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Steve’s Fun Health Facts
When health foods, supplements, herbs, and other products are discussed, please note that no products are being sold. NHI provides quality educational and health consulting services. Steve suggests you obtain high-quality products from your favorite health food store or respected discount health catalog companies. Information provided is for your self-help, not for commercial purposes, diagnosis, or treatment.
Jammin’ with Pectin is Protectin’
Scientists have found a new possible explanation for why people who eat more fruit and vegetables may gain protection against the spread of cancers. They have shown that a fragment released from pectin, found in all fruits and vegetables, binds to and is believed to inhibit galectin 3 (Gal3), a protein that plays a role in all stages of cancer progression. Pectin produces several other health benefits as well. Pectin is better known for its jam-setting qualities and as being a component of dietary fiber.
Apples and berries are especially rich in pectin. In apples, most of the pectin is directly under the skin. I, therefore, recommend organic apples as many herbicides and pesticides lodge on the skin of commercial apples. Similarly, I recommend organic berries as the rough surface of inorganic berries collects herbicides, pesticides, and other environmental toxins. Equally important, organic is sustainable for our living, nurturing planet.
Source: Recognition of galactan components of pectin by galectin-3.
It’s a Sunny Day for Breast Health!
Increased intake of vitamin D from the diet and from sunlight may reduce the risk for breast cancer by over 20 per cent, says a new study. “This study suggests that vitamin D is associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer regardless of [estrogen-receptor (ER) positive and progesterone-receptor (PR)] status of the tumor,” wrote lead author Kristina Black-more from Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto.
Source: Vitamin D From Dietary Intake and Sunlight Exposure and the Risk of Hormone-Receptor-Defined Breast Cancer.
Steve Schechter, N.P., H.H.P., is director of the Natural Healing Institute (NHI), in Encinitas. Steve is author of the bestselling book Fighting Radiation & Chemical Pollutants with Foods, Herbs, & Vitamins. NHI provides training programs for Nutrition, Herbology, Massage Therapies, Aromatherapy, Naturopathy, as well as others. No products are being sold in connection with this column. Information provided is for your self-help, not for commercial purposes, diagnosis, or treatment. (760) 943-8485. www.naturalhealinginst.com