Everybody knows that a good supply of necessary nutrients is
very important to our physical well-being. It is not just the eyes
that need nutrients, our whole body needs them in order to be healthy.
However, we will only emphasize here the nutrients that are important to our
eyes.
Vitamin A or Beta Carotene, Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin C,
Vitamin E, Magnesium, Selenium, Zinc... You can get this
information from many other health-related websites so we are not going to
elaborate on them here. Some good multi-vitamin/multi-mineral products
will provide you with the necessary nutrients on this level.
We would like to draw your attention to some natural foods which can bring
you special health benefits, especially to your eyes.
Lycium barbarum
(Chinese Wolfberry)
Lycium barbarum (Chinese Wolfberry) has long
been known as beneficial to vision in China. In almost every
herbal eye remedy in Chinese medicine, Chinese Wolfberry is always in the
ingredient list.
The Wolfberry has a high
concentration of the branched-chain amino acid L-leucine.
L-leucine is an essential amino acid that we can only obtain
from our diet. Inside the body, L-leucine is converted into a
powerful compound called HMB (beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate).
What makes HMB such a
breakthrough in health-maintenance? According to noted researcher,
Richard Passwater, PH.D.:
"HMB showed that it
lowered total and LDL cholesterol levels in blood and
helped strengthen the immune system while building
muscles and burning body fat. This news is certainly of interest to
body builders and other athletes, but it may also become of interest
to cancer, AIDS and muscular dystrophy patients."
To date, four human clinical studies have
been completed, including a double-blind university study
at the American College of Sports Medicine in Minnesota. Test subjects
who used only 3 grams of HMB a day gained up to 300% more lean
muscle mass and experience 295% in strength gains.
In another study, consumption of
Wolfberry led to a strengthening of immunoglobulin A levels (a part of
our immunity). Because the decline of immunoglobulin
A is one of the signs of aging, an increase in these
levels suggests that the Wolfberry may enable older cells to regenerate.
Is the Wolfberry a Powerful
Antioxidant?
As we grow older, the levels of lipid
peroxide in our blood increase, while the levels of health-protecting
antioxidants, like superoxide dismutase (SOD) decrease. In a
clinical study of people who consumed Wolfberry, SOD in the
blood increased 48% while hemoglobin increased 12%. Even better,
lipid peroxide levels dropped 65%.
Can the Wolfberry Inhibit Tumor
Growth?
From July 1982 to January 1984 (Register
No. 870303), the Ningxia Institute of Drug Inspection conducted a
clinical experiment using multi-index screening. Their Conclusion was
that the fruits and pedicels of wolfberry were effective in increasing white
blood cells, protecting the liver and relieving hypertension. The
alcoholic extract of wolfberry fruits inhibited tumor growth
in mice by 58%, and the protein of wolfberry displayed an
insulin-like action that was effective in promoting fat
decomposition and reducing blood sugar.
Can the Wolfberry Reverse Aging?
A clinical experiment by the Ningxia
Institute (Register No. 870306, from October 1982 to May 1985) studied
the effects of Wolfberry on blood of aged volunteers.
The results were published by the State Scientific and Technological
Commission of China, and the authors concluded that the wolfberry caused
the blood of older people to noticeably revert to a younger
state.
The following information taken from
"Young Living Essential Edge" April, 1999 Edition.
RECENT STUDIES DOCUMENT ANTIOXIDANT
AND ANTICANCER PROPERTIES OF CHINESE WOLFBERRY
Since the
early 1980s, the Chinese wolfberry (known botanically as Lycium
barbarum) has been the subject of a number of clinical studies -
including several published by the State Scientific and Technological
Commission in China. These studies have documented its antioxidant and
immune-stimulating effects. More recent studies in the 1990s have
contributed additional scientific support.
Use of Lycium barbarum
Polysaccharides to Treat Cancer
Author: G.W. C'ao, W.G.
Yang,
P. Du
Journal: C'hunghua Chung Lui Tsa Chih 16 (Nov. 1994)
Location: Second Military Medical University, Department of
Microbiology, Shanghai, China. Conclusion: Lycium barbarum polysaccharides can be used as an adjuvant
in the treatment of cancer. Abstract: Seventy-nine advanced cancer patients were treated with a
combination of two immune boosting cytokines (LAK/IL-2*) and Lycium
barbarum polysaccharides. Patients treated with only LAK/IL-2 showed a
response rate of only 16%, while those treated with both LAK/IL-2 and
Lycium barbarum polysaccharides showed a response rate of 40.9%.
Moreover, the mean remission in the Lycium barbarum group lasted
significantly longer.
*Lymphokine-activated natural killer cells (LAK) and interleukin 2
(IL-2)
Role of Lycium
barbarum
Polysaccharide as an Antioxidant
Author: X.
Lhang
Journal: Chung Kuo Chung Yao Tsa Chih 18 (Feb 1993)
Location: Beijing Military Hospital, Beijing, China Conclusion: The effect of free radical damage on red blood cells can be
prevented and reversed by incubation with either Lycium barbarum
polysaccharide or superoxide dismutase. Abstract: Researchers incubated cells (Xenopus Oocytes) in a solution
containing a free-radical-producing system for 6 hours. The changes in
the electrical profile of the cell membranes were measured using a
microelectrode electrophysiological technique. The results showed that
Lycium barbarum polysaccharide both prevented and reversed free radical
damage to the cells.
Protective Action of
Lycium barbarum on
H202-induced Lipid Peroxidation
Author: B. Ren,
Y. Ma, Y. Shen, B. Gao
Journal: Chung Kuo Chung Yao Tsa Chih 20 (May 1995)
Location: Faculty of Preventative Medicine, Ningxia Medical College,
Yinchuan, China. Conclusion: Lycium barbarum protects red blood cell membranes against
lipid peroxidation. Abstract: Hydrogen peroxide (H202), a powerful
promoter of oxidative damage, was used to promote lipid peroxidation of
the red blood cell membranes of rats. Dried Lycium berries showed the
greatest protective effect against H202 damage,
followed by Lycium barbarum polysaccharide.
Effects of Lycium
barbarum and on the Attachment and Growth of Gingival Cells to Root
Surfaces
Author: B. Liu
Journal: Chung Kuo Chung Yao Tsa Chih 27 (May 1992)
Location: College of Stomatology, Fourth Medical University, Xian,
China. Conclusion: Lycium barbarum improved the attachment and growth of human
gingival cells to root surfaces. Abstract: A dose of 1.25 mg/ml Lycium barbarum was used to stimulate the
in vitro attachment of human gingival fibrobasts to the surfaces of
dental roots. In response to Lycium barbarum exposure, cells on diseased
root surfaces increased in quantity, exhibited better growth and
distribution. Drynaria displayed similar effects but was not as potent
as the Lycium barbarum.
Effects of Lycium
barbarum and Radiation in
Treatment of Lung Cancer
Author: Lu,
C.X., B.Q. Cheng.
Journal: Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih 11 (Oct 1991)
Location: Cancer Institute, Ningxia Medical College, Yinchuan, China. Conclusion: Lycium barbarum enhanced the effects of radiation therapy in
the treatment of Lewis lung cancer. Abstract: Lewis lung cancer cells were transplanted in C57 BL mice, and
the anticancer effects of both Lycium barbarum polysaccharides and
radiation were measured. Following the test, it was concluded that
Lycium barbarum polysaccharides enhanced the effects of radiation in
combating Lewis Lung cancer.
Recommended Usage
Crush 15-20 seeds and put them into a cup of
hot water. Let it sit for 7-8 minutes then add a spoonful of honey
and take it as a refreshing drink. Drink this for 2-3 times a day.
It is a wonderful drink which you will certainly enjoy both the taste
and the health benefits.
It is best to use the whole seed instead
of extract or tincture. The seeds contain many different
bioflavonoids, phenols, vitamins, and minerals which will work together
synergistically to provide the best health benefits.
We do not put this in our OPC*Pro as we
know that the whole seed will provide better benefits than the extract.
Unlike grapeseed extract and bilberry extract which need a large
quantity to produce a small amount of extract that we need everyday,
just a small quantity of the Chinese Wolfberry is good enough for one
day's need.
You can purchase a 1 lb
premium pack for $24.50 which can last for about two months. An
excellent value for your health -- not just your eyes.
Chrysanthemum
(Flos
Chrysanthemi)
The Chrysanthemum
Flower
has
been used for thousands of years in China to increase the strength of
the retina and clear heat from the eyes.
It reduces inflammation of the retina as
well as nourishes the retina. The retina is the lining in the back of
the eye that is sensitive to light and makes vision possible. When the
retina is inflamed, a condition known as retinitis, vision can
degenerate.
Eye conditions that Chrysanthemum Flower can
help are CMV retinitis, retinal degeneration, retinal vein occlusion,
retinal hemorrhage, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and retinitis
pigmentosa. Chrysanthemum Flower both nourishes the eyes and clears heat
from the eyes. It does not treat the underlying causes of inflammation
and damage to the eyes, but it does help the eyes to heal from such damage
and it helps to maintain normal eyesight.
It is recorded in early Chinese herbal books
that chrysanthemum relieves headaches, fever and cataract, and also works
effectively as an antidote and stomachache. Chrysanthemum contains 1.5%
refined oil, adenine, betaine, golden pigment, vitamin A and vitamin B1, and
with these components, headaches caused by the flu, dizziness, bloodshot
eyes, and furuncle can be annulled.
According
to the Chinese Herbal Theory, its functions include: 1) Dispersing Wind and Heat, especially from the head
2) Clearing the Liver Heat and brightening the eyes
3) Calming the Liver, clearing Internal Wind or ascending Yang
Chrysanthemum is generally known as a
graceful flower to enjoy. In China, it also has long been used as a
marvelous remedy for a healthy life. Due to this reason, it has been made
as tea, liquor and special Chinese herbal medicines.
Chrysanthemum has also been known to clear
the brain. When sleeping with dried chrysanthemum under
the pillow, the forgetfulness and memory loss will improve, leaving a
clear mind.
Also, chrysanthemum tea is highly recommended for people with somber eyes
caused by slight fevers. For students and mental workers, it can be a
medicinal herb for overly stressed people with constant migraines.
Furthermore, it is renowned for clarifying the skin, relieving coughs and
neuralgia and working as an antidote.
It works wonders as a relaxing
drink, with chrysanthemum leaves steeped in hot water and a spoonful of
honey.
Recommended Usage
Put 10-15 dried chrysanthemum flowers
into a cup of hot water. Add a spoonful of honey and let it sit
for about 10 minutes. Take it as tea. Drink this for 2-3
times a day. It is a wonderful drink in which you will certainly
enjoy both the taste and the health benefits. You can also add the
chrysanthemum flowers to any other kinds of tea you want. It will provide a
wonderful flavor to the tea which you will certainly enjoy.
It is best to use the whole flower instead of
extract or tincture. The flowers contain many different bioflavonoids,
phenols, vitamins, and minerals which will work together synergistically to
provide the best health benefits.
We do not put this in our OPC*Pro as we
know that the whole flower will provide better benefits than the
extract. Unlike grapeseed extract and bilberry extract which need
a large quantity to produce a small amount of extract that we need
everyday, just a small quantity of the chrysanthemum flower is good
enough for one day's need.
You can
purchase a 1 lb premium pack for $22.50 which can last for about two months.
An excellent value for your health -- not just your eyes.
A wonderful tea recipe for your eyes:
Put 50-60 crushed Chinese wolfberry
seeds and 20-30 chrysanthemum flowers into a teapot of 2-3 cups of
boiling water. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Enjoy this
wonderful tea and improve your eyesight.
