I came across this article recently and was startled by the information and claims about cancer, and the cures available. This was written by a man whose beloved wife died of cancer and then embarked on a full-time research project to find a better way to treat cancer. So he set out to find alternative choices for anyone who has cancer. In his book Cancer-Free he reveals exceptional treatments that are quietly saving patients with cancers of all kinds and at all stages, even advanced and “terminal” cases!

Even if you are not suffering from cancer, you must read his book and share it with friends and colleagues or someone you know who has cancer. This may save their lives. Read on and see what this man, Bill Henderson, has to say about cancer…

Dear Friends,

I remember November 1, 1994, as if it were yesterday. That’s the day my wife, Marge, died from the poisonous effects of chemotherapy.

Let me tell you something: it wasn’t cancer that killed my wife. It was the cancer treatment. The chemo destroyed her immune system, made her feel miserable, and broke down her will to live. She said the chemo made her feel “like hell.” It sickened her so much that she wanted to die.

The doctors were hell-bent on killing my wife’s cancer, and they met their goal — but their drugs also killed the patient.

I’m writing you this letter because I don’t want you or your loved ones to go through the nightmare my wife went through. I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy.

How I discovered a gentle way to beat cancer

If I’d known then what I know now, my wife would probably still be alive today. Believe it or not, I found an incredibly powerful yet gentle way to beat cancer — a way that makes the patient feel good and healthy. In fact, you can cure almost any cancer at home — even “terminal” cancers — for pennies on the dollar compared to the $10,000-a-month chemo drugs.

And without any miserable side effects.

You see, after Marge’s death, I embarked on a full-time research project to find a better way to treat cancer. And in my research I found a suppressed cure — a miracle that literally “melts” cancer away.

But don’t expect to hear about this cure from your doctor. He probably doesn’t know about it, because the drug-oriented medical establishment has suppressed it. Why? Because big profits are at stake.

As the late physician, author, and diet guru Dr. Robert Atkins, M.D., once said:

“There is not one, but many cures for cancer available. But they are all being systematically suppressed by the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, and the major oncology centres. They have too much of an interest in the status quo.”

But even if your doctor knew about the natural cure for cancer, he could get into big trouble with his medical board for recommending a cancer treatment other than chemotherapy.

That’s right. Your doctor isn’t free to tell you the truth about your cancer treatment options, because health freedom in America is disappearing.

But I’m free to tell you the truth about cancer treatment options because I’m not a doctor. I can speak freely.

Let me briefly introduce myself to you. I’m Bill Henderson, a retired Air Force colonel and a retired business owner.

I write books about how to beat cancer gently and naturally, and I host a radio program on the same subject. What’s more, I’ve spoken with more than 3,000 cancer patients from all over the world over the last several years. In a typical day, six or seven cancer patients call me to ask about their treatment options.

I tell these patients that if I ever had cancer, I’d cure it at home myself instead of using chemo and radiation. Why? Because I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t work.

When you read Bill’s special report Cancer-Free, turn to page 103 and you’ll see for yourself. Among many true stories, he tells about Maria W., who had a cancerous tumor  that caused a swelling under her eye. The doctors explained to her that the tumor was much bigger inside and had invaded the bone.

Her doctors wanted to remove considerable facial tissue and bone. She was a young woman and couldn’t bear the thought of being disfigured for life.

“After four months on this regimen,” she writes, “the swelling under my left eye completely disappeared. The doctors at the university hospital gave me many exhaustive tests. One told me, ‘If I didn’t have your previous x-rays and medical history in front of me, I wouldn’t believe that you ever had cancer.’ ”

Bill Henderson stresses that “there is no single cure for all cancers.” He says there’s no magic bullet, and he’s absolutely right.

But it’s a fact – not an opinion, but a FACT – that thousands of people over the last 50 years have followed this diet and report cancer recoveries that sound like miracles. Bill lists four books you can read to learn more about the diet.

You’ll discover a total of 15 completely safe at-home treatments

Because the right foods are such potent cancer-fighters, Bill Henderson is able to list no fewer than 15 treatments that you can safely do on your own, including:

• The natural treatment that cured Bob Davis of “terminal” cancer. Wracked with tumors the size of “soft balls” in his abdomen and chest, Bob started this nutritional therapy that’s rich in tumor shrinking enzymes. Amazingly, his next CT scan showed the cancer was gone — and that was over ten years ago! (page 111)

• A Chinese medicinal herb that kills thousands of breast cancer cells in as little as 16 hours! (Pretty amazing when you consider it takes over 52 hours for a cancer-weakened immune system to kill a single cancer cell). Tests show the Chinese herb works even better against leukemia — killing those cells in 8 hours! Over thirty years of research in the West shows it’s safe. You can get it for less than $17 a bottle! (page 162)

• How to stop cancer metastasis with a surprisingly simple combination of one vitamin, two amino acids and a plant extract! This amazing formula blocks cancer cells from moving into connective tissue — cancer‘s way of spreading and claiming 90% of its victims! (page

Best of all, 13 of these 15 do-it-yourself treatments are healthy habits for all of us, cancer patients or not. We can use them to help PREVENT cancer.

These are foods and supplements you and I can start today

In fact, he walks you through a whole series of nutritional supplements and alternative therapies that can increase the effectiveness of chemo and radiation while reducing their side effects like fatigue, nausea and pain!

This secret multiplies the power of chemo 10,000 times – and your doctor’s never heard of it!

On page 68 of Bill’s book, he talks about a simple therapy that makes chemotherapy drugs 10,000 times as effective. That means a patient needs very little of the toxic chemo drug to do the job. Just by adding the treatment Bill Henderson reveals, you hang a bull’s eye on each and every cancer cell so the chemotherapy agent goes straight to it and kills it.

A goldmine of information on alternative cancer treatments

Wouldn’t you like to know…

• The four essentials for a successful fight against cancer
• The “most accurate cancer test in the world” according to Bill.
• Are there scams in alternative health? Of course. Here’s how to spot them — including two therapies you should definitely avoid
• Bill Henderson’s final answer to prostate problems.  Within two weeks, all his own prostate symptoms went away, and stayed away for good.

And more. Much, much more.

I hope you can see why Bill Henderson’s newly revised 3rd Edition of Cancer-Free is a must-read for anyone with cancer, anyone with a loved one who’s a cancer patient, and anyone  who just wants to get ready to beat America’s #2 killer (#1 if you’re a woman aged 35-74).

And the most surprising thing…

Bill’s way of beating cancer costs just $104 per month!

I’m not talking about the cost of his report. That’s a measly $27. I’m talking about the cost of his top recommendations. The food and supplements Bill recommends come to just $104 per month, according to him. And I don’t mean you buy them from him. He doesn’t sell them or profit from them in any way. He just tries to give you the cheapest and best sources he can find.

You can click here right now to order Bill Henderson book Cancer-Free.

Don’t Let Your Cancer Doctor Snow You with Big Words

If the “Big C” ever happens to you, here’s how to understand what in the heck your doctor is talking about

Scary. Devastating. Shocking.

Three words that describe what it’s like to get a diagnosis of cancer.

Whether you need it for yourself or a loved one, the following information is essential if you want to understand what’s taking place inside your body, what your doctor is talking about (including the medical jargon), and what to ask your doctor.

To maintain control of your treatment process, it’s critical that you know what the heck your doctors are talking about.

This information will promote you to “captain” of your cancer treatment team. You ALWAYS have the right to say “NO” — and it’s important to know that, because doctors can be very bossy and intimidating. Now you’ll have the knowledge you need to talk back.

Life-threatening vs. non-life-threatening tumors…

Tumors don’t always threaten your life. Doctors use the term “benign” for these types of cancers. “Benign” comes from the Latin words for “kind or generous by nature.”

Contrast that to the word “malignant”… from the same root as malign and malicious. Malignant cancer is characterized by uncontrolled and invasive growth… destructive growth.

Malignant cancer has two major characteristics:

1. It puts down roots and burrows into the tissues of your body.
2. It spreads through your body by generating enzymes that destroy your tissues, and then sending out “seed” cells to start new growths in other areas of your body.

Cancer cells try to take over your entire system…

It’s the spreading of cancer — or metastasizing — that’s so damaging.

Nearly every kind of cancer is characterized by abnormal cells running rampant through your body, looking for new places to lay down roots and penetrate healthy tissue.

Cancer uses three means of spreading through your system:

1. Direct extension — Burrowing deep while expanding into nearby tissue.
2. Travelling through the blood — When a tumor grows beyond 7 mm (about ¼ inch) in diameter, it requires a blood supply to bring in nutrients and remove waste. To send out its new “seed” cells, the cancer uses the bloodstream as a transport mechanism.
3. Via the lymph nodes — Your lymphatic system is an important part of your immune function. Your lymph nodes filter fluids, and catch viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens, so your white blood cells can kill them. Major groups of lymph nodes are found in your neck, underarms, and groin.

Because some cancers spread through your lymphatic system, your doctor might choose to remove a lymph node near your cancer site to see if it contains malignant tissue.

This becomes a sort of score card to help your doctor determine how advanced   your cancer is.

How tumors are named…

Tumors get assigned a category based on where they’re growing, how fast they’re growing, and how big they already are. Although there are nearly 200 types of cancer, there are only three broad categories:

1. Carcinoma. Grows in tissues that line internal organs, usually in organs that secrete something. For example, lung tissue secretes mucus, breast tissue secretes milk, prostate tissue secretes the milky fluid in semen, and pancreas tissue secretes digestive juices.
2. Sarcoma. Develops in supporting or connective tissue, like muscles, tendons, bones, nerves, and blood vessels. A carcinoma can develop a sarcoma, depending on where it metastasizes.
3. Lymphoma and leukemia. Develops in the lymph nodes (lymphoma) or bone marrow (leukemia). Lymphomas are further divided into Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s.

To one of these three terms doctors then add the Latin or Greek name of the organ that’s affected by the cancer. So bone cancer is usually called (by your doctor, at least) “osteo sarcoma”… and stomach cancer “gastric carcinoma.” “Osteo” is the root of the Latin word for “bone” and “gastric” is based on the Latin word for “stomach.”

How doctors define the rate of growth…

If surgery takes place, the surgeon usually removes a section of the tumor and sends it to the pathologist for his best guess about a particular question: “How fast is this cancer growing?” Here’s how they classify the results…

• Well-differentiated tumors — tissue that looks similar to surrounding healthy tissue.
• Undifferentiated tumors — tissue that looks very different and primitive compared to surrounding healthy tissue. Undifferentiated tumors grow faster and have a poorer prognosis than well-differentiated tumors.
• High grade — a poorly differentiated, fast growing, aggressive tumor
• Low grade — a well-differentiated, slow growing and less aggressive tumor

How doctors define the stage of cancer…

Combining the information about where the cancer is growing, how fast it’s growing, and how fast it’s spreading, doctors can tell you what “stage” of cancer you have, and develop a precise plan of therapy.

They call it the TNM system.

• T = Tumor Size. T0 means the tumor was removed through biopsy. T1 is a smaller size tumor, and T2, T3, and T4 are larger.
• N = Number of lymph nodes positive for cancer. N0 means no lymph nodes with cancer… N1, N2, and N3 indicate increasing levels of lymph node involvement.
• M = Presence and degree of Metastasis. M0 means no metastases found. M1 means that metastases were found.

So, for instance, a breast cancer diagnosis might come back:

• T2 (tumor is 2.5 cm=1 inch in diameter)
• N1 (1 lymph node near breast found with malignant cells)
• M0 (no evidence of metastasis.)

Some oncologists use a more big-picture rating system:

• Stage 1 (no metastasis)
• Stage 2A
• Stage 2B
• Stage 3A
• Stage 3B
• Stage 4 (considerable metastasis)

What is cancer and how does It spread?

Cancer at its most basic level is a collection of abnormal cells.

Your body has 60 trillion cells working in harmony to keep you well. This amazing system functions smoothly for most people most of the time.

So what can make this huge cell system go wrong?

It’s cell replication that generally goes wrong. Cell replication is the amazing process by which your cells generate copies of themselves. It’s how one cell divides itself to create two new cells.

Each cell contains a full “library” off all the information needed to create your entire body. It’s called DNA. In cell replication, a cell splits its DNA in half, copies the DNA for each half, then creates new cells that carry on life.

Unfortunately, this replication process can occasionally produce defective cells, which can then become cancer, or tumors.

How you carry the seeds of your own destruction…

You, in fact, carry the seeds of your own destruction in your DNA. They’re called oncogenes — genetic messages that give the “yes” signal to cancer.

These genes in essence “load the gun” — and then your lifestyle choices “pull the trigger”.

Other issues of this newsletter contain information about your lifestyle choices and the impact they can have on your chance of getting cancer. Estimates are that lifestyle accounts for at least 90% of your risk factors, leaving your genes to play only a 5-10% role.

That’s great news for you!

It means that just because other family members have succumbed to cancer doesn’t mean you have to. And, it puts you squarely in charge of your own cancer prevention team.

Tools your doctor might use in the diagnostic process

• Physical exam — The starting point. Your doctor will examine lymph nodes for signs of swelling, perform a Pap smear for cervical cancer, etc.
• Blood tests — Certain markers in your blood can be non-specific indicators of cancer. Many doctors run a battery of tests with every routine check-up. You’re entitled to your records, so I suggest you ask your doctor for a copy of your blood work results, and you can track trends in your numbers over time — and have an historical perspective on your numbers as background when discussing your health with your doctor, or when talking with a new doctor.
• Tumor markers — These are substances in your blood that indicate whether the cancer is getting better or worse. Please note that none of these markers are perfect. All have a tendency to give false negatives (test came back negative, but you do have cancer) and false positives (test came back positive, but you do not have cancer).

Examples might include:

• • CEA — may be elevated in cancers of the colon, breast, lung, and pancreas.
  • CA-125 — elevated in ovarian and uterine cancer.
  • CA 19-9 — elevated in GI tract cancer, such as colon, pancreas, stomach, and liver.
  • CA 15-3 — elevated in breast cancer
  • AFP — elevated in liver and testis cancer
  • HCG — elevated during pregnancy and cancers of the testis, ovary, and lung.
  • PAP — elevated in prostate cancer.
  • PSA — elevated in prostate cancer.
  • Serum protein electrophoresis — elevated in multiple myeloma.
• Tests of your blood, urine, feces and spinal fluid — Your doctor might do any of these.
• Imaging techniques — These enable a doctor to look inside you without literally cutting you open.

Examples include:

• • X-ray (radiography) — Can see through tissue and identify differences in tissue density (tumor vs. healthy). X-ray can easily tell the difference between bone and soft tissue.
  • Soft tissue scans — Nuclear scans, CT (computerized tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and ultra-sound.
  • PET (positron emission tomography) — Doctor injects radioactively labeled glucose into your blood stream, and then uses a device to locate the glucose. Because cancer is a sugar feeder, the radiation-tagged sugar will tend to congregate near tumors.
  • Inspection with a scope — Inserted in various parts of your body to find cancer. A bronchoscope examines your lungs… a cytoscope checks your urethra and bladder… an endoscope sees into your stomach and colon. Flexible fiber optic telescopes can also remove tissue for later examination.
• Biopsy — Surgical removal of the suspect tissue for a pathologist to examine for cancer stage and protocol recommendations.

Two types of biopsy include:

• • Incisional — Cutting into the tumor, removing part of it, and stitching it closed.
  • Excisional — Removing the entire tumor.

A word of warning…

Bear in mind that each of these types of testing can have its own set of side effects, including causing any existing cancer to spread. This has been seen with mammograms. You can learn more about the risks of mammograms and biopsies from our special report, Beat Breast & Prostate Cancer without Surgery, Chemo and Radiation.

My best advice is to live such a “clean” lifestyle that you never need these tests except for routine blood work. But the purpose of this article is to explain what your doctor may want to do to diagnose your illness.

Please research the test(s) they recommend before consenting to them, for your own information and peace of mind.

Your typical cancer team…

There are clinics that achieve excellent results with simple, completely safe treatments — and without side effects such as hair loss, nausea, and worse. I recommend you check them out in our Special Reports Cancer Breakthrough USA, German Cancer Breakthrough, and Adios, Cancer. These reports deal with the best alternative cancer clinics we’ve been able to find in the U.S., Germany and Mexico, respectively.

But if you decide on conventional cancer treatment, here’s a list of the “standard” doctors on a typical cancer team in a mainstream hospital.

Always remember that YOU (or a trusted advocate) are the captain of your treatment team. As captain, you hold the final say.

• Oncologist — MD or DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) with specialized training in cancer and chemotherapy.
• Radiologist — MD or DO with specialized training in diagnostic use of x-ray, MRI and CT scans.
• Radiation Oncologist — MD or DO with specialized training in radiation therapy treatments.
• Surgical Oncologist — MD or DO with specialized training in surgical removal of cancer masses.
• Pain Management Specialist — MD or DO specializing in dealing with the pain that comes with cancer.
• Internist — MD or DO with training in internal medicine and the biochemistry of how your body works.

Each year, 1.4 million Americans are newly diagnosed with cancer. More than 50% of those will have one of these common cancers:

• Prostate cancer — 232,000
• Breast cancer — 212,000
• Lung cancer — 172,000
• Colorectal cancer — 144,000

But the bottom line is that each of these starts with an abnormal growth that could multiply exponentially because of poor food choices, organ failure, or infection.

Nutrition can improve the outcome of nearly any type of cancer, regardless of which type of medical therapy you choose.

Lee Euler,
Publisher

Cancer Free

Health Disclaimer: The information provided above is not intended as personal medical advice or instructions. You should not take any action affecting your health without consulting a qualified health professional. The authors and publishers of the information above are not doctors or health-caregivers. The authors and publishers believe the information to be accurate but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. There is some risk associated with ANY cancer treatment, and the reader should not act on the information above unless he or she is willing to assume the full risk.

I started drinking lemongrass juice after reading an article about its amazing cancer healing ability. It is not because I have cancer but as a great fan of fruit juices I was curious what it tastes like. I prompted my wife to try it out and she happily concocted a lemongrass drink which is wonderfully fragrant and refreshing.

Lemongrass Farm

Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 8 large stalks of fresh lemongrass, without leaves
• 4 x 250ml cups of water
• 3 tablespoon of pure natural honey (add more if you prefer sweeter)
• 2 tablespoon of lemon juice (adjust amount to suit your taste)

Lemongrass stalks

Preparation:

1. Cut off the knob at the bottom part of the stalk.
2. Wash it in water and peel off the first layer of the stalk that may have turned brown.
3. Use a pestle or the blunt side of a heavy knife and bruise the stalks especially at the thickest and juiciest part of the stalk to split it open. This helps to release the juice when boiling.
4. Put the lemongrass stalks in the water and bring it to a boil. When the water starts to boil, turn the flame down and simmer for about 20 minutes. The water should take on a light yellowish tinge.
5. Let it cool to room temperature and add 3 tablespoons of pure natural honey (I use Manuka honey)
6. Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice (optional). You can drink it warm or chilled  (I prefer the chilled version).

Lemongrass juice

Nutritional value of lemongrass:

1 cup of Lemongrass (about 67g ) contains:

Protein – 1.2 g

Phytosterols – 4.5 mg

Total Calories – 66.3

Total Carbohydrate -17 g

Total Fat – 0.3 g

Vitamins A, C, B6, Niacin,  Folate, Riboflavin, and several minerals including Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, Copper, Manganese and Selenium.

Apart from its delightful taste, lemongrass has many medical benefits.

Antibacterial: Lemongrass’s antimicrobial properties help to avert all kind of viral, fungal and bacterial infections.

Blood Pressure: It improves blood circulation and lower blood pressure.

Detoxifies: Lemongrass is diuretic and help to cleanse the body of toxic substances and uric acid

Digestion: Lemongrass has the effect of relaxing the abdomen, reduce belching and stomach pain.

Nervous System: Essential oils made from Lemongrass can be used to soothe agitated nerves, reduce stress and help people with insomnia to sleep better.

Painkillers: Munching Lemongrass has the effect of relieving inflammation, pains and aches.

Lemongrass is commonly used in South East Asian countries to spice up cooking; especially in curries, soups and many other dishes. It is also used as perfume and insect repellent.

Many studies and researches have been done on Lemongrass in the prevention of cancer. Though its effect is inconclusive there are evidences to suggest that it is indeed useful for preventing and treating many types of cancer.

It is definitely safe to consume as a spice and herbal drink. So it does not hurt to give it a try.

I am thinking of planting it in my garden. It smells and looks good too.

Cancer Free

New Discoveries in Cancer Treatments offer more options

According to the World Health Organisation the number of cancer deaths worldwide could double by 2030 to reach 13 million.

Patients who are suffering from lethal types of cancers, like brain, lung, liver, ovarian and pancreas, do not respond well to existing therapies. This is bad news.

However there is good news too. Recent discoveries in cancer treatments are raising more hope for researchers as well as patients.

Cancer experts who met at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology last month were encouraged by the recent victories in treating cancer. Instead of the conventional way of standard chemotherapy, new therapies are taking a bigger role in targeting key tumour functions and destroying the cancer cells by boosting the immune system.

Patients with advanced or metastasized cancers, with limited treatment options, have shown increased rates of survival.

Researchers have discovered that an experimental drug, ipilimumab, can extend the lives of patients suffering from advanced melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer that is increasing at a faster rate than other types of cancer.

Crizotinib, another experimental drug, was also shown to shrink tumours in advanced lung cancer patients.

Patients of advanced ovarian cancer have shown good progress in clinical trials of Avastin, a drug that cuts off supply of nutrient-rich blood to the tumours.

The life expectancy of men suffering from advanced prostate cancer can be significantly improved by adding radiation to hormone deprivation therapy.

Researchers are able to produce cancer vaccines that are more effective by using a common diabetic’s drug known as Metformin. They discovered that this anti-diabetic drug works better by boosting the number of cancer fighting T-cells.

These T-cells have immunological memory and can fight off a tumour that might occur later.

This discovery could revolutionise current strategies for therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines. Therapeutic vaccines are meant to treat illnesses that have already occurred and can be developed to treat many types of cancer including breast, prostate and lung.

Prophylactic vaccines are designed to prevent diseases from developing in healthy people, and can be developed to treat liver and cervical cancers.

In Singapore, scientists have discovered a way to halve chemotherapy costs for advanced breast cancer patients by using a $9 anti-fungal drug meant for dandruff and athlete’s foot infections.

Scientists at the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore found that Ketoconazole, the anti-fungal drug, complements chemotherapy treatment as it impedes an enzyme in the body from breaking down a drug used to treat cancer.

Chemotherapy treatment uses a drug known as Docetaxel to treat breast, stomach, lung and prostate cancers. Patients undergo a total of  four cycles, each cycle once every three weeks and this cost between US$1300 to $1800. Using Docetaxel together with Ketoconazole, the concentration level of the chemotherapy was reduced by 40 per cent and in turn halving the cost while maintaining the desired results.

In a separate trial done recently involving 2000 women from nine countries, it was found that a single dose of radiation during surgery was just as effective for breast cancer patients as receiving weeks of radiation.

This new technique, called Targeted Intraoperative Radiotherapy, could save patients many weeks of post-operation radiotherapy that can include 20 or 30 visits to hospital. It also reduces damage to organs such as the heart, lung and oesophagus from radiation exposure. Although this new technique was applied to women with a similar type of breast cancer, researchers were excited by the findings.

Hopefully before the end of 2010, there will be more great news for cancer patients. Stay tuned.

I have always felt that our great grandparents and people of their generation were more robust and had healthier lifestyles. They ate simple food, worked longer hours and hardly complained.

Fast forward to the 21^st century, where we are faced with modern day conveniences and high tech devices such as smart mobile phones, online shopping, microwave oven, speedy transportation and fast food.

But with all these technological advances and conveniences are we healthier, happier and live longer than our ancestors?

One thing is certain; we are now exposed to an environment which our forefathers were not. The air that we breathe, the earth where we grow our vegetables and fruits and our water resources are now polluted with chemicals.

Our foods are added with harmful synthetic hormones, antibiotics and addictives. When our bodies break down and we become sick, we are fed with drugs and more chemicals.

This modern day stress, unhealthy lifestyles, poor eating habits and a hostile environment have created illnesses that were uncommon in the past.

Cancer, diabetes, asthma, anxiety and depressive disorders, and deep vein thrombosis are just some of the so-called “New Age Diseases” in our modern world.

As we become more affluent, we adopt a Western diet that is high in fat,  carbohydrates, red meat, processed foods and low in fibre. This eating habit has contributed to a rise in colorectal cancer.

Our colon is designed to collect toxic waste and then discharge it. When it is clogged with too much of harmful chemicals and acidic content and insufficient fibre, many things can happen. This includes irregular bowel movements, irritable bowel syndrome, appendicitis, and even colon cancer. In serious cases, it may affect the liver and kidneys.

An unhealthy diet and a stressful lifestyle with little time to exercise are a perfect formula for obesity, diabetes and other health problems.

Obese people are also prone to fatty liver disease which is growing at an alarming rate. This happens when the liver accumulate fat causing inflammation and other liver diseases, such as cancer.

Office workers are spending long hours in front of computers and other digital devices which are getting smaller in footprint. This has led to an increase in aches, pains and sprains of the neck, back, knee and hand joints. In some cases varicose veins may develop. Women who wear high heel shoes or are pregnant and spend long periods of time sitting still or standing are more likely to develop varicose veins.

People who suffer from varicose veins are also at risk of getting deep-vein thrombosis (DVT). This is a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein and stays there. Several cases of people on long-haul flights have been reported to have died from DVT. With more people travelling by air for work and leisure, DVT is becoming a new age disease.

As our world become more urbanised, our air quality deteriorates and respiratory diseases become more common. In some Asian countries, farmers regularly burn large tract of land to clear them for vegetation. The air pollutants resulted from the burning spread to neighbouring countries, and increasing incidents of respiratory diseases, such as asthma.

With our hectic and pressurised lifestyle, we neglect our physical and mental health. The recent financial crash has also created a feeling of powerlessness. These have contributed to more people having depressive disorders. People suffering from these disorders have low mood and energy levels, cannot sleep well, no appetite, cannot focus and unable to enjoy life.

So how do we get out of this predicament and start to enjoy healthy living?

Find out in my next article.

Kiwifruit is one of my favourite fruits. It tastes good and has a long shelf life. Of all the popular fruits consumed in the world today, Kiwifruit is the most nutrient-rich. It is an excellent source of Vitamins C , E and A and high in dietary fibre. Kiwifruit has twice the amount of vitamin C than orange, 3 times that of mango, 11 times that of banana and 16 times that of apple.

It is low in fat and sugar and contains no cholesterol. Most fruits have one or two nutrients but kiwifruit has a broad complement of nutrients. Among the fruits with low-sodium and high-potassium, kiwifruit ranks number one, having more potassium than a banana or citrus fruit. It also contain phosphorous, magnesium and copper.

Health Benefits of Kiwifruit

Cancer

Kiwifruit contains an anti-mutagenic component which helps to prevent the mutations of genes that may initiate the cancer process.
Kiwifruit has been shown to aid the prevention of nitrosation, a process when carcinogenic nitrates, created during smoking or barbecuing of food, is ingested.

In laboratories tests, kiwifruit extract was found to inhibit melanoma, a type of skin cancer.Arginine, an amino acid found in kiwifruit, improve post angioplasty blood flow and actually prevent the formation of plaque in the arteries.

Kiwifruit contains an important phytochemical known as Lutein which is linked to the prevention of prostate and lung cancer.
Studies have indicated that kiwifruit contains a not-yet-isolated compound that accelerates digestive transit time which help to prevent colorectal cancer. This laxative action decreases the build-up of cancer-promoting metabolites.

Kiwifruit is one of the few fruits that are green when ripe, and chlorophyllin, a derivative of chlorophyll, is believed to be an inhibitor of liver carcinogenesis.

Eye Health

Kiwifruit contains Carotenoids lutein, the natural compounds that give various fruits, vegetable and flowers their rich red, orange and yellow colors.

Carotenoids lutein promotes clear vision by absorbing the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays and neutralizing free radicals in the retina (the light-sensitive portion of the eye). This may help to reduce the risk of macular degeneration, an age-related vision disorder that is the leading cause of blindness in older adults. Some studies have revealed that people who consumed a high quantity of carotenoid lutein have a 20 – 50% lower risk of getting a cataract.

Heart Health

Kiwifruit is particularly high in two amino acids: arginine and glutamate. Arginine dilates the arterioles and improve the blood flow which is important for heart health.

Kiwifruit a good source of vitamin E and Magnesium which are crucial for a healthy heart. It also contain pectin which has been shown to lower cholesterol.
Kiwifruit has a good sodium/potassium ratio which is critical for a healthy heart.

Impotence

Arginine is known to be effective in the widening of blood vessels and relaxation of muscles and may be helpful in treating impotence in men.

Depression

Inositol is found in kiwifruit. Recent studies have shown that inositol functions as a precursor of an intracellular second messenger system and is beneficial in the treatment of depression.

Diabetes

The presence of Inositol in the kiwifruit makes it great for diabetes patients, as it helps regulate the body hormones and neurotransmitters.

Stress Reduction

Kiwifruit contains a relatively high level of serotonin which provide a calming effect in most individuals.
Physical Fitness
Kiwifruit contains a wide range of electrolytes that is essential for replenishing those lost during rigorous exercises.

Indigestion

Kiwifruit is highly effective in easing indigestion. It contains an enzyme called actinidin that may make an excellent meat tenderizer. It is also a rich source of potassium, which is needed to stimulate the flow of digestive juices.

Joints Pain

The enzymes found in Kiwifruit could benefit people who suffer from arthritis or fibromyalgia. These enzymes are also beneficial for anyone with low back pain, hip pain and sciatica. If you suffer from inflammation of the joints and muscles you should consume kiwi fruit regularly.
Pregnancy
Kiwifruit contains close to 10% of the recommended daily value of folic acid (vitamin B9) which is vital for the health of mother and child during pregnancy, and for the prevention of birth defects.

Testosterone

Kiwifruit contains Zinc which is important for boys and men because it helps produce testosterone. In addition, Zinc is essential in for healthy hair, skin, teeth and nails
Kiwifruit is an ideal fruit to have for breakfast, or simply as a desert or snack. It is easy to eat and digest which is important for lazy people. It is good to eat a kiwifruit if you have a heavy meal to help digest the protein rich meal.

I love to drink freshly squeezed fruit juices as they not only taste great but come in so many colors and consistencies. Some fruit juices are full of vitamins, nutrients, minerals, digestive enzymes, pure water, and disease-fighting antioxidants. Fruit juices have the power to cleanse your body of toxic wastes.

For example, Pomegranate juice has been claimed to help fight cancer; cranberry juice is good for the brain and help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. The red grape juice, like red wine, is beneficial to the heart. Prune juice which is high in fibre, iron, and potassium contains a natural laxative known as Sorbitol and is recommended for relieving constipation. Perhaps the most common fruit juice which is cheap and easily available is orange juice. It is loaded with vitamin C and has immune-boosting benefits.

Recently I read about a tropical fruit juice which has amazing health properties – the Sour Sop juice. The juice is white with a creamy flavor reminiscent of coconut or banana and has a refreshing sweet sour taste.

Sour sop, which is also known as Guyabano in Spanish and Graviola in Portuguese grows mainly in the tropical regions. The flesh of the fruit consists of a juicy white edible pulp that is high in fibre, carbohydrates, Vitamins C, B1, B2, and potassium. Fortunately it is also low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.

Sour sop can be eaten raw when ripe and can be made into ice-cream, sherbets, candies, tarts, shakes and other beverages.

Sour sop has been used as traditional herbal medicine in many countries. It has been used to suppress spasms, induce sweating and vomiting, Boling the leaves of the fruit tree and drinking it help reduce fever and induce sleep. The crushed leaves can be applied to the skin to alleviate rheumatism and eczema.

Studies on sour sop have been done over the last few decades by leading medical institutions, pharmaceutical companies and universities. Findings and results have shown that certain compounds and chemicals extracted from sour sop fruit, seeds, leaves and bark appeared to kill cancer cells without harming the normal cells. They were proven to be effective in hunting down and killing cancer cells in the breast, lung, prostate, pancreas and colon.

In a separate study, scientists have proved a chemical found in the sour sop selectively killed colon cancer cells at 10,000 times the potency of Adriamycin, a commonly used chemotherapy drug.

Conventional healthcare professionals may regard such alternative medicine and claims as unproven and even harmful. Indeed there are some drawbacks in consuming sour sop. It is known to interact poorly with antidepressants, affect blood pressure and destroy good bacteria in the stomach.

So it is wise to consume fruit juices, including sour sop juice, in moderation, especially those who are obese and diabetic.

As for me, drinking a freshly squeezed fruit juice after an exhausting exercise is a great treat.