MAY 29, 2010 - Cranberries and Elderberries

May 29, 2010

"Willpower is not the key to the way of life we are seeking, surrender is."

"Today I will accept powerlessness where I have no power to change things, and I'll allow my life to become manageable."

Some believe that this should be my mantra for life. How true this is. I have been powerlessness over alcohol, some people, places, things and everything in life. I have learned to stop fighting the demons (lions, tigers and bears - 1939 Wizard of Oz) simply because I cannot win.

Cranberries are best known for their use against urinary tract infections especially of the species E. coli. Cranberries are the fighters of oxidative stress. These berries have also been useful in fending off ulcers created by the bacterium, Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori). I find cranberries to be tart but they are very useful.

Elderberries is a natural anti-viral activity. There are studies to show that elderberries have been found to block H1H2 (Influenza) and block the ability of the virus to infect host cells. Not only did elderbery have its effect against H1H2, but 8-10 other influenza species.

So after all this berry talk, who still doesn't like berries? There is the all important raspberries, strawberries and cherries. We didn't talk a lot about these but here it goes. Raspberries have been useful in protection against colon cancer cells. There are choke berries, which are supposed to have a higher ORAC valve greater than the acai berry. Strawberries in vitro studies have shown activity against certain cancers, whereas cherries have shown to reduce lipid abnormalities. Cherries have also been useful in reducing sugar levels. Many of these studies are not human studies. More double blind studies need to be done. There is definitely no harm in ingesting berries into your diet. All berries have a low glycemic index and a high antioxidant potential.

So eat, eat and eat BERRIES.
So to finish let us read what Buddha has to say...

"Health is the greatest gift, contentment, the greatest wealth, faithfulness, the best relationship."

Until tomorrow...(or Monday)