How pathogens are killed - Nobel Prize winners in Physiology or Medicine 2011

From left to right: Bruce A. Beutler, Jules A. Hoffmann and Ralph M. Steinman

Inside our body can be found the bloodiest of battlefields, where millions of organisms are massacred daily, without cease. It is a battle waged by our body’s immune system against a wide variety of pathogenic bacteria, virus, fungi and parasites. What makes the defence mechanism powerful is the two-level protection conferred by the immune system. The innate immune system that serves as the first line of defence is not antigen-specific; it readily targets all pathogenic organisms the moment they enter the body. The antigen-specific adaptive immune mechanism acts as the second line of protection to keep us healthy. This year’s Nobel prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Bruce A. Beutler, Jules A. Hoffmann, and Ralph M. Steinman for revolutionising our understanding of the immune system by discovering the key principles that activate the defence mechanism. Beutler and Hoffmann will share half the prize money for discovering receptor proteins that recognize micro-organisms and activates the innate immunity. In 1996, Hoffmann found that the Toll gene was responsible for sensing pathogenic micro-organisms and that its activation was required for mounting innate immune response. Two-years later, Beutler discovered that components of micro-organisms bind to Toll-like receptors located in many cells. The binding activates the innate immunity, which results in inflammation and destruction of the pathogens.


The other half of the prize money was awarded to Steinmann for discovering, way back in 1970s, that dendritic cells were responsible for adaptive immunity. As they are antigen-specific, dendritic cells take time to react to an invading organism on first exposure; but immunological memory allows them to react more rapidly to the same antigen on subsequent exposures. This is the attribute researchers exploit while designing preventive vaccines.


Adaptive immunity holds great medical promise. The immune system can be directed to attack the tumour. Blocking the excessive production of cytokines when diseases show up can ameliorate autoimmunity. Even preserving autoimmune diseases may become possible when certain cells of the immune system are successfully silenced. Steinmann will go down history as not just a highly worthy Nobel Prize winner. He was (as a Rockefeller University statement explains) “diagnosed with pancreatic cancer four years ago... his life was extended using dendritic-cell based immunotherapy of his own design,” and he died three days before his Nobel was announced. 

Interesting Link: http://www.dendriticcellresearch.com/denvax (Institute of Cellular Therapy)

Nobel Prize winner list @ http://society.ezinemark.com/2011-nobel-prize-winners-in-pictures-737146e00cb.html

Crabs - Protiens and Minerals

Crab Nutrition :
Rich in Protein
Crabs protein content of less than about 22 gr/100 gr. Amino acid content is also complete. Amino acids are the highest amount per 100 gram is 3474 mg of glutamate, aspartate 2464 mg, 1946 mg of arginine, lysine and leucine 1939 mg 1768 mg.
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
As with the results of other marine animal, crabs is also rich in omega-3 fatty acid that is equal to 407 mg / 100 gr.
High levels of vitamin B12
Crabs also contain high vitamin B12 which is about 10.4 mcg/100mg. The content is already able to meet the daily requirement of vitamin B12 by 174%. In addition, crabs also contains niacin and riboflavin in sufficient quantities good for health.
Rich in minerals zinc, copper and selenium
For seafood, crabs is also rich in mineral content. The highest mineral content to 100 g crabs is selenium 48 mcg (68% daily requirement), copper 0.7 mg  (37% daily requirement) and zinc 5.5mg (36% daily requirement)
Crab Nutrition Benefits :
* a high content of protein-forming function as enzymes, organ and muscle cell formation, forming hormone, repair damaged cells, regulating metabolism, and forming the immune system.
* The content of vitamin B12 is good for energy and growth, improve the metabolism of amino acids and fatty acids, red bloodcell production, and to improve the health of nerves and skin.
* omega-3 fatty acids in crabs functioning lower bad cholesterol in the blood there by preventing cardiovascular disease (heart), boost immunity, enhance nervous system function and eye health, and improve the intelligence of the brain when administered early.
* Mineral selenium act as antioxidants to prevent cell damage from free radicals cause cancer and heart disease. Selenium is believed to play a role in preventing cancer and chromosomedamage, as well as increase body resistance to viral infection sand bacteria and prevent inflammation.
* Mineral copper serves as a component of redox enzymes, the formation of red blood Selda, muscles, nerves, bones and brain,and prevent bone disease and nerve.
* Mineral zinc functions to the fundamental building blocks the body’s enzymes, red blood cells, the immune system, prevent prostate enlargement, prevent hair loss.
* Shellfish is very suitable for a high protein diet because it contains saturated fat which is very low at 0.2 grams / 100gram.

Healthy Tips Crab Consumption :
* We recommend that you do not process the crabs with fried
* Though containing a variety of healthful nutrients, crabs also contain a moderately high cholesterol 76 mg / 100gr. Consumption of cholesterol per day the recommended maximum of about 300mg. Medium-sized crabs dish every day was enough to get all the benefits.
* Crab contain purine base that can raise levels of uric acid in the blood. People with gout disease or gout better avoid or severely limit the consumption of crabs.
* For soft shell crabs / soft-shelled, skin does not need to be set aside, also of high nutritional value, especially the content of chitosan and carotenoids are usually widely available in the shell.

Oily Fish for Better Health

What types of oily fish are there?

There are many types of oily fish to choose from. You might find some, like kippers, quite strong tasting if you aren’t used to them, there are plenty of others to try!

• Anchovy (நெத்திலி மீன் )
• Carp (கெண்டை மீன்)
• Eel (விலாங்கு மீன்)
• Herring (Bloater)
• Hilsa
• Jack (also known as Scad, Horse mackerel and Trevally)
• Mackerel
• Orange roughy
• Pilchards
• Salmon
• Sardines (சூடை மீன்கள்)
• Sprats
• Swordfish
• Trout
• Tuna (fresh)
• Whitebait

Why should I eat oily fish?

As fish contains essential vitamins such as niacin, and minerals such as selenium and iodine, it makes a great addition to your meal. Oily fish in particular is said to be rich in omega 3 and vitamins A and D. White fish does contain some omega 3 fatty acids, but at much lower levels than oily fish. Oily fishes are power house of Omega-3 Fatty Acids which can lift your mood. Most fish are rich in Vitamin B12 and Vitamin B6, which are responsible for the Serotonin production. To get the best out of your fish, experts recommend opting for steamed, baked or grilled fish rather than fried; fried food often contains a much higher fat content, especially if they are cooked in butter. 

Healthy fat:
Oily fish such as sardines, herring and mackerel are very rich sources of certain polyunsaturated fats known as omega-6 and omega-3 essential fatty acids. These fatty acids cannot be manufactured by the body and have to be obtained from food. We have only recently become more aware of how important these types of fats are and what a positive effect they have on our health. There are small amounts of these fats in white fish, but oily fish have significantly higher levels. 100g of cod (white fish), mackerel, sardines and fresh tuna contain 0.3g, 3.3g, 1.7g and 1.6g of omega-3 fatty acids respectively.


Benefits of Omega-3:
Researchers have now discovered and identified the many benefits of omega-3 essential fatty acids and we have listed them below:

• They reduce the levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol in the blood.
• They can alleviate inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and help to reduce the amount of medication taken for them.
• They lower blood pressure.
• They prevent the blood from forming clots, which therefore reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Omega-3 protects against heart and circulatory problems.
• It is good for the healthy development of the brain and eyes.
• It reduces the risk of thrombosis.
• It is good for sufferers of gout.
• Omega-3 clears cholesterol from the arteries, widening the artery walls and increasing elasticity.
• Omega-3 increases the levels of "good" HDL cholesterol in the blood, which protects the heart.
• People who regularly consume oily fish are less likely to suffer dementia or Alzheimer's.
• Oily fish consumption reduces the risk of depression and helps people who are depressed to overcome it.
• Omega-3 is good for the development of a healthy baby, although pregnant women should limit themselves to no more than two portions of oily fish a week.

What else do Oily fish contains?

Oily fish are also rich in many vitamins and minerals that are vital for the correct functioning of the body.

Fat-soluble vitamins are plentiful in oily fish, due to the fact that they are absorbed by the fats contained within the fish. The fat-soluble vitamins are A, D, E and K and all are found in significant amounts in oily fish.

Vitamin D can be manufactured by the body when exposed to sunlight every day, but in the UK, you are not necessarily guaranteed sunshine every week let alone every day and therefore it may be necessary to acquire vitamin D from foods.

Oily fish is also a very good source of important minerals such as iodine, selenium, calcium, zinc, phosphorous and magnesium.

Calcium is obtained when the bones of small fish are eaten such as in sardines, whitebait or anchovies and iodine is important for the thyroid to work properly. A deficiency in iodine will cause the thyroid gland in the neck to swell and it will leave you feeling extremely tired and lethargic. It can often cause people to put on weight and make it very difficult for them to subsequently lose it.

How much is too much?

As mentioned above, we should be including one portion of oily fish in our diet, but there are maximum levels recommended for health reasons and concerns about numbers of fish; after all, we want to protect the environment for generations to come.

For those who still wish to have an intake of omega 3 fatty acids can choose to take supplements with a combination of omega 3 6 9 or just the single omega 3. These supplements can be found in most good health stores.

Omega-3 Supplements: Cod-Liver Oil Tabs

Reference:

Food Standards Agency. (2010). Fish and shellfish. http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthydiet/nutritionessentials/fishandshellfish/


HelpwithCooking.com
http://www.helpwithcooking.com/fish-guide/oily-fish.html

Foods that can make you Happy - Yahoo! Lifestyle

We all go through periods of feeling anxious, irritable or depressed. However, there are many things you can do to help boost your mood. The foods you eat can directly influence the way you feel, so check out these top five foods to beat the blues.

Vitamins B12

If you’re feeling anxious, stressed or depressed, a dose of B vitamins could help to lift your mood. B vitamins are important for normal brain function and producing mood-boosting serotonin, with vitamins B12 and B6 being particularly beneficial for regulating your mood.

To up your intake of B vitamins, try snacking on Marmite on wholegrain toast. As Marmite is fortified with vitamin B12, this is a particularly good choice of food for vegans and vegetarians who may struggle to get their recommended intake.

Oily fish

Omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish are well known for being good for the heart. However, they are equally beneficial for our brain health and mood. A study by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that participants who had lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood were more likely to be moderately depressed and have a negative outlook.

Furthermore, a study has found surprisingly low rates of seasonal affective disorder in Icelanders, where the diet is high in omega-3 rich fish. To follow in their footsteps and help ward off the blues, try eating two portions of oily fish a week, or up to four for men.

Chocolate

Many people find themselves reaching for chocolate to ease a bad mood, and this could in fact be no bad thing. Research has shown that chocolate contains many chemicals which can help beat the blues, including relaxing magnesium, calming anandamide and pleasure-inducing phenylethylamine.

To up the mood-boosting benefits further, try snacking on chocolate-dipped strawberries for a healthy treat. Strawberries are not only a good source of vitamin C, which helps in the production of endorphins, but they are high in mood-enhancing flavonoids too.

Bananas

Bananas are high in natural sugars, making them a great remedy for low energy levels which can leave you feeling down. On top of this they are packed with mood-lifting nutrients to help put a smile on your face.

Bananas are a great source of tryptophan, an essential amino acid which boosts serotonin levels, helping to regulate your mood. Furthermore, they are rich in magnesium, which can help you to relax and vitamin B6, which can help to relieve depression.

Nuts

Walnuts are the perfect good-mood food, offering the combined mood-boosting properties of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B6 and tryptophan. The nuts are also a good source of folate (vitamin B9); the deficiency of which has been linked to depression.

As well as snacking on walnuts, another good nut to add into your diet is the Brazil. Brazil nuts are an extremely rich source of the mineral selenium, with research suggesting that just one Brazil nut a day can provide you with your recommended daily intake. As low levels of selenium can lead to depression, irritability and anxiety, snacking on Brazils could be the perfect healthy way to boost your mood.

Drinking water in Empty Stomach

It is popular in Japan today to drink water immediately after waking up every morning. Furthermore, scientific tests have proven its value. We publish below a description of use of water for our readers. For old and serious diseases as well as modern illnesses the water treatment had been found successful by a Japanese medical society as a 100% cure for the following diseases:
Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB, meningitis, kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, gastritis, diarrhea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb, cancer and menstrual disorders, ear nose and throat diseases.
METHOD OF TREATMENT
1. As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4 x 160ml glasses of water
2. Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minute
3.. After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.
4. After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours
5. Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day.
6. The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.
The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to cure/control/reduce main diseases:
1. High Blood Pressure (30 days)
2. Gastric (10 days)
3. Diabetes (30 days)
4. Constipation (10 days)
5. Cancer (180 days)
6. TB (90 days)
7. Arthritis patients should follow the above treatment only for 3 days in the 1st week, and from 2nd week onwards – daily..
This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of treatment you may have to urinate a few times.
It is better if we continue this and make this procedure as a routine work in our life. Drink Water and Stay healthy and Active.
This makes sense .. The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals ..not cold water. Maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating!!! Nothing to lose, everything to gain...
For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you.
It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion.
Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine.
Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.
A serious note about heart attacks:
· Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting,
· Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.
· You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack.
· Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms.
· 60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up.
· Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survive...
A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this mail sends it to everyone they know, you can be sure that we'll save at least one life.

Please be a true friend and send this article to all your friends you care about.

-----DRINK SPRING WATER, PROTECT UR LIFE-----