By Sonia Bhandari



The Reishi mushroom is being made into some of the most fascinating diet supplements around. This mushroom, which is also known as the ìimmortality mushroom,î may improve a userís health in a variety of ways. These include some ways how cancer may be treated and kept under control.

The Reishi mushroom, which is known in its native China as Ling Zhi, is a mushroom herb. It has been harvested for centuries in China and has been studied by traditional Chinese medicine practitioners for years to see how well it can work. It has especially become popular among those who have studied medicinal mushrooms in the past to see what properties they have.

The top reason why so many people use this for their health is that it can improve the bodyís immune system. One reason is that it contains a strong polysaccharide called beta-glucan. This is a polysaccharide that can improve the number of T-cells around the body. This is used to improve the bodyís immune system to keep it strong and protective.

The London Research Institute has found in its studies that Reishi it has properties that can control cancer. It does not cure cancer but it can work with water-soluble polysaccharides that work to control the growth of tumors. This will keep cases of cancer from being worse than they could be and can work well alongside other treatments.

Immune cells that have been protected by Reishi may also bind themselves to cells that might divide improperly. This could help to prevent many forms of cancer from occurring.

The mushroom also features sterols that are used to keep cholesterol from building up around the bloodstream. It works to improve blood flow and even keep blood pressure levels down. It is made to improve heart…

Soybean is good for bones, blood and skin

Soy: The secret to radiant skin

The soybean is easily overlooked, but it has been shown that this tiny legume might help change how you feel, and even how you look.

Soy isn't just a health food anymore. In addition to being packed with beneficial nutrients and working wonders when it comes to improving bone health, reducing cholesterol, and relieving menopausal symptoms, soy is quickly becoming a proven staple in skin care.

For years, Asian soybean factory workers who handled soy regularly had hands that were especially smooth and even-toned.

“Soy offers multiple benefits inherent in its natural composition, including a rich source of protein, a rich mixture of lipids, and carbohydrates, which are ideal for moisturization. When combined with a mixture of various vitamins with antioxidant benefits, skin can become more radiant,” says Toronto-based dermatologist, Dr. Paul Cohen.

According to research by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies Inc., soy proteins can help to even out skin tone by working to reduce blotchiness and discolouration, as well as smooth and soften skin texture, all while moisturizing.

With this insight in mind, Aveeno, a brand known for creating innovative active naturals technologies that combine nature with science, formulated their exclusive total soy complex. It was created in a unique way, processing the soybean so it retains its naturally active benefits and ultimately provides a concentrated form of soy. Total soy complex is found in the brand's Positively Radiant daily moisturizers.

Most recently, the company added a new eye product containing total soy complex to its skincare roster. The new Positively Radiant eye…

Yoga is a search for inner peace through control over the mind and body.

Jill Lonoth

Yoga is nothing but the collaboration of two entities, Jivatma and Paramatma. It implies the combination of individual consciousness (Jivatma) and Ishwar-universal consciousness (Paramatma). It basically deals with practices designed to discover inner peace. They aim at gaining control over the mind and nurturing peace in it.

There are various forms of Yoga, including Gyan or J˝ana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Karma Yoga. These are the three types of Yoga as depicted in Shrimad Bhagwad Gita. Yoga is simply a type of meditation: it's finding yourself and connecting your inner soul with that of the universe, or God.

To give you a brief idea about all the three Yoga forms:

• Gyan or J˝ana Yoga is known as the yoga of knowledge.
• Bhakti Yoga is known as the yoga of devotion.
• Karma Yoga is known as the yoga of action.

All of these forms are essential and form a basis for yoga as a whole. However, my favourite form of Yoga is the Gnan or J˝ana Yoga. J˝ana in Devanagari means "knowledge."

As said in the Bhagwad Gita, it consists of a proper understanding of our body and soul. Hence, if we acknowledge  the activity of the mind and the soul, and can understand the difference between the two, we are worthy of learning Gyan or J˝ana Yoga.

This form of Yoga involves listening to scriptures and gurus. (It is not necessary, as per Hindu mythology, that we consider only a human being as a mentor. A scripture can also be a mentor.)

Hence, Gyan Yoga is a path for achieveing salvation. It is that bridge which connects you and God by crossing the layer of ignorance that exists between you and Him. When you start…

One study found that cinnamon taken twice a day for 90 days improved hemoglobin A1C levels—a reflection of average blood sugar level for the past two to three months—in people with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.

Cinnamon can Lower A1c and LDL Levels for People with Type 2 Diabetes

People with Type 2 Diabetes can benefit from Cinnamon according to recently published studies. ProactiveLife introduces Diabetes Support dietary supplements with pure cinnamon.

Cinnamon can be useful in reducing A1c levels for people with Type 2 Diabetes, this according to a study published in the Journal of the American Board Family Medicine. Type 2 Diabetes is on the rise with nearly 26 million confirmed diabetics and 79 million pre-diabetics in the Unites States. Spending on diabetes will exceed $170 billion in 2011 according to US government statistics.

A new company called ProactiveLife (http://www.proactivelife.com) utilizes pure cinnamon to lower blood sugar naturally and protect against Type 2 diabetes. ProactiveLife was started to help people with chronic disease improve their health by incorporating community, lifestyle changes, and natural supplements clinically proven and conveniently packaged to assist in one’s overall being.

Diabetes Support contains 10 clinically proven ingredients to lower blood sugar naturally including cocoa, cinnamon, omega-3, vitamin D and others. Along with lifestyle changes including diet and exercise Diabetes Support is a new proactive approach to Type 2 Diabetes management. A Community of Experts has been…

By Jamie Myles

Smoking has become a stigma of sorts. If you are a smoker you are relegated to stand outside when you smoke at work or even at your local bar. Some times the "smoking area" is out back, not to far from the dumpster. There is always someone who will be complaining about you smoking even if you never have smoked anywhere near them. The price of smoking has steadily increased so that besides being socially unacceptable it is also becoming quite costly. If youíre a smoker you will pay higher rates for health and life Insurance. All this and the fact that smoking is bad for your health may have you wanting to quit. That can be a lot harder then it sounds. Let me tell you about my experience and how I quit smoking.

When I decided to stop smoking, I had no idea just how difficult it would be after over twenty years of puffing on my cigarettes at whim. It all started as a teenager smoking with friends after school. We thought we were so cool. Then it was fashionable to smoke. They marketed cigarettes specifically made for women. The hook was "you've come along way baby" and the cigarettes were thin and attractively packaged. Guys had the rugged Marlboro man to emulate. Yes smoking was quite attractive in those days. But times change and now a smoker is pretty much a social outcast.

As the price of cigarettes kept getting higher and more was becoming known about the health risks of smoking I decided I should quit. Well this was the beginning of my journey to smoking old cigarette butts I would save out of my hidden ashtrays and my late night runs to buy smokes…

Don't have plastic surgery because someone gave it to you as a gift: it must always be self-motivated, says plastic surgeon Jeffrey M Kenkel, MD. 

Plastic Surgery Wrapped with a Bow?

ASAPS Offers Important Tips for Would-Be Gift Givers, Recipients

The holiday season, beginning with Thanksgiving, is when many people take time off from work for plastic surgery, determined to meet the New Year with a new attitude and a new look. In some cases, patients say their surgery is an early holiday "gift" from a husband or wife, "significant other" or parent. Cosmetic plastic surgery may be a welcome "gift" if plumper lips or a smoother forehead are on your loved one's holiday wish list, but there are some important things the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) thinks you should know first.

“Regardless of who pays the bill, surgery must always be self-motivated," says Jeffrey M. Kenkel, MD, president of the Aesthetic Society and a plastic surgeon in Dallas, TX. "Nobody should undergo plastic surgery at someone else's suggestion or simply because it is offered to them as a gift." Make sure the idea for plastic surgery came from the person who intends to have it, and not from a well-meaning spouse, relative or friend.

“It's important to remember that cosmetic surgery is not a commodity like a handbag or tie, where one size fits all," says Dr. Kenkel. "A patient first needs to be evaluated by a qualified plastic surgeon to determine if he or she is a good candidate for a specific procedure." In some cases, a patient may not be a…

Berries are a good source of bioflavenoids: anti-inflammatory properties make them good for blood vessels and overall health.

Ma Veronica Antazo

Phytonutrients are forms of protective, immune-boosting and disease-preventing nutrients produced by plants. Phytonutrients protect the plants from bacteria, viruses, diseases, excessive heat, drought, ultraviolet rays and pollutants in air, soil and water. They also aid in plants’ recovery from injuries. When humans consume phytonutrients, we absorb the same health benefits they provide to plants.

In this modern world, almost everything we consume contains food enhancers and preservatives that interact with and damage the body’s cells. These create a destructive process that can cause instability in the cells called free radicals. Damaged cells cause healthy cells to become damaged, too. This chain reaction causes cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Pollution in the air creates free radicals that can cause lung cancer, tuberculosis, bronchitis and other respiratory diseases.

Phytonutrients have antioxidant properties that repair damaged cells caused by free radicals. They aid in cell regeneration and protect the cells from further damage. Healthy cells boost the immune system that prevents infection, cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and creates an overall well being.

Antioxidants in phytonutrients can be found in fruits and vegetables that contain high levels of vitamins A, C and E. These are powerful detoxifying vitamins that eliminate free radicals. They can be found in pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, turnips, barley, whole wheat, broccoli, mustard, cauliflower, cayenne pepper, tomatoes, asparagus, bell pepper and green leafy vegetables. Fruits are rich…

Feature documentary on milk 'Got the Facts on Milk?' promotes increased interest in a non-diary diet among Buddhists and yoga practitioners.

Shira Lane, director of the new documentary film 'Got the Facts on Milk? - The Milk Documentary' was in the rural town of Xi’ah’e meeting with Monks of the Labrang Monastery. The documentary film provides a candid look at the high-stakes political, economic, ethical and environmental issues involved with milk consumption.

The Labrang Monastery is home to 6 monastic colleges covering esoteric Buddhism, theology, medicine, astrology and law. Many Buddhist monks in the Himalayan region depend on a diet of yak milk, butter, and cheese due to the harsh winters and nomadic nature of Tibetan society. Lane presented the Monks with a copy of the film and discussed the potential hazards of milk consumption. The timing of Lane’s visit was particularly poignant given China’s rapidly increasing consumption of dairy products, which may have profound effects on the health of China’s population and the environment worldwide.

Although it is unclear whether Himalayan monks will universally remove diary from their diet, there is increased interest in a non-diary diet among Buddhists and yoga practitioners. In late November of this year the Berkeley Buddhist Monastery hosted a free public screening, of the film. After the screening, Monk and teacher Ven. Ajahn Guna, led the audience in chanting, including, “Milk Does a Body Bad”. This was followed by a Q&A with Director Shira Lane. Guna stressed the importance of awareness in connection to the food we consume and its wide-ranging spiritual and physical effects.

‘Got the Facts on Milk?’ is a feature documentary…

Avoid a 'Merry Christmas Coronary' and 'Happy New Year Heart Attack'

Tips from the University of Ottawa Heart Institute on how to stay heart healthy through the holiday season

The holiday season tends to see an increase in cardiac events, with distinct spikes around Christmas and New Year's Day, according to U.S.-based studies. While the exact reasons for these trends are not known for certain, a number of factors appear to contribute to the 'Merry Christmas Coronary' and 'Happy New Year Heart Attack' phenomenon.

"People may delay getting treatment so as not to make a fuss over the holidays," says Dr. Andrew Pipe, Chief of the Division of Prevention and Rehabilitation at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. "Overeating, drinking too much alcohol, reduced exercise, emotional stress associated with the holiday season, among other things, can all contribute to the onset of a cardiac event such as a heart attack or arrhythmia over the holidays," he added.

While a large proportion of patients who experience holiday heart attacks have a known condition that predisposes them to this risk, many who are afflicted may not have been aware that they were at risk.

The Heart Institute offers the following tips that all Canadians can heed to enhance heart health over the festive season:

• Be generous. Helping those less fortunate is an important holiday tradition…and very good for the heart!
• Keep moving, but don't over exert yourself. Take time to exercise…a daily walk can be both relaxing and health enhancing! Take your dog for a walk every day - even if you don't have one! But avoid over exerting yourself physically through activities such as heavy snow shoveling, especially if you have known risk factors (e.g. smoking, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels) or a…

Above: Green tea plantation in Malaysia. Green tea is rich in phytonutrients, one of the reasons tea is considered the immortality beverage in China. 

Why you need phytonutrients in your life and what foods are rich sources.

By Ma Veronica Antazo

Phytonutrients are forms of protective, immune boosting and disease preventing nutrients produced by plants. It protects the plants from bacteria, virus, diseases, excessive heat, drought, ultraviolet rays and pollutants in air, soil and water. It aids in plant's fast recovery from injuries. When phytonutrients are consumed by humans, we absorb the same health benefits they provide in plants.

Our body is made up of millions of cells. In this modern world, almost everything comes in an instant like canned goods. They contain food enhancers and preservatives that interact and damage the cells. These create a destructive process that can cause instability in the cells called free radicals. Damaged cells cause healthy cells to become damaged, too. This chain reaction causes cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Pollution in the air creates free radicals that can cause lung cancer, tuberculosis, bronchitis and other respiratory diseases.

Above: Citrus fruit is rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients, particularly if you eat part of the rind, which contains very important…