Grapes have been known to be beneficial to cardiovascular health for a while now.  But, a recent University of Michigan study has helped confirm what many earlier studies have shown.

 The study was performed at the University of Michigan’s Cardiovascular Center, and looked specifically at the phytochemicals present in white, red,  and black grapes (I didn’t know there was such a thing!).  In testing laboratory rats over 18 weeks, they found that the test group which was given grape phytochemicals had lower blood pressure, better circulation, and less heart muscle damage than the control group.  It’s interesting to note that the control group was given a blood pressure drug instead.  So, the natural diets had better results than using pharmaceuticals!

 Prior to the test, all of the rats were on a high sodium diet which elevated their blood pressure.  It’s a known fact that hypertension, over time, can cause damage to the heart muscle.  And the good thing about the phytochemicals in grapes is that the researchers believe they can stimulate a process in the genes that can repair the damage to the heart muscle due to the high blood pressure.

There are two powerful antioxidants in the grapes:  grape seed extract and resveratrol.  The first is obviously found in the seeds of the grape, which most of us don’t eat.  So, a good way to get this in your diet is to take a quality nutritional supplement.  You can also drink wine, but this can have some drawbacks.

The second, resveratrol, is found in the skin of red grapes, mainly.  It’s also found in a few other plants such as Japanese Knotweed.  But, heck, grapes are more fun to eat!  In addition to eating grapes, you can also get resveratrol in supplement form and in red wine. 

Both of these nutrients can help improve blood pressure, reduce inflammation, increase circulation, and reduce the effects of free-radicals in the cardiovascular system.  In fact, Resveratrol is being intensely studied now for its anti-aging properties as well.

 So, make grapes a regular part of your diet.  Look for organically grown ones if possible.  If you simply can’t find them in your store because they’re out of season, consider taking supplements. 

I found a video that you may or may not have seen.  But, the contents are both thought-provoking and disturbing.  Generally, I’m not a big believer in most conspiracy theories.  In this case though, what is presented in the video documentary made in England, is true. 

The average American or European citizen is probably not aware of the battle going on in courts, board rooms, and back chambers of government.  On one side is the big money and power players of the drug industry, mass food producers, and government health agencies.  On the other side is the natural supplement and food producers and their small group of allies.  Actually, it’s not much of a battle at this point. 

But, at stake is YOUR freedom of choice of what is best for your health.  Big industry wants to limit your choices to what they think is best for you (read that as what makes them the most profit).  The natural health industry wants YOU to have the choice - be it natural or conventional medicine or both. 

Here’s the video.  You be the judge.  It’s 28 minutes long, but very well done.  Judi Dench does a great job narrating the documentary.

The key thing here is that you’re aware of what is being decided behind closed doors without your knowledge.  If you trust our lawmakers, pharmaceutical companies, and the FDA, then do nothing.  But, if you want to have a choice of what treatments and products you can obtain, then get involved and get educated.  Write your congressman and senator and tell them you want to be able to buy supplements, natural foods, and obtain factual information about alternative therapies and treatments. 

Our health is TOO important to be sold to the highest donator or bidder. 

This month is National Nutrition Month.  It is a national campaign sponsored by the American Dietetic Association (ADA).  Here is the stated objective according to their website www.eatright.org:  “The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.”

I think it’s great that there’s some focus this month on improving eating and lifestyle habits.  Anything that can be done to spread the word about getting better nutrition and increasing exercise is a good thing.  After all, when it comes down to it, poor eating habits and lack of physical exercise are the two biggest causes of degenerative diseases in the industrialized world. 

Heart disease, type-2 diabetes, cancer to some degree, osteoporosis, kidney disease, and many others are are result of long-term damage to our bodies from eating nutritionally deficient foods that also cause weight gain and degrade our immune systems. 

When our cells don’t receive the correct nutrients (minerals, antioxidants, vitamins, key enzymes) in sufficient amounts, they start to not function well enough to maintain a healthy state.  That’s when damage from free radical molecules and other unhealthy cells can occur. 

So, this month, and EVERY month, each person needs to focus on eating healthier foods AND getting regular exercise.  This is the greatest gift you can give yourself.   Here are a few habits to get into:

1.  Stop eating processed carbohydrates and fatty foods in the morning such as bagels, donuts, and bacon.  Instead, eat several kinds of fruit, non-fat yogurt, and/or a fiber-rich cereal like oatmeal.

2.  Eat a light snack mid-morning to stave off hunger (that can turn into a disastrous trip to the vending machines).  A low-glycemic granola or snack bar is a good idea. 

3.  For lunch, consider having a healthy shake instead of a burger or sandwich.  An organic, low glycemic smoothie with soy protein works great.  Then, supplement it with fruit, a salad, raw nuts, or high-fiber bread.

4.  Have a mid-afternoon healthy snack (instead of an unhealthy bag of chips or candy bar).  Good choices are nutrition bars, fruit, peanut butter/celery, and non-fat yogurt.

5.  For dinner, have a healthy combination of proteins, fats, and carbs.  Chicken or fish, with salad, lightly cooked veggies, whole-grain rice, or redskin potatoes are all possible choices.  WARNING:  watch the portion sizes!  Most Americans eat way too much food at meals. 

6.  Finally, make sure to drink enough water.  Sometimes, being deficient in water can seem like hunger, forcing you to eat when you don’t need to.  Also, water helps many functions of the body. 

In regards to exercise, the first thing to do is to schedule it each day/week just like anything you MUST do.  Don’t compromise this habit for less important things.  There is NOTHING more important than your health.  After all, your family will not benefit if you’re sick or laid up with a long-term illness.  Make sure to exercise 4-5 times per week.  Even walking will help a lot. 

When I adopted these habits, I found that I felt much better - it was well worth the effort.  At first, you may miss some of the junky foods you were eating.  But after a while, the craving or interest in them stops.  I can walk right by a donut cart now without even looking twice.  You’ll be amazed when you do this the first time!

 So, stay healthy this month and every month with better habits.  Your habits will usually determine your results - successful or otherwise.