The hemicellulase enzyme breaks down hemicellulose, which is a type of cellulase and a key component of the cell wall in all plants. Different forms of plant hemicellulose include glucans, galactans, xylans, mannans and pentosans. Common fiber-rich breakfast cereals, for example, have a large amount of hemicelluloses (2 to 12%). Hemicellulase is needed to break down these fiber-rich components, and because it is not produced naturally in the human body, we rely on microorganisms that live in the human digestive tract to produce it for us.

The hemicellulase enzyme has the ability to take non-cellulose polysaccharides (long chains of sugars) we eat and convert them into usable constituents. Hemicellulase, which is crucial for the breaking down of fruits, vegetables and many grains is required to break down the “hard” hemicellulose carbohydrates, which are known to slow digestion and the absorption of various nutrients. If we eat large amounts of plant material, but do not have enough hemicellulase, we get a very limited prebiotic intake. These prebiotics are composed of smaller indigestible saccharide units that serve as fuel for various types of probiotics (good bacteria) resident in the digestive tract.

Continue reading: “The Health Benefits of Hemicellulase”

As most of us know, a new world of commerce and technology has been born with the advent of Google and Facebook, the iPhone and Android. In this context, I would like to introduce you to www.nutraspace.com, a new social network/search engine/real-time-news platform that caters exclusively to the health, wellness, nutrition and complementary-and-alternative medicine market.

You might say that what Google, Facebook and WebMD provide for their users, NutraSpace customizes and tailors to the needs and requirements of the natural health and wellness space. Over two-thirds of Americans use some form of nutritional supplementation. 83% of Internet users, according to CNN, have used the Web to search for health information. There is a real need for a site like NutraSpace that provides valuable and timely health data while forming a community with a common interest in health. The company is also launching Android, Kindle iPhone and iPad versions of its flagship applications. Their goal is to be the leader in mobile and desktop online health.

Continue reading: “NutraSpace”

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The findings of a 2006 study carried out by medical researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology in Richmond are being noticed within the scientific community. The study results strongly suggest that if taken regularly, cannabis oil may be able to induce remission in leukemia patients without the horrendous side effects typically associated with standard radio-chemical treatment options. Although this is only one such study, other similar studies have shown equally impressive results.

A few years ago, a team of experts convened in Germany to assess the total sum of information currently available regarding medical marijuana. According to their records, at least 37 separate controlled studies were carried out, internationally, between 2005-2009. Altogether, more than 2,500 documented test subjects have participated in these various studies with few to no negative side effects reported. Not only are these findings unusual for drug studies for their overall lack of adverse patient reaction, but also the sheer number of individual participants involved. While 2,500 people may not sound like an especially large sample population, it’s actually much larger than the number typically required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to determine whether or not most synthetic pharmacological drug compounds are safe for use in humans.

Continue reading: “THC From Cannabis Destroys Cancer Cells”

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There’s no shortage of controversy surrounding the use of medical marijuana. Despite the copious amount of scientifically-backed data gathered over decades, if not centuries, which show that cannabis has tremendous therapeutic potential, many lawmakers remain hesitant to approve its use. Regardless, a growing number of dedicated researchers continue to investigate new therapeutic applications for juicing or eating raw cannabis.

For some people, it still remains difficult to distinguish between the plant’s medicinal and recreational uses. This stems largely — let’s face it — from the fact that inhaling the plant’s vapors gets you high, even when that isn’t the primary reason why its being consumed.

It’s not just anti-cannabis critics who have a problem with this issue. Many of the people who consume raw cannabis with a doctor’s recommendation have no interest whatsoever in getting high. For them, the plant is a safe and natural method of relieving constant pain and constant discomfort, and it’s euphoric and thought befuddling qualities are seen as nothing more than unwanted side effects. Fortunately, research is now showing benefits from eating or juicing raw cannabis.

Continue reading: “Juicing RAW Cannabis – Eating RAW Cannabis?”

There’s an old adage that says TV rots your brain. While this may not be literally true, there are ways it can contribute to the spoiling of your health. A newly published meta-study carried out by researchers at Loughborough University’s School of Sport, Exercise and Health (SSEHS), in England, has underscored potential health hazards of spending too much time in front of the tube.

Data was collected from 53 separate international studies which focused on sedentary behavior as it relates to dietary and television viewing habits. A strong association was found between watching large amounts of television and increased intake of nutritionally poor foods such as high-calorie snacks, fast food, and soda. A reduction in fruit and vegetable consumption among avid TV viewers was also identified.

Dual Action

According to Dr. Natalie Biddle, lead author of the investigation, the negative influence television has may stem from some combination of interrelated factors. Constant bombardment of commercial advertisements during segment breaks and even within actual programming can encourage unhealthy food-related decisions. When this influence is combined with regular exposure to short bursts of highly targeted audio and visual stimulation, it has a very real effect on the viewer’s attention span and can impact their ability to make informed decisions properly.

Normal activities associated with TV viewing, like channel-surfing and “TiVoing”, also reward impulsive behavior. When viewers see a food advertised, there’s a good chance they’re going to want it, even if they aren’t really hungry. If that food isn’t readily available, they may lose interest and return to their seat empty handed… or they might just grab the next best thing sitting around the kitchen instead, and it may be less than nutritionally ideal.

Not only does habitually staring at the TV generally lead to increased snacking and poor diet practices, the sedentary nature of watching TV also takes a hefty toll on viewer health and physical appearance.

Alternatives

The easiest way to avoid these, and other, health risks connected with excessive TV viewing is to simply watch less television. Even without taking the recent Loughborough University findings into consideration, limiting TV time to a maximum of three or four hours a week is still a smart idea. Cutting back on television may result in having a lot of newly available free time to pick up new hobbies. And, spending the extra time hanging out with friends and family or using it to catch up on your reading will feel far more rewarding.

What do you think of the outcome of this meta-study? How does TV fit into your day? Let’s discuss, in the comments below!

~Dr. G

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• Dangers of Soft Drinks
• Research: TV Food Advertisements Promote Unhealthy Diets
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• 7 Types of Foods to Avoid with Irritable Bowel Syndrome