Many nutrition experts recommend eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day, and those same nutritionists understand the value of eating a variety of different colored fruits and vegetables.

Blueberries and nutrition
That is because different colored fruits and vegetables contain different nutrients, and blueberries are among the most nutrient dense of all foods. In addition to their many other benefits, blueberries are thought to reduce the risk of many varieties of cancers. Blueberries are among the richest sources of antioxidants, which are thought to play a strong role in the prevention of many cancers.

In addition to their possible role in the prevention of many forms of cancer, blueberries are being studied for their important role in protecting the brain and preventing memory loss. In addition, blueberries are thought to be one of the best fruits at improving the function of the urinary tract and even retarding the aging process. Blueberries are rich in many healthy phytochemicals, including the anthocyanins and phenolics which are being studied for their antiaging and anticancer benefits.

Health benefits of blueberries
Some of the many health benefits associated with blueberries include improved eyesight, reduced risk of heart disease, stronger blood vessels, better memory performance, reduced risk of urinary tract infections and promoting a healthy weight.

Blueberries are also among the richest sources of antioxidants in the diet. Antioxidants are thought to play an important role, both in the prevention of cancer and the mitigation of aging related decline. That is beauase antioxidants are thought to be able to prevent the cell damage that can be caused by free radicals. Free radicals are thought to play an important role in the formation of cancer and in the aging process, so disrupting these free radicals can have many important health benefits.

Antioxidant properties
One of the most important antioxidants contained in blueberries are anthocyanins. These important nutrients are also contined in applies, blackberries, grapes, radishes and red cabbage, but blueberries are among the richest sources of anthocyanins. Blueberries are also being studied for their abilty to reduce the formation of blood clots and preventing heart disease. Blueberries are also thought to help to improve nighttime vision and to slow the progression of macular generation by strengthening the small blood vessels found in the back of the eye.

In addition to their many health benefits, blueberries are among the lowest calorie foods in a healthy diet. A half cup serving of blueberries provides a scant 40 calories, but it provides a strong lineup of vitamins and minerals such as potassium, iron and of course vitamin C. In addition, blueberries are strong sources of dietary fiber. Each half cup serving of blueberries provides a full two grams of dietary fiber, as much as in an entire slice of whole wheat bread.

In short, blueberries are among the richest sources of antioxidants and other important nutrients. In addition, blueberries are delicious, versatile, high in fiber and low in calories. What more could you ask for in a single food?

Surgery is the mainstay of treatments available for breast cancer. The type of surgery used depends on the size and location of the tumor, the type of tumor and the person’s wishes and overall health. It is now possible for breast-sparing surgery in many cases. And if breast surgery is needed, breast reconstruction is an option taken by many women.

Lumpectomy – this involves the removal of the cancerous tissue that is cancerous and the surrounding area. The lymph nodes in the armpit are generally sampled at the same time. This is just about always done along with other therapies such as radiation therapy or with chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. Lumpectomy is usually performed when the surgeon is convinced there has been no spread of the cancer cells.

A simple mastectomy consists of the removal of the entire breast. If the cancer is found to be invasive, this type of surgery alone will not be successful in curing it. This is a common surgical treatment for non-invasive types of breast cancer. Radiation treatment or chemotherapy is usually given in conjunction with this treatment.

Radical modified mastectomy removes the breast and the underarm (axillary) lymph nodes although it does not remove the underlying muscle in the chest wall. Surgery alone is usually considered adequate to control the breast cancer if it has not metastasized although addition chemotherapy or hormonal therapy is offered on most occasions.

Those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer will be required to undergo follow up care for the rest of their life. The initial following up treatment is usually every 3-6 months during the first 2-3 years. This often involved a careful examination of the breast, an annual mammography, blood tests and on some occasions, chest x-rays. Other tests such as bone and CT scans are performed when needed.

It is important that a close family relative of someone diagnosed with breast cancer such as a mother, daughter or sister to be tested for breast cancer on an annual basis.

Those women who are genetically at high risk of developing breast cancer may benefit from tamoxifen as it has previously been seen to decrease the incidence of the disease occurring. Raloxifene, which is used to treat osteoporosis is now being studied for treating breast cancer.

The potential side effects should be discussed at length with your health care provider before beginning each different treatment.

Excessive alcohol intake and obesity following menopause can increase the risk of developing breast cancer although this increase is slight. Those women who are physically active have a lower risk.

More and more women who are at a high risk of developing breast cancer are having preventative or prophylactic mastectomies to avoid them developing breast cancer.

The main risk factors for women to develop breast are age, sex and genetics. Women can do nothing about these risks so regular screen is recommended to prevent death caused by breast cancer.

Women should undertake regular screening including self examination, mammography and clinical breast examinations.

Many people are unaware of the many healthful benefits of black pepper. Unlike salt, which can be harmful when added to food, black pepper actually seems to impart healthful benefits on those who use it in recipes and at the table.

Black pepper through the ages
In ancient times, black pepper was so valuable that it was often used as currency, and it was not unusual to see black pepper offered as a sacrifice to the gods. These days, we are fortunate that black pepper is plentiful, inexpensive and available year round.

Black pepper is derived from the pepper plant, a large woody vine which can grow to heights of more than 30 feet in the hot and humid climates of the tropics. These vines start to bear their traditional small white flowers after about three or four years. It is these bunches of small white flowers which develop the berries known as peppercorns. It is the ground peppercorns that produce the spice we know as black pepper.

The benefits of black pepper go far beyond its ability to add great taste to a wide variety of dishes. Recent studies suggest that black pepper may have a number of important health benefits. One of the most important of these health benefits is the abilty to improve digestion and improve the health of the digestive system and intestines.

Digestion and black pepper
Problems with digestion are increasing in frequency, and black pepper seems to be effective in improving the digestion of food, probably due to the way in which black pepper stimulates the taste buds. This stimulation of the taste buds notifies the stomach to increase its secretion of hydrochloric acid, thus improving the digestion of the food once it reaches the stomach. Insufficient production of stomach acid can lead to heartburn, indigestion and other problems, and black pepper may help to alleviate this problem.

In addition, black pepper is known to reduce the formation of intestinal gas, thus providing a natural solution to an embarrassing problem. This ability is most likely also the result of the stimulation of hydrochloric acid production.

Black pepper has also been shown to have significant antioxidant and antibacterial properties, important for fighting disease and maintaining overall good health. With all this to recommend it, there is no reason not to add a pinch of black pepper to every meal.

Delicious black pepper
Many professional chefs, and home cooks, swear by the value of grinding their own peppercorns, and fresh peppercorns are available from a variety of sources, including supermarkets, organic markets and even the internet. Grinding peppercorns at home certainly provides increased freshness, and there is some thought that the skin of the peppercorn is good at stimulating the metabolism, leading possibly to a slimmer figure and healthier body.

If you do decide to buy your black pepper already ground, however, it is important to buy a quality brand. There are many brands of black pepper in the local supermarket, from the lowest price generic brands to the highest priced gourmet variety. While it is not necessary to pay top price for black pepper, it is important to buy your black pepper form a company with a strong reputation for top quality foods.

Chemotherapy involves the administration of drugs that kill the cancer cells or stop them from growing. Most chemotherapy medications are given through an intravenous line, although some are administered in pill form. Chemotherapy is a harsh regime which often makes people feel more ill than the illness they are suffering from, however it has been proved to be very effective.
Chemotherapy is usually administered in cycles where each cycle consists of a period of intensive treatment which lasts for a few days or weeks followed by a week of recovery. Most patients with breast cancer have two to four cycles of chemotherapy to start with before tests are performed to see what effects it has had on the cancer.
Chemotherapy is different to radiation as it can treat the whole body with the potential of finding other tumor cells that have migrated from the breast and surrounding area. Many people are familiar with chemotherapy’s side effects although the side effects do depend upon which drugs are used to treat the patient.
The most common side effects are loss of hair, loss of appetite, fatigue, vomiting and low blood cell count making the patient more susceptible to infections, feeling sick or tired. Many notice that they bleed more than usual, especially from gums and small scrapes and sores etc.
There are three different chemotherapy strategies are used in breast cancer:
? adjuvant chemotherapy – this is given to patients who have undergone curative treatment for breast cancer such as radiation or surgery. This treatment is given to decrease the possibility of the breast cancer returning.
? Pre-surgical chemotherapy – this is given to shrink a large tumor and/or to kill any stray cancerous cells. This will also increase the chance that the surgery will kill the cancer completely.
? Regular chemotherapy – this is given routinely to people who have breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast or the surrounding local area.
Hormonal therapy may also be given as many breast cancers such as those that have ample estrogen or progesterone receptors are sensitive to changes in hormones.
In some breast cancer cases, a woman’s natural hormones are suppressed with drugs whereas other patients find benefits by adding hormones. Tamoxifen for instance is currently the most commonly prescribed effective hormone treatment. It can be used for treating breast cancer and also in the prevention of breast cancer. Tamoxifen has few side effects and can considerably improve the life span of those women who have advanced cases of breast cancer.
A further treatment, Fulvestrant has recently been approved in the USA. It is planned that it will be used for treating hormone receptor positive metastastic breast cancer in women who have been through the menopause. It is given following antiestrogen therapy.
Another treatment known as monoclonal is antibodies that are antagonistic against the proteins which are in or around cancer cells. They recognise an invader such as a cancer cell and attack it. This antibody therapy is currently being investigated and holds out a lot of hope for breast cancer sufferers.

Cellulite is the fat deposit, found closer to the surface than the subcutaneous normal fat deposits. One of the most pressing issues for women is how to get rid of the cellulite on their body. This cellulite can be described as a dimpling pattern of fat which is found on the hips, thighs and buttocks of many women. Sometimes if they are really unlucky, some women get cellulite on their upper arms.

It is a fact that women are much more likely to have cellulite than men. This fact is due to the layout of a component in the skin called the septa and its elasticity. Due to its design, women develop cellulite as they get older and get that orange peel look on their skin.

There are several causes of cellulite. The most common is of course, aging. Cellulite is a type of fat tissue, and we can find it just below the surface of our skin. This layer of skin contains bands of connecting tissue, containing fat cells. A lack of exercise, a bad diet, insufficient water intake, birth control pills, smoking and drinking or stress are the most common causes of cellulite. Also, in some cases, genetics play an important role. If your mother or grandmother had cellulite, you will probably suffer from this condition too.

The problem that comes with cellulite is how to get rid of it. Unfortunately, none of the methods used can be considered totally effective. Yet, if you combine several ways, you can often improve your cellulite even if you can’t make it disappear. The first thing to try is some creams, gels and lotions. Depending on their ingredients, they can often have good results. The advantage is they are applied directly on the affected parts of the body, and are more likely to be effective than pills that can be taken.

There are also creams and lotions that will have no beneficial effects at all. There are some ingredients that creams need to contain in order to have positive results on cellulite. One of these ingredients is methylxanthine. Specialists have found clear evidence that show this substance penetrates the skin much easier thus reducing the cellulite aspect of your skin.

A good diet can also be of great help. Antioxidants, amino acids, essential fatty acids or lecithin based diets will reduce the amount of stored fluids; improve circulation and cellular inflammation, leading to a cellulite reduction.

Exercise is also useful in your attempt to get rid of your cellulite. There are special programs designed by physicians that usually have good results. A good exercise program, combined with a proper diet will assure your skin is much improved. The programs mean you have to take light exercises, and sometimes they can be really fun. Aerobic classes are strongly recommended. Sometimes, even long walks, playing sports, ridding a bicycle or swimming will lead to a cellulite reduction.

What you need to know about these techniques is that, only if you combine them you will have positive results. If you don’t combine them, and use one technique alone, you will only get temporarily results, and the cellulite will appear again on your body.

For many generations, women in the United States have relied on a root known as black cohosh to relieve various problems associated with female health. From PMS issues and menstrual cramps to menopause, black cohosh has long been used to treat a variety of women’s issues.

As far back as 1900, the indigenous wildflower known as black cohosh provided the main ingredient for a popular tonic used to treat various female problems. Black cohosh is a member of the buttercup family, and its usefulness extends far beyond PMS and menopause. In addition to these traditional uses, black cohosh has been used to treat a large number of other conditions, including everything from eczema to insect bites.

Modern uses of black cohosh
For many years, the use of black cohosh fell out of favor, but this popular root is once again being used as an herbal treatment for such symptoms as hot flashes which are commonly associated with menopause. When traditional hormone replacement therapy was found to carry significant health risks, many doctors recommended that their patients treat their menopausal symptoms instead with black cohosh.

Black cohosh is also thought to be an excellent anti-inflammatory medication, a relief for muscle aches and even a mild sedative. In addition, black cohosh has been used to clear stopped up mucous membranes and to help lessen congestion and coughing.

The importance of black cohosh
Black cohosh also has a long history of treating menstrual cramps in a drug free way. The antispasmodic properties of black cohosh may be responsible for its effectiveness at treating the discomforts of menstrual cramps. In addition, black cohosh is thought to increase the blood flow to the uterus, and to reduce the intensity of painful cramping. Black cohosh is even thought to benefit those suffering from premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Black cohosh is available in a number of different preparations, including tinctures, tablets, capsules, and dried herbs. These dried black cohosh herbs are often used to prepare soothing teas.

What to look for
When shopping for capsules or tablets containing black cohosh, it is important to look for those products which have been standardized to contain 2.5% triterpenes glycosides, which are the active ingredients in the black cohosh root. It is this amount that has proven most effective in clinical trials of black cohosh.

When buying liquid forms of black cohosh, it is important to seek out those products that have been standardized to a higher percentage, around 5% of triterpene glycosides.

For many people the capsules which contain the freeze dried black cohosh roots can be an excellent choice, since these capsules are most likely to contain all of the key ingredients in this herb. This includes many of the compounds that have yet to be identified by science, but which are likely to be part of the active ingredients of black cohosh.

The best preparation of black cohosh for PMS symptoms is to take 40 mg of black cohosh two times a day. This regimen should be started from a week to 10 days prior to your period. Muscle aches and pains are best treated with a warm compress which has been soaked in black cohosh tea. This preparation should be applied to the affected area for about 20 minutes. The black cohosh tea is made by boiling the dried black cohosh root in water for 20 to 30 minutes, and then allowing the tea to cool before it is used.