Tag: Immune system

VITAMIN C, Vitamin our VITALITY!

VITAMIN C, Vitamin our VITALITY!

According to many experts, the consumption of Vitamin C would be for most people too low. To keep you in good health and have effective protection against disease, researchers estimate that the Recommended Dietary vitamin C shouldbe at least 200 mg per day!

1. What are the advantages of an adequate intake of Vitamin C?

The vitamin is known for fighting;

* colds
* Fatigue
* Stress
* Prevent heart disease
* Cataracts
* Macular degeneration
* Anti-carcinogenic

But that’s not all!

We know the benefits of this valuable vitamin in strengthening the immune system. It contributes notably to the formation of red blood cells while helping toiron absorption in plants.

But did you know that:

* Vitamin C also contributes to improved wound healing.
* At an antioxidant function – very important – in the fight against free radicals,which attack precisely those cells, responsible for your aging.
* It helps to produce collagen, a protein essential for the formation of connective tissue of the skin? And yes ladies, your skin also depends on your takingenough Vitamin C …

Where to find sufficient amounts of Vitamin C?

Be aware that fruits and vegetables are the main source of vitamin C. It should be consumed raw mainly because the vitamin can not stand cooking.

It is found mainly in:

* Broccoli
* Strawberry
* Lemon
* Tomato
* Orange
* Raspberries
* Grapefruit
* Parsley
* The kiwi

1. Anticancer activity!

The scientist, Linus Pauling, Nobel laureate said that two large doses of Vitamin C at a rate of 2 g or more per day, were able to fight againstcarcinogenesis. It was noted in particular that was a help and an adjuvant to chemotherapy against cancer.

Another study of 85,000 nurses who were followed for 16 years, hasdemonstrated this surprising. Two groups were evaluated. One not takingadditional vitamin C, the other yes. However, the group that consumed thevitamin C supplement showed increased protection against coronary heart disease.

Finally, nine other studies on 290 000 men and women conducted in 2004showed that an intake (700 mg over 10 years) Vitamin C 25% reduced risk ofcoronary heart disease.

1. Little practical advice:

Do not overcook your vegetables and keep food warm. Preparation is moresophisticated and cooked vegetables, more food starting loses vitamin C.Prefer baking potatoes, such as steam or twists. Freshly squeezed orange juiceevery morning, or better yet, a kiwi, already provide on their own half of our daily requirement of vitamin C. A healthy balanced diet should be enough to give usthe required dose. But in some cases it may be called to take charge. Know for example that smokers have a special need for vitamin C, each consuming 25mg cigarette

Well … to your plate to not grow old!

TEA TREE Oil MELALEUCA NATURAL PRODUCT Research Group oil Melaleuca Alternifolia TEA TREE

TEA TREE Oil MELALEUCA NATURAL PRODUCT Research Group oil Melaleuca Alternifolia TEA TREE

TEA TREE Hundreds of pages of independent research Oil Melaleuca alternifolia Tea tree.

Overview

The research group is involved in a range of diverse tea tree oil projects. We are currently investigating the effects of tea tree oil on biofilm formation and the efficacy of tea tree oil in clearing MRSA-positive wounds. More details are given about these projects below. In addition, Chelsea Papadopoulos is undertaking PhD studies investigating the mechanisms of bacterial resistance to tea tree oil and components. We have also taken part in reviewing the safety of tea tree oil and components as part of the response of the tea tree oil industry to the opinion on tea tree oil handed down by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) in December 2005. More information about this response can be found at the ATTIA website. The results of previous research projects are described in RIRDC reports and/or journal publications.

Effects of tea tree oil on biofilm formation

Micro organisms commonly live in slime communities called biofilms, which provide significant protection from harmful environmental factors such as chemicals, antibiotics and the immune system. If tea tree oil is able to interfere with the generation, maintenance, structure or longevity of biofilm this could have important implications for medical or industrial situations where biofilm is a significant problem. The aims of this projects are to (1) Demonstrate that tea tree oil can inhibit the formation of microbial biofilm, (2) Investigate the effects of tea tree oil on existing biofilm, (3) Investigate the mechanism(s) by which biofilm formation is inhibited and (4) Explore potential medical and industrial applications of biofilm inhibition. This project is supported by RIRDC with matching funds from Gelair™ Pty. Ltd.

Effects of tea tree oil on chronic wounds

Chronic wounds such as venous leg ulcers are a significant source of morbidity, particularly in the elderly and their management may be difficult and protracted. They are frequently colonised by a range of bacteria and certain organisms such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have been associated with delayed healing. Patient-initiated use of TTO products in wound care has been noted by nursing staff of the Silver Chain Nursing Association prompting questions about its efficacy. Anecdotal evidence suggests that TTO may be beneficial but there are no clinical data to support its use in wounds. This work aims to address that deficiency. The two objectives of this project are: 1) To determine if TTO can eliminate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from wounds. 2) To determine if TTO is a beneficial treatment for chronic wounds. These objectives will be achieved by seeking data on two outcomes: 1) Reduction of colonisation with MRSA 2) Time to wound healing This project is supported by RIRDC with matching funds from Novasel Pty. Ltd.

Potential mechanisms of tolerance to tea tree oil and components

The PhD project of Chelsea Papadopoulos is focused on investigating putative mechanisms of tolerance in Gram negative bacteria, in particular Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Her study commenced in 2004 and is supported by a scholarship from RIRDC. Kate Hammer has recently been awarded a Raine Priming grant (2006-2008) from the Raine Medical Research Foundation to investigate potential mechanisms of tolerance in Gram positive bacteria. This work will focus on staphylococci and enterococci.

 

University d’Australia