

The mango is a fruit that was introduced into California from Asia in 1880.

http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/mango.html

Mangoes are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, but low in calories and sodium.

They help in digestion because they are high in fiber:

http://www.dmt123.com/general-health-care/959-1-dmt123.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mango

Mangosteen is a fruit unrelated to the mango which is grown in Southeast Asia, primarily in the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Attempts are few, but mangosteen has been grown successfully in Hawaii. All attempts to grow the mangosteen in the Continental United States have been unsuccessful. The fresh fruit cannot be purchased (legally) in the Continental United States because of fear regarding the risk of introduction of the Asian fruit fly into North America.

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/mangosteen.html

In Asia, the mangosteen is called the “Queen of Fruits” perhaps because supposedly Queen Victoria had an interest in it, and offered a reward to whomever could bring her the fruit, or so the story goes. The fruit is very delicious.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mangosteen

The mangosteen has a hard shell, but inside is a white fruit that is very sweet. This white fruit can be purchased in the United States in cans, and makes a great desert.

If there is a secret to the Mangosteen, it is in the outer red skin, known as the pericarp. There is a lot of folklore in Asia regarding the health benefits of the Mangosteen pericarp. The pericarp is rich in xanthones, which are antioxidants. 40 of the 200 known xanthones are found in the mangosteen, mainly in the pericarp – a few are in the white fruit.

http://www.xanthonesresearch.com/

Xanthones are also found in St. John's Wort.

http://www.tuberose.com/Antioxidants.html

http://www.mangosteen.com/historyandfolklore.htm

In Asia, the mangosteen is well respected for its healing properties, but in the west, scientific research has yet to support many of the claims that have been made about the health benefits.

Perhaps this is because of a difference in attitudes between Eastern Cultures and Western Cultures towards remedies..

Whatever the case, the mangosteen has a great taste.

When in Southeast Asia, it is well worth a try, and the pericarp is great for insect bites.

Hopefully, one day the fresh fruit will be available in the United States.

What is glucosamine?

Glucosamine is an amino sugar found in the human body. Glucosamine helps keep the cartilages between joints lubricated. As we age, we produce less glusosamine naturally, and as a consequence, we can develop a condition known as osteoarthritis. In simple terms, osteoarthritis is “wear and tear” of the joints and is the most common form of arthritis. 21 million people in the United States are affected by osteoarthritis, and 80% of the population will have some form of the disease by age 65. Osteoarthritis is very painful.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osteoarthritis

http://www.medicinenet.com/osteoarthritis/article.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glucosamine

High potency glucosamine can be taken as a dietary supplement to delay the effects of osteoarthritis. According to the PDR, dose varies according to weight:

http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/herbaldrugs/101260.shtml

Although glusosamine supplements have been touted as a cure, they should be thought of as preventive - to keep the cartilages lubricated on an ongoing basis, as opposed to trying the merely reverse the effects of osteoarthritis. Glucosamine can reduce the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.

NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as Celebrex are often prescribed to treat the inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis. Such drugs are not without risk. Vioxx, an NSAID, was removed from the marketplace because it increased the risk of heart attack. There are no known side effects of glucosamine, except for those who are allergic to shellfish, which is the most common source of the nutrient.

There are other natural alternatives for treating the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Ginger, bromelain and green tea have been shown to have beneficial results with respect to treating the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis because of the benefits of antioxidants. Bromelain is an enzyme extracted from pineapples. Ginger, bromelain and green tea when blended with glucosamine may help improve its effects. Ginger can also prevent nausea, which is why it is used at high altitudes to prevent sickness.

As with all natural approaches, there is a huge debate about their effectiveness. However, as a lubricant, glucosamine taken regularly can at least slow down osteoarthritis, which is better than treating it with a NSAID, given the risks of heart attack.

This article discusses the effectiveness and safety of nutritional supplements in the treatment of osteoarthritis:

http://www.thorne.com/altmedrev/.fulltext/9/3/275.pdf

Celebrex is not without risk:

http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/AR/00040.html

What is BMI?

BMI stands for Broadcast Music, Inc. is a performing rights organization representing 300,000 songwriters and composers:

http://www.bmi.com/about/backgrounder.asp

BMI also stands for Body Mass Index, which is a measure of body fat:

http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/

BMI takes into account both height and weight. A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered normal. The higher the BMI, the higher the risk of the diseases associated with obesity. A waist greater than 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men is also an indicator of such higher risk.

When considering weight, it is not the number per se, but the amount of fat – the leaner the better.

What is an amino acid?

Amino acids are the basic building blocks of proteins. There are 10 amino acids which are essential to humans and must be obtained from food or supplements.

http://www.bodyandfitness.com/Information/Fitness/aminochart_b.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amino_acid

Without an adequate supply of amino acids, the effectiveness of protein will be reduced, which leads to health problems throughout the body. The central nervous system can be affected, which in turn can affect the brain.

Nutritional supplement information usually focuses on vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, but information about amino acids is just as important.

http://www.femalemuscle.com/nutrition/amino.html

Even if vitamins and minerals are absorbed by the body, they cannot be effective unless the necessary amino acids are present.

The importance of manganese

Manganese is necessary for iron metabolism and forms part of many body enzymes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manganese

The cash flow quadrant

The cash flow quadrant is a concept promoted by Robert Kiyosaki, together with Sharon Lechter, who have become best selling authors, based upon the “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” series of books. Whereas there is much controversy about the true identity of “Rich Dad” and exactly how Kiyosaki obtained his wealth, his description of the cash flow quadrant is a useful mechanism for thinking about different sources of income. Some have queried whether books are actually fact or fiction, but nevertheless, the concept of the cash flow quadrant is useful:

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?ean=9780446677479&z=y

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?ean=9780446677479&displayonly=CHP&z=y#CHP

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Kiyosaki

***

In the next edition:

• Dangers of formaldehyde

• Introduction to meditation

• The benefits of alpha hydroxy acid

• The benefits of green tea

• What is arginine?

• The importance of molybdenum?

• Are independent contractors employees in disguise?

***

Quote: Robert Half: “Giving people a little more than they expect is a good way to get back more than you'd expect.”

The first requirement for building wealth is great health...

Nigel Brooks

(415) 738-8513

(602) 291-4595

www.nigel-brooks-voice.com

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to act as a substitute for medical counseling. Always consult with your physician before starting any new course of treatment. Always follow product packaging directions and warnings.

For more information: nigel@nigel-brooks-voice.com

=========================================================================

NOTE: Want to unsubscribe to HealthyTree eNews service? Please click here to unsubscribe from this list.

You are receiving this email because you have visited a HealthyTree.net website and have either supplied your email address verbally to a representative of the company or entered it online. Please be assured that your email address will remain confidential.

=========================================================================
Lifetime Wellness Newsletter

(Physical, financial, environmental, and personal wellness)

Earlier editions of the Lifetime Wellness Newsletter may be found at:

http://www.nigel-brooks-voice.com/lifetimewellnessnewsletterdigest.html

In this edition:

·          Why we need to take supplements

·          Calories and diet

·          Probiotics versus antibiotics

·          What are antioxidants

·          What is vitamin C?

·          The importance of copper

·          Entrepreneurial, leadership and managerial competencies

***

In the news:

Scientists have found a way to check the heart’s energy store:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/5367518.stm

***

Why we need to take supplements

The supplements business (vitamins and minerals) is a big business – estimated to be at least a $2.5B industry.

Those that take supplements are usually loyal to their brands and products, and claim that they feel better.  However, many would say that they are unnecessary.  Are supplements necessary?

According to the National Health Service in the UK, it is important that your body gets enough vitamins and minerals.  However, if you eat a balanced diet from all the major food groups, there should be no need to take supplements:

http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?ArticleId=1122

The “if you eat a balanced diet” statement is loaded because most people don’t.

The American Heart Association suggests always eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.  However, even if most people did, because of the methods of growing, storing and distributing food in use today, there are less nutrients per serving of food than in the past:

http://www.iowasource.com/food/soilquality_0806.html

Although aimed at seniors, this site sums up the reasons why we have to take supplements today:

http://www.seniorfitness.com/article/Why_Should_I_Take_Nutritional_Suppl_46816_health_article.html

One concern frequently raised by the medical profession is the risk of overdosing on vitamins and minerals:

http://nutrition.tufts.edu/consumer/balance/2003-11/vitaminod.html

Good advice – as with everything, moderation is probably the best course of action.

Another problem is that some supplements are packaged in such a way that the body cannot absorb them fast enough.  The consequence is that they are passed right through the body as waste:

http://www.nutritional-supplement-info.com/vitamin-absorption.html

Drinking alcohol and coffee shortly before or after taking supplements can interfere with the absorption rates.

Unfortunately, it is sad thing that the United States spends more money on health care than any other nation, but has a broken health care system, and a less than healthy population:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_care_in_the_United_States

http://www.theolympian.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060502/LIVING03/60502055

It’s a sad fact: Americans are overweight and undernourished.

Beware of poor quality supplements.  It’s hard to know what’s good and bad when it comes to supplements.  Many (cheaper) grocery store brands fail to provide an adequate nutritional benefit because they underdose.  Many expensive brands found in health stores are the opposite – they overdose.

Therefore, when looking for supplements, ensure that:

1.        The doses are research-based therapeutic levels

2.        The nutrients come from high quality suppliers

3.        The nutrients can be absorbed by the body effectively and are used at the cellular level

Here are some guidelines concerning dosage from Dr. August Reader, III:

http://www.revophth.com/index.asp?page=1_479.htm

Calories and diet

The calorie is a unit of energy and, in particular, is used for the amount of energy obtained from food, and more specifically is the kilogram calorie.  A kilogram calorie is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by one degree centigrade.  All foods contain calories.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calories

Different foods produce different amount of energy, but a calorie from carbohydrates, or protein, or fat produces the same amount of energy – the source does not matter from an energy perspective – however, it may for other dietary considerations, such as substituting animal fat by vegetable fat/oil.

One gram of fat contains 9 calories.

One gram of carbohydrate and one gram of protein both contain 3.75 calories.

A person’s daily caloric need is determined by a set of relationships based upon age, current weight, desired weight, height, and exercise habit.  Weight loss is determined by the calorie equation – if calorie-intake exceeds calorie-expenditure, we gain weight.  However, it is better to loss weight from fat tissue, than lean tissue.  Calorie-intake is a function of the foods we eat; calorie-expenditure is a function of our metabolism, physical activity, and digestion.

Modern day lifestyles require significantly less calories than those of our ancestors.

http://www.calorie-counter.net/calorie-intake-and-expenditure.htm

http://www.calorie-counter.net/weight-loss-calories.htm

A 12 oz Budweiser contains 145 calories

A Krispy Kreme glazed donut contains 220 calories; a plain bagel contains about 190 calories; muffins vary, but are usually at least 300 calories

A Big Mac with large fries contains 1,150 calories; a sausage McMuffin contains 340 calories

A medium sized apple contains about 85 calories; a medium banana contains about 90 calories; a medium orange contains about 70 calories; 1 cup of grapes contains about 110 calories

Calories at Starbucks:

http://www.healthyweightforum.org/eng/calorie-counter/starbucks_calories/

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidant is a classification of certain organic substances, including vitamins A, C and E, which at the cellular level deactivate certain unstable particles called free radicals.  Free radicals, which usually come in the form of the oxygen molecule, may cause cancer when oxidized.  Free radicals are the consequence of natural processes within cells, but can also be created by exposure to certain environmental factors such as tobacco smoke and radiation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antioxidants

Vitamin E may help protect against cardiovascular disease by defending against LDL (bad cholesterol) oxidation and artery-clogging plaque; vitamin C may help reduce the risk of cancer.

Since vitamins A, C and E are found in fruits and vegetables, it is important to eat several servings per day.  The problem is that most people don’t – hence the need to take supplements.

A source of antioxidants is green tea, which has become more popular in the West in recent years as awareness has increased regarding the health benefits of antioxidants.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_benefits_of_tea

Probiotics, not antibiotics

An antibiotic is a drug that can kill bacteria, or at least slow their growth until the immune system can kill them. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antibiotic

Antibiotics are sometimes misused to slow or kill the viruses that cause common colds and flu.  Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses. Over time bacteria can build up resistance against antibiotics – so they should be used with caution.

Probiotics are dietary supplements that contain potentially beneficial bacteria, a common source being found in yoghurt.  Probiotic bacterial cultures assist the body’s naturally occurring flora within the digestive tract to reestablish themselves.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Probiotic

Therefore, diets that contain probiotics will assist the digestive system; antibiotics can interfere with digestive system with some very unpleasant side effects.

Prebiotics are non-digestible, naturally occurring carbohydrates, which like fiber, help promote a healthy digestive system.

http://www.nestle.ca/en/Enjoy_Food/Food_Facts/Nutrition_Basics/what_are_prebiotics.htm

http://www.vegetarian-nutrition.info/updates/prebiotics.php

What is vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient essential for optimal health.  Its principal form is ascorbic acid.  Humans (as well as apes and guinea pigs) do not produce their own vitamin C.

The primary benefit of vitamin C is as an oxidizing agent in cells.  Without vitamin C, a deficiency disease, known as scurvy, will result – a common condition among sailors who lack access to fruits over a prolonged period of time.  Scurvy is fatal if consumption of vitamin C is not resumed in time.

Vitamin C has been shown in clinical trials to reduce the duration and severity of colds, but not the frequency.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_c

The importance of copper

Copper helps make red blood cells, is part of several body enzymes, and is important for the absorption of iron.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copper

Entrepreneurial, leadership and managerial competencies

There are three distinct but interrelated characteristics that essential to the success of every business venture - the entrepreneurial, leadership, and managerial competencies.  These competencies apply to everybody in an organization, although in differing degrees depending upon their role and responsibility.

The entrepreneurial competency turns innovative ideas into value.  Characteristics of the entrepreneurial competency include being able to innovate new ideas, adapt them to actual wants and needs, enhance them over time, and maintain them until they become redundant or out-of-date.  The leadership competency is people-oriented and sets direction that others will follow to achieve results.  Characteristics of the leadership competency include being able to motivate oneself, being aspirational by establishing values and a clear vision and mission for the future, being inspirational through effective communications that cause others to want to follow, and establishing an environment such that others can motivate themselves 

The managerial competency is process-oriented and applies resources to activities.  Characteristics of the managerial competency include get organized, executing tasks, including problem-solving, anticipating unexpected events, and handling exceptions, evaluating progress, making adjustments accordingly.

All three competencies are applied within the context of planning and performance measurement.

One or more of the three competencies can be applied in every business situation.  For example:

·          The cashier at a coffee house can use the entrepreneurial competency to suggest ideas for new drinks based upon the buying preferences of customers – they can also cross-sell complementary products to “round out” the coffee experience.  If the ideas yield extra tips from customers, then it was worth the effort to the employee.

·          The owner of a local business can use the leadership competency to solicit other business people in the area to form and join a merchants association.  If the association yields additional business to the members, either as suppliers or customers, then it was worthwhile.

·          The worker on a production line can use their experience in operating machines (managing the process) to suggest improvements to work flows, improving operating efficiency and reducing costs.  If the worker receives a raise or bonus as a consequence, then the suggestion was worthwhile.

The entrepreneurial competency does not just apply to entrepreneurs, but anybody who can suggest ideas in business.

The leadership competency applies to anybody.  For example in an emergency, any employee may have to step up and lead others to safety.

The managerial competency does not just apply to managers, but to anybody who has to manage a process – especially a production line.

***

In the next edition:

·          The tree down under

·          The mouth is the gateway to the body

·          Coffee – good or bad?

·          What is vitamin D?

·          The importance of iodine

·          What is residual income?

Quote: Jim Rohn: “Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.”

The first requirement for building wealth is great health...

Nigel Brooks

(415) 738-8513

(602) 291-4595

www.nigel-brooks-voice.com

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to act as a substitute for medical counseling.  Always consult with your physician before starting any new course of treatment.  Always follow product packaging directions and warnings.

For more information: nigel@nigel-brooks-voice.com

=========================================================================