Christ Our Wisdom and Power Ministries

1 Cor 1: 24, 30 .... Jesus Christ is our Wisdom, Power, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption

You are here: Home / Archives for Joseph Agbi

Joseph Agbi

HEALTH ARTICLE – 11: THE HEALING VALUE OF EXERCISE (1)

by Leave a Comment

Exercise stimulates your body healing abilities

  • Studies show that exercisers pay half in medical bills and have one-third the number of sick days
  • Exercise burns away excess weight, lowers blood pressure, improves the cholesterol profile, improves blood sugar and insulin dynamics, helps prevent bone-thinning osteoporosis, helps alleviate chronic lower back pain, and improves immune function, mood and mental performance.
  • Zero exercise = tripled chance of a heart attack.
  • Study at the university of North Carolina at Chapel Hill showed:
    • An inactive person’s risk of heart attack is the same as someone who smokes a pack of cigarettes a day.

Physical Benefits of Exercise

  1. Increases general bodily performance and agility
  2. 4,500 people ages 40 to 85 were studied at Brown University by Vincent Mor, PhD.
  3. Those who remain physically active throughout their later years can gain as much as a 25-year advantage in performance over those who retire to their easy chairs.
  4. Moderate activity, such as walking was all that was needed to keep these people active.
  • Lower death rate from all diseases
  • 16,936 Harvard alumni were tracked for many years about their exercise habit. It was found that those men burned 2000 calories or more a week in exercise had a 28% lower death rate than men who exercised less or not at all.  Ralph Paffenberger Jr., M.D., PhD, one of the authors of this study stated, “… for every hour you walk, you can add an hour to your life”.
  • Reduced risk of cancer
  • 5,000 female graduates (1925-1981) from Harvard University were studied. The less active showed…two and a half times greater risk of developing cancer compared to the former athletes among them. The sedentary group had twice the risk for breast cancer, as well as two to four times more cancer of the uterus, ovaries, cervix, and vagina.
  • Reduced Risk of Heart Disease
  • Study of 2000 men at university of Minnesota public health for 7 years. The researchers found that the least active men had a 30 percent greater chance of death from heart attacks than moderately active men.
  • Lower Blood pressure
  • Dr Martin put 19 sedentary men with mild hypertension (high blood pressure) on a 10 week mild aerobic program. Blood pressures went from 137/95 to 130/80.
  • Reduced back pain and back problems
  • Walking can be a wonderful preventive and curative of the most common kind of muscular backache. Even some cases of back pain where a disk problem has been identified will respond well to regular, rhythmic walking – three to six times a week, for 30 to 60 minutes per session.”
  • 492 people polled with a variety of back problems. 98 percent of those made walking a part of their regular routine found it helpful.

Emotional Benefits of Exercise

  1. It is an anti-depressant.
  • A doctoral thesis that reviewed 77 studies concluded that depression exits the body along with sweat. In fact, wrote Thomas Christian North, Ph. D’, exercise appears to be a better anti-depression treatment than psychobiological treatment
  • 81 different studies found that in 70% of the studies, significant improvement in mental state was associated with fitness.
  • When you exercise, endorphins (anti-depressants) are released into your body and you experience a sense of well-being called “runners high” – but all aerobic exercise cause this wonderful sensation. It will last for several hours.

2.         It allows you to handle stress more effectively

Mental Benefits of Exercise

1.         Exercise enhances one’s mental abilities. Exercisers score higher in reasoning, reaction time, and memory tests.

2.         The rhythmic flow of the exercise enhances creative flow.

Why does exercise heal?

1.         Exercise enhances the Immune System.

  • Speeds up the movement of lymph (our inner artillery) through the lymph system fifteen up to thirty fold. So as you flex your body during exercise, you move your inner army of germ fighters into high gear. This is one of the most outstanding insights I personally received from my study on health and nutrition.

2.         Exercise reduces fat.

  • Those who exercise become leaner. Cancer thrives more readily in fatty tissue than lean tissue.

3.         Exercise reduces constipation

  • Constipation has been linked with colon cancer, and inactive people are likely to be constipated. Exercise stimulates the peristaltic action of the intestines, and those results in regular and more frequent bowel movements.

4.         Exercise increases blood flow.

  • Small arteries can begin to shut down through lack of physical activity. Exercise expands and reopens these blood vessels. It is the flow of blood that oxygenates your body and carries away wastes. So exercise both detoxifies your system and oxygenates your cells.

Health Article – 10: Detoxifying The Body Through Proper Bowel Movement

by Leave a Comment

Key Theme Toxins and garbage must be allowed to leave our bodies readily, or our bodies remain un-cleansed and poor health results.

Foundation of Good Health

1. Build your immune system,

2. Detoxify your body, and

3. Nourish your cells

The healing power of proper bowel management is very important for longevity.

Strong Colon Cleansing

If your immune system is strong, it will constantly wash all damaged mutated cells and toxic poisons out of your system. The three ways these damaged cells are discharged are through:

  1. The lungs
  2. The bowel and kidneys
  3. The skin (two pounds per day)

Eat High-Fibre Foods

  1. The bowels is supposed to discharge a meal within eighteen hours after it is eaten
  2. Because of the type of low-fibre diet we eat, many people have ten extra meals jammed up in their intestines.
  3. The Genesis diet is a –high—–fiber diet.
  4. If the bowel is stock up or only partially functioning, these toxins are not effectively eliminated from your system. Instead, they recirculate and are dumped in areas which create abscesses, open sores, arthritis, headaches, etc.

Constipation is a widespread problem

Chronic constipation is often the result of a diet high in protein, fat, and refined carbohydrates (sugars and refined flours), but low in such fibrous foods as whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

  • The intestines are to be filled with friendly flora, called Acidophilus, providing an acid bowel environment.
  • Bacillus coli are unfriendly bacteria which grow in an alkaline environment. They are easily produced by taking protein for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Or by taking antibiotic drugs. This unfriendly bacterium reaches as high as 85% of the floral life in the colon of the average American. To restore the proper floral content in your intestines, you must eat the Genesis diet (i.e. low-fat, low-cholesterol, and high-fiber), and should probably supplement with acidophilus for two to four weeks. You can tell when the flora is changed because you stools are soft, frequent (three times a day), and free from putrid or rancid odor.

We cannot have a healthy body without clean blood, and we cannot have clean blood unless we have a clean bowel with good tone to move wastes along properly. A toxic bowel is the source of many health problems.

Do a colon cleanse at least once a year. December or January is a good month to start (I incorporated it with my year-end fast).

What the colon does

The colon (also known as the large intestine) is the final stop in food’s journey through the digestive tract. The colon absorbs fluid from indigestible food residue and produces solid waste for elimination. “The colon is essentially a waste-storage organ that lets you control when the waste is released,” says gastroenterologist Dr. Clarence KW Wong, associate professor of medicine at the University of Alberta.

But this organ does much more than just act as your body’s garbage shoot.  “The colon is also important for fluid, electrolytes (salts) and fatty-acid absorption. These can be important for systemic health. As well, the colon holds a large number of commensal bacteria [“good bacteria”], which may hold many benefits for the body,” he adds.

 Signs of a healthy colon

If you’re not thinking much about your colon, chances are good that it’s healthy. Regular bowel movements and no pain, bloating, diarrhea or bleeding likely mean that all systems are good.

 Signs of possible colon trouble

There are a number of symptoms that may indicate a colon-health issue, but they can also be associated with other problems. “Digestive symptoms may stem from a temporary illness such as flu, a reaction to certain medications or a more chronic underlying condition,” Wong explains. So it’s important to recognize what’s out of the ordinary for you—and to communicate any of the following to your doctor:

• Chest pain
• Heartburn
• Constipation
• Bloating and/or excessive gas
• Stomach pain and/or cramps
• Difficulty swallowing
• Nausea
• Rectal bleeding
• Diarrhea
• Mucus in stool 
• Changes in bowel habits

 Urgent signs of colon trouble

Although the symptoms above call for you to make an appointment with your doctor, the symptoms below indicate you need see a healthcare professional right away for prompt medical attention, Wong advises:

• Diarrhea that lasts more than five days
• Unintended weight loss
• Persistent vomiting
• Black tarry stools
• Bright red blood in your stool or bloody diarrhea
• Unexplained fatigue
• Pain in the stomach area that improves or worsens when you eat
• Persistent fever
• Pain when having a bowel movement
• Abdominal pain that is persistent and severe or that wakes you from sleep
• Persistent heartburn that is not relieved with over-the-counter antacids

 How to keep your colon healthy

It’s amazing how the same healthy lifestyle habits most experts recommend for weight loss and general good health apply equally to the promotion of good colon health. Want to keep your digestive tract on track? Here are some of Wong’s top tips:

• Drink plenty of water and other caffeine-free fluids
• Drink caffeine and alcohol in moderation
• Don’t smoke
• Get regular exercise
• Eat a balanced diet that’s high in fibre. Women should aim to get 25 grams of fibre daily and men should get 32 grams.

What is God asking me to do as a result of the insights of this Session?

  1. Continue regular fasting program and drink plenty of water. For example, doing 14-day water fasting quarterly.
  2. Continue with my regular exercise so I slim down my stomach waistline and eat light foods.
  3. Add acidophilus to my vitamins and minerals regimen so that my intestines are filled with friendly flora, providing an acid bowel environment.

Health Article – 9: Superfoods to Boost Cognitive Abilities (or Brain Power)

by Leave a Comment

Having learnt about what superfoods could do in restoring my health, I began to research into which superfoods could help in boosting our daughter’s cognitive abilities who was born more or less with cerebral palsy and grew up mentally challenged.  These findings will also help everyone with lifestyle and poor food habits that could lead to degenerative diseases, keeping away unwelcome conditions like Alzheimer and Parkinson’s in older years which afflicts many in the society. The following sources of reference are acknowledged:

1. HuffPost Healthy Living

(http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/23/brain-food-superfoods_n_1895328.html)

2. www.bbcgoodfood.comby Jo Lewin, Associate Nutritionist

(http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/10-foods-boost-your-brainpower)

3. WEB MD

(www. http://www.webmd.com/diet/eat-smart-healthier-brain)

First from HuffPost Healthy Living:

1. Walnuts

Walnuts are chock-full of heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory nutrients, and are the only good nut source of alpha linolenic acid (ALA), That means they help promote blood flow, which in turn allows for efficient delivery of oxygen to the brain.

2. Olive Oil

Olive oil is a great source of monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to actually slow brain aging.

3.  Berries

Animal studies have long indicated a link between berry consumption and brain health. But a recent study published in the Annals of Neurology found that a diet high in blueberries, strawberries and others were linked to a slower mental decline in areas like memory and focus in a large sample of middle-aged women, reportedTIME‘s Alice Park.

4. Sardines

Fatty fish like sardines (and salmon!) are a well-known brain booster, thanks to the omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which have been linked to lower risk of dementia, improved focus and memory.

5. Coffee

Caffeine, the mild stimulant found in coffee, improves mental acuity. Aside from caffeine’s brain boosting effects, coffee’s antioxidant richness helps maintain brain health. And some research suggests that drinking coffee can actually stave off depression in women.

6. Spinach

Spinach is rich in the antioxidant lutein, which is thought to help protect against cognitive decline, according to researchers from Tufts University. And a longitudinal study at Harvard Medical School found that women who reported eating the most leafy green and cruciferous vegetables had a markedly lower rate of cognitive decline, compared to those who ate the least.

7. Chocolate

Antioxidant-rich dark chocolate is healthy for your whole body, but its caffeine content is thought to play a role in maintaining mental acuity. What’s more, chocolate is rich in flavonoids, a class of antioxidant that helps to improve blood flow (and thus brain health) by regulating cholesterol and lowering blood pressure.

8. Avocado

Avocados are full of monounsaturated fats that improve vascular health and blood flow, making them another brain food.

9. Water (e.g. natural spring water)

When a person becomes dehydrated, their brain tissue actually shrinks. And several studies have shown that dehydration can affect cognitive function. Dehydration can impair short-term memory, focus and decision making, according to Psychology Today.

10. Wheat Germ

Wheat germ is a rich vegetarian source of choline — a nutrient that is involved in the body’s production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that boosts memory, according to Shape. Eggs are another good choline source.

11. Beets

Beets are a good source of naturally-occurring nitrates, which help improve blood flow to the brain, according to Shape.

12. Garlic

Garlic may help stave off some forms of brain cancer, according to research published in Cancer, the medical journal of the American Cancer Society. Investigators found that the organo-sulfur compounds in garlic actually worked to kill glioblastoma cells — a type of malignant tumor cell.

Secondly,

From www.bbcgoodfood.com, their suggestions corroborate what HuffPost suggests:

1. Opt for wholegrains

Like everything else in your body, the brain cannot work without energy. The ability to concentrate and focus comes from the adequate, steady supply of energy – in the form of glucose in our blood to the brain. Achieve this by choosing wholegrains with a low-GI, which release glucose slowly into the bloodstream, keeping you mentally alert throughout the day. Opt for ‘brown’ cereals, wheatbran, granary bread and brown pasta.

2. Eat Oily Fish

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) cannot be made by the body and must be obtained through diet. The most effective omega-3 fats occur naturally in oily fish as EPA and DHA. Good sources include linseed (flaxseed) oil, soya bean oil, pumpkin seeds, walnut oil and soya beans. They are good for healthy brain function, the heart, joints and general wellbeing. Oily fish contains EPA and DHA in a ready-made form, which enables the body to use it easily. The main sources of oily fish include salmon, trout, mackerel, herring, sardines, pilchards and kippers. Low DHA levels have been linked to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss.

3. Binge on blueberries

Evidence accumulated at Tufts University in the United States suggests that the consumption of blueberries may be effective in improving or delaying short term memory loss. Widely available, so there’s no excuse.

4. Eat more tomatoes

There is good evidence to suggest that lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, could help protect against the kind of free radical damage to cells which occurs in the development of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s.

 5. Add vitality with vitamins

Certain B vitamins – B6, B12 and folic acid – are known to reduce levels of homocysteine in the blood. Elevated levels of homocysteine are associated with increased risk of stroke, cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. A study of a group of elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment found that after two years of intervention with high doses of B6, B12 and folic acid there was significantly less brain shrinkage compared to a subset given placebo treatment.
 

6. Get a blackcurrant boost

Vitamin C has long been thought to have the power to increase mental agility. One of the best sources of this vital vitamin are blackcurrants.

7. Pick up pumpkin seeds

Just a handful of pumpkin seeds a day is all you need to get your recommended daily amount of zinc, vital for enhancing memory and thinking skills.

8. Bet on broccoli

A great source of vitamin K, which is known to enhance cognitive function and improve brainpower.


9. Sprinkle on sage

Sage has long had a reputation for improving memory and although most studies focus on sage as an essential oil, it could be worth adding fresh sage to your diet too.

10. Go nuts

A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology suggests that a good intake of vitamin E might help to prevent cognitive decline, particularly in the elderly. Nuts are a great source of vitamin E along with leafy green vegetables, asparagus, olives, seeds, eggs, brown rice and wholegrains.

Thirdly,

WEB MD adds that everyone should Eat Smart for a Healthier Brain.

(www. http://www.webmd.com/diet/eat-smart-healthier-brain)

Wild salmon. Deep-water fish, such as salmon, are rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are essential for brain function, says Kulze. Both she and Pratt recommend wild salmon for its “cleanliness” and the fact that it is in plentiful supply. Omega-3s also contain anti-inflammatory substances. Other oily fish that provide the benefits of omega-3s are sardines and herring, says Kulze; she recommends a 4-ounce serving, two to three times a week.

Nuts and seeds. Nuts and seeds are good sources of vitamin E, says Pratt, explaining that higher levels of vitamin E correspond with less cognitive decline as you get older. Add an ounce a day of walnuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, filberts, almonds, cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, flax seed, and unhydrogenated nut butters such as peanut butter, almond butter, and tahini. Raw or roasted doesn’t matter, although if you’re on a sodium-restricted diet, buy unsalted nuts.

Avocados. Avocados are almost as good as blueberries in promoting brain health, says Pratt. “I don’t think the avocado gets its due,” agrees Kulze. True, the avocado is a fatty fruit, but, says Kulze, it’s a monounsaturated fat, which contributes to healthy blood flow. “And healthy blood flow means a healthy brain,” she says. Avocados also lower blood pressure, says Pratt, and as hypertension is a risk factor for the decline in cognitive abilities, a lower blood pressure should promote brain health. Avocados are high in calories, however, so Kulze suggests adding just 1/4 to 1/2 of an avocado to one daily meal as a side dish.

Vitamins and Minerals for more Brain Power

Most of the foods, minerals and vitamins have been discussed in this article and in earlier ones. And I have already tried some vitamins in the past on long term therapeutic bases. The superfoods and minerals I take will be very helpful my the family. Other specific choices will be discussed in future articles, The healing Value of Vitamins, Enzymes, Antioxidants and Herbs.

Answer to the following questions concerning the food we Eat

Q1 What is your view on the processed food or chemical food which we find in our stores? Has it changed as a result of this lesson? Will it change your shopping habits in any way? If so, how?

Processed foods in the stores are certainly not as healthy as fresh foods. They are all dead food including the fruits and vegetables. The shelf life of the products further degrades them so that when we take them they at best sustain life (at a poor level) but do not nourish our bodies to make us feel vitalized..

Q2 Do you think there is a place for adding superfoods to one’s diet if they cannot eat natural unprocessed foods?

Superfoods in form of vitamins and nutrients are appropriate as a substitute for those who because of their lifestyle or preference cannot take the time to prepare for themselves home natural foods. As for the various vegetables and fruits that are generally classified as superfoods, this has been adequately covered in the body of this and previous lessons.

Q3 Will your lifestyle allow you to go back to natural foods or would you prefer adding superfoods, vitamins and antioxidants and herbs to your diets. Which is more workable with your life and schedule?

My lifestyle allows me to prepare natural foods. I am also adding superfoods, vitamins and antioxidant herbs to get the best of both worlds.

Health Article – 8: The Essential Elements Your Body Needs

by Leave a Comment

It is commonly said, “You are what you eat”. Think of it, the human body has over 30 trillion cells. One source says 37 trillion and others say over 60 trillion and as much as 70 trillion cells. The fact is that cell division is on-going all the time in our bodies, so that in a year, all the cells are typically replaced with new cells. That is why cancer and other degenerative diseases are bad: good cells being replaced by bad ones. I have suffered from Prostate Cancer, Diabetes and hypertension, so I know what I am talking about. It takes great effort and prayers to reverse any degrative disease once it has started, and I am on it by the Health Tips in these series. Please consult your Doctor to diagnose and treat any disease you may be suffering from.

There are some 60 chemical elements in the human body. There are trace elements, also called micro-minerals, such as iron, iodine, fluoride, copper, zinc, chromium, selenium, manganese and molybdenum. These trace elements are all vital for maintaining good health. They are part of enzymes, hormones and cells in the body.

About 96 percent of the mass of the human body is made up of just four elements: oxygen, carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen, with a lot of that in the form of water. The remaining 4 percent is a sparse sampling of the periodic table of elements.

The more prominent ones are called macro nutrients, while those appearing only as parts per million or less are referred to as micronutrients.

These nutrients perform various functions, including the building of bones and cell structures, regulating the body’s pH, carrying charge, and driving chemical reactions. 

The FDA has set a reference daily intake for 12 minerals (calcium, iron, phosphorous, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, and chloride). Sodium and potassium also have recommended levels, but they are treated separately. 

However, this does not exhaust the list of elements that you need. Sulfur is not usually mentioned as a dietary supplement because the body gets plenty of it in proteins. 

And there are several other elements — such as silicon, boron, nickel, vanadium and lead — that may play a biological role but are not classified as essential.

Here is a quick rundown of the first 20 elements, with the percentage of body weight in parentheses.

Oxygen(65%) and hydrogen (10%) are mostly found in water, which makes up about 60 % of body weight. It’s practically impossible to imagine life without water.

Carbon (18%) is synonymous with life. Its central role is the fact that it has four bonding sites that allow for the building of long, complex chains of molecules. Also, carbon bonds can be formed and broken with a modest amount of energy, allowing for the dynamic organic chemistry that goes on in our cells. 

Nitrogen(3%) is found in many organic molecules, including the amino acids that make up proteins, and the nucleic acids that make up DNA.

Calcium(1.5%) is the most common mineral in the human body — nearly all of it found in bones and teeth. Ironically, calcium’s most important role is in bodily functions, such as muscle contraction and protein regulation. In fact, the body will actually pull calcium from bones (causing problems like osteoporosis) if there’s not enough of the element in a person’s diet.

Phosphorus(1%) is found mostly in bone but also in the molecule ATP, which provides energy in cells for driving chemical reactions.

Potassium(0.25%) is an important electrolyte (meaning it carries a charge in solution). It helps regulate the heartbeat and is vital for electrical signaling in nerves.

Sulfur(0.25%) is found in two amino acids that are important for giving proteins their shape.

Sodium(0.15%) is another electrolyte that is vital for electrical signaling in nerves. It also regulates the amount of water in the body.

Chlorine(0.15%) is usually found in the body as a negative ion, called chloride. This electrolyte is important for maintaining a normal balance of fluids.

Magnesium(0.05%) plays an important role in the structure of the skeleton and muscles. It also is necessary in more than 300 essential metabolic reactions.

Iron(0.006%) is a key element in the metabolism of almost all living organisms. It is also found in hemoglobin (about 3 to 4 grams of iron in the body), which is the oxygen carrier in red blood cells. Half of women don’t get enough iron in their diet. Iron is also part of many enzymes and is essential for growth, healing, immune function and synthesis of DNA. For adequate intakes of this essential nutrient, include foods such as beef  (I personally don’t take large amounts anymore, only minutely or seasonally),  poultry, fish, soybean flour, spinach, beans and fortified cereals in your diet.

Fluorine(0.0037%) is found in teeth and bones. Outside of preventing tooth decay and possibly bone loss, it does not appear to have any importance to bodily health. While your main source of fluoride is fluoridated water, fluorine is also present in saltwater fish, tea and coffee.

Zinc(0.0032%) is an essential trace element for all forms of life. Several proteins contain structures called “zinc fingers” help to regulate genes. Zinc deficiency has been known to lead to dwarfism in developing countries.  In addition to its role in formation of enzymes, zinc improves immune function, helps clot blood, maintains sense of taste and smell, keeps skin healthy and enables normal growth and development. You can obtain sufficient amounts of zinc by regularly eating eggs, seafood, red meats, fortified cereals and whole grains.

Copper (0.0001%) is important as an electron donor in various biological reactions. The body has about 75 mg of copper, about one-third of which is found in the muscles.  Without enough copper, iron won’t work properly in the body. Copper prevents damage to cells due to its antioxidant action, and as a component of many enzymes it helps in production of energy from carbohydrates, protein and fat. Copper combines with certain proteins to produce enzymes that act as catalysts to help a number of body functions. Some are involved in the transformation of melanin for pigmentation of the skin, and others help to form cross-links in collagen and elastin and thereby maintain and repair connective tissues. This is especially important for the heart and arteries. Research suggests that copper deficiency is one factor leading to an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease. Copper is also essential for formation of bone, connective tissues and red blood cells. It is present in many foods including organ meats, shellfish, chocolate, beans and whole-grain cereals.

Iodine (0.000016%) is required for making of thyroid hormones T3, or triiodothyronine, and T4, or thyroxine, which regulates metabolic rate and other cellular functions. Iodine deficiency, which can lead to goiter and brain damage especially in new born, is an important health problem prevalent throughout much of the world.  However, you can get sufficient amounts of iodine by consuming iodized salt, seafood, eggs and milk.

Selenium (0.000019%) is essential for certain enzymes, including several anti-oxidants. Unlike animals, plants do not appear to require selenium for survival, but they do absorb it, so there are several cases of selenium poisoning from eating plants grown in selenium-rich soils. Selenium, along with vitamin E works as an antioxidant that prevents damage of cells, may prevent some cancers and is essential for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Meat, seafood, nuts and cereals are good sources of selenium.

Chromium(0.0000024%) helps regulate sugar levels by interacting with insulin, but the exact mechanism is still not completely understood.  Apart from positively vitalizing the insulin in your body, which maintains your blood sugar levels, Chromium is also essential for metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Some important sources of chromium include liver, processed meats, brewer’s yeast, whole grains, cheese and nuts. 

Manganese(0.000017%) is essential for certain enzymes, in particular those that protect mitochondria — the place where usable energy is generated inside cells — from dangerous oxidants. Manganese not only helps in the formation of enzymes, but is also necessary for their activation. It works as an antioxidant, helps develop bones and heals wounds by increasing collagen production. Good sources of manganese include pineapple, nuts, whole grains and beans.

Molybdenum (0.000013%) is essential to virtually all life forms. In humans, it is important for transforming sulfur into a usable form. In nitrogen-fixing bacteria, it is important for transforming nitrogen into a usable form.  Like manganese, molybdenum helps activate some enzymes and enables normal cell function. Sources of molybdenum include milk, legumes, whole-grain breads and nuts.

Cobalt (0.0000021%) is contained in vitamin B12, which is important in protein formation and DNA regulation. 

Reference: http://sciencelearn.org.nz/Contexts/Just-Elemental/Science-Ideas-and-Concepts/The-essential-elements

CAUTION: Too much or too little?

Large amounts of essential elements can prove toxic:

  • Too much copper in the diet can result in damage to the liver, discolorations of the skin and hair, and can cause hyperactivity in children.
  • Too much iron in the diet can result in damage to the heart and liver.

Too little of any given essential element can result in ill-health and, if left untreated, could result in death:

  • Zinc is a component of certain digestive enzymes and other proteins. Not enough in the diet can result in growth failure, scaly skin inflammation, reproductive failure, and impaired immunity.
  • People who suffer from iron deficiency show symptoms such as lack of energy, getting tired easily and being short of breath.

JA Journaling

Knowledge is power. If you are armed with the knowledge of what you eat and how it nourishes your body you will be healthy. Everything you put into your body, whether it is a spoon of your specially spiced delicious rice, a bite of an apple, drinking a glass of water, or taking a boost of juice, eating some sticks of carrots or mulching properly washed raw kale leaves as I now do, all of which transformed my health, you would come to accept that the right food and drinks improves your health, vitality and quality of life. My body is the greatest factory in the world and I better maintain it in optimal performance by putting in the right ingredients so my overall well-being will be pleasing to God, myself, my spouse and my children. By so doing, I will live long to fulfil my days in Jesus name. Amen.

Health Article -7: 14 Natural Foods That Cleanse the Liver

by Leave a Comment

  1. Garlic
  2. Grapefruits
  3. Beets and Carrots
  4. 4. Green Tea
  5. Leafy Green Vegetables
  6. Avocados
  7. Apples
  8. Olive Oil
  9. Alternative Grains eg Millet and Buckwheat
  10. Cruciferous Vegetables eg Broccoli and cauliflower
  11. Lemons and Lime
  12. Walnuts
  13. Cabbage
  14. Turmeric

Source: Global Healing Center

Top 10 Healthy Nutrients

Here is list of Top 10 Healthy Nutrients, from vitamins, amino acids and trace elements for a healthy diet.

  1. Here is list of Top 10 Healthy Nutrients, from vitamins, amino acids and trace elements for a healthy diet.
  2. Vitamin C – Vitamin C is an antioxidant that builds resistance to infection and aids in the prevention and treatment of the common cold.
  3. Vitamin E – Vitamin E is another important antioxidant also used as a treatment to promote healthy skin.
  4. Beta Carotene – Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that is converted into vitamin A
  5. Vitamin A – Vitamin A helps maintain healthy teeth, bones and soft tissue, and reduces susceptibility to infections.
  6. Bioflavonoids – Bioflavonoids are essential for Vitamin C absorption, and the two should be taken together.
  7. Zinc – Zinc is necessary for a healthy immune system, and is also of use in fighting skin problems such as acne, boils and sore throats.
  8. Selenium – Selenium is an antioxidant that assists the immune system.
  9. Iron – Iron has an important role in transporting oxygen around the body.
  10. Magnesium – Magnesium aids the formation of bone and teeth and assists the absorption of calcium and potassium.
  11. B Vitamins – B Vitamins assist and regulate carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism.

Source: (from http://www.dietandfitnesstoday.com)

Health Article – 6: Watch what you Eat

by Leave a Comment

Don’t Eat the Fat

God clearly commanded the Israelites not to eat the fat (Lev. 3:17, 7:23, 24).

17 It is a perpetual statute throughout your generations in all your dwellings: you shall not eat any fat or any blood (Lev. 3:17).

23 “Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘You shall not eat any fat from an ox, a sheep or a goat. 24 Also the fat of an animal which dies and the fat of an animal torn by beasts may be put to any other use, but you must certainly not eat it (Lev. 7:23-24).

Dr Vickler writes, “The fat you eat is the fat you wear”. This statement vividly describes those who thrive on high fat diet. Sooner than later the fat in the plate sits in various part of the body and you find it more difficult to remove than when you put it into your body.

Not all fats are the same. Animal fats appear to be what God was commanding us not to eat.

Eat these Fat

Natural plant-based are much more easily digested and healthier for our bodies. For examples raw nuts and seeds, avocados, extra virgin olive oil, and coconut have many health benefits all of which appear to have the good cholesterol.

My Experience

  1. Immediately I switch to the Genesis diet, eating the Superfoods listed earlier such as properly washed kale leaves (inexpensive and acts fast, easily absorbed and you feel the effect right away), pure tomato juice,  and Salmon fish I felt much better and felt no longer tired after meals. My family is now on board with the meal. Our son, David, likes kale leave and I noticed it reduced the pimples on his face. I did try to wash a breakfast meal down with a glass of 2% milk and felt tired so I resolved to go on soy milk or similarly rather than the animal milk (JA Journaling).
  2. I have significantly reduced my consumption of meat and dairy products hoping to get it to an average of 90% in a little while.  Meanwhile I resolved to substitute my meat consumption with more of healthy fish like salmon and choose soy milk instead of the 2 percent animal-based dairy milk. In a social gathering, I could participate taking a little here and there without excess because even in the Bible there are feast days when we are to eat the fat (or rich foods, Neh. 10:8). I hope to become stricter, becoming more vegetarian with my diet, but not professing myself to be fully so. After all the essence is to become healthier and anything biblical promotes my sound health I am willing to give in to it.

A Vegetarian Diet greatly enhances your Strength

Athletic performance is greatly improved with vegetarian diet. However, there is scientific evidence that athletic performance at very high level requires some trace elements found only in sufficient quantity in red meat when consumed one time, these athletes designed their diets suitable for their individual performances.

In a Gatorade Sports Science institute journal, Susan Kleiner PhD, RD, a high-performance nutritionist titled her research paper “The role of meat in an athlete diet: its effect on key Macro and Micro-nutrients”. She points out the deficiency that may arise for athletes. Her key points are.

1. “In the typical Western diet, meats such as beef, lamb, pork, veal, poultry, and fish are the predominant sources of protein, B vitamins, iron, and zinc.”

2. “Iron and zinc are the two nutrients most often deficient in vegetarian or modified-vegetarian diets. Also, iron and zinc are the most cited nutrients that may be deficient in the diet of athletes.”

3. “Athletes who choose to exclude meat from their diets must carefully plan diets to enhance nutrient availability, particularly for iron and zinc.”

Meat Eaters versus Vegans

Notwithstanding the long-term deficiencies that others argue could arise from going completely vegan, could arise, In Diet for a New America, author John Robbin described several laboratory studies comparing meat eaters with vegetarians in strength and endurance. The result showed vegetarians were two to three times stronger.

Similarly, in spiritual matters, amplification is all that matters. A vegan diet improved tenfold the performance of the mind of Daniel and his other three Hebrew colleagues in terms of wisdom, knowledge and understanding (Dan. 1:17-21).

All said, after reading about both sides of the argument,  I plan to cut my meat consumption by 95%, eating it only very rarely, probably once or twice a month.  I suppose this will be a good target for me to be at peak performance mentally and physically.

Three Diets in Scriptures

1. The Genesis diet the healthiest

2. Clean Meats (the next healthiest)

3. Unclean meats is an abomination (Lev. 11:10,12)

Why I don’t believe the New Testament changes these Health Laws

1. Acts 10:28-29

2. 1 Tim 4:4

3. Romans 14 understood in the context of 1 Cor. 8

When an orthodox Jew says food, is he including unclean meat?

The Corinthian question is could one eat food, (i.e. clean animals) which have been offered to idols?” Paul says it is acceptable, as long as it doesn’t cause a fellow Christian to stumble (i.e. a Christian brother who is not sure if is proper to eat food – clean meat – which has been offered to idols).

4.  1 Cor. 10:23 – “… all things are lawful for me” does not mean Paul can now go out and commit adultery. He means that even though the Old Testament law would allow him to eat clean meats offered to idols, he will not do so if it causes someone else to stumble.

5. Matthew 15:11 “It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man”. (See also Mark 7:19 where it adds the phrase, thus He declared all foods are clean”.)

The discussion here is not dietary foods that makes a person clean spiritually. Eating meats or some other unclean meats will not send you to hell. However, statistics indicate quite convincingly that it will get you to heaven sooner.