Sudhir Ahluwalia's Blog, page 37

Does consumption of milk with a pinch of turmeric help in achieving weight loss?

There does exist a tradition of mixing a pinch of turmeric in milk in South Asia. It does help in improving the bioavailability of the bioactive molecule curcumin present in this spice.

Curcuminoids and sesquiterpenoids present in turmeric suppress blood glucose levels. (Nishiyama et al., 2005) Curcumin probably plays an anti-obesity role by helping down-regulate blood lipids and glucose. (Alappat et al., 2010)

There are no clinical trials that support the role of turmeric in weight loss.

Turmeric is a constituent of two of the more popular weight loss combinations used in Ayurveda. Ayurveda works on a polyherbal principle. Even from the Ayurveda standpoint consuming a stand-alone herb would not be effective.

The scientific support to any polyherbal combinations recommended in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese medicine is tenuous. Very small trials have been conducted, and these are not enough to scientifically validate their effectiveness.

Obesity is a lifestyle disease. It is a complex disease. There is no scientific support for miracle cures for this disease. Obesity treatment is a complex science requiring a multi-disciplinary approach to this disease. Its requirement requires a lot of effort both on the part of the patient as well as the team assisting the patient in treating the disease. An obesity treatment team will normally contain a physician, a nutritionist, and a physical trainer.

But you can consume milk with turmeric. I did not find any scientific support that indicates that it is harmful to health. But if you are looking to reverse obesity, you will have to do much more.

Additional reading:

Natural Solutions for obesityAsian herbs and their wondrous health-giving propertiesHoly Herbs: Modern Connections to Ancient Plants

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Cardamom medicinal properties – reducing BP and in dental applications

Cardamom is mentioned as a medicinal plant in Charaka Samhita. These compilations are said to consolidate medicinal practices that go as far back as the 8th century BC.

Cardamom was used as a tooth cleaner by the Ancient Egyptians.

There is scientific support for some of the medicinal properties of cardamom.

Small cardamom (Elleteria sps) was observed to reduce blood pressure in stage 1 hypertensive individuals. It also helps reduce the tendency of blood clot formation and raises the antioxidant levels in the body (Verma et al. l, 2009). Cardamom extract was seen to inhibit human platelet aggregation (Suneetha et al., 2005). Verma et al. (2010) found Amomum subulatum to be a cardio-adaptogen against physical stress.

The anti-microbial activity of both large and small cardamom plants was observed against microorganisms causing dental caries (Aneja et al., 2011).

Cardamom is widely used for relief in digestion-related ailments. In India, green cardamom is used to treat infections in the teeth and gums.

Additional reading:

Holy Herbs: Modern Connections to Ancient PlantsAsian herbs and their wondrous health-giving properties

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Is protein rich food and supplements regarded to be dangerous in Ayurveda?

No, Ayurveda does not regard protein-rich food as dangerous for health. Being an ancient science, its focus is on natural supplements. Let me explain some fundamental concepts of Ayurveda.
In Ayurveda, the body and its diseases are products of food. Food is categorized as wholesome and unwholesome. Foods should be compatible with the body. Ayurveda lays great stress on selecting food, processing, cooking and has defined rules for healthy eating.
They also believe that nutrition is accomplished only when the inner biological fire system (Agni) and the inner transport system (srotasmi) are in order. I would interpret this to mean an emphasis on balancing the desire for food consumption and the associated digestive processes.
Ayurveda insists that diet is linked to nature and environmental conditions. Diet should be in tune with the individual personality (Prakriti), adverse personality traits (Vikriti), dosha, and body type.
Dietary supplements for the restoration of the body from the disease are also used in Ayurveda. Supplement treatment is called Rasayana therapy. Rasayanas are essential nutraceuticals. These help build the immune system, maintain mineral bio balance, provide essential nutrients, and possess antiaging properties.
Ayurvedic nutraceuticals or rasayanas could be tissue- and organ-specific. Thus, there are specific nutraceuticals for the heart, skin, brain, etc. They are also specific to the age of the individual and are also disease-specific. These are to be aligned with the digestive system and metabolism of an individual.
Twelve food categories are listed in Ayurveda. These are corn, wines, pulses, water, meat, milk and milk products, vegetables, sugar cane and related products, fruits, cooked products, greens, and food adjuvants. As you note, it contains both plant-based and dairy-based protein-rich foods.
The food should be appropriately cooked and processed, adaptable, and appropriate to individual requirements. Diet is aligned to an individual’s dosha.
According to Ayurveda, diet plays a role in keeping the mind healthy. They have classified three types of diet—the Sattvik diet, vegetarian, nonoily, and nonspicy. Rajasik diet is spicy, hot, sour, salty, and excites the mind, while the Tamasik diet is oily, heavy, and brings in lethargy.
There are contradictory diets that are indicated in Ayurveda. For instance, fish and fish products and milk, milk or milk products and alcohol, radish with milk, lotus stem with honey, or honey with clarified butter are not recommended to be taken together.

Additional reading:

Natural Solutions for Obesity, Cancer, and Diabetes ( A tri-series)

Asian Herbs and their wondrous health-giving properties

Holy Herbs; Modern Connections to Ancient Plants

Nutrition Facts: A guide to good health Similar Posts:

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Do fenugreek seeds help lose weight?

Fenugreek seeds come from Trigonella foenum graecum. The first question is – is fenugreek useful in causing weight loss, and if yes, what scientific evidence supports this spice?

Let me share with you some of the most popular herbal combinations used in weight loss.

Ayurveda:

A herbal combination containing the following herbs – Cyperus rotundus, Saussurea lappa, Curcuma longa, Berberis aristata, Acorus calamus, Aconitum heterophyllum, Picorrhiza kursoa, Plumbago zeylanica, Holoptelea integrifolia, and Iris ensata is a formulation prescribed to control obesity. (Kumar and Bhandari 2015)

Another Ayurveda anti-obesity formulation – lekhana basti contains Terminalia bellerica, Terminalia chebula, Embilica officinalis, Cyperus rotundus, Holoptelea integrifolia, Berberis aristata, Curcuma longa, Embelia ribes, mustard oil, honey, cows urine, a formulation made from barley (Hordeum vulgare), and rock salt.

In Traditional Chinese medicine, the popular weight loss formulations are:

1. xin-ju-xiao-gao-fang (a combination of a compound of rhubarb, Coptis chinensis, Cassia semen, and Citrus aurantium),

2. yellow pea fiber;

3. bofu-tsusho-san (a mixture of Radix platycodi, gypsum fibrosum, talcum, Paeoniae, Scutellarie, and Glycyrrhiza);

4. RCM -104 (compound of Camellia sinensis, flos sophorae, and semen cassia); pistachio,

5. Satiereal (a trade medicine),

6. Monoselect Camellia (containing green tea extract: GreenSelect and Phytosome, both registered trademark products) or Nigella sativa. (Yangfei Liu et al., 2017)

As you would observe, fenugreek seeds do not find mention as a herb for weight loss either in Ayurveda or Traditional Chinese medicine. The scientific evidence in support of the weight loss properties of the above-listed herbs is also weak.

Fenugreek seeds are an important constituent of diabetes control herbal formulations. I did find strong scientific evidence in support of the herb’s anti-diabetic properties.

Additional reading:

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What are the nutritional benefits of neem leaves?

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is valued for its medicinal properties. In Sanskrit, neem is called “arista,” meaning “perfect, complete, and imperishable.” It is also referred to as “nimbati systhyadadati,” i.e., “giver of good health,” and as “Pinchumada,” or “destroyer of leprosy and healer of skin infections.” In Ayurveda, the tree is regarded as a “sarva roga nivarni,” i.e., a “universal reliever of all illness.”

The tree is also referred to as “Sitala mata” tree, which would roughly translate to “mother with cooling property.” Neem is called “Shajar-e-Munarak,” or the “blessed tree” by Unani scholars. The Persians called it “Azad dirakht-i-Hind,” or “the noble tree of India.”

Neem is one of the most researched trees worldwide, with over 2,000 clinical trials and studies. A wide range of its traditional medicinal properties have been validated through animal trials, including the anti-helminthic, anti-fungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-malarial, wound healing, contraceptive, spermicidal, and sedative properties.

The plant is used to treat a range of skin diseases like scabies, leprosy, and skin ulcers. It is also used to treat eye disorders, a bloody nose, an upset stomach, loss of appetite, cardiovascular issues, intestinal issues, fever, gum, malaria, etc. The fruit helps treat hemorrhoids, urinary tract disorders, intestinal worms and provides relief in headaches. It is regarded as a mosquito repellent and a diuretic.

Neem contains 40 different active compounds called limonoids. The main active ingredient of neem seed is Azadirachtin. The active ingredients isolated from neem include various saponins, triterpenoids, flavonoids, and a range of alkaloids and tannin.

Symbolic chewing of the bitter neem leaves followed by sweets is a New Year celebration ritual in many communities. Many regions in India have spring-based New Year festivals like Ugadi, Pongal, etc. The dates of these regional New Year festivities vary from region to region.

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What are the benefits to the immune system of a plant-based diet?

Oxidants are the most common of the cell damage-causing molecules. Oxidants are produced during healthy cellular metabolism. These normally help modulate inflammation, kill bacteria, detoxify toxins, and maintain a good tone of vascular (blood vessel). Excess, unutilized oxidants damage cell membranes, lipids, and DNA. This damage gets repaired by antioxidants obtained from food.
We get exposed to oxidants from external sources too. Smoking, alcohol, certain drugs, deep-fried and fatty foods are other sources. We get exposed to oxidants through radiation, UV light, heat shock, and strong sunlight too. Other oxidant sources are air fresheners as well as vehicular and industrial pollutants. Oxidants interact with antioxidants, destroying these. Diet will need to have enough surplus antioxidants to counterbalance the loss from oxidants.
Free oxidants that are not neutralized by antioxidants can cause degenerative diseases such as atherosclerotic heart disease, diabetes, skin ailments, arthritis, neurodegenerative disorders, cancers, etc.
Fruits and vegetables are rich in phytochemicals. Some phytochemicals act as antioxidants that will neutralize free oxidants. Phytochemicals help in building body immunity. Three types of phytochemicals have been identified—carotenoids, polyphenols, and allium compounds.
Carotenoids are found in abundance in red, yellow, orange, and dark-green colored fruits and vegetables. Polyphenol-rich foods include herbs, spices, vegetables, green tea, apples, and berries. Allium-rich compounds are garlic, onions, leeks, and related vegetables. Many of these vegetables contain antioxidants such as β carotene, selenium, and vitamins C and E. These chemicals reduce the risk of cell damage.
Vitamins B and D and calcium found in plant and other foods have cancer-preventive properties. Dietary fiber found in whole grain, seeds, legumes, pulses, vegetables, fruit, and products made from these helps in the easy evacuation of stool. Plant-based phytochemical-rich foods help regulate hormones such as estrogen, slow cancer cell growth, and block inflammation.
Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, related vegetables, lycopene found in tomato products, pink grapefruit, watermelon, and apricots protect several types of cancers.
No single antioxidant molecule has been found to replace the health benefits generated by a combination of natural phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables. Consumers need to eat 5–10 servings of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables daily to mitigate the risk of chronic diseases and to meet nutrient requirements essential for optimum health (Liu, 2004).
This is just an overview, and there is a lot more to the immunity-building properties of plant-based foods.

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I read about the role of garlic in cholesterol control, can you additionally provide me an overview on nutrition and food?*

Let me provide you an overview of nutrition and diet. You can then decide what you want to know next.
Eating the right food is one of the tools to prevent the onset of lifestyle-related and other diseases. Food has been at the center of human health management from the very beginning. Hippocrates (470 BC – 370 BC) stated, “let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”.
In addition to natural foods, today there’s a myriad type of supplements available, and it is often difficult to make an informed choice on what’s best for an individual.
Supplements are widely available in multiple formats — gummy, pill, and liquid drinks. People with various conditions will learn about the various types of supplements available today and make an informed choice on what is appropriate for them.
Our body requires plenty of things for growth, sustenance, and well-being, such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fiber, minerals, and phytochemicals. Our needs for nutrients vary with age, physical and mental activity. When growth is the focus in the early stages of life, protein-rich food becomes critical as that provides the body its building blocks.
Natural foods collectively provide us a range of nutrients. Regardless, the quantity of nutrients in a single portion of food is often not enough to meet the body’s needs. Sometimes a nutrient does not become available to the body because of poor bioavailability. In such cases, the option available to us is food products and nutraceuticals developed to correct any deficiency of a single or a group of nutrients.
I will stop here for now.

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Is genetics a primary reason for obesity?

Genetic heritability of obesity exists with the identification of genes responsible for obesity. (Walley et al., 2006). Modifications in single genes disrupt leptin hormone function causing severe obesity. (Farooqi et al., 2006) Genes that create a predisposition towards obesity interact with the environment. Obesity predisposed disease influences the response to obesity treatment. (Choquet et al., 2011)

Obesity is a disease in which environmental and genetic factors interact. In rare cases of severe obesity, a single gene has a significant effect. Mutations in specific genes have a direct impact on the leptin hormone and cause severe obesity. However, the most common forms of obesity are due to the expression of multiple genes. (Clement et al., 2002)

Excessive weight gain is a result of a combination of factors – environmental, genetic, and behavioral. Epigenetic causes influence the prospect of an individual becoming obese. (Campion et al., 2009)

Environmental exposures during critical developmental periods can affect the profile of epigenetic marks and result in obesity. (Herrera et al., 2011) Environmental exposures during early life can induce alterations in the epigenome, leading to an increased risk of obesity later in life. (Van Dijk et al., 2015)

Epigenetic patterns modify due to multiple lifestyle factors like diet, obesity, physical activity, tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, environmental pollutants, psychological stress, and working on night shifts. (Alegria-Torres et al., 2011)

This brief scientific overview makes us conclude that most obesity is a consequence of epigenetic patterns rather than genetic causes.

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Are there any herbs that can treat cancers?

There are a large number of herbs used in Ayurveda and TCM to treat a variety of tumors. Some of these herbs have been studied, and select molecules are used in modern cancer medicine.

Vinca rosea syn Catharansus roseus is the source of the chemotherapy drug vincristine.

The active compound isolated from the plant Podophyllum hexandrum is podophyllotoxin, which is a cytotoxic natural product. This compound is used to synthesize the anticancer drugs etoposide and teniposide. These drugs are used in lung, testicular, brain, liver, and other cancers (Giri & Narasu, 2000). Chattopadhyay et al. (2004) has shown that the molecule podophyllotoxin inhibits the beginning of cell growth.

Curcumin that comes from Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been extensively studied and shows a lot of promise as a future anti-cancer medicine.

In addition to the three plants mentioned above, there are several other plants of promise as future cancer healing medicine.

Will this mean that the multi-herbal formulations from Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine are effective in cancer healing and management? The answer to this question is that we do not know.

Scientists are still focused on individual plant molecule-based research. There are some studies on multi-herbal combinations, but none of these have been adequately vetted scientifically.

Maybe some ancient herbal medicine systems formulations may become a source of cancer healing medicine in the future.

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Naturally preventing Type 2 diabetes

A sedentary lifestyle and consuming a diet rich in carbohydrates and fats are factors that compound the risk of diabetes. However, diabetes is most commonly triggered by hormonal imbalances. There are gestational, and type 1 diabetes has a genetic origin. But 90 percent of diabetes is type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle disease.

Insulin plays a blood sugar regulatory role. It prevents blood sugar levels from either rising too high. The inability of available insulin to fully break available blood sugar into energy leads to a rise in blood sugar levels.

Another reason is that the conversion process itself has become retarded. The cells of the body have become resistant to the available insulin. As a consequence, blood sugar levels rise. The medical name for such a condition is insulin resistance.

A healthy lifestyle, physical activity, and dietary goals that bring down calorie intake can help reduce diabetes risk.

A systematic review of articles and studies on the health impact of Yoga shows that its’ practice helps in weight control, reduction of blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood sugar. (Yang, K., 2007; Youngwanichsetha, S. et al., 2014)

Yoga and standard physical training exercises both have a positive impact on individuals who have diabetes. It helps reduce oxidative stress and bring about improvements in antioxidant profiles. (Gordon, L.A., et al., 2008)

Diabetic individuals who performed pranayama felt a sense of well-being in 7 to 10 days of practice. Demand for insulin, other diabetes control medicine dropped. In this trial, four types of pranayama were practiced for 30 minutes, followed by 10 minutes of resting yoga posture called Shavasana (a dead person pose posture). (Sahay, B.K., 2007)

Meditation aims at the reduction of stress. One-month meditation practice on people with diabetes shows a reduction in HbA1c (glycosylated hemoglobin) values and arterial pressure of individuals. Major psychological parameters like depression, anxiety, and general psychological distress decreased by 43%, 37%, and 35%, respectively. (Rosenzweig, S. et al., 2007; Whitebird, R.R., et al., 2009)

Diabetes prevention and, in some cases, its reversal appears to occur when a combination of an active lifestyle with diet modification has been seen to occur. There is increasing scientific support to recommend that switching to a plant-based, low-fat diet vegan diet helps prevent and even reverse type2 diabetes.

But there is a lot more to natural solutions to diabetes, but the above overview is good for starters.

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