Often supplements, vitamins, herbs, and nutritional drinks find themselves in the spotlight due to new research findings. You may have taken them for years, stayed healthy, and now you will find out why.

New research in the health industry shows vitamins and minerals as necessities of life. Do you take any of these?

Capsaicin Hot Stuff Against Cancer Cells

New studies at Nottingham University in the UK have found that capsaicin, the ingredient that makes cayenne and chili peppers hot, triggers the death of cancer cells.

Capsaicin, derived from plants belonging to the genus Capsicum, works by attacking the mitochondria in cancer cells.

The mitochondria are cellular power plants that convert food molecules into the energy cells need to stay active and grow killing the mitochondria in cancer cell essentially deactivates those cells.

In the study, capsicum (cayenne, capsaicin) was tested on human lung and pancreatic cancer cells.

As these compounds attack the very heart of the tumor cells, we believe we have in effect discovered a fundamental Achilles heal for all cancers.said lead researcher Timothy Bates of the Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications Departments.

Nothing Silly About Silymarin's Type 2 Diabetes Benefits

Silymarin, the powerful antioxidant bioflavonoid found in the herb milk thistle, appears to be helpful for patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a study published in a recent issue of the journal, Phytotherapy Research.

A four month randomized, double blind test, clinical trial was conducted in 51 people with type 2 diabetes who were divided into two groups.  The first group of 25 subjects received a 200mg silymarin capsule 3 times a day.

The second group of 26 subjects received the same conventional therapy, but a placebo instead of silymarin was administered.Scientists found significant decreases in HbA1c, BFS, total cholesterol, LDL, triglyceride, SGOT and SGPT levels in silymarin treated patients compared with placebo patients.

Selenium - A Metal Recognized as Essential

Selenium intake prevents loss of brain function as we age.

A person's selenium intake throughout life may influence how well they retain cognitive function as they age, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

Selenium, taken daily, found to keep HIV under control and boost immune system function. HIV patients may have an effective weapon to lengthen their lives, thanks to selenium.

Taking a selenium supplement daily appears to keep HIV at bay and also strengthens the immune system, according to research by the University of Miami. A study was conducted in a double-blind study of 262 HIV patients.

The mineral selenium, when taken from daily dietary sources such as nuts, whole wheat and wheat pasta, can cut the risk of bladder cancer by up to 70 percent according to new research from Belgium. The researchers and authors of the study, led by Eliane Kellen from the Katholieke relate that the mineral selenium proves itself as powerful anti-cancer medicine.

One of the most effective naturally occurring weapons against cancer is, like most healthy things, something many of us are not getting enough of. The mineral selenium has been shown in multiple studies to be an effective tool in warding off various types of cancer, including breast, esophageal, and stomach cancers.

Mangosteen Here to Stay

The exotic fruit generating more and more interest is mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana). As with other superfruits, varying parts of the fruit provide health benefits.The purple pericarp of the mangosteen, which is not considered edible, is a rich source for extracting antioxidant phytochemicals, whereas the interior flesh is valued as a juice or pulp product.

Two primary xanthone extracts, garcinol and mangostin, have great potential as anti-inflammatory agents with preliminary evidence for inhibiting cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes and carcinogenic effects.

A 2007 study explored the antiproliferative, apoptotic and antioxidative properties of crude methanolic extract (CME) from the pericarp of the mangosteen on human breast cancer cells.

Researchers found that antiproliferative effect of CME was associated with apoptosis on breast cancer cell line by determinations of morphological changes and oligonucleosomal DNA fragments, and that the extract has potential for cancer chemoprevention.

Wayne Geilman, Ph.D., senior research scientist added this to the list of mangosteen's abilities: "We found the xanthones in mangosteen are COX-2 inhibitors," he said. "If you stop that enzyme, you don't get inflammation, and if you don't get inflammation, you don't get pain." Other uses of mangosteen components include appetite suppression, and use in topical skin care products.

As with any vitamin or supplement, please consult your doctor before taking. Author Beverly Terhune speaks from 35 years of living with Rheumatoid Arthritis and shares her experience, strength & hope on how to lead a healthy, substance-free life.

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