Copyright (c) 2007 Ainsley Laing
Here's the scenario: you are on an elevator. The elevator stops and in walks someone with WAY too much cologne on and the smell overpowers you. Your sinuses start to hurt and you get a bit sick to your stomach. The smell of the cologne stays with you, in your hair, clothes and nose for quite a while after - hence the sick feeling does too. Yuk. It's hard not to think how inconsiderate this person is.
It's not just the smell that is inconsiderate. Have you ever thought about the chemicals that are used in fragrances? Many of them are not good for you to breathe or to put on your body!
This week Time Magazine did an article on air fresheners and how many brands have been removed from the market due to high levels of phthalates. Phthalates are estrogenic in nature, which is believed to contribute to certain cancers. Phthalates are used to dissolve and carry fragrances and soften plastics, sealants and similar compounds. They are commonly found in cosmetics, paint, nail polish and plastics.
This peaked my interest on fragrances in general - so, as usual, I did some research. Although fragrances have been used for centuries, they were made from plant and animal sources. Modern fragrances are primarily synthetic materials developed since World War II.
Did you know that 600 or more chemicals may be used in a single fragrance, and 95% of chemicals used in them are derived from petroleum? Why? Petro-chemicals in perfumes are less expensive and more easily available than the natural ingredients.
Many chemicals used in fragrances are considered hazardous waste disposal chemicals! Synthetic fragrance compounds accumulate in human tissue and are found in breast milk.
An EPA study in 1991 listed the 20 most common chemicals used in "fragrance products" which are used not only in perfumes but to scent shampoos, soaps, deodorants, lotions, creams and other beauty products. Here's the list - it speaks volumes on its own:
ACETONE, BENZALDEHYDE, BENZYL, BENZYL ALCOHOL, CAMPHOR, ETHANOL, ETHYL ACETATE, LIMONENE, LINALOOL, METHYLENE CHLORIDE, a-PINENE, g-TERPINENE, a-TERPINEOL, 1,8-CINEOLE, b-CITRONELLOL, b-MYRCENE, NEROL, OCIMENE, b-PHENETHYL ALCOHOL, a-TERPINOLENE
There are relatively few studies available concerning the use and exposure to fragranced products. Testing by the cosmetics/fragrance industry focuses on skin effects without taking into account respiratory, neurological, or systemic effects. There is little regulation of fragrance by regulatory agencies. Not only is too much perfume often offensive to many, more and more people consider it to be an indoor air pollutant. Some are quite vocal about their opposition to the use of perfumes. For years, I thought I was the only one who got headaches from strong perfume!
There is a movement afoot to curtail the use of fragrances in the work place. Many businesses, at the request of their employees, are creating fragrance-free policies. Given that many people are highly affected by allergies, this makes sense (pun intended, get it? ... sense...scents...).
But seriously, given that we are bombarded by more and more hazardous chemicals and pollution, having less on our bodies, homes and in our workplaces must be better for ALL of us. Breathe deeply and live well!
Sources: Neurotoxins: At Home and the Workplace, (Report by the Committee on Science & Technology, U.S. House of Representatives, Sept.16, 1986. (Report 99-827). "Living Healthy in a Toxic World," David Steinman 1996. "Stink-Free Office Mates," Natural Health Magazine, Nov./Dec. 2000. http://www.ourlittleplace.com/chemicals.html "How Fressh is the Air Freshener?" http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1664954,00.html?cnn=yes
About the AuthorAbout the Author: Ainsley Laing, MSc. has been a Fitness Trainer for 25 years and writes exclusively Body for Mind eZine. She holds certifications in Group Exercise, Sports Nutrition and Personal Fitness Training. She is also a professional engineer and mom. To see more articles by Ainsley visit http://www.bodyformind.com or the blog at http://www.bodyformind.blogspot.com
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Monday, October 8, 2007
Should You Drink Wine or Eat Grapes? by Emilia Klapp
The French paradox
In studies conducted in 1992, it was observed that in southern France, mortality rates from heart disease were lower than expected despite the consumption of diets high in saturated fat. Researchers attributed the impressive low incidence of heart disease, 50 percent lower than in the Unites States, to the consumption of red wine. Since then, the possibility that drinking red wine might protect our heart arteries, has made the topic "wine and health" extremely popular. In fact, research has shown that taken in moderation -two 8 ounces glasses for men and 1 glass for women per day, red wine may increase HDL cholesterol, the "good" guy, decrease LDL cholesterol, the "bad" one, prevent oxidation of LDL, and scavenge free radicals. What is the secret in red wine?
Since the discovery of the "French Paradox" puzzle in 1992, researchers have been trying to pinpoint why red wine has a cardiovascular protective effect. While studies have been focusing in the antioxidant properties of red wine, evidence suggests other mechanisms by which it might be beneficial for our health. Research points toward a family of substances called polyphenols which are found in plants and are abundant in grapes. Polyphenols are part of a larger family known as phytochemicals.
Phytochemicals: Medicine of the future
The word "phyto" means "plant" in Greek. Phytochemicals are nonnutritive chemicals found in plants that protect us against diseases. Many fruits and vegetables contain a wide variety of phytochemicals; in fact, researchers have identified by now more then 900 different phytochemicals in foods and they are not done yet, since every day they discover new ones. It is estimated that there may be more than 100 different phytochemicals in just one serving of fruit or vegetables. Studies have long shown that phytochemicals are present in plants to protect them, but only recently we have learned that they are also crucial in protecting humans against diseases. We know that people who consume plant foods regularly have a lower incidence of heart disease than people who do not include them in their diet.
How can phenol-phytochemicals protect our arteries?
Polyphenols can protect our arteries through the following mechanisms: * Lowering LDL cholesterol in the blood. A study conducted to evaluate the effect of moderate Sicilian red wine consumption on cardiovascular risk factors found out that at the end of the red wine intake period, 4 weeks, LDL cholesterol and oxidized LDL had significantly decreased, while HDL Cholesterol and the total antioxidant capacity of the blood had increased¹. * Recycling vitamin E as an antioxidant. This is very important because vitamin E represents the first line of defense against LDL oxidation. Once vitamin E is exhausted, LDL cholesterol is no longer protected until the vitamin can be reactivated by agents such as polyphenols. * Increasing the production of nitric oxide, a substance that causes the arteries and veins to relax. * Preventing platelets from sticking to the inside walls of the arteries. Platelets are tiny particles found in the blood that play an important part in the clotting process².
Red versus white wine
White wines have shown the ability to prevent the oxidation of LDL but generally are not as effective as red wines. Polyphenol content of red wine can be about 20 times higher than in white wine and it has been observed in several studies that the antioxidant potential of red wine is six to ten times higher than white wine. About eight times more of white wine is required to produce an effect equal to red wine on preventing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Three factors account for these results: * Grape skins are not included in the production of white wine. * Red wine is made with whole grapes, including skins * The skins of red grapes contain higher amounts of polyphenols than the skins of white grapes.
Wine or grapes for healthy arteries?
If the polyphenols in grapes are mostly in the skins, can we just have red grapes or red grape juice, which is also made with the grape skins, and obtain the same beneficial effects as drinking red wine? Yes, we can, researchers tell us. This study, among others, showed that red grape juice and dealcoholized red wine can significantly reduce arterial disease by lowering the level of oxidized cholesterol, preventing platelets to stick together, and enhancing the production of nitric oxide³. In another study, grape juice proved to be more effective than red wine or dealcoholized red wine in inhibiting arterial disease at the same polyphenol dose. The researchers concluded that grape juice or non-alcoholic red wine are an excellent alternative to red wine when in comes to disease of the arteries.
Conclusion
Although research has shown that in the absence of contraindications, moderate red wine drinking, two 8 ounces glasses for men and 1 glass for women per day, may be beneficial to patients who have a cardiovascular condition, those health effects disappear very fast and can have serious health implications when we abuse drinking. And since studies indicate that most of the beneficial effects of drinking red wine are attributable to the polyphenols present in grapes, we may conclude that a diet that includes grapes as well as other fruits and vegetables containing polyphenols may be even more beneficial.
Research 1. G Avellone, G, Di Garbo, V, Campisi D, De Simone R, Ranel G, Scaglione R and LicataG. Effects of moderate Sicilian red wine consumption on inflammatory biomarkers of atherosclerosis European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2006) 60, 41-47. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602265. 2. Ruf JC. Alcohol, wine and platelet function. Biol Res. 2004;37(2):209-15. 3. Vinson, JA, Teufel, K, Wu, N. Red wine, dealcoholized red wine, and especially grape juice, inhibit atherosclerosis in a hamster model. Atherosclerosis. 2001 May; 156(1):67-72. 4. Folts, JD. Potential health benefits from the flavonoids in grape products on vascular disease. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2002; 505:95-111.
About the Author
Emilia Klapp is a Graduated in Nutrition Science and certified as a Registered Dietitian by the American Dietetic Association. With her new book, "Your Heart Needs the Mediterranean Diet", Emilia Klapp has helped many people just like you reduce the risk of heart disease, lose weight and enjoy a more abundant life at the same time. For more information about the book and the author login at www.Mediterraneanheart.com
In studies conducted in 1992, it was observed that in southern France, mortality rates from heart disease were lower than expected despite the consumption of diets high in saturated fat. Researchers attributed the impressive low incidence of heart disease, 50 percent lower than in the Unites States, to the consumption of red wine. Since then, the possibility that drinking red wine might protect our heart arteries, has made the topic "wine and health" extremely popular. In fact, research has shown that taken in moderation -two 8 ounces glasses for men and 1 glass for women per day, red wine may increase HDL cholesterol, the "good" guy, decrease LDL cholesterol, the "bad" one, prevent oxidation of LDL, and scavenge free radicals. What is the secret in red wine?
Since the discovery of the "French Paradox" puzzle in 1992, researchers have been trying to pinpoint why red wine has a cardiovascular protective effect. While studies have been focusing in the antioxidant properties of red wine, evidence suggests other mechanisms by which it might be beneficial for our health. Research points toward a family of substances called polyphenols which are found in plants and are abundant in grapes. Polyphenols are part of a larger family known as phytochemicals.
Phytochemicals: Medicine of the future
The word "phyto" means "plant" in Greek. Phytochemicals are nonnutritive chemicals found in plants that protect us against diseases. Many fruits and vegetables contain a wide variety of phytochemicals; in fact, researchers have identified by now more then 900 different phytochemicals in foods and they are not done yet, since every day they discover new ones. It is estimated that there may be more than 100 different phytochemicals in just one serving of fruit or vegetables. Studies have long shown that phytochemicals are present in plants to protect them, but only recently we have learned that they are also crucial in protecting humans against diseases. We know that people who consume plant foods regularly have a lower incidence of heart disease than people who do not include them in their diet.
How can phenol-phytochemicals protect our arteries?
Polyphenols can protect our arteries through the following mechanisms: * Lowering LDL cholesterol in the blood. A study conducted to evaluate the effect of moderate Sicilian red wine consumption on cardiovascular risk factors found out that at the end of the red wine intake period, 4 weeks, LDL cholesterol and oxidized LDL had significantly decreased, while HDL Cholesterol and the total antioxidant capacity of the blood had increased¹. * Recycling vitamin E as an antioxidant. This is very important because vitamin E represents the first line of defense against LDL oxidation. Once vitamin E is exhausted, LDL cholesterol is no longer protected until the vitamin can be reactivated by agents such as polyphenols. * Increasing the production of nitric oxide, a substance that causes the arteries and veins to relax. * Preventing platelets from sticking to the inside walls of the arteries. Platelets are tiny particles found in the blood that play an important part in the clotting process².
Red versus white wine
White wines have shown the ability to prevent the oxidation of LDL but generally are not as effective as red wines. Polyphenol content of red wine can be about 20 times higher than in white wine and it has been observed in several studies that the antioxidant potential of red wine is six to ten times higher than white wine. About eight times more of white wine is required to produce an effect equal to red wine on preventing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Three factors account for these results: * Grape skins are not included in the production of white wine. * Red wine is made with whole grapes, including skins * The skins of red grapes contain higher amounts of polyphenols than the skins of white grapes.
Wine or grapes for healthy arteries?
If the polyphenols in grapes are mostly in the skins, can we just have red grapes or red grape juice, which is also made with the grape skins, and obtain the same beneficial effects as drinking red wine? Yes, we can, researchers tell us. This study, among others, showed that red grape juice and dealcoholized red wine can significantly reduce arterial disease by lowering the level of oxidized cholesterol, preventing platelets to stick together, and enhancing the production of nitric oxide³. In another study, grape juice proved to be more effective than red wine or dealcoholized red wine in inhibiting arterial disease at the same polyphenol dose. The researchers concluded that grape juice or non-alcoholic red wine are an excellent alternative to red wine when in comes to disease of the arteries.
Conclusion
Although research has shown that in the absence of contraindications, moderate red wine drinking, two 8 ounces glasses for men and 1 glass for women per day, may be beneficial to patients who have a cardiovascular condition, those health effects disappear very fast and can have serious health implications when we abuse drinking. And since studies indicate that most of the beneficial effects of drinking red wine are attributable to the polyphenols present in grapes, we may conclude that a diet that includes grapes as well as other fruits and vegetables containing polyphenols may be even more beneficial.
Research 1. G Avellone, G, Di Garbo, V, Campisi D, De Simone R, Ranel G, Scaglione R and LicataG. Effects of moderate Sicilian red wine consumption on inflammatory biomarkers of atherosclerosis European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2006) 60, 41-47. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602265. 2. Ruf JC. Alcohol, wine and platelet function. Biol Res. 2004;37(2):209-15. 3. Vinson, JA, Teufel, K, Wu, N. Red wine, dealcoholized red wine, and especially grape juice, inhibit atherosclerosis in a hamster model. Atherosclerosis. 2001 May; 156(1):67-72. 4. Folts, JD. Potential health benefits from the flavonoids in grape products on vascular disease. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2002; 505:95-111.
About the Author
Emilia Klapp is a Graduated in Nutrition Science and certified as a Registered Dietitian by the American Dietetic Association. With her new book, "Your Heart Needs the Mediterranean Diet", Emilia Klapp has helped many people just like you reduce the risk of heart disease, lose weight and enjoy a more abundant life at the same time. For more information about the book and the author login at www.Mediterraneanheart.com
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