Maitake Medicinal Mushroom And Gastric Cancer

Maitake Medicinal Mushroom And Gastric Cancer AUTHOR BRIDGET GREENWOOD maitake medicinal mushroom Scientists from Tottori University in Japan tested extracts of the medicinal mushroom Maitake on human gastric cancer cell lines, hoping to prove the mushroom has anti-tumor effects. Results were promising. Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, has a poor prognosis. In the US, the 5-year survival rate is about 27%. However, this is partly due to the fact that most stomach cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage. As with all cancers, early detection leads to a much greater chance of successful treatment, or even cure. Gastric cancer is treated by surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy. The type of treatment depends on the stage of the cancer. While chemotherapy often has successful results, it can also have severe side effects which impact on quality of life. Improved treatments are continually being developed. Medicinal mushrooms are currently being researched for their anti-cancer properties. Maitake—also known as Grifola frondosa—contains several powerful bioactive compounds, which have already proved to have a significant therapeutic potential. This mushroom, already a popular culinary mushroom, is a potent source of polysaccharides. These chain molecules can affect other cells, including cancer cells. Can Maitake induce apoptosis? Happy Woman 150x150 Maitake Medicinal Mushroom And Gastric Cancer This study can make you smile if you have gastric cancer: Maitake extract can help! Researchers Shomori K, Yamamoto M, et al, from Tottori University’s Department of Microbiology and Pathology, in Japan, investigated the effects of water-soluble extract of Maitake. They tested the Maitake extracts on four human gastric cancer cell lines. The cancer cells were all affected by the maitake extract in a time-dependent manner. One type of cancer cell, the TNK-1 cell, showed a 90% inhibition after three days of treatment. The Maitake extract inhibited the proliferation of the cancer cells, and also induced programmed cell death, known as apoptosis, in the cancer cells. The researchers concluded that Maitake extracts have potential antitumor effects on gastric cancer. Please go to this site to order Ganolife Gourmet Coffee enriched with Ganoderma, www.ganolifevo.com/wwammcafe.

Maitake — Grifola Frondosa — Improves Chemotherapy

Maitake — Grifola Frondosa — Improves Chemotherapy AUTHOR BRIDGET GREENWOOD medicinal mushrooms and cancer The medicinal mushroom maitake has already been proved to contain several powerful bioactive compounds. A Japanese study investigated the D-fraction extracted from maitake, and found that maitake also improves a chemotherapy drug. Could maitake be used to increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy in the future? There have been many clinical trials evaluating the powerful effects of medicinal mushrooms. Maitake, also known as Grifola frondosa, has been part of the traditional medicine kit for centuries. Maitake is a popular culinary as well as medicinal mushroom, and contains a variety of bioactive compounds which improve heart health, lower blood glucose levels, and even kill cancer cells. Researchers are therefore seeking to develop new treatments from this ancient medicine. Improvements in cancer treatments is a key goal for many research scientists. Cancer is often treated with chemotherapy, strong drugs which target rapidly proliferating cells, such as cancer cells. However, the chemotherapy drugs also target healthy yet rapidly-growing cells. This is why some chemotherapy treatments cause hair loss, because hair cells grow very rapidly. While in many cases chemotherapy is a successful treatment, curing or caging the cancer, the severe side effects can reduce quality of life. Researchers with Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Kobe, Japan, developed an animal study to see if maitake extracts would be able to improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs. They hoped this could lead to cancer patients being given lower doses of chemotherapy, with the same anti-cancer results. Animal study proves maitake improves chemotherapy tumor 150x150 Maitake Grifola Frondosa Improves Chemotherapy Maitake medicinal mushroom may complement chemotherapy with cancer care Researchers Kodama N, Murata Y, et al, used D-Fraction, a polysaccharide extracted from maitake. They tested the maitake along with an existing chemotherapy drug, mitomycin-C, on mice with cancer tumors. Results showed that a combination of reduced doses chemotherapy drug along with maitake still had an effective anti-cancer effect. The maitake improved the effectiveness of the animals’ own immune system, leading to a much-improved result. The study concluded that maitake could become a potential clinical benefit for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Please go to this site to order Ganolife Gourmet Coffee enriched with Ganoderma, www.ganolifevo.com/wwammcafe.

Medicinal Mushroom Maitake Causes Cell Death In Prostate Cancer

Medicinal Mushroom Maitake Causes Cell Death In Prostate Cancer AUTHOR BRIDGET GREENWOOD maitake causes cancer cell deat A study published in Molecular Urology found evidence that extracts of the versatile medicinal mushroom Maitake can induce programmed cell death in prostate cancer cells in vitro. The medicinal mushroom Maitake (also known as Grifola frondosa) has been the subject of many scientific trials. This powerful natural medicine was a staple of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, taken to enhance the immune system and for heart health. And Maitake is now becoming a valuable weapon in the war on cancer. There have been many studies analyzing Maitake’s effect on cancer cells. A promising field of research is the effect Maitake has on prostate cancer cells. Other studies have been published highlighting Maitake’s antitumor properties. Researchers (Fullerton SA, Samadi AA, et al) from New York Medical College’s Department of Urology (USA) investigated Maitake polysaccharides known as beta-glucans. They hoped to find the Maitake extracts would have anti-tumor effects. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers for men—second only to skin cancer. And it is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, according to the American Cancer Society. However, early detection means the cancer can often be treated, and new therapies are continually being researched. Maitake polysaccharide induced prostate cancer cell death researcher 150x150 Medicinal Mushroom Maitake Causes Cell Death In Prostate Cancer Beta glucan from Maitake Medicinal Mushroom Induces Prostate Cancer Cell Death The researchers used highly purified beta-glucan preparations of the Maitake extract. Varying concentrations of these beta-glucans—known as Grifron-D(R)—were tested on human prostate cancer cells. The Maitake extracts were also tested in combination with vitamin C, and in combination with various anti-cancer drugs. Remarkably, a dose-response study showed that almost complete cancer cell death (more than 95%) was reach in just one day with higher doses of Grifron-D, i.e. beta glucan extract from Maitake. The researchers concluded that the bioactive beta-glucans from Maitake medicinal mushrooms have a cytotoxic effect, destroying the prostate cancer cells by inducing programmed cell death. Perhaps in the future these Maitake polysaccharides will become part of a new drug treatment for prostate cancer. Please go to this site to order Ganolife Gourmet Coffee enriched with Ganoderma, www.ganolifevo.com/wwammcafe.

Maitake Medicinal Mushroom – New Breast Cancer Treatment?

Maitake Medicinal Mushroom – New Breast Cancer Treatment? AUTHOR BRIDGET GREENWOOD maitake The powerful bioactive compounds from the medicinal mushroom Maitake—also known as Grifola frondosa or “dancing mushroom”—are being investigated for their anti-cancer potential. Could extracts of Maitake become part of the treatment for breast cancer in the future? Many people worldwide have lost a loved one to breast cancer. This cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, and cases are increasing. As with most cancers, early detection of breast cancer is crucial to improve prognosis. While breast cancer can be treated by surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, the treatments can have severe side effects which greatly reduce quality of life. Chemotherapy drugs can cause nausea and vomiting, for instance. Many people are turning to medicinal mushrooms to help fight the side effects of chemotherapy. But can medicinal mushrooms also help target the cancer cells directly? Researchers Alonso EN, Orozco M, et al, with the National Scientific and Technical Research Council, Buenos Aires, Argentina, developed a study into the D-Fraction of Maitake medicinal mushrooms. Maitake: fights breast cancer tumors in in vitro study Maitake is a common perennial fungus, which has long been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine to enhance the immune system. Maitake is rich in minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. It also contains many powerful compounds known as polysaccharides. The D-Fraction extracted from the mushroom is already proven to stimulate the immune system. In this study, Maitake was tested on human breast cancer cells in vitro. Results were promising. The breast cancer cells were suppressed by the Maitake in a dose-dependent manner. The mushroom modified the expression of specific genes, which resulted in an increase in cancer cell death—apoptosis. The medicinal mushroom extracts also inhibited cancer cell growth and proliferation, which are essential parts of any cancer treatment. The researchers concluded that Maitake D-Fraction could indeed become a potential new target for breast cancer treatment. Please go to this site to order Ganolife Gourmet Coffee enriched with Ganoderma, www.ganolifevo.com/wwammcafe.

Medicinal Mushroom Cordyceps Militaris – Future Breast Cancer Treatment?

Medicinal Mushroom Cordyceps Militaris – Future Breast Cancer Treatment? AUTHOR BRIDGET GREENWOOD maitake An animal study using extracts from the medicinal mushroom Cordyceps militaris to treat breast cancer tumors has found very promising results. Could this useful fungus become part of anti-cancer treatments in the future? The popular medicinal mushroom Cordyceps has been the subject of many scientific investigations. Long used in traditional Chinese medicines, the mushroom is now being tested for its possible role in cancer treatments, perhaps as part of additional therapies. Cordyceps Sinensis is probably the most well known member of the Cordyceps gamily, but Cordyceps militaris also contains essential bioactive compounds. Cordycepin is the main functional component of Cordyceps. Cordycepin has several pharmacological effects, including stimulating the immune system. Cordycepin was originally derived from the medicinal mushroom, but can now also be produced synthetically. Cordyceps animal study: can cordycepin reduce tumors? A study was developed by researchers (Jeong MH, Lee CM, et al) from the Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea. They wanted to investigate the possible anti tumor effects of Cordyceps militaris. Conventional cancer treatments like chemotherapy, while often effective, may have harsh side-effects which can reduce the patient’s quality of life. Improvements are therefore continually under investigation. Medicinal mushrooms are a popular source of study, as they are non-toxic and also contain active biological compounds which would improve cancer treatments. This Korean animal study investigated wild Cordyceps militaris and also cordycepin-enriched Cordyceps. They were given added to the diets of mice with breast cancer, to see if the medicinal mushroom would help reduce tumor growth. Dietary administration of Cordyceps militaris had a significant effect. Tumor growth was delayed, and the survival rates of the tumor-bearing mice were increased. The best result was found with the cordycepin-enriched Cordyceps militaris. The researchers hope that in time, and after more scientific studies, cordycepin-enriched Cordyceps militaris will become part of cancer immunotherapy. Please go to this site to order Ganolife Gourmet Coffee enriched with Ganoderma, www.ganolifevo.com/wwammcafe.

Medicinal Mushrooms and Lung Cancer

Medicinal Mushrooms and Lung Cancer AUTHOR SHARON CORNET medicinal mushrooms My other grandfather died of lung cancer when I was 10 years old despite having quit smoking for the last 20 years of his life. I was happy for the memories I still have of him from my youth but often wondered what it would have been like to have him around longer. Thanks to medicinal mushrooms like Cordyceps, Trametes versicolor, and others, people with lung cancer may have a better chance at survival. Cordyceps medicinal mushrooms for lung cancer According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Cordyceps medicinal mushrooms are used for fatigue, sexual dysfunction, coughs, to stimulate the immune system, and also for lung cancer. According to the in vitro animals studies Cordyceps medicinal mushrooms “show antitumor, radioprotective, and antidiabetic effects. In addition, cordyceps enhances recovery of mice with taxol-induced leukopenia and increases the cytotoxicity of cisplatin in non-small cell lung cancer cells.” Trametes versicolor medicinal mushrooms for cancers Says the Anti-Cancer Therapies section of the A Guide to Integrative Oncology for Clinicians at the University of Washington website, extracts from medicinal mushrooms have shown promise for lung cancer, among other types of cancer. In particular, the medicinal mushrooms “Trametes versicolor (T. versicolor), also known as Coriolus versicolor or Polyporus versicolor” were examined in clinical trials using active fractions of the mushrooms (namely PSK/PSP) and published in Korea and Japan. The studies suggest that “T. versicolor polysaccharide-peptide constituents improve disease-free and overall survival in several different types of cancer, including stomach, esophagus, lung, colorectal, prostate, and breast adenocarcinomas. In Japan, PSK is a therapy prescribed to cancer patients routinely…” Medicinal mushrooms for cancer and other health benefits Medicinal mushrooms have tremendously powerful effects that go beyond just being able to help lung cancer. The mushrooms are anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-allergic, anti-cancer, anti-tumor, hypocholesterolemic, immunomodulatory (boosts the immune system), anti-microbial, and are nephroprotective (protects kidneys from harm). According to what was published by 3 Biotech (2012 March), “The mushrooms credited with success against cancer belong to the genus Phellinus, Pleurotus, Agaricus, Ganoderma, Clitocybe, Antrodia, Trametes, Cordyceps, Xerocomus, Calvatia, Schizophyllum, Flammulina, Suillus, Inonotus, Inocybe, Funlia, Lactarius, Albatrellus, Russula, and Fomes.” If only my grandfather had known about medicinal mushrooms like Cordyceps, Trametes versicolor, and other medicinal mushrooms, perhaps his life would have been lengthened. Perhaps it will help someone else today. Please go to this site to order Ganolife Gourmet Coffee enriched with Ganoderma, www.ganolifevo.com/wwammcafe.

Colon Cancer and Reishi

Colon Cancer and Reishi AUTHOR CELIA LEUNG reishi medicinal mushroom and colon cancer Colon cancer, also known as colorectal or bowel cancer is a cancer that originates from uncontrolled cell growth in the colon, rectum or appendix. It is believed to be the fourth most common cause of cancer death, with over a million individuals being diagnosed annually worldwide. Symptoms usually include rectal bleeding, decrease in number of red blood cells, weight loss and changes in bowel movement. Treatment options for colon cancer can include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or radiofrequency ablation. But in a recent study conducted by Hunan Agricultural University in China, researchers set out to examine the treatment potential of Reishi medicinal mushroom for colon cancer cells. Reishi, also known as Lingzhi mushroom and Ganoderma Lucidum, is one of the oldest medicinal mushrooms since it has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for over 2,000 years. It is believed that reishi medicinal mushrooms have antitumor and anti-cancer properties. Previous research suggests they also help enhance immune system functioning, reduce feelings of depression, lowers blood pressure, and treats hepatitis, bronchitis and bronchial asthma. The Effects of Reishi Polysaccharides on Colon Cancer Cells For the experiment researchers Zengenni Liang, Yu-Tong Guo, You-Jin Yi, Ren-Cai Wang, Qiu-Long Hu and Xing-Yao Xiong isolated extracts from Reishi medicinal mushroom called GLP (Ganoderma lucidumpolysaccharides). They tested the reishi extracts on human colon cancer cells and measured its anticancer effects using various assays and observations on wound-healing. A control group of untreated cells were also used as a comparison. Cell apoptosis (programmed cell death) induced by Reishi was also observed on the colon cancer cells. After analyzing the data, the researchers found that reishi extracts exhibited a dose and time-dependent inhibitory effect on the proliferation of human colon cancer cells in their experiment. In particular, they observed that Ganoderma lucidumpolysaccharides helped suppress cell growth and migration of human colon cancer cells. Another observation the researchers made was that reishi polysaccharides induced apoptosis by promoting the release of lactate dehydrogenase and increased intracellular calcium levels. Based on these results, the researchers believe that reishi extracts can be a beneficial, nontoxic form of treatment for colon cancer. Please check with your doctor before taking any mushroom supplements. Do not discontinue or make changes to your medication without consulting with your physician first! The author of this story is a staff writer for National Nutraceuticals’ online news portals, such as Amino Acid Information Center athttp://www.aminoacidinformation.com.

Reishi as Cancer Treatment? Mechanism behind Reishi’s Cancer Fighting Properties

Reishi as Cancer Treatment? Mechanism behind Reishi’s Cancer Fighting Properties AUTHOR BETTINA MACKENBACH reishi Reishi is beautiful! Perhaps not as visibly beautiful as flowers, but for years, people all over the world have known about a medicinal mushroom called Reishi, also known as Ganoderma Lucidum and Ling-Zi. People have used this fungi as a cancer treatment, or at least an adjunct treatment together with traditional Western cancer therapy. In fact, the Medicinal Mushroom Information Center has published numerous articles about Reishi and other medicinal mushrooms detailing scientific, peer-reviewed university level studies about medicinal mushrooms’ ability to help heal cancer. The common denominator behind all medicinal mushrooms is that they contain a lot polysaccharide called beta glucan. While it is known that beta glucan helps the human body fight cancer cells (please watch the video below), scientists have not been sure what the process is behind beta glucan’s and Reishi’s ability to help trigger the immune response. That is… until now. Taiwanese Researchers Discover Reishi’s Anti-Cancer Properties At Taipei City, a Taiwan-based research team from Academia Sinica seems to have solved the puzzle behind Reishi’s anti-cancer properties. According to the team, led by Academia Sinica President Wong Chi-Huey and Wu-Chung Yi, it appears that the Reishi extract’s ability to inhibit cancerous tumors in mice is based on fucose-based polysaccharides. Their report was distributed in the August 20th issue of the United States based Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Other researchers in Taiwan had earlier demonstrated that a Reishi polysaccharide extract known as F3 can slow tumor growth when injected in mice. The Academia Sinica team found that sera from mice immunized with F3 contained antibodies that recognized tumor antigens Globo H and related structures, with inhibition of tumor growth directly related to these antibodies. The research team demonstrated also that when F3 was enriched with fucose – creating a compound called FMS – it was even more effective at inhibiting tumors. In plain English, this showed that fucose residue is the key anti-cancer component! Reishi is commonly available as a dietary supplement. Please visit the Cancer section of Medicinal Mushroom Information Center to learn more about reishi as cancer treatment and medicinal mushrooms’ ability to fight cancer. You will learn how there are certain mushrooms that work well when combined with traditional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and mushrooms that may have produced an even stronger anti-cancer effect than Reishi. As always, do not discontinue or change your traditional cancer treatment without first consulting with your physician. Please remember to visit our other health news portals, Amino Acid Information Center at http://aminoacidinformation.com and Vancouver Health News at http://VancouverHealthNews.ca and http://todayswordofwisdom.com.

Medicinal Mushrooms: a Treasure Chest

Medicinal Mushrooms: a Treasure Chest AUTHOR BRIDGET GREENWOOD Medicinal mushrooms and cancer Medicinal mushrooms, which have been used in traditional medicines for centuries, are now being scrutinized for their potential cancer-killing properties. Could medicinal mushrooms become a weapon in the war on cancer? Medicinal mushrooms are becoming very popular health supplements, in addition to being healthy culinary ingredients. But can they also be developed into anti-cancer drugs? Many scientists hope so. Other now-common drugs were also synthesized from natural sources. Aspirin is perhaps the most famous, originally synthesized from willow bark. The chemotherapy drug Taxol was developed from the bark of the Pacific yew tree. Will medicinal mushrooms lead to even more cancer treatments? Dr Kat Arney of Cancer Research UK says “Mushrooms are…a treasure chest that needs to be opened.” Dr Arney, interviewed in the Guardian newspaper, is referring to the numerous bioactive compounds in medicinal mushrooms, many of which are undergoing clinical studies. Medicinal mushrooms: potential cancer treatments Because medicinal mushrooms are so complex, they must not be seen as a magic bullet to instantly cure cancer, but could potentially become part of new cancer treatments. However, simply consuming the mushroom may not mean its anti-cancer properties will work. The compounds must often directly attack the cancer cells, which they may not be able to if they are in the digestive system. But drugs developed from medicinal mushrooms are being researched with positive results. Indeed, several clinical trials have proved the anti-cancer effects of reishi, maitake, and Agaricus blazei Murrill, to name just a few. In these trials compounds such as polysaccharides were extracted from the fruiting body of the medicinal mushrooms. These bioactive compounds were tested on cancer cells in laboratory conditions. In addition to being a potential source of cancer-killing drugs, medicinal mushrooms are currently often taken as supplements to improve the effects of chemotherapy drugs, and to reduce their harsh side effects. For example, an extract of shiitake is a very popular complementary and alternative medicine in Japan. While taken in addition to conventional cancer therapy, the shiitake extract reportedly improved quality of life for patients. Please go to this site to order Ganolife Gourmet Coffee enriched with Ganoderma, www.ganolifevo.com/wwammcafe.

Reduce the Adverse Effects of Anti-Cancer Drugs with Reishi

Reduce the Adverse Effects of Anti-Cancer Drugs with Reishi AUTHOR CELIA LEUNG reishi Reishi mushrooms, also called lingzhi, have been a staple in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years due to its reported anti-bacterial and anti-viral activities. Previous studies have shown that reishi mushrooms produce anti-tumour, anti-cancer and immunotherapeutic effects. It is also believed to help lower blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. In a study published by the Health Care Institute and Hiroshima University in Japan, researchers investigated whether reishi extract would be able to prevent the small intestine from injury caused by chemotherapy, a common side effect of anti-cancer drugs. Researchers Naoki Kashimoto, Satomi Ishii, Yuki Myojin, Mitsuyasu Ushijima, Minoru Hayama and Hiromitsu Watanabe report that the fruiting body and mycelium of reishi have similar structures, but the mycelium contains other valuable components such as nutrients. They believe it is the reishi mycelium that protects against radiation-induced small intestinal damage in mice, even after chemotherapy. For the experiment the researchers used male mice and were either fed a basal diet alone as control, a basal diet supplemented with varying levels of reishi extract, or a basal diet supplemented with varying levels of Agaricus blazei Murrill. The mice were then treated a week later with anti-cancer drugs. A few days after administration of the drugs, the mice were sacrificed to study the effects of reishi on small intestinal injury. The effects of reishi mushrooms on small intestinal injury After studying the mice, the researchers found that reishi extracts prevented injury to the small intestine. They believe that the mycelium extracts from reishi increases the amount of regenerative crypts but does not affect body weight loss from anti-cancer drugs. The researchers report that in another study, reishi was able to reduce nausea and vomiting in rats treated with anti-cancer drugs. Based on these results, Kashimoto et al. suggest that reishi mushrooms are beneficial in reducing the negative effects of anti-cancer drugs, improving the quality of life for individuals with cancer. The reishi mushroom stimulates cell growth to repair intestinal injury induced by radiation and chemotherapy drugs, which is promising news for cancer treatment patients, although more research is needed for human trials.

Maitake Medicinal Mushrooms To Aid Cancer Patients?

Maitake Medicinal Mushrooms To Aid Cancer Patients? AUTHOR BRIDGET GREENWOOD maitake A study of the medicinal mushroom Maitake—also known as Grifola frondosa—has found promising news for cancer patients. Maitake is a popular edible and medicinal mushroom. The mushroom’s culinary importance has spread from Japan to North America, where this “dancing mushroom” can be found in many good supplement and even grocery stores. But Maitake is not only a delicious ingredient to many dishes—it also has many bioactive compounds which are currently being tested for their anti-cancer properties. Researchers (Kodama N, Komuta K, et al) at the Department of Microbial Chemistry, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Kobe, Japan, developed a study to examine the effects of the Maitake’s MD-fraction on cancer patients. The D-fraction is a polysaccharide extracted from the Maitake. It consists of beta-glucan polysaccharide compounds and protein with a uniquely complex structure. The Maitake D-fraction has a high molecular weight, which enable it to produce cytokines. Cytokines are an important part of the immune system, and are often referred to as immunomodulating agents. Could Maitake help improve the human immune system? Maitake cancer study: Maitake improves chemotherapy dancing statue 150x150 Maitake Medicinal Mushrooms To Aid Cancer Patients? Maitake and cancer therapy The study focused on cancer patients with stages two to four cancer. Staging is the process of finding out how far the cancer has spread. It depends on the tumor size, whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, and if the cancer has spread to other organs. 36 patients took part in the trial. These patients had discontinued chemotherapy due to side effects. They were given the MD-fraction and whole Maitake powder. Results were promising. Significant symptom improvement or even cancer regression was observed in 58% of the liver cancer patients, 68% of the breast cancer patients, and 62% of the lung cancer patients. Maitake was less effective for treating leukemia, stomach cancer, and brain cancer. Results are even more impressive if the medicinal mushroom is taken with chemotherapy. When taken alongside chemotherapy, the Maitake also improved immune-competent cell activities. Please go to this site to order Ganolife Gourmet Coffee enriched with Ganoderma, www.ganolifevo.com/wwammcafe.

Health Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms Cause Traditional Doctors to Consider Them as Alternatives for Cancer Treatment

Health Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms Cause Traditional Doctors to Consider Them as Alternatives for Cancer Treatment AUTHOR SHARON CORNET Medicinal mushrooms and cancer What do modern medicine and traditional medicine have in common these days? Medicinal mushrooms! These edible fungi, such as Shiitake, Maitake, Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and others are at the heart of why an increasing number of allopathic doctors are prescribing their patients medicinal mushrooms for possible cures and aids for a hoard of sicknesses, including cancer. What?! Traditional, (allopathic) doctors and pharmacies that promote and use standard medicine are making money by utilizing the “old ways” and ancient use of traditional medicine? The answer is YES! Modern medicine, just as with its tapping into the herbal supplements for specific diseases, even cancer, and pushing more vitamin and mineral use for particular ailments, is also bowing its scientifically-scrutinizing head to medicinal mushrooms! Tons of money is pouring into the field of modern medicine to fund more research into higher forms of fungi that those in traditional medicine has been using for years… even hundreds of years in Japan, and thousands of years in China! Cancer was cured back then, so why not now, too! Did you know that one of the leading cancer drugs in Japan, PSK, is based on Coriolus Versicolor medicinal mushroom? Health Benefits of medicinal mushrooms like Coriolus Versicolor have anti-cancer uses! Allopathic doctors have been catching on to the great health benefits of medicinal mushrooms like Reishi due to the increasing amount of research by universities, pharmacological entities, scientists and medical researchers into these edible fungi. Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Maitake, and Shiitake are but a few of the many mushrooms known to have antitumor properties. Mushrooms also boost the immune system and have phytochemicals that produce anticancer effects for cancer patients. Nowadays it is not uncommon to find mushroom extracts being prescribed by allopathic doctors as an adjunct therapy to cancer treatment. Coriolus Versicolor medicinal mushroom seems to help breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Allopathic doctors in Western medicine finally catching on to health benefits of medicinal mushrooms U. Lindequist, R Rausch, et al., at the Institut für Pharmazie did a study on higher fungi in both modern and traditional medicine. They were aware of the “very long tradition in the Asian countries” for using mushrooms as medicine, and that the “Western hemisphere has been slightly increasing only since the last decades.” Their overview of some of the top medicinal mushrooms (that some allopathic doctors prescribe today) were summarized regarding the pharmacology and chemistry of these medicinal mushrooms: Lentinula edodes (Shiitake, Golden Oak Mushroom) Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi, Ling Zhi) Agaricus brasiliensis (Royal sun agaricus), also known as Agaricus Blazei Murill Grifola frondosa (Maitake, Hen-of-the-Woods) Hericium erinaceus (Yamabushitake, Lion’s Mane, Monkey’s Head) These days western medicine is profiting both financially and by their patients’ wellness, in part due to the use of what was once considered only as traditional medicine techniques. By prescribing medicinal mushroom use to their patients, allopathic doctors are seeing the great benefits to the health, longevity, wellbeing, and quality of life for their patients, whether these patients are just working on improving health, fighting an illness, or trying to cure cancer. Be sure to ask your doctor and naturopath before using medicinal mushrooms to see if they can benefit you. Some of us are allergic to mushrooms. If you are, medicinal mushrooms are obviously not for you. Please go to this site to order Ganolife Gourmet Coffee enriched with Ganoderma, www.ganolifevo.com/wwammcafe.

Beta Glucan Has Anti-Cancer Properties in Three Medicinal Mushrooms

Beta Glucan Has Anti-Cancer Properties in Three Medicinal Mushrooms AUTHOR SHARON CORNET Three medicinal mushrooms have anti--cancer properties Beta-glucan, a fiber in mushrooms, has been found to have anti-cancer properties, including in shiitake, maitake, and reishi mushrooms. There are two types of beta-glucan: soluble and insoluble fiber. Typically soluble beta-glucan, like what is found in oatmeal, helps reduce cholesterol, whereas insoluble beta-glucan, like is found in medicinal mushrooms, have immune-boosting properties when they pass through the intestines. Beta glucan also serves as an cancer-fighting agent. Beta glucan polysaccharides are known to help fight cancer as a natural agent. Beta glucans are also found in yeast and fungi (mushrooms). When it comes to anticancer agents, mushrooms often have more constituents compared to other regular edible foods. Additionally, medicinal mushrooms reishi, maitake, and shiitake, are particularly excellent in their naturally occurring anticancer properties. Betaglucan anti-cancer properties and nitric oxide E Jurczynska, J Saczko, et al., at the Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences in Poland described just how the anti-cancer aspects relate to nitric oxide, saying, “beta-glucans participate in the processes of repair, metabolism and detoxification, and affect the overall health of the body counteract the pathological conditions of reactive oxygen and nitrogen and the processes in which they participate.” Nitrogen and reactive oxygen play a critical role in the pathogenesis of cancer, as well as a host of other human diseases. Beta-glucan acts as an anti-cancer agent, which reduces both nitrosative and oxidative stress. The researchers said that, “reactive oxygen and nitrogen react with proteins to cause impairment of their function [and] nitric oxide enhances the effect … and becomes a mediator of inflammation.” Inflammation is very often associated with the development of cancer according to many medical experts. Beta glucan in medicinal mushrooms and food Beta glucan, the anti-cancer agent in some foods, is found in shiitake, maitake, an reishi, as well as other fungi. Mushrooms in general, including common white mushrooms, crimini/portobello mushrooms also are high in beta glucan. The triple health benefit effects of mushrooms include the beta glucan fiber, which provide immune-boosting properties and anti-cancer as well as anti-tumor effects. Barley and oats, both of which provide dietary fiber and are good for the heart (promote cardiovascular health) also have beta glucan. Oats, in particular, have hypocholesterolemic effects. No one ingredient, even if it is beta-glucan, can cure cancer by itself. A healthy lifestyle is required to ward off disease and keep the human body healthy, but beta- glucan in medicinal mushrooms provide a huge immunity enhancement up to 10 times the normal rate of other foods. This makes mushrooms like reishi, shiitake, and maitake all excellent candidates for people who are fighting cancer, in cancer remission, preventing cancer, and would like to follow chemotherapy or supplement other cancer therapies. Please discuss the use of mushroom supplements with your doctor or physician before making any dietary or other changes in your health plan. Please go to this site to order Ganolife Gourmet Coffee enriched with Ganoderma, www.ganolifevo.com/wwammcafe.

Cold Brew Coffee Is Hardly A New Innovation

Cold brew coffee is hardly a new innovation and neither are pre-packaged options. Canned and bottled coffee just makes sense for convenience's sake. Shelves are increasingly stocked with java-based beverages including sweet, flavored Frappuccinos, no-nonsense Italian espressos and the wealth of Japanese canned coffees that have been distributed since the 1960s. Now bottled cold brew coffee, made by a longer and more expensive process, is taking off. Cold brew coffee is brewed in room temperature water, rather than hot. This results a concentrate that is then combined with cold water and ice. This is a more involved process than making “iced coffee,” which is generally hot-brewed, cooled and poured over ice. The brewing typically takes 12 or more hours to complete. Since extraction is simply the dissolving of coffee grounds, it makes sense that this different timing alters the final flavor. The longer extraction opens up new flavors that before, may have been masked by iced coffee’s acidity. The process yields something lighter in color and taste, and it may even seem sweeter. Stumptown Coffee Roasters has distributed bottled cold brew across the U.S. since 2011. Their “Stubbies” are available in Stumptown locations, as well as in other specialty stores and larger retailers like Whole Foods Market. In the past year, brewers across the board, including Birch, La Colombe and others, have begun bottling their versions. On the ground of these larger companies' success, Ports Coffee & Tea Co. is barreling forward. This unassuming New York shop released their first bottled brew just last month and with it, a pre-packaged latte. “We’ve been making cold brew since the beginning,” said manager Urban Eisley, who has been with Ports since 2011. Eisley and his staff only select in-season coffees and fresh beans, and only produce enough bottles to keep their customers happy. “It’s a small operation. It’s all hand-bottled, super small batches.” So, while this week, you may get an Ethiopia Chelba, next week will be the fresher, tried and tested option. But it’s the bottled "cold brew latte” - especially made with dairy milk, rather than nut milk - that has rarely been seen before. Reconstituting cold brew concentrate with milk, not water, produces an approachable, easy-to-drink latte. "I see a cold brew latte becoming the standard," said Eisley. In line with Ports' observation that the bottling trend has picked up with surprising speed, they predict that the cold brew latte boom will inevitably follow, and they wanted to be there at the start. Revolucion Coffee + Juice in San Antonio, Texas is also at the forefront of the nascent movement and recently introduced a cold brew latte, available with organic dairy and non-dairy options, as well as one sweetened with organic coconut palm sugar. A blog post touts the benefits of the lower-acid cold brew for people who have digestive issues, or just plain old drink a lot of coffee throughout the day. And with easy-sipping cold brew lattes just a bottle top away, it's not hard to see why more coffee drinkers might crank up their consumption of this cool new caffè. No cold brew shipping to you yet? Ross Beamish of Caffé Vita advised in this Eatocracy tutorial: Start with a clean, dry French press (6 cup or larger) and add one half pound of coarsely ground coffee. (Conveniently, a French press grind works optimally.) Add 5 cups of cold, filtered water and stir gently. Cover the top of the press with a towel or plastic wrap and let it sit (brew) for 8 hours. After the brew time has completed, plunge the French press as normal. You’ll want to select a vessel to decant the coffee into, a mason jar with a lid works well. Pour the brewed coffee through a mesh strainer into the container and store in the fridge, the brew will keep well for up to a week. To serve, dilute two parts cold filtered water to one part cold brew and serve on ice. You can dilute the cold brew with milk for a creamier product. Go to this site to order Ganolife Gourmet Coffee Today! www.ganolifevo.com/wwammcafe.

Pour-Over Coffee

Editor's note: Samantha Reichman is a production assistant at CNN Tonight and a trained barista. (CNN) -- As local coffee culture seems to be approaching critical mass, the need for a superior, distinctive product is becoming even more pressing. Caffeine aficionados are also experiencing a phase of experimentation. Myriad styles of coffee preparation and presentation combined with selective sourcing allow for unprecedented levels of personal flair. But can individuality truly be achieved at an espresso bar? One ceremony in particular comes to mind: "pour-over" coffee, also known as "hand pour coffee," is a brewing style used to produce a single cup at a time. This method was not concocted behind the bar of any Stumptown or Blue Bottle location; rather it migrated here from the Far East, Japan to be exact. It was only adopted by coffee epicures and American roasting companies in the past decade, and the time constraints of many customers have prevented the practice from taking off, especially in grab-and-go-style businesses. The practice gained exponentially more buzz last year when the New York Times examined the origin of the pour-over. In all, the process takes three to four minutes to complete, and the wait is worth it. The benefits of pour-over compared to other brewing tactics lie in the timing and control in the wrist. Infusing the ground coffee for the correct length of time with a controlled hand will produce a fuller, fruity taste, often accented with floral notes. Take a minute (or two...or three...) and steep in this beginner's tutorial on brewing a single cup of glorious coffee via the pour-over method. Supplies you'll need: Fresh coffee (roasted under two weeks week prior to brewing) Coffee grinder Single-cup drip coffee cone (ceramic or glass) Paper filter to fit Kettle with a swan-necked spout (for precision pouring) Gram scale (extremely helpful when beginning) Coffee cup Step 1 Select your beans. Single-origin beans, rather than a blend, are preferred with this process because they offer a subtle range of flavors that are region specific. Because it is brewed to order in shops, you can become familiar with the product of various countries by simply ordering a cup from, say a Nicaraguan town, or sample them yourself by purchasing small quantities of beans at a time. Step 2 Heat water in the kettle and grind coffee to medium-fine ground: finer than auto drip but coarser than what would be used to draw a shot of espresso. A good gauge would be to measure 1.5-2 grams of coffee for every fluid ounce you intend to drink. In this example, we'll consider a 16 ounce cup that will require approximately 30-32 grams of coffee. Step 3 Fold the edge of the filter or trim away the excess and place in your dripper. Position the dripper on top of the cup. Step 4 Use kettle to pre-wet the filter with water between 195°F and 205°F; the kettle will reach this temperature after 35-40 seconds after it has been removed from boiling heat. This will prevent a paper taste as well as preheat the cup. Dump water from cup. Step 5 Place the whole contraption atop a gram scale and tare (zero-out) the scale, so that it can properly measure the amount of water. Step 6 Pour just enough water over the grounds to cover evenly. Let this sit for 30 to 50 seconds, or until the "bloom" has settled. This is called "pre-infusing" and it allows carbon dioxide to naturally escape from the coffee. Step 7 This is where the precision and patience come into play. Begin pouring again very slowly, allowing the water level reach halfway up the cone, for optimal "extraction". Continue pouring in a circular motion, working your way out, avoiding pouring directly onto the filter. This should last 40 to 45 seconds. Pause long enough in order to let the grounds settle, then begin pouring again until the scale has reached about 515 grams in total (Note: grams of water also differs based on grams of coffee). Extra helpings: Step 8 Wait until the stream slows to a drip, remove the filter, dump the grounds and enjoy your well-deserved, home brewed cup of coffee. Step 9 (Optional) Complement with a light citrus dessert to further enhance the flavors. Keep in mind that perfecting the pour-over process is personal. Yes, a particular portion of water will enrich the flavor of the coffee in a specific way, but each individual also maintains a unique palate. Practice your steady, even pouring technique at intervals that you prefer and you will be just fine, says this barista. Please go to this site to order Ganolife Gourmet Coffee Today! www.ganolifevo.com/wwammcafe.

5 Hottest New Coffee Shops In The U.S.

Kate Krader (@kkrader on Twitter) is Food & Wine's restaurant editor. When she tells us where to find our culinary heart's desire, we listen up. Bad news for all the trazillions of coffee drinkers: It looks like the price of java will soon start climbing. Thanks–or no thanks–to dry weather in Brazil, coffee beans are about to get pricier. Which means that if you have to start paying more, you should make sure your cup(s) of coffee are especially great. Here are five new places for an extra good jolt of caffeine. Joule - Raleigh, North Carolina (@joulecoffee) At this groovy new spot in an old pawnshop, the seasonally changing coffee menu features drip coffee, cold brew, espresso, pour-over and iced pour-over coffees, which are chilled down with a coffee ice cube made with the same beans as the drink. The house chai is sweetened with sorghum, and espresso-with-milk drinks can have a shot of it added, as well. The place is the brainchild of local hero chef Ashley Christensen, who sells snacks like beer-bacon-and-cheddar muffins and sit-down dishes such as Carolina shrimp and grits. Bad Wolf Coffee - Chicago, Illinois (@badwolfcoffee) In this small place with turquoise walls and no chairs, the selection of drinks is small, too: Counter Culture coffee and/or Rishi tea. But the owner, Jonathan Ory, a veteran of Schwa in Chicago and Momofuku in New York, makes the place extra special with superb French pastries, including the over-the-top caramelized croissant called kouign amann. Like all the baked goods, they sell out every day. Wright Bros Brew & Brew - Austin, Texas Wright Bros labels itself as a new kind of watering hole, a 50/50 destination coffee shop and bar (smart). The coffee program includes Aeropress (a hand-press coffeemaker that uses air pressure to extract a wide range of flavors from grounds), filtered coffee and espresso from the local roaster Flat Track as well as Bay Area specialists Sightglass and De La Paz. And then there’s the bar: 38 craft beers on tap, plus cider and wine. Depending on what you’re drinking, you can dig into superfood granola with quinoa, flaxseed and coconut oil, or a pressed pastrami Reuben with house-made sauerkraut. Slate Coffee Bar - Seattle, Washington (@slatecoffee) What started as an Airstream trailer–based operation is now an honest-to-goodness coffee bar with a menu of drinks and the option of having the barista make the call for you. There’s a wide variety of precisely roasted beans here, but minimal add-ins: only whole milk or soy milk. Don’t look for the sugar or cream or chocolate macadamia nut syrup here because they don’t have any—it’s all about the coffee at Slate. House Roots Coffee - Valencia, California (@houseroots) For now, this tiny, super popular, 3-day-a-week pop-up coffee shop operates out of the Valencia House of Prayer. The House Roots folks are raising funds to build a brick-and-mortar place in the San Fernando Valley, and plan to donate the profits from every cup of coffee and pastry to local community programs and disaster relief. The Santa Cruz–based Verve coffee roasters and Portland, Oregon–based Heart and Coava roasters supply the beans. Go to this site to order Ganolife Gourmet Coffee Today! www.ganolifevo.com/wwammcafe.

New link between coffee beans and human genes

(CNN) -- You can blame that third cup of Joe on your genes. A recent study has found six new genetic variants that could dictate the volume -- and frequency -- of a person's daily coffee consumption. Perfect your coffee pour-over The research was led by Marilyn Cornelis of the Harvard School of Public Health, and published on Tuesday by the journal Molecular Psychiatry. "Overall, we have known for a long time that there are some genetic components for our coffee-consuming behaviors," Cornelis told CNN. Researchers were able to identify six regions in human DNA that were not previously linked to coffee-drinking behavior, which could explain why one drinker will lie awake at night twitching after one cup while another can gulp down the whole pot before their REM cycle. The study analyzed data from several studies that polled more than 120,000 people on how much coffee they drink a day, then scanned their DNA. Go to this site and order Ganolife Gourmet Coffee. www.ganolifevo.com/wwammcafe.

Does your doctor have ties to big pharma? How you'll be able to find out

Does your doctor have ties to big pharma? How you'll be able to find out. By Amanda Cochran. Big pharma routinely pays doctors to promote its products, but soon patients will be able to get a clearer picture about a doctor's possible connections to the companies that make the drugs they may prescribe. The Affordable Care Act includes the Sunshine Act, which requires all pharmaceutical and medical device companies to publicly report all payments to doctors more than $10, according to Charlie Ornstein, a senior editor for the independent, non-profit newsroom ProPublica. The information will be made available in the fall of 2014. "This means patients, for the first time, will have a full window into how closely their doctors work with a pharmaceutical industry and be able to raise this with their doctors if they have questions," he said. The practice of pharmaceutical companies working with doctors to develop new medications to treat conditions and help promote those medications has been in place for decades, but Ornstein, who is investigating this practice, said, "The promotion part has gotten a lot of attention in recent years because drug companies have paid hundreds of millions and sometimes billions of dollars to settle lawsuits that have accused them of improper marketing and giving kickbacks to doctors." Ornstein continued, "It's illegal to give kickbacks to a doctor to prescribe drugs, but it is legal to give money to doctors to help promote your drug. Some doctors make tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars a year beyond their normal practice just for working with the industry." So why should patients be concerned? Ornstein said it's about trust: "When you go to your doctor, you trust that the doctor is giving the best medication for you, but there's a lot of different interests that your doctor has to take in mind in prescribing you drugs," he said. "It makes sense as you're paying more and more for the cost of your medications that they're trying cheaper alternatives first, a generic drug, for example or encouraging you to try non-medication alternatives to reach your goals perhaps first." If you do have questions for your doctor, there are ways to ask the question without sounding confrontational, according to Ornstein. "You can ask about the nature of their payment," he said. "But even if you didn't want to raise the payment (issue), you can ask about other alternatives. You can ask about drugs that your insurance company will cover. You can ask about changing your lifestyle first." In response to this story, Matthew Bennett, senior vice president of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, released a statement to CBS News: "The discovery of new and improved medicines is dependent on research collaborations between physicians and biopharmaceutical companies. Clinical trials sponsored by biopharmaceutical companies have led to breakthroughs for people suffering from cancer and other life-threatening diseases." Asked if there's a negative side to the Sunshine Act, Ornstein said, "There's no question that doctors working with pharma to create new products is in the benefit of all Americans. I think the issue that is controversial is working to help promote those drugs. And many leading academic medical centers and bioethicists say it's perfectly responsible for doctors to work with pharma on the creation of drugs, but leave the marketing to sales representatives, not to doctors." ProPublica has a tool called Dollars for Docs that has a search tool that purports to show whether your health professional received drug company money. © 2014 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Myths About Caffeine #9

Myth or Fact? Caffeine comes with calories galore. Myth: On their own, coffee and tea have no calories or fat. It’s the flavored syrups, whole milk and cream that turn innocent caffeinated drinks into calorie bombs. Those tasty blended drinks can contain 200-600 calories. And the creamers found in many offices? Two tablespoons can add 80 calories and four grams of fat - equal to a pat of butter. To cut calories, choose the smallest serving, either 8 or 12 ounces. Order your beverage with fat-free or skim milk and skip the syrup, whipped cream and sprinkles! Drink Caffeine 8-oz. brewed coffee 133 mg 8-oz. decaf coffee 5 mg 2-oz. Starbucks double espresso 150 mg 12-oz. Diet Coke 47 mg 8.3-oz. Red Bull 80 mg 8-oz. hot cocoa 9 mg 12-oz. Jolt Cola 72 mg 8-oz. black tea 53 mg Source: Center for Science in the Public Interest Test Your Caffeine IQ You know you depend on that jolt of caffeine, but how much do you know about its effects on your body? Test your caffeine smarts with this quiz. Please go to this site to order Ganolife Gourmet Enriched Coffee. www.ganolifevo.com/wwammcafe

Myths About Caffeine #8

Myth or Fact? Caffeine is unhealthy for pregnant women. Fact: So if you’re pregnant, you’ll have to watch how much you drink. Once a woman is carrying, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises no more than one or two cups of coffee a day. The National Institutes of Health recommends consuming no more than 300 mg a day during pregnancy, about 3-4 cups of regular coffee. “The bottom line is, if the intake for a pregnant woman is less than 300 mg of caffeine a day, there should be no harm inflicted upon the baby,” says Linda Burke-Galloway, M.D., Lifescript Pregnancy Expert and a board-certified ob/gyn with the Florida Department of Health. But too much caffeine may cause an irregular fetal heartbeat, which sometimes occurs in “women who eat excessive amounts of chocolate,” Dr. Burke-Galloway says. But don’t worry if you’re trying to conceive; you won’t have to give up the lattes. Research suggests that caffeine has little, if any, effect on the time it takes to conceive, and it’s not a risk factor for infertility. Please go to this site to order Ganolife Gourmet Enriched Coffee. www.ganolifevo.com/wwammcafe

Myths About Caffeine #7

Myth or Fact? Caffeine is linked to fibrocystic breast disease. Myth: Caffeine intake isn’t related to the benign condition of lumpy breasts, reports the American Medical Association. “There's no evidence to support the idea that caffeine causes fibrocystic changes,” says Katherine B. Lee, M.D., a staff physician in Cleveland Clinic’s Breast Center. “It seems to contribute to breast pain, but doesn't cause breast cancer," Dr. Lee says. That's because breast pain is hormonal and caffeine causes blood vessels to dilate, adding to normal monthly breast tenderness. "If a woman experiences breast pain, I inquire about caffeine and usually advise that she cut down on her intake,” she says. Please go to this site to order Ganolife Gourmet Enriched Coffee. www.ganolifevo.com/wwammcafe

Myths About Caffeine #6

Myth or Fact? Caffeine causes bone loss. Fact: Caffeine causes a slight, negligible increase in calcium excretion, according to a study by the Creighton University Osteoporosis Research Center in Omaha, Neb. And you'd have to down three cups of coffee for this to occur. Any calcium loss could be offset by consuming more calcium – a few tablespoons of milk, for example. Even youngsters who drink one or two caffeinated beverages a day aren’t harming their bones, Sheres says, unless they consume them in place of milk. Please go to this site to order Ganolife Gourmet Enriched Coffee. www.ganolifevo.com/wwammcafe

Myths About Caffeine #5

Myth or Fact? Caffeine causes hyperactivity in children. Myth: A kid on a Coke rush will practically bounce off walls. But studies show that a moderate amount of caffeine (40 mg to 200 mg) doesn’t make them hyperactive. (For reference, that 12-ounce can of Coke has 35 mg.) Like adults, kids will get an energy boost from caffeine. But whether it’s soda, green tea or coffee, “on average, one serving a day wouldn’t be considered harmful overall for children,” says Suzanne Sheres, a pediatric clinical dietitian at Nemours Children’s Clinic in Orlando. A bigger concern is the empty calories in soda and high-energy drinks that teens like, she says. In fact, small amounts of caffeine may help children diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It can sharpen their focus and stimulate them to answer questions, Sheres says. So far, long-term studies haven’t shown whether it’s more beneficial to use caffeine than medication. Please go to this site to order Ganolife Gourmet Enriched Coffee. www.ganolifevo.com/wwammcafe

Myths About Caffeine #4

Myth or Fact? Caffeine heightens hypertension risk. A little bit of both: Caffeine does cause a small, short-term boost in blood pressure, but it’s nothing serious, Dr. Messerli says, and has no lingering health effect. In fact, a Harvard University Medical School study of 155,000 female nurses found no link between a decade of coffee drinking – with or without caffeine – and an increased risk of hypertension. Caffeinated colas did increase the risk, but that could be due to the sugar and other ingredients in sodas, not the caffeine. Tea drinking received mixed results. As for men, a 33-year-long Johns Hopkins University study of more than 1,000 participants revealed that coffee played almost no role in hypertension risk. Please go to this site to order Ganolife Gourmet Enriched Coffee. www.ganolifevo.com/wwammcafe

Myths About Caffeine #3

Myth or Fact? Caffeine can make heart disease worse. Myth: Doctors often tell cardiac patients, especially those with high blood pressure, to avoid caffeine. But there’s little proof that it raises the risk of heart attack, sudden death or abnormal heart rhythms. In fact, coffee drinking may reduce risk of heart disease -- one of the benefits of caffeine. People who drank 3-5 cups of coffee a day had the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a 2013 meta-analysis by Harvard University. Drinking tea – black and green – may also have heart-healthy benefits. “Tea in general seems to have cardiovascular benefits,” says Dr. Messerli, also a cardiologist and director of hypertension at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center in Manhattan. “The benefits of tea are probably due to its antioxidant properties,” he says. But not all teas are created equal. Herbal ones, such as chamomile, rosebud and elderberry, don’t have the same antioxidants. Plus, “when you add cream or milk, you may abolish the benefits,” Dr. Messerli says, “because it seems that the milk or the cream prevents the antioxidant substance from acting.” Please go to this site to order Ganolife Gourmet Enriched Coffee. www.ganolifevo.com/wwammcafe

Myths About Caffeine #2

Myth or Fact? Caffeine causes dehydration. Fact: Caffeine is a mild diuretic, but “it’s not very pronounced,” says Franz H. Messerli, M.D., a professor of clinical medicine at Columbia University in New York City. Still, diuretics make you have to pee. The more often you go, the more fluids you lose. And you'll feel more dehydrated because you’re losing more fluids than you’re taking in. “I wouldn’t drink a double espresso before a run, but would have no problem drinking a 12-ounce Coke,” Dr. Messerli explains. That’s because all fluids, even those with caffeine, contribute to the body’s daily fluid total. Please go to this site to order Ganolife Gourmet Enriched Coffee. www.ganolifevo.com/wwammcafe

Myths About Caffeine

Do you crave coffee first thing in the a.m.? Need a Coke in the afternoon? Caffeine has a bad reputation, but is it a myth? Read on for 9 interesting (and somewhat surprising!) caffeine facts... Myth or Fact? Caffeine is addictive. Myth: Although caffeine is considered a mild stimulant, it’s not addictive, according to the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse. Unlike classic stimulants – think cocaine and amphetamines – there’s rarely a strong compulsion to use caffeine. But caffeine can be habit-forming. That’s why you may feel mild withdrawal symptoms if you skip your morning cup of coffee or afternoon pick-me-up. Typical symptoms include headache, restlessness and irritability. Should you decide to give up caffeine, don’t go cold turkey; instead, slowly decrease your consumption over a week. Really though, why bother? Studies show moderate caffeine intake actually enhances your mood and improves alertness. For adults, the American Dietetic Association suggests no more than 200 mg to 300 mg a day, which equals 2-3 cups of coffee. Please go to this site to order Ganolife Gourmet Enriched Coffee. www.ganolifevo.com/wwammcafe

Cordyceps and Melanoma

Cordyceps and Melanoma AUTHOR BRIDGET GREENWOOD Cordyceps and melanoma Cordyceps and melanoma – a cure for skin cancer? Research suggests Cordyceps Sinensis medicinal mushroom could contain important anti-cancer compounds, which could become part of a new treatment for cancer. Scientists with the Taipei Medical University in Taiwan hope to develop future cancer treatments. Many medicines have been developed from natural sources, and scientists worldwide are currently testing extracts from medicinal mushrooms. Researchers Javakumar T, Chiu CC, et al, focused their study on the medicinal mushroom Cordyceps Sinensis. Cordyceps Sinensis has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. This versatile mushroom is now the subject of many scientific studies. Cordyceps is a rich source of antioxidants, and has also been used to treat liver failure. Cordyceps also contains large quantities of other bioactive compounds. The researchers in this study investigated the mushroom’s unique bioactive compounds known as polysaccharides. They extracted these polysaccharides from the Cordyceps, and tested them on melanoma cells. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Melanoma can develop when DNA is damaged, which leads to skin cells mutating and replicating uncontrollably, forming tumors. Melanoma is often caused by UV exposure. Melanoma is usually treatable if detected early. However, if it is not detected the cancer could advance and spread to other parts of the body in a process known as metastasis. If melanoma metastasizes, it becomes much more difficult to treat and can be fatal. Medicinal mushroom Cordyceps Sinensis may prevent melanoma metastasis Taipei University 150x150 Cordyceps and Melanoma Scientists at Taipei University researched Cordyceps and melanoma The researchers knew that melanoma activates specific signaling pathways in the body. These signaling pathways are known as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). The researchers hoped to inhibit the MAPK pathways using Cordyceps Sinensis extracts. A water-soluble polysaccharide fraction was isolated from the Cordyceps, and tested on melanoma cells in a lab. Results were promising. The Cordyceps extracts suppressed cancer cell migration. The researchers hope that this Cordyceps extract could be developed as a potential anti cancer treatment, and could become a treatment for cancer metastasis. Please go to this site and place your order NOW! www.ganolifevo.com/wwammcafe

Medicinal Mushroom Cordyceps Protects Heart in Kidney Disease

Medicinal Mushroom Cordyceps Protects Heart in Kidney Disease AUTHOR BRIDGET GREENWOOD Cordyceps and kidney disease An animal study has found that the medicinal mushroom Cordyceps protects the heart and other internal organs in cases of chronic kidney disease. Could this medicinal mushroom become part of a cure for chronic kidney disease in the future? The medicinal mushroom Cordyceps has been a valuable ingredient in the traditional Chinese medicinal kit for centuries. The versatile fungus was often used to protect against heart and cardiovascular diseases. More recently, medicinal mushrooms are undergoing scientific scrutiny, as researchers find evidence that the medicinal mushrooms’ bioactive compounds can improve our immune systems, have anti-cancer properties, and can act on other diseases. Researchers (Liu X, Zhong F, et al) from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China, wanted to test the traditional belief that Cordyceps sinensis could improve the metabolic function of the heart and other organs in cases of chronic kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease is the progressive loss of kidney function. As yet there is no cure for this disease, which often leads to complications such as cardiovascular disease. There are treatments to slow the advance of the disease, but the final stage–end stage renal disease—is best treated with a kidney transplant. There are currently more people waiting for kidney transplants than there are available organs. For example, in 2010 almost 4300 people in Canada alone were on a waiting list for organ transplants. And, according to the The National Kidney Foundation, as many as 26 million Americans are living with kidney disease. Finding new treatments for kidney disease is therefore a key goal of medical research. Animal trial shows Cordyceps protects against heart injuries Shanghai 150x150 Medicinal Mushroom Cordyceps Protects Heart in Kidney Disease Cordyceps medicinal mushroom may help people with chronic kidney disease: Shanghai study The researchers treated rats with chronic kidney disease with extracts of Cordyceps, or a control substance, for eight weeks. Metabolites were then extracted from the hearts and livers, and analyzed. The Cordyceps extracts had a significant effect on the livers and hearts. The Cordyceps had reversed levels of metabolites which cause heart and liver dysfunction. This positive result has shed new light on the mechanics of chronic kidney disease, and could be used to develop new treatments in the future. Obviously, this was an animal test so if you have chronic kidney disease, you should not change your treatment without discussing it with your physician. However, if your physician agrees to give Cordyceps a try — after all, Cordyceps are really just mushrooms — good quality Cordyceps supplements are available both in dietary supplement stores and online. Please go to this site and place your order NOW! www.ganolifevo.com/wwammcafe

Cordyceps and Liver Failure

Cordyceps and Liver Failure AUTHOR BRIDGET GREENWOOD Cordyceps and liver An animal study has shown that the versatile medicinal mushroom Cordyceps Sinensis is not only a powerful antioxidant, but can also reduce liver injury in cases of liver failure. The medicinal mushroom Cordyceps sinensis has been used to treat a wide range of diseases over the centuries. Cordyceps was even used as a performance-enhancing supplement in the Beijing National Games in 1993 – though the performance-enhancing abilities of this medicinal mushroom have never been widely substantiated. We have reported, however, about a study according to which Cordyceps is able to boost exercise endurance even among people who do not exercise! Many modern medicines were derived from plants and other natural sources. Aspirin, for example, is derived from willow bark. Mushrooms are no exception. Cordyceps contains bioactive compounds known as cordycepin, from which the drug ciclosporin was developed. This drug is widely used in organ transplants, to prevent organ rejection. The bioactive compounds found in Cordyceps are being tested for other effects, too. Cheng YJ, Cheng SM, et al, from China Medical University, Taiwan, published their results of testing Cordyceps extracts on liver failure. Chronic liver failure is a life threatening condition. New medicines to prevent increased liver damage in liver failure patients are continually being developed. The researchers hope that Cordyceps could be the basis for potential new treatments. Cordyceps animal trial shows medicinal mushroom protects liver The researchers gave Cordyceps sinensis to mice with induced liver failure. Results were promising. The mice liver injury was alleviated, and hepatic failure was reduced. This was because Cordyceps contains antioxidants, which reduce the damage caused by oxidative stress. Oxidative stress creates free radical molecules, which can mutate healthy DNA, and can damage healthy cells. Cordyceps’ antioxidant property was demonstrated by protecting the liver from cell damage. The researchers concluded that Cordyceps sinensis could be used as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory to reduce liver injury. Please go to this site and place your order NOW! www.ganolifevo.com/wwammcafe

Cordyceps as Prostate Cancer Treatment

Cordyceps as Prostate Cancer Treatment AUTHOR BRIDGET GREENWOOD The medicinal mushroom Cordyceps is the source of a potential anti-cancer drug: Cordycepin. Cordycepin, derived from the active ingredients of Cordyceps, has strong antioxidant and anti cancer properties. It actually causes cancer cell death. But just how does this medicinal mushroom derivative help kill cancer cells? And, could you use Cordyceps as prostate cancer treatment? A study from the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology, Republic of Korea, was published to explain how cordycepin helps kill cancer cells. Researchers Lee HH, Kim SO, et al, investigated the mechanism responsible for this cordycepin-induced cancer cell death. In their trial they examined prostate cancer cells. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men after skin cancer. In fact, almost 50% of all men will have the pre-cancerous condition known as Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) by the time they are 50. But although many men are diagnosed, prostate cancer can often be successfully treated. According to the American Cancer Society, there are over 2 million prostate cancer survivors living in the US today. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and hormone therapy. Chemotherapy refers to the strong drugs which are effective treatments, including treatments for cancers which have spread to other parts of the body. How does the active ingredient in Cordyceps kill cancer cells? cordyceps caterpillars 300x266 Cordyceps as Prostate Cancer Treatment Cordycepin may cause prostate cancer cells to die Cordycepin induces apoptosis, or programmed cell death. This means the cordycepin causes the patient’s immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells. However, some prostate cancer is resistant to these pro-apoptotic drugs. How does the cordycepin manage to treat this resistant cancer? The researchers found that cordycepin also stimulates autophagy. Autophagy is another immune response. Autophagy is a normal process, essential to our health. Simply put, autophagy causes damaged or stressed cells to die. This is a form of non-apoptotic programmed cell death. Any targeted cancer cells which are resistant to pro-apoptotic drugs will nevertheless be killed by the autophagy drugs. The study concluded that cordycepin (from Cordyceps) is a potential treatment for pro-apoptotic resistant prostate cancer. Please go to this site and place your order NOW! www.ganolifevo.com/wwammcafe