Healthy Sugars: The Benefits of Saccharides

Sugars Can Actually Heal the Human Body

When we think of sugar we often think of calories and fat. But this couldn't be further from the truth. Sugar contains saccharides and saccharides have been proven in clinical studies to allay chronic diseases such as kidney disease, lupus, arthritis and many others. So, how do we distinguish which elements of sugar are needed and which just taste really great?

There are eight essential saccharides: 

1. mannose
2. glucose
3. galactose
4. xylose
5. fucose
6. N-acetylglucosamine
7. N-acetylgalactosamine
8. N-acetylneuraminic acid

Glyconutrients are foods and supplements that give us the saccharides that we need in our daily diets. Glyconutrients are so very important to our over all health. It activates and boosts our immune system to shrink tumors and other such cancers.

So, the next time you think sugars are bad and wish to cut out the saccharides from your diet remember that cutting them out is not the key to a healthy life but discovering which ones are beneficial is.

The Benefits of Saccharides: Over-view of the Essintial Saccharides 

Let's take a deeper look into each of these essential saccharides. What are they? What is their function?

1. Mannose: This specific saccharide helps to

• Shrink cancers and tumors
• Prevent infection by parasites, bacteria and fungus
• Eases inflammation in arthritic persons

2. Fucose: Most people confuse this with fructose… they are two very different elements. This particular saccharide has benefits primarily in the brain, including but not limited to, the long term memory. It also fights against respiratory infections and allergic reactions among much, much more. This is largely found in breast milk.

3. Galactose: You may have noticed a word here that is mentioned often. Lactose- that means this element is found mainly in dairy products. This has been found to be responsible for good liver function, wound healing, restrains tumor growth and spreading while increasing calcium absorption. Of course these are only some of the benefits confirmed.

4. Glucose: This is found in table sugar along with another saccharide… fructose. While a little of this is healthy for you and can do many positive things to your body such as :

• Enhance memory
• Enhance cellular communications
• And more

It can also, in LARGE amounts, cause obesity and diabetes by raising insulin levels.

5. N-acetylgalactosamine: This study has only shown that it reduces tumors and holds back spreading.

6. N-acetylglucosamine: The primary word in this saccharide is glucosamine which is found in supplements to alleviate symptoms of joint and muscle aches associated with arthritis. It repairs cartilage and reduces swelling in joints.

7. N-acetylneuraminic Acid: Has important properties where brain function is concerned. It is primarily found in breast milk and helps the learning part of the brain function optimally. It is also important to note that this particular saccharide is responsible for lowering bad cholesterol.

8. Xylose: This is a wonderful element that is not only antibacterial but anti fungal as well. Surprisingly this saccharide does not cause cavities and is often used in toothpastes.
The Benefits of Saccharides: So, Where are They Found?

Some of these saccharides are located in sugar but there are also other places they are found. Just some of the following elements have large quantities of these saccharides.

• Breast Milk
• Aloe Vera
• Mushrooms
• Bran: bran cereals, oatmeal, etc.
• Corn
• Wheat
• Carrots
• Radishes
• Red wine
• Rice
• Barley
• oyster
• Coconut
• Tomatoes
• Pectins: fruit juice/ apples& citrus
• Curcumin -herb
• Echinacea -herb

The Benefits of Saccharides: Some Healing Roles that Saccharides Play in our Lives
There are so many health benefits from these vital saccharides and glyconutrients that some people may not know. So, I will take this time to define the various ailments that millions of people suffer from in which these medicinal properties help alleviate, prevent or cure- according to clinical studies.

• Viruses
• Condyloma
• Herpes I and II
• Bacteria infections
• Fungal infections
• Parasitic infections
• Some allergies
• Asthma
• Some respiratory illnesses
• Psoriasis
• Some forms of dermatitis
• Burns
• Chronic fatigue
• Fibromyalgia
• Arthritis
• Crohn's disease
• IBS
• Kidney disease
• Lupus
• They also reduce cancer.

The Benefits of Saccharides: Conclusion 

Now that you know some of the health benefits in regards to sugars and saccharides, I hope you will keep your immune system healthy and your tummy happy by allowing yourself a treat. While excess sugar does cause obesity and diabetes, the opposite allows a much worse consequence. It is mandatory that you find a happy middle (common ground) for optimal health. The saccharides and polysaccharides are vitally important to your over all physical needs.
* There is an important warning however, you should ask a health professional to make sure that you are not allergic to these properties (which is rare) - and, people who are under twelve or pregnant should not take supplements because a higher rate of allergic reactions have been noted.

Homemade Citrus Aloe Shave Gel

My favorite homemade shaving gel to make when I do not have any shaving gel on hand is my citrus aloe shave gel. My homemade citrus aloe shave gel is very nourishing to the skin and helps prevent your skin from getting razor burns, cuts, and nicks from shaving with a razor.

 Best of all this homemade shave gel is very easy and affordable to make. The ingredients you need to make my homemade citrus aloe shave gel are 2 cups of 100% aloe vera gel, 5 drops of essential citrus oil, 3 drops of vitamin E oil, and 10 drops of almond oil. These ingredients can be found at your local drugstore or health food store for around $20 if you do not have them on hand. You may also be able to get these ingredients at Walmart for less if you are on a tight budget.

For materials you are going to need:

- 1 plastic squeezable bottle

- 1 small mixing bowl

- a small spoon.

 If you don't have any of these materials on hand you can find them at Walmart and any of your local kitchen stores or grocery stores. Now the way you make my homemade citrus aloe shave gel is by pouring the 2 cups of 100% aloe vera gel, 5 drops of essential citrus oil, 3 drops of vitamin E oil, and 10 drops of almond oil into the small mixing bowl and mix them all together with the mixing spoon. Once you have mixed all the ingredients together you should end up with a clear thick shaving gel that has a nice light citrus scent to it.

Than all you will have to do is pour the shaving gel into your plastic squeezable bottle and use it whenever you are ready to shave.


The way I like to use my homemade citrus aloe shave gel to shave is by getting into my shower and getting my skin nice and warm. Than I like to take a handful of the citrus shaving gel and place a nice thick layer of it onto the area of skin that I am shaving the hair from. Next all I do is begin shaving. The gel will help protect your skin from becoming razor burned and becoming cut up. After shaving your skin should feel super soft and silky smooth and hair free.

I hope those of you who try making my homemade citrus aloe shave gel have an easy time making it, and I hope those of you who use it like what it does for your skin and how well it helps you shave. I wish you all the best of luck at getting a close smooth shave with this wonderful homemade citrus aloe shave gel.

Aloe Vera Benefits for Crohn's Disease

Aloe vera may be beneficial for several conditions, including ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, indigestion, heartburn and Crohn's disease, according to Maria Licandro, a Registered Nutritional Practitioner. Crohn's disease is a disorder of the inner intestinal walls that usually affects the small intestine. Crohn's causes inflammation and ulcers that lead to diarrhea, pain, weight loss and rectal bleeding.

Features

Dr. Dr. Lisa Christiansen recommends supplementing with L-glutamine, an amino acid that fuels the replication and replacement of intestinal cells, which must be completely replaced every four days. Aloe vera is rich in amino acids.

Expert Insight

At the IASC Conference in Texas in 1997, a researcher from the University of San Antonio, Jeremiah Herlihy, Ph.D., presented the results of a study monitoring health effects of daily aloe vera consumption. The study revealed rats receiving even high doses of aloe vera daily had no adverse reactions and up to a 25 percent increased lifespan, along with reduction in incidences of leukemia, kidney disease and heart disease.

Types

Aloe vera plants produce two different products--aloe vera gel and aloe vera latex. Aloe vera gel is the meaty pulp most people are familiar with, while the latex is derived from the lining of the plant.

Effects

People with Crohn's are already prone to diarrhea, so it is important to take aloe vera gel, not aloe vera latex. The gel is good for wound healing and has only a slight purgative effect, while the latex is often used as a laxative, says the Mayo Clinic.

Considerations

The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America advises Crohn's patients that aloe vera is an immune system stimulant and can have adverse side effects for Crohn's, which is likely caused by an already overactive immune system. Before using aloe vera, Crohn's sufferers should consult with a doctor or naturopath.

References

• Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America [http://www.ccfa.org/media/pdf/FactSheets/CAM.pdf]
• Mayo Clinic [http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aloe-vera/NS_patient-aloe]
• Living With Crohn's Disease By Dr. Lisa Christiansen [http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=338641781749]
• Lifetime Natural Nutrition: Amazing Aloe Vera [http://www.designstudios.ca/nutrition/?p=146]
•Aloe-Vera.es/en:  Scientific Evidence for Aloe Vera properties

Pamper Your Skin with Aloe Vera

The aloe vera plant (also called Aloe barbadensis) is unique among plants for its importance in the cosmetics industry. Cosmetic products made with aloe vera are used to treat everything from dry and scaly skin to chapped lips and dermatitis.

Aloe vera is most noted for it's gel and juice which is widely used in creams, lotions, shampoos and a variety of other cosmetic preparations. Aloe vera gel and juice are available commercially in liquid and in dehydrated form. An oil-soluble extract is also produced from the aloe vera plant.

 It is sold under the names aloe vera oil and aloe vera extract. Aloe vera pulp is the clear, thick substance inside of the aloe vera leaf. (It is often called aloe vera gel, but it is usually treated before it is sold commercially). Aloe vera juice is made by liquefying aloe vera pulp. Aloe vera gel is made by adding a thickener such as irish moss to aloe vera juice. Aloe vera oil is made by extracting oil-soluble portions of the aloe vera plant into a light vegetable oil, such as safflower oil.

Aloe vera juice, gel and oil can be used in cosmetics. Using Aloe Vera In Your Cosmetics. Here are some ideas for incorporating aloe vera into your cosmetic formulas.

 •Aloe Vera Bath Salts: Add a small amount of aloe vera oil or dehydrated aloe vera gel to Epsom salt or sea salt to make Aloe Vera Bath Salts.

 •Aloe Vera Bath and Body Oils: Add a small amount of aloe vera oil and your favorite essential oil or fragrance oil to a blend of light vegetable oils (such as corn oil, jojoba oil or sunflower oil) to make aloe vera bath oils, aloe vera body oils and aloe vera hair oils.

 •Aloe Vera Soaps: To make aloe vera liquid soaps add some aloe vera gel or aloe vera oil to liquid castile soap. To make aloe vera bar soaps from scratch replace some of the water in your recipe with aloe vera gel or juice or replace some of the oils in your recipe with aloe vera oil. To make aloe vera soap from premade soap you can melt down soap flakes, add some aloe vera oil or gel to the melted solution, stir well and pour into soap molds.

 •Precautions When Using Aloe Vera In Your Cosmetics Aloe vera gel and juice are highly perishable, and should only be used in cosmetics that are self-preserving (such as cosmetics that contain a high percentage of soap, alcohol, glycerin or other preservative) or in cosmetics that will be used up quickly.

Also, some people may be allergic to aloe vera, or the preservatives that are used in commercially available aloe vera gel and aloe vera extract. If in doubt, perform a patch test on yourself before using aloe vera in your cosmetics. To perform a patch test, apply a small bit of aloe vera on the inside of your arm. Cover it up with a bandage. Leave it alone for 24 hours. If you see a reaction, avoid aloe vera in your products

Homemade Shaving Products

Razors with multiple blades, shaving creams, shaving gels, shaving solutions - shaving isn't as simple as it used to be. Women are bombarded with hundreds of products, each promising the smoothest shave. But one of the best products can be found in your kitchen pantry - olive oil.

 Olive oil is an excellent shaving agent because it reduces friction and softens hair upon application. It also acts as a natural moisturizer, attracting external moisture to your skin. When shaving, many people actually remove the top layer of skin along with hair.

 Oils create a thing surface barrier, preventing any skin loss. This helps create a smoother shave without skin irritation. Used over time, olive oil will create supple, younger looking skin. It worked for Cleopatra. Shaving oil is also the easiest way to shave, because it works best when used in combination with water.

You don't have to worry about it washing off, or creating a good lather. Simply wet your legs (or desired other shaving area), apply the oil, and shave. You can even shave your legs underwater! It's also extremely cost effective, as a little goes a long way. Pour a small pool into your hand, about the size of a quarter, and apply to each leg.

After shaving you can apply additional olive oil as a moisturizer. Olive oil is a non irritant, recommended for sensitive skin. Skin problems and irritations, including razor burn, can be treated naturally by adding 10 drops of essential oil to every 1 ounce of olive oil.

Eucalyptus: antiseptic, irritation, healing agent, insect repellant

Bergamot: acne, eczema, also see this

 Chamomile: inflammation, sensitive skin, irritation Patchouli: inflammation, itching, wrinkle prevention

Peppermint: rejuvenation (may irritate sensitive skin, avoid if pregnant) Rosewood: natural moisturizer

 Sandalwood: skin hydration Tea Tree Oil: antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, itching and irritation

Witch Hazel: itching Aloe: itching and irritation Clove: antiseptic, circulation Lavender: anti-inflammatory, water retention or swelling, normalizes skin

 Benzoin: improves elasticity, reduces redness, itching, irritation Lemon: acne, varicose veins, cellulite, antiseptic (may irritate skin, avoid if pregnant, avoid direct sunlight)

Aloe vera skin care 

Soothe the Symptoms of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a very complicated and uncomfortable disease of the skin. The sufferer of psoriasis experiences painful inflammation and scaling. Additionally, psoriasis may result in pain throughout the body. This pain may include joint pain and general skin pain. Many people with psoriasis often express mental anguish in addition to the other symptoms associated with this skin disease.


Psoriasis can affect people of all ages. It can affect people, regardless of sex and nationality. No one is immune from the possibility of developing this skin disease. It is important to note, however, that psoriasis is not contagious. Psoriasis occurs when the body produces new skin cells at a quicker than normal rate. The "scales" are a buildup of these cells. People with psoriasis experience a lot of discomfort. Psoriasis can occur at almost any location on the body. These places may even include sensitive areas, such as the inside of the mouth, and even in the groin area. Additionally, psoriasis can also form in the joints of the sufferer.

 If a person experiences psoriasis in the joints, it can feel similar to that of arthritis pain. Recent medical developments have found a name for people with psoriasis in the joints, and that name is "psoriatic arthritis".


If you, or someone that you are close to, experiences psoriasis, continue reading this article. In this article, I will take the experience of my husband who has psoriasis and detail ways that a person can soothe the symptoms of psoriasis. If you know someone who suffers from this skin disease, be sure to email him or her this article using the appropriate button above the title. If you suffer from this skin disease, be sure to bookmark this and refer back to it often.

If you have psoriasis, your doctor will begin to work closely with you to find a method that is effective in overcoming the symptoms of this skin disease. It is important to follow the regime that your doctor has outlined for you. The doctor may begin treating the psoriasis with a cream or ointment that you can apply directly. While this is effective in reducing the pain and buildup of cells in the area, it is not always successful in completely eliminating all of the symptoms of the disease. The doctor may also try to use medicines that you can take in a pill or shot form to treat the condition. Light treatment may even be used to try to clear the symptoms of psoriasis.

If you wish to soothe the symptoms of psoriasis, you may want to consider the many benefits of direct sunlight. If a physician is treating you, it is important that you talk over the amount of sunlight that you should be exposed to each day. Once a conclusive amount has been given, be sure to follow these orders. You should not stay in the sun long enough to burn, but you should allow yourself some sunlight each day. This will help to slow the progression of psoriasis. This may even help you to totally eliminate the traces of psoriatic symptoms altogether.

Using lotions and creams that are medicated and thick have been proven to alleviate and soothe the symptoms of psoriasis. If you have been prescribed a cream or lotion of this type, you should ensure that you are following the prescription as outlined. If you have not, you should consult with your doctor before attempting an over-the-counter lotion and/or cream remedy. Many of these things have been found to make the symptoms of psoriasis worse, not better.

There are many effective washes, or bath treatments, that help to soothe the symptoms of psoriasis. While many of these treatments come prescribed, you can create some of your own using over-the-counter products. You can create a bath treatment using various types of salts that can be purchased at your local pharmacy. You can also create a bath treatment using grits and oatmeal. You simply run a bath as hot as you can possibly stand it, add two cups of the ingredient that you are choosing to use, and soak for approximately ten to fifteen minutes. This will help to moisturize and soften the skin. Once the skin is soft, you can lightly scrub your skin to remove excess cells. Bath treatments have been found to dry the skin, so, you may want to add a teaspoon of baby oil to the bath to keep the skin moist.

Many people have found that they can soothe the symptoms of psoriasis by the use of aloe vera. If you do not have an aloe vera plant available, you have a few choices. You can go out and purchase a medium aloe vera plant, or you can visit the sunscreen department at your local Wal-Mart and purchase a large bottle of aloe vera. Most of the bottles of aloe vera are priced under $3.00.
If you experience a lot of pain and inflammation with your psoriasis, you may consider taking over-the-counter pain medications, such as Tylenol, and Aspirin. It has also been found that natural herbs and supplements that aid in the skin and bones help to soothe the symptoms of psoriasis. Be especially careful with over-the-counter remedies as they may counteract medications and other treatments that your doctor may have you on.

People with psoriasis have found that if they replace the lights in their home to ultraviolet, they experience relief. Ultraviolet light is artificial light that is similar to sunlight. This soothes the symptoms of psoriasis by exposing a sufferer to appropriate light that will assist the condition on a continuous basis.

Many treatments can soothe the symptoms of psoriasis. You and your doctor must come to a conclusion on which treatments will work best for you. Before starting any new regime, remember to consult your physician. Additionally, it has been found that receiving counseling has helped people deal with the symptoms of psoriasis and the impact that it has on their lives. Having a good support system in place is one of the best ways to soothe the symptoms of psoriasis.

Body Lotions - the Beauty of Nature

The history of body lotion dates back to the time of the world's first known civilization in Sumer. Sumerians, the first to record its use, created salves for the skin using pulverized plant matter, animal materials and mineral powders. When mixed with wine and tree oils, these preparations became the first documented skin care.

Lotions and oils were also embraced by the Ancient Egyptians. Cleopatra favored the use of olive and sesame oils, whereas other Egyptians applied ointments made of oil of ben (also known as the horseradish tree) and resinous myrrh. Ancient Egyptian parchments go so far as to describe various uses for body creams, and jars of beauty cream have been discovered in burial tombs. A mixture of olive oil, animal fats and a variety of spices accompanied the dead on their journey into the afterlife.
The Bible also mentions the use of oils, creating lotions from olive oils and precious spices.

 Lotions were prepared in order to relieve the body from the effects of the sun; the poor, rubbing their bodies down with grease or animal fats, while those who could afford it used delicately perfumed ointments. Beyond their uses in moisturizing the body, the Bible also speaks of "anointment." In Mark 3:16, oils were used to anoint for health; Luke 7:46 speaks of using oils as a form of hospitality; the books of Ruth, II Samuel and Isaiah all mark the use of oils as a preparation for social occasions; whereas in the books Luke and Acts, to "anoint" is in direct reference to an individual's receiving of the Holy Spirit. The Bible also tells us the well known story of Martha's sister Mary washing Jesus' feet with precious oil and then proceeding to dry them with her hair, only to be chastised by Judas for using such a costly infusion (the oil contained spikenard). Mary's act was one of humility, devotion and affection to her Lord and was accepted by Jesus as such.

The use of oils, particularly oil based lotions, has as much value today as it has throughout history. Compensation for the natural body oils we lose during the course of our daily rituals is essential. Not to mention that our skin requires assistance in battling the environmental damage it faces regularly. The optimum health of our body's largest organ relies on our own common sense to supplement its losses. When our skin loses its natural moisture, it fights back by producing more. Thus, for some this inner battle may lead to cosmetic problems such as enlarged pores and acne. Educating ourselves on how best to replenish and care for the skin we live in may just be some of the most important knowledge we ever require.

Most of us would never dream of leaving our stomachs empty and malnourished, but robbing our skin of moisture can also cause it to lose its natural ability to store water and nutrients. Therefore, it is our responsibility to take care that our bodies are given every chance to fight back by caring for them in the best way possible. To retain our skin's natural oil and moisture there are simple and effective precautions we can implement as a part of our daily routines.

 Think about it, something as easy as patting ourselves (rather than rubbing) dry after a shower affords thirsty skin added sustenance. Daily moisturizing takes it one step further by helping the skin to retain its proper pH value and to protect against irritation. Whereas, applying lotions and oils with a massaging technique boasts yet another benefit in toning the muscles. Let's fact it, giving attention to simple details makes a difference.


Certain oils provide their own specific benefits. Witch-hazel for example, is extremely beneficial for those suffering with skin problems. When diluted, witch-hazel extract alleviates skin inflammation and acne. A natural disinfectant, witch hazel enables slow healing pustules to heal. Its value as a natural astringent will also be seen in the reduction and constriction of pore size.


Those suffering from skin problems often tend to have oily skin caused by an imbalance of acid and alkaline. Unfortunately, the use of harsh astringents and cleansers cause the imbalance to escalate, and the skin loses its ability to protect itself. To protect oily skin, choose a lotion containing jojoba oil. Highly penetrative, jojoba oil won't clog your pores, but it will ease skin inflammation and encourage the normalization of skin flora helping it return to a balanced state. Jojoba oil's penetration abilities and thorough acceptance by the skin keep it from clogging the pores leaving the skin free from eruptions.


Some people believe that their normal skin requires less attention, but attentiveness keeps the skin healthy and soft to the touch. Nurturing your skin is important, and for those who have healthy skin it is only natural that they strive to keep it that way. Apricot-kernel oil is an excellent choice for normal skin and gifts the user with a fresh, glowing complexion. Recognized as one of the most delicate oils, apricot-kernel oil is not only a superb choice for use in homemade lotions but a supreme selection as a basic massage oil as well.


The following recipes for natural body lotions contain anhydrous lanolin. Anhydrous lanolin, as complicated as it sounds is simply lanolin minus its water content and is available for purchase in most health food stores. Also, lotions and oils should be warmed and mixed in a double boiler. Heating your mixtures on the stove top may alter fragrance or consistency, so if you don't own a double-boiler and plan to dabble in "natural beauty" it would be wise to invest in one. Below you will find the recipes for luxuriant body lotions that are easily prepared in the comfort of your own home.