The Sugar Busters

Heart disease is the leading killer of both men and women in America, with over 600,000 deaths annually. Additionally, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes and another 79 million have pre-diabetes.  According to Dr. Mercola, our sugar consumption has steadily increased from about 4 lbs per year per person in 1700, 18 lbs per year in 1800, 90 lbs per year by 1900, and more than 180 lbs per person per year by 2009.  And, its not just sugar, it is a bit more complicated than that.  Lactose intolerance was first discovered in the 1960s.  The term Fibromyalgia was coined in 1976.  The term Metabolic Syndrome came into common usage in the late 1970s.  Chronic Fatigue Syndrome was first defined in 1988.  During this same time frame, Gluten Intolerance or Gluten Sensitivity became widespread and more widely known.  All this is tied to genetically modified foods which of course is tied to money and profits.  Intentionally or otherwise, America seems to be caught in a vicious cycle.  There is huge money in developing all kinds of processed foods and genetically engineered foods which are effectively  setting people up for all kinds of health problems, and even larger profits in creating all kinds of synthetic drugs to fix them - which unfortunately all come with a long list of unpleasant and sometimes permanently disabling or even fatal side effects, which we are brainwashed into thinking are acceptable risks.  And, once on this bandwagon, it is very hard to get off.

The history of sugar dates back thousands of years.  Sugarcane is a tall grass originating in New Guinea as early as 6000 BC, with its cultivation routes spreading to regions of India and Southeast Asia and east to the Pacific. It was believed to have hybridized with wild canes from India and China.  The process for pressing out the juice and boiling it into crystals.  It was introduced to Europe in the middle ages, and Columbus in turn brought it to the West Indies which proved to be a favorable growing climate.  Sugar Cane, which contains about 12-14% sucrose,  is produced in four US States, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Texas, with about half the production coming from Florida.  The US cane crop was 26.7 million tons in 2011 with a crop value of over $1 billion.  

Sugar was first extracted from beets by a German professor, Andreas Margraf in 1747.  Sugar beets were first brought to the US in the late 1800s, and being less expensive to produce than cane sugar, now account for about 55% of the total US sugar production compared to 45% from cane sugar. Sugar beets contain 16% sucrose and although chemically similar to the sugar from sugar cane, it is not quite the same and has different properties in baking.  Of more concern is that at least 95% of the sugar from sugar beets comes from Genetically Modified strains.  

The most deadly culprit of all however is High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) which is far more harmful than either cane or beet sugar.  Sucrose, although processed and refined as white sugar, does occur naturally in many fruits and vegetables.  HFCS is synthetically engineered and does not occur naturally. In 1957, researchers Richard O. Marshall and Earl M. Kooi invented it to tailor the specifically to tailor the level of sweetness. It began to be widely marketed as a sweetener in the 1970s, gaining wide popularity until more consumer awareness in recent years has caused some to back away from it.  Corn syrup is heated and separated to break the gluten bonds, releasing starch and fiber, then the structure is reconfigured into an unbalanced isomer containing 55% fructose, 42% glucose, and 3% of other larger sugar molecules. Sucrose, by contrast is a balanced disaccharide equal amounts of glucose and fructose bonded together. According to Dr. Mark Hyman, Sucrose and HFCS do not behave the same way in the body either.  Fructose can only be metabolized by the liver, similar to the way in which alcohol is metabolized, while glucose can be metabolized by every cell of the body.  HFCS depends much more on the liver due to its unbalanced form.  It is cheaper to produce than sucrose due to the government corn subsidies.  Further, since the glucose and fructose are not bound together as in sucrose, the glucose is absorbed much more rapidly, triggering insulin spikes, while the fructose goes straight to the liver triggering production of triglycerides and cholesterol, and resulting in fatty liver, which affects 70 million people.

Not surprisingly the corn industry argues all of this and tries to proclaim that HFCS is no different or more harmful than sugar, since its use as a sweetener has resulted in huge profits for them.  Some basic problems with HFCS, not only is it synthetically engineered, most of the corn it is made from is genetically modified in the first place.  Studies have shown that foods with HFCS (which may be found in a wide range of packaged or processed foods from cereals, breads, lunch-meats, snacks, soups, condiments, sauces and more) suppress the hormone leptin which signals the body when we have had enough to eat.  And, the way HFCS is processed by the body triggers insulin resistance.  Further, testing of 20 HFCS samples from 3 different manufacturers found that 9 of them contain mercury which is often used as part of the production processed. Dr. Mercola elaborates further on the dangers of HFCS despite the fact that consumption has fallen to a 20 year low.  The corn industry is trying hard to recoup these profits by changing the name or the way it is presented on labels.  It may be listed as simply Corn Syrup, Corn Sugar, Glucose-Fructose Syrup, Iso Glucose, Chicory and Fruit Fructose or other such deceptive names, but calling it something else is not going to mitigate any of the harmful effects.    According to Dr. Oz, half of the 150 lbs of sugar per year per person we are consuming comes from HFCS.

A study published by the Journal of the American Heart Association, says that just one molecule of glucose metabolite glucose 6-phosphate (G6P) can lead to improper function of the heart.  Researchers at UC Davis have also identified a biological link between Diabetes and Heart Disease.

Sugar in any form was never meant to be consumed in these massive amounts. So how do we control our insatiable appetite for sugar?  Awareness of what you are eating is key.  Take the time to read labels.  Try to limit foods packaged in cans, bags, boxes, etc as these almost always have added sugar.   Pure natural Stevia is a good sweetener, or occasional moderate amounts of organic raw honey or maple syrup.  Be aware, however, that as explained by Dr. Mercola, artificial sweeteners such as Aspartame, Nutra-Sweet, Sweet N Low, Equal, Splenda, and more have even more harmful effects than Splenda.  Made with sucralose, Splenda is especially deceptive as  it is labeled as having 0 calories per serving, although in fact there are nearly 4 calories of pure sugar per packet which is added as a bulking added since such a tiny amount of the sucralose is needed for sweetener.  Since it is less than 5 calories, the FDA allows it to be labeled as 0 calories.This can be especially dangerous for those with diabetes or borderline high blood sugar who may use several packets per day, and/or use it for baking in the eagerly promoted recipes on Splenda's website.

Supplementation with Magnesium and Chromium may be helpful in controlling sugar cravings. In fact, cravings for chocolate may actually often be an indicator of magnesium deficiency.  High quality dark chocolate in moderate amounts (and without HFCS added) is a good source of magnesium.  Adequate protein intake is also important.  Try to keep a daily journal of what you eat.  If you miss or get behind, don't let that be an excuse for giving it up, just start again recording the next meal or snack and keep up with it as much as you can.  Many people simply do not realize that poor eating habits - irregular meals, skipping meals, or going long periods without eating regardless whether it is because you are busy or trying to diet - actually makes it much more difficult to control cravings for sugar and unhealthy foods.  Eating regular balanced meals with adequate protein, and healthy snacks in between will help to eliminate excess sugar consumption and desire to binge on junk food, which are designed to make you binge.  For instance, who eats 21 Cheetos and stops?  Or 1/2 cup of ice cream?  Next time you eat ice cream, measure it and compare to the portion you usually eat.   Many of these things it is very easy to think we are only getting a certain amount of calories, sugars or carbohydrates when in fact if you pay attention to the portion size you may be eating 2 or 3 times that much.  Or more.

Some essential oils may help support maintaining blood sugar levels that are already in the normal range. Maintaining normal blood sugar is key to minimizing cravings for sugar and unhealthy foods.   A few essential oils which may help support maintaining normal blood sugar range include Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Cinnamon Bark (Cinnamomum verum), and Ocotea (Ocotea quixos) and a  special refreshing Young Living blend called Slique Essence. In addition to Ocotea it contains Lemon (Citrus limon); Tangerine (Citrus nobilius); Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi); and Spearmint (Mentha spicata) . In addition, it contains Stevia Leaf Extract as a natural sweetener.  A drop or two of the Slique blend may be added to your water and sipped during the day as a pleasant way to help support health blood sugar and encourage adequate water intake.   They also offer a Slique Tea made from Jade oolong tea, inulin, ocotea leaf (Ocotea quixos), Ecuadorian cacao powder, vanilla essential oil, frankincense powder (Boswellia sacra), and natural stevia extract which is delightful, hot or cold.

Be sure to to find a source which provides high quality, carefully tested oils to ensure purity and maximum therapeutic properties.

For more information on the leading essential oil companies, their history, testing, and quality standards, check out the 45 page Young Living/DoTerra report.

If you like this report and would like to make a small donation to help defray the costs of time and research, you may click the donate button here:

For more information on therapeutic grade essential oils and protecting your health, please visit Oil Well Essentials


These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and this information is for educational purposes only and not intended to diagnose, prevent, mitigate, treat, or cure any disease. 

The Magical Mints - Part 2 - Peppermint, Spearmint, Patchouli, Sage and Clary Sage

Among the best known essential oils of the mint family is Peppermint (Mentha piperita).  Used for medicinal purposes by the Romans, Greeks, and ancient Egyptians, dried leaves from Peppermint have been found in Egyptian pyraminds and tombs with carbon dating as far back as 1000 B.C.  Documented by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 as a species, it was later recognized as a naturally occurring hybrid between Watermint (Mentha aquatica) and Spearmint (Mentha spicata).  Watermint, as its name suggests, grows in moist areas such as wet meadows and fens, riparean areas, along streams, canals, riverbanks and other wet areas, and may even grow in the water itself.  Naturally occuring in Northern Europe, Northern Africa, and Southwest Asia, it spreads by long runners, creating daughter plants as is typical of mints, and produces abundant midsummer blooms which are caps of tiny florets ranging from deep blue to shades of purple.

Spearmint (Mentha spicata) was also native to much of Europe and Southwest Asia.  It also grows in generally moist soils and has spike flowers of white or pink.  Spearmint essential oil contains 45 - 55% Carvone and 15 -25% Limonene.   Spearmint is soothing to the intestines and may help support digestive function, and alleviate occasional sour stomach.      

Peppermint, which has  purple flowers arranged in a spike inflorescence, is a natural hybrid of these two species.  It rarely produces seeds, but is readily cultivated from root cuttings and is widely grown all over the world as a  medicinal and culinary herb.  The essential oil is steam distilled from leaves and stems and has long been regarded as supportive of  healthy digestive function.  Historically, peppermint was  one of the oils used in the famous "Four Thieves Vinegar" used by 15th century bandits to protect themselves during the Black Plague. In early times, peppermint was used as a tonic for refreshing the mind and body. The fragrance of peppermint is an excellent deterrent for mice as they cannot stand the pungent aroma.

Peppermint contains 34-44% natural Menthol which is responsible for the powerful minty aroma, flavor, and cooling sensation.  Menthol is also widely manufactured as a synthetic ingredient, and the demand for it greatly exceeds the available supply from natural resources.  For instance Taskasago International in Japan, which ranks 5th worldwide in the fragrance and flavor industry, manufactures about 3000 tons per year.  The total current annual production worldwide is estimated to be over 19,000 metric tons.    In the U.S., a bottle of essential oil may be labeled as "pure" even if it only contains 5% of the actual ingredient, or as 100% pure even if there is a synthetic ingredient in the mix.  The Fragrance and Flavor Industry leader is Givaudin, with an estimated 19.1% of the market share and over $3824 million in sales per year.   Natural pure peppermint oil is more "minty" in fragrance, with greater cooling properties, and the aroma is superior. Its cooling properties tend to be soothing, where a synthetic or extended peppermint oil is sharper and may become unpleasant or uncomfortable when applied to sensitive areas. Natural properly distilled therapeutic grade peppermint oil has a number of trace minty constituents and other components that are lacking in synthetic varieties.

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is very popular in perfumes and incenses though less widely known as belonging to the mint family.  The essential oil is distilled from its small pink flowers.  Patchouli was used for centuries in Asian cultures as an antidote for insect and snake bites, as well as to fight infections and bring down fever.  It was traditionally used by the French for allergies, dermatitis, an eczema.  Patchouli diffused provides a pleasing fragrance with a soothing and calming influence.

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is also a member of the mint family, a popular incense and culinary herb.  Derived from the word salvation, it was considered a sacred herb by the Romans. The essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves and flowers, and is high in ketones, approximately 60%.  Sage may help support the respiratory and digestive systems.    Diffusing may help relieve occasional nervous irritability and promote emotional well-being..

 Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) is another mint which has been used to help soothe mild menstrual cramps and and moodiness associated with PMS.  . It is steam distilled from the flowering plant.  It is a soothing and relaxing fragrance which may help with restful sleep

As with all essential oils, care should be taken to find a source which provides high quality, carefully tested oils to ensure purity and maximum therapeutic properties.

For more information on the leading essential oil companies, their history, testing, and quality standards, check out the 45 page Young Living/DoTerra report.

If you like this report and would like to make a small donation to help defray the costs of time and research, you may click the donate button here:





These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and this information is for educational purposes only and not intended to diagnose, prevent, mitigate, treat, or cure any disease. 

The Magical Mints - History, uses, and scientific studies Part I

The mint family, Lamiaceae, is one of the oldest and most valued resources for essential oils.  Altogether there are about 200 genera and some 3200 species worldwide.  Many of the plants are aromatic, so it is not surprising there are several which have become valued as essential oils, and properly distilled, may have a variety of benefits.

Among the oldest of the mint family used or essential oil is Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) which is found in the Mediterranean area, as well as being grown in France, Idaho, and Utah, and steam distilled from leaves, stems, and flowers.  The most common chemotype (CT) is Thymol, which may have 37-55% thymol as a main constituent.   It is mentioned in the Ebers Papyrus, which is among the oldest and most important medical documents of ancient Egypt.  It is a 110 page scroll, about 20 meters long, containing 700 or more remedies, and is believed to have been written about 1500 B.C. and possibly copied from earlier documents which may go back as far as 3400 B.C.  The Ebers Papyrus was discovered in 1873 by Egyptologist Georg Ebers, and is now held in Germany at the Library of the University of Leipzig. It is also mentioned in Dioscorides' De Materia Medica, about A.D. 78.  Pedanius Dioscorides was a close friend of Aristotle and was the earliest known European author to write about systematical botanical subjects, discussing some 500 plants.  His work was considered the ultimate authority on plants and medicine for 2000 years.  Thyme was also mentioned in Hildegard's medicine.  Hildegard of Bingen was a German nun (1098 -1179) of the convent at Rupertsburg, who, under the teaching of the famous Peter Abelard, was among a rare number of nuns allowed to practice surgery.  She was widely known and honored for her medical services and was canonized as a saint.  Her work was one of the earliest herbals written by anyone, especially a woman.  She also composed music and a variety of theological and mystical works. Another variety of Thyme, CT Linalol is high in Linalol.  It was used by the ancient Egyptions for embalming, and the Greeks used it to protect against a variety of infectious diseases.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis CT Cineole) , another mint has origins in Tunisia, Morocco, and Spain, and  is steam distilled from leaves. This variety has about  38-55% of 1,8 Cineole.  The name comes from the Latin words for "dew of the sea". It was used by the Greeks for incense burning as early as 1000 B.C.  Rosemary was mentioned in Hildegard's Medicine, and was also part of the historic "Four Thieves Vinegar" or "Marseilles Vinegar, a recipe developed by 15th century perfumers who were also grave robbers, and according to legend, used it to protect themselves during the plague.   A study by University of Miami scientists indicated the fragrance of Rosemary helped to increase analytic and mental focus, and alertness while alleviating feelings of anxiousness.

Marjoram (Origanum majorana) , a mint with origins in France and Egypt is steam distilled from leaves. Romans considered it the "herb of happiness" and Greeks called it "joy of the mountains".  It was also listed in Dioscorides' De Materia Medica , and Hildegard's Medicine.  Marjoram is known to sooth muscles and joints after exercise, and is a general relaxant, also soothing to digestion.   Marjoram contains about 25- 35% Terpinene-4-ol , nearly as much as is found in Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) which has 30-45%, and which has been studied for its therapeutic properties.

Oregano (Origanum compactum), is a well known mint and culinary herb with origins in the USA, France, Germany, Turkey, and is steam distilled from leaves.  Also mentioned in Hildegards Medicine, it is often used as a natural supplement.  Oregano contains 60 - 75% Carvacrol, (CVC).

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) another mint used by Hildegard of Bingen  has sources in  India, France, and Utah, and is steam distilled from leaves, stems and flowers. Basil is high in Methylchavicol ,40-80%.  It is an excellent flavoring for many recipes, and helps support healthy digestion.

For more information on the leading essential oil companies, their history, testing, and quality standards, check out the 45 page Young Living/DoTerra report.

If this information has been helpful, you may click the donate button to contribute a small amount towards the cost of research. Thank you!

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and this information is for educational purposes only and not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.

Essential Oils and the Brain

The fragrance of many essential oils may help promote emotional well being, alleviate occasional blue feelings that everyone experiences occasionally, may help support the nervous system during times of stress, and may help with focus and reducing absent-mindedness.  For this purpose, it must be remembered that a pleasing fragrance is not a definitive guide to pure quality or therapeutic benefit.  There are a great many perfumes, personal care products, and fragrance grade essential oils which have a wide range of synthetic additives and compounds on which very little data exists.  This is generally done for the sole purpose of increasing the manufacturer's profits   According to some statistics one major company is said to use twice as much as the amount of real lavender essential oil produced in the entire world.

Many of these adulterated and extended oils with synthetic additives contain contain neurotoxins, which may affect the brain and nervous system through  headaches, confusion, dizziness, central nervous system disorders,  anxiety, depression, disorientation, mood swings, short-term memory loss, and more. The vast majority of these synthetic fragrance chemicals are synthesized from petroleum products which disperse quickly and may remain for months on fabrics and other surfaces.  Yet, many consumers are lulled into thinking they are saving money if they can find a supplier or local dealer which may offer "pure" or "therapeutic grade" essential oils for a fraction of the cost and fail to realize that harmful additives may still be present in these products.    Diffusing inexpensive oils which may have synthetic additives to enhance the fragrance can be harmful and more costly in the long run. This is why it is very important to source your oils only from companies which have very strong quality and testing standards.

For pure therapeutic grade oils which may have a beneficial effect, another very ancient oil is Myrrh (Commipora myrrha) which is also a member of the Burseraceae (frankincense) family, and like frankincense is distilled from gum/resin.  Myrrh is remembered along with Frankincense as one of the three gifts brought to the Christ child (the other being gold).  And, like Frankincense, is also listed in the Ebers Papyrus of 16th century B.C. and was further mentioned in Hildegard's Medicine, compiled by the Benedictine herbalist Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179).

The fragrant influence of Myrrh has historically been prized for promoting spiritual awareness and uplifting the mood. A 2014 study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science discusses the physiological and psychological role of fragrances and essential oils, and effects onneurophysiological brain activity.  

The fragrance of Orange (Citrus sinensis) may help in promoting relaxation.  Lemon (Citrus limon) may help support clear thinking, and was found by Japanese researchers that when diffused in an office environment, mental accuracy and concentration improved dramatically, reducing errors by more than half.  The fragrance of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) has historically been considered mentally energizing but also one that helps promote restful sleep.

Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) is the species most closely related to the Biblical Cedars of Lebanon.  It is steam distilled from the bark and is especially high in sesquiterpenes. Its fragrance is soothing and calming.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), also a mint is widely known for its gentle, comforting fragrance.

Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis CT Cineole) is another mint which may help support mental clarity and focus while relieving mental fatigue; and Peppermint (Mentha piperita) a mint which is refreshing and may help support healthy cognitive unction  All of these provided significant benefit.

Pettigrain (Citrus sinensis) is steam distilled from leaves and twigs from the orange tree.  This fragrance is beneficial for relaxation and minor feelings of anxiousness and insomnia, may help with   mental fatigue, and is uplifiting and refreshing to the senses.

The pungent fragrance of Pine (Pinus sylvestris) has also been traditionally valued for uplifting mind, body, and spirit.

For more information on the leading essential oil companies, their history, testing, and quality standards, check out the 45 page Young Living/DoTerra report.

If this information has been helpful, you may click the donate button to contribute a small amount towards the cost of research. Thank you!

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and this information is for educational purposes only and not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.

Frankincense

Well known as one of the three gifts given to the Christ child at birth, Frankincense has been used in religious ceremonies for thousands of years.  The Bible contains over 52 references to frankincense. It is also mentioned in the famous Ebers Papyrus, the oldest of known medical records, with a date going back to the 16th century B.C. where it is included in an ancient Egyptian list of 877 prescriptions and recipes.

There are several species of Frankincense with somewhat different origins and properties.  Two most regarded for therapeutic properties are Boswellia carteri, which grows in Somalia, and Boswellia sacra, or Sacred Frankincense, which grows in Oman.  According to the definitive work, The Plants of Dhofar, Boswellia sacra is the only species which grows in Oman and is the most prized, and this species does not grow anywhere else.  Other species, including Boswellia freereana are popularly sold in the marketplace in Oman and have therefore been described as "from Oman", but they do not grow there. Only one company, Young Living, has worked with the Oman government to obtain the proper permissions for distilling and exporting Boswellia sacra, previously reserved only for royals, although at least a couple other companies claim to offer this species.  

Dr. Mahmoud Suhail and Dr. H.K. Lin have worked extensively in conducting research using Boswellia sacra and Boswellia carteri essential oils.  Both these species are known to contain Boswellic acids, although these are not found in Boswellia freereana, which is primarily known for its pleasing fragrance.  

Some scientists have claimed that the molecules of the Boswellic acids are too large to be captured in the distillation process, and believed that frankincense oils shown to contain boswellic acids must have been altered to add them back in.  However, subsequent research and a study published in December 2012 on PubMed involving both Dr. Suhail and Dr. Lin have shown that proper testing with High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) clearly demonstrates that the boswellic acids are indeed captured during the distillation where less sensitive tests or inferior equipment will not detect them.

 

For more information on the leading essential oil companies, their history, testing, and quality standards, check out the 45 page Young Living/DoTerra report.

If this information has been helpful, you may click the donate button to contribute a small amount towards the cost of research. Thank you!

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and this information is for educational purposes only and not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.