Category: Olive oil, cold pressed, extra virgin olive oil, skin, hair, beauty, diabetics, foot ulcers, skin ulcers, dermatitis, psoriasis

10 facts : Tomatoes 🍅 are anti-cancer agents !

by drjurisharma, posted in antioxidant, Antioxidant,anti inflammatory, immune boosting, anti cancer, Blog, Brain, nervous system, gastrointestinal disease, autism, cancer, Cancers, death, disease,, canned food, Food, Food, eating habits, eating disorders, eating preferences, choices, culture, traditions, travels, family, gut health, gut bacteria, hormones, Gastrointestinal, GI tract, healing, health, Heart disease, Heart, cardiovascular disease, cardiomyopathy, Lung cancer, Nature,, Obesity, weight loss, Olive oil, cold pressed, extra virgin olive oil, skin, hair, beauty, diabetics, foot ulcers, skin ulcers, dermatitis, psoriasis, Science, self healing, Skin, hair, Tomatoes, anti cancer, antioxidants, anti inflammatory, lycopene, beta carotene, vitamin, minerals, wellness

1. Tomatoes are a powerhouse of minerals and vitamins and the second most consumed vegetable in the world. In addition to these nutrients, tomatoes also contain phytochemicals. These compounds are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. They fight oxidative stress, reduces the damage caused by free radicals. Among the phytochemical groups,carotenoids are present in tomatoes which gives it bright red, orange colour. Lycopene is a type of carotenoid which is highly present in tomatoes has anti-cancer properties. Besides these, lycopene helps to prevent many lifestyle chronic diseases. Tomatoes have been a widely consumed vegetable across the human race, in all cuisines because of their taste, tanginess and versatility.

2. Tomatoes are low in calories, high in water content and rich in nutritional value. They have a rich nutritional profile which includes lycopene, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and many more functional compounds. Mostly, it is grown worldwide and has different varieties in colour and size, according to the climatic conditions and soil composition. Tomato peels are also rich in protein and polyphenol compounds. The main compounds found in tomatoes are :

• Vitamin C, vitamin K1

• Potassium, folate

• Lycopene

• Beta – carotene

• Naringenin, Cholinergic acid, homovanillic acid.

3. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which is found in peels, flesh and seeds. Lycopene is a very potent hydrocarbon whose antioxidant capacity is twice as powerful as beta-carotene and ten times more powerful than tocopherol. Lycopene prevents cellular oxidative stress by protecting DNA from damage, which is responsible for many chronic diseases. It can capture and neutralize the harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) so, known as a ROS scavenger. It enhances apoptosis, inhibit cell proliferation in cancer cells. Besides the anti-cancer activity, it has potent health benefits and prevents the risk of heart diseases and age-related eye diseases. Apart from these, there are other nutrients like beta-carotene, which acts as a precursor for the production of many vital phytochemicals.

4. Health benefits: Due to being rich in phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals, tomatoes have a long list of health benefits:

• Anti-cancer properties due to the presence of lycopene, beta-carotene, vitamin C, ferric acid and healthy fibre.

• Heart-friendly, as it reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, hypertension and inflammation.

• Carotenoids help to reduce insulin resistance, lower blood sugar, and prevent diabetes.

• Lycopene prevents neurodegenerative disease.

• Promotes skin health

• Maintain a healthy gut microbiome

5. Anti-cancer activity: Strong evidence from various human-based research studies has shown that tomatoes reduce the risk of cancers. Some of the outcomes of studies are :

•Since tomatoes are non-starchy vegetables, they reduce the risk of colorectal, lung, oesophageal, throat, larynx, and stomach cancers.

•Limited evidence has shown a decreased risk of breast, prostate and bladder cancers.

•Rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, free radical scavengers, they protect against cellular damage, lowers the risk of chronic degenerative diseases, helps fight cancer.

6. Tomato processing: Tomatoes are both eaten raw and in processed form. Tomato processing in the form of cooking, heating, boiling, and crushing can, in fact, increase its antioxidant effect and anti-cancer properties rather than damaging them. Important points :

• Enhanced lycopene absorption: Heating and mechanical breakdown can break the rigid cell wall of the tomatoes, making them easier to absorb.

• Increase healthy fat absorption: Cooking with healthy oils (olive oil) increases lycopene absorption as it is fat-soluble.

•Tomato products like paste, puree, and sauces are concentrated, so they can provide higher absorption of lycopene than raw tomatoes.

• Heating might affect other vitamins and minerals, but lycopene, which is known for anti-cancer activity, can be well absorbed.

7. Tomato-based products: Tomato products like canned tomatoes, paste, juices, puree, and sauces usually have a positive impact on health, as cooking and heating increase the bioavailability of lycopene and other antioxidants compared to raw tomatoes. Cooking and heating break down tomatoes cell walls and increases the higher density of lycopene due to the concentrated forms than eating raw tomatoes. Cooking with healthy oil like extra virgin olive oil even further increases the absorption of lycopene, as it is fat-soluble. Drizzling olive oil on tomato salad is necessary, as it can help in the absorption of the nutrients in the vegetables.

8. Commercial tomatoes v/s farm grown: Commercial companies usually harvest tomatoes in the early stage while they are green and immature to prevent spoilage by pests, birds and other environmental factors. To ripen them, they spray ethylene gas, which makes them ripen and turn red in colour. This method can affect the nutritional profile of the tomatoes which are normally present. Locally grown tomatoes which have ripen naturally are the best ones which are better choices. So, when buying tomatoes from the supermarket, one should always verify where the tomatoes are being sourced.

9. Safety: Although tomatoes are usually safe for the majority of people. There are instances of tomato allergy when the individual should avoid the vegetable. People with pollen- food allergy syndrome or latex allergy should avoid eating tomatoes, as the vegetable protein can mimic pollen to which the immune system can react, causing a swollen mouth and throat, itching, and redness.

10. Takeaway: Tomatoes should be a part of a healthy routine diet as this vegetable is full of nutrients and antioxidants which can help in decreasing the risk of many chronic diseases including cancers. Due to the presence of lycopene and beta-carotene, research has proved that this vegetable has anti-cancer activity and can prevent many cancers. Tomatoes in concentrated forms like puree, paste, and sauces are better than raw tomatoes, as heating and cooking can increase the absorption of lycopene and beta-carotene.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

10 facts : Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), a potent topical supplement 🫒

by drjurisharma, posted in antioxidant, Antioxidant,anti inflammatory, immune boosting, anti cancer, Blog, Food, hair, healing, health, Nature,, Olive oil, cold pressed, extra virgin olive oil, skin, hair, beauty, diabetics, foot ulcers, skin ulcers, dermatitis, psoriasis, Science, self healing, Skin, hair, Vitamin, iron, minerals, wellness

1.Olive oil is a healthy cooking oil which has been used through centuries for tremendous health benefits is a known fact. Not just cooking, cold-pressed olive oil has several other benefits, including a potent topical agent. The oil is composed of many valuable compounds that have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant effects and restorative properties. It is composed of 98% fatty acids such as triglycerides, oleic acids, and linoleic acids, which reduce inflammation, have an anti-ageing effect, repair epithelialized tissues and have wound healing properties.

2. Cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil is the purest variety wherein the olives are ground and pressed to extract the oil without any application of heat. So, all the valuable fatty acids and nutrients are restored. Various studies have shown that apart from the beauty benefits, skin hydrating and anti-ageing effects, EVOO polyphenols help in soft tissue regeneration, stimulate growth of human fibroblasts, wound healing and various therapeutic benefits. EVOO has been found to stimulate fibroblasts, which contribute to tissue growth and integrity and hence help in wound healing.

3. Skin benefits: Olive oil has been used for centuries to maintain young, beautiful skin. Some of the skin health benefits are :

• Hydration: EVOO restores the moisture in the skin, which helps in hydrating and softening the skin, especially during winter.

• Healing wound: EVOO acts as a skin barrier, reduces inflammation and stimulates the growth of skin collagen, so it aids in wound healing.

• Anti-ageing: Polyphenols in olive oil reduce cell damage, plump up the skin due to collagen growth and give the skin a youthful appearance.

• Cleansing: Olive oil can remove pollutants and residue from the skin. It can be used to remove makeup, but excess oil on the skin can cause acne or dark spots when exposed to the sun, as the oil helps to penetrate the UV rays.

Diabetic foot

4. Diabetic ulcers: Diabetic foot ulcers are quite common with people with type II diabetes. Recent studies have shown that the topical application of EVOO on diabetic foot ulcers gave promising results. With regular application, the wound surface and depth are reduced. Due to the anti-inflammatory effect, the healing is faster and better. The wound surrounding tissues look healthier with progressive application, the wound discharge, wound grade and healing significantly improve.

5. Painkiller: EVOO contain a polyphenol called oleocanthal, which acts like NSAIDS (ibuprofen) by inhibiting pain pathways. It can suppress the prostaglandin system and acts like a natural pain reliever. It reduces inflammation because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Regular messaging over the painful region topically and regular consumption can reduce the symptoms of arthritis, sore body parts or sore muscles. Though it is an excellent pain reliever and helps in joint and muscle recovery, it should not be a replacement for prescription medicine and should be used as a supportive measure.

6. Hair and scalp: EVOO is rich in vitamin E, which is a powerful agent that protects from hair damage while stimulating hair growth. Oleic acid deeply moisturises the hair strands and prevents drying and hair fall. Some of the amazing hair and scalp benefits of EVOO are :

• Olive oil can work as a deep hair conditioner and prevent damage and dullness.

• Olive oil can act as an anti-inflammatory agent and soothe scalp irritation, prevent dandruff, moisturise hair roots, and stimulate blood circulation, which helps to nourish the hair root.

• Olive oil can promote hair-strengthening benefits and provide heat protection before hair straightening or curling.

• Best hair benefits are achieved by gently massaging the slightly warm oil overnight, applying it towards the roots and scalp.

Pressure ulcers

7. Perineal and Pressure ulcers: Studies showed that EVOO topically massaged accelerates healing in the case of perineal ulcers following Episiotomy because of its potent anti- inflammatory, antioxidant, and tissue regenerative effects. In case of chronic lesions like pressure ulcers, regular application can reduce the ulcer area and the depth of the lesion. EVOO with high content of bio active compounds can promote deep hydration, protection against infection, pain relief, and accelerate the healing process when applied regularly.

8. Psoriasis: EVOO has been used as a common home remedy to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis when taken both topically and in the diet. Due to the presence of anti-inflammatory polyphenols, regular topical use can reduce itching, locking up moisture in affected regions like the knees, elbows, and scalp. Warm olive oil in bathwater when used can further relieve the skin irritation and itching, and reduce inflammation.

9. Side effects : Though EVOO is nutrient-dense and rich in polyphenols and antioxidants and a powerful topical agent, like all compounds, it also has some side effects, which should be considered as well. So, using olive oil topically requires proper medical/ health professional guidance. Some side effects are :

• Olive oil, when applied directly, can disrupt the skin lipid barrier and may worsen the irritation or sometimes flare up the inflammation.

• It can clog pores, trapping the microbes on the skin, causing acne, blackheads, and darkening the pigmented spots as it allows UV rays to penetrate the skin.

• Prolonged use can affect the skin’s moisture barrier, causing redness, irritation, and allergic reactions. In infants, it can result in eczema and rashes.

10. Takeaway: Though olive oil has proven results for being a potent topical agent as a pain reliever, beneficial for skin, hair, face issues and wound healing, it should be used with clinical guidance to reduce the risk of adverse effects. Before using, some simple steps are:

• Patch test: Apply to a small area like the forearm and wait for a day or 2 to see any adverse reaction.

• Starting to use only a thin layer of oil, a minimal amount and removing the excess oil with a wet cloth.

• Unless recommended, people with oily skin, acne-prone skin, or a history of allergy should completely avoid using it.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏