Aspartame and Health issues

whatever they are,
use with caution, never overuse than ADI !

Artificial sweeteners the low-calorie sweeteners control the blood glucose of diabetic persons, an excellent and acceptable sugar alternative for diabetics or those wishing to decrease their use of sucrose., artificial sweetener also prevent dental caries (do not promote tooth decay), stimulate the appetite, and may assist in weight management, but the bulk of evidence does not support this hypothesis, research demonstrates that artificial sweeteners have no effect on carbohydrate metabolism, short or long term blood glucose control, or insulin secretion.
Artificial sweeteners taste sweet like cane sugar without added the calories. artificial sweeteners, and their metabolic by-products and components, are not considered harmful to human beings at the levels normally used, not exit the acceptable daily intake (ADI), when used in the context of a healthful diet, artificial sweeteners are generally safe for consumption. There have been a number of health concerns related with these products, though the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval process for artificial sweeteners involves a comprehensive analysis of scientific data to satisfy safety requirements. All "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) sweeteners have undergone extensive safety testing and have been carefully reviewed by the FDA.
What does "GRAS" mean?
"GRAS" is an acronym for the phrase Generally Recognized As Safe. Under sections 201(s) and 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act), any substance that is intentionally added to food is a food additive, that is subject to pre-market review and approval by FDA, unless the substance is generally recognized, among qualified experts, as having been adequately shown to be safe under the conditions of its intended use, or unless the use of the substance is otherwise excluded from the definition of a food additive. For example, substances whose use meets the definition of a pesticide, a dietary ingredient of a dietary supplement, a color additive, a new animal drug, or a substance approved for such use prior to September 6, 1958, are excluded from the definition of food additive. Sections 201(s) and 409 were enacted in 1958 as part of the Food Additives Amendment to the Act. While it is impracticable to list all ingredients whose use is generally recognized as safe, FDA published a partial list of food ingredients whose use is generally recognized as safe to aid the industry's understanding of what did not require approval.

Aspartame

N-L-α-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine-1-methyl-ester

Non-nutritive sweetener / low calorie sweetener.

Aspartame which was discovered by accident in 1965, is a white, odorless powder, is a non caloric sweetener used in many diet soft drinks and food preparations, it has assessed its safety and an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) value was established, aspartame has 200 (two hundred) times sweeter than sugar, it contains four calories per gram, but due to its intense sweetness, with very low amount to be consumed, the amount energy of aspartame is negligible, aspartame is stable in dry powder form, at low temperature, it breaks down and loses its sweetness when stored in liquids at temperatures above 30°C, aspartame is not suitable in applications that require high temperatures, it will lose its sweetness when heated.
Aspartame was originally approved for dry goods (dry powder form) on July 26, 1974, but objections by neuroscience researcher in August 1974 caused the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on December 5, 1974 hold the approval until it was approved for dry goods in 1981 and for carbonated beverages in 1983. The FDA and other international regulatory bodies and numerous expert scientific groups have concluded that aspartame is safe for the general public, including diabetics, pregnant and nursing women, and children, persons with a rare hereditary disease known as phenylketonuria (PKU) must control their phenylalanine intake from all sources, including aspartame, these persons are diagnosed at birth by a blood test performed on all babies. Products sweetened with aspartame carry a statement on the label that they “This product contains phenylalanine“. Phenylalanine found in proteins, phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that we absorb from the protein we eat, humans require phenylalanine for protein metabolism and children also require it for growth, phenylalanine is converted into tyrosine in the body. tyrosine is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters.
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI value):
ADI is an estimate amount of a substance in foods or drinks that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without causing health risk to the consumer on the basis of all the known facts at the time of the evaluation, ADI is generally based on the results from animal toxicology studies, it is usually expressed in mg (milligrams) of the chemical per kilogram of body weight. ADIs are used for substances that have a reason to be found in food and the likes, include food additives, pesticide residues and veterinary drugs in foods, the FDA has set the ADI for aspartame is 50 mg/kg of body weight per day. acceptable daily intake of aspartame remained entirely safe-except for people with phenylketonuria / PKU.*)
Aspartame is synthesized from three chemicals: aspartic acid, phenylalanine (two essential amino acids), and methanol. Persons with the rare hereditary metabolic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU), an inborn error of metabolism, must control their intake of phenylalanine from all sources, including aspartame, and therefore all U.S. products containing aspartame are labeled "This product contains phenylalanine."
*) What is phenylketonuria (PKU)
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare inherited disease that prevents the essential amino acid phenylalanine from being properly metabolized, an essential amino acid is required for normal growth, development, and body functioning and must be obtained from the diet, as the body cannot make it, Because those with PKU cannot metabolize phenylalanine, it can accumulate in the body and cause health problems including mental retardation.

Controversial issues on Aspartame:
Shortly after the widespread marketing of aspartame, there were a number of anecdotal reports of health effects, which some consumers related to their consumption of aspartame-containing products (Hull, 1999). Most of the earlier complaints and reports of aspartame-related adverse reactions were analysed by experts at the Centres for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta on behalf of the FDA, who concluded that there was no symptom complex that could be assigned to the ingestion of aspartame (Janssen and Van der Heijden, 1988; Tollefson, 1988).
A number of complaints were of a neurological or behavioural type (Tollefson, 1988) and these received special consideration, in part because experiments in animals have shown that high doses (1000mg/kg bw and above in rats) can alter the concentrations of neurotransmitters and their precursors within the central nervous system (Lajtha et al., 1994).
“ The excessive ingestion of aspartame raises the level of aspartic acid in blood plasma, it significantly raises the level of aspartate, aspartate act as neurotransmitters in the brain, transferring information from neuron to neuron, too much aspartate in the brain kills certain neurons by allowing the influx of too much calcium into the cells, this influx triggers excessive amounts of free radicals, which destroy and kill the neural cells (neurons), causing serious chronic neurological disorders (excitatory amino acid damage), therefore aspartame is a excitotoxins ”.

Is aspartame safe?
Aspartame has been tested for more than three decades, in more than 200 studies, with the same result: aspartame is safe. In fact, the FDA Commissioner, upon approving aspartame, noted, “Few compounds have withstood such detailed testing and repeated, close scrutiny, and the process through which aspartame has gone should provide the public with additional confidence of its safety.” In addition to FDA, aspartame has been reviewed and determined to be safe by the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) of the Food and Agriculture Organization / World Health Organization(WHO), the Scientific Committee on Food of the European Commission, and the regulatory bodies of over 100 countries. The American Medical Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs, the American Diabetes Association, and the American Dietetic Association (ADA) have reviewed research on aspartame and found it to be safe. In fact, the ADA’s 2004 updated position paper states, “a comprehensive review of the safety of aspartame has recently been published, the review covers previous publications as well as new information that support the safety of aspartame as a food additive and deny claims of its association with a range of health problems.
Is aspartame an "excitotoxin?
An excitotoxin is a substance that reportedly over-stimulates brain and nerve cells, critics have falsely claimed that ingestion of aspartame may result in high blood levels of aspartic acid, which would circulate to the brain and kill nerve cells, however, extensive scientific research has shown that it is not possible for a person ever to consume enough aspartame in the diet, and over long periods of time - to result in high blood levels of aspartic acid”.
Can people with diabetes consume aspartame?
The American Diabetes Association states that aspartame is a safe and useful sweetener for people with diabetes. Aspartame makes food taste sweet and does not contribute calories or raise blood sugar levels. About 90 percent of people with diabetes use aspartame-sweetened products. Foods and beverages sweetened with aspartame offer people with diabetes a much wider variety of products from which to choose and greater flexibility in budgeting their total carbohydrate intake. Thus, it can help them follow nutrition recommendations and still enjoy good-tasting foods.
Does aspartame affect blood sugar control in people with diabetes?
No. Research shows that aspartame does not affect short-term or long-term blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association states “Aspartame has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, a governmental agency that conducts thorough scientific review to determine foods that are safe for public consumption. (We) follow FDA recommendations and recognize there is no credible scientific evidence linking aspartame to any health-related problems for people with diabetes.”
Can women who are pregnant or breastfeeding consume aspartame?
The FDA and the Council on Scientific Affairs of the American Medical Association agree that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding can safely use aspartame. An American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition task force also has concluded that aspartame is safe for both the mother and developing baby. Aspartame is broken down in the body to the same components (phenylalanine, aspartic acid and methanol) eaten daily in common diets by pregnant and breast feeding women.

Other Artificial Sweeteners approved by FDA:

• Acesulfame K (Potassium)
• Saccharin
• Sucralose
• Neotame
• Sugar Alcohols (GRAS)

Other Artificial Sweeteners pending FDA approval:

• Cyclamate
• Stevioside (from Stevia reboudiana Bert, Familia Compositae)
• Alitame

References:

• FAQ about GRAS
• Artificial Sweetener
• Aspartame Infromation Center
• Scientific Facts on Aspartame
• Sweetpoison
  

Choosing suitable and safe Sunscreen / Sunblock Creams.

We need sun, but too much may cause sunburns,

accelerates aging, and causes skin cancer.

The best way to prevent from sun burn is cover-up and looking for shade!

Taking care of our skin from excessive sun exposure,

Follow the application instruction dose of the products precisely, don’t reduce it !

The best way to prevent from sun burn is cover up and looking for shade, especially during peak sunlight hours, between 10 a.m until 4 p.m. But as a matter of fact, there is no arguing about the fact that sunscreen creams / sunblock creams prevent painful sunburns, and they reduce the visible sign of aging, the best protection is achieved by application 15–30 minutes before exposure, followed by reapplication 15–30 minutes after the sun exposure begins.

Ultraviolet rays:

Infrared rays: wavelength: >780 nm.

Sunlight rays: wavelength: 400 – 780 nm.

Ultraviolet rays: wavelength: 100 – 400 nm.

X-rays: wavelength: <>

Ultraviolet rays (UV) exposure can be very harmful, or harmless, depending on

1. the type of UV,
2. the type of exposure,
3. the duration of exposure, and
4. the individual differences in response to UV.

The UV region of the electromagnetic spectrum encompasses a range from 400 nm (nanometers) through 100 nm, and is further sub-divided into four smaller regions:

1. UV-A (315 to 400 nm): Long wave UV, also known as "black light ", the major type of UV in sunlight, responsible for skin tanning, generally not harmful, used in medicine to treat certain skin disorders.
2. UV-B (280 to 315 nm): Medium-wave UV, a small, but dangerous part of sunlight. Most solar UV-B is absorbed by the diminishing atmospheric ozone layer. Prolonged exposure is responsible for some type of skin cancer, skin aging, and cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eye).
3. UV-C (200 to 280 nm): Also known as "shortwave" UV, includes germicidal (253.7nm wavelength) UV used for air disinfection. Unintentional overexposure causes transient redness and eye irritation, but does NOT cause skin cancer or cataracts.
4. Vacuum UV (100 to 200 nm)

Ultraviolet-B rays (UVB rays) causes sunburn and skin cancer, ultraviolet-A rays are more plentiful than UVB rays, also less carcinogenic, nevertheless, good sunscreen cream products should protect skin against both types of ultraviolet rays (UVA-UVB rays), since both can contribute to skin cancer and photo-aging, usually sunscreen cream products that protect both ultraviolet rays are labeled broad-spectrum.

It should be noted that

relating to the application of sunscreen creams, we have to follow the application instructions precisely, don’t reduce its dose!

What is Sun protection factor (SPF)?

The SPF of a sunscreen is a laboratory measure of the effectiveness the protection of sunscreen against UV-B, the ultraviolet radiation that causes sunburn, the SPF indicates the time a person with sunscreen applied can be exposed to sunlight before getting sunburn compare to the time a person without sunscreen, someone who would burn after 12 minutes in the sun would expect to burn after 120 minutes when protected by / uses a sunscreen with SPF 10.

Type of Sunscreen / Sunblock Cream

[1]. Mineral Sunblock creams (Mineral blocks):

TiO₂ & ZnO

Unlike Chemical sunscreen creams which prevent sun burn by absorbing the sun’s rays, the mineral sunscreen cream will block the sun rays. Mineral based sunscreen creams form protective physical barrier on the skin that deflects both Ultraviolet-A (UVA) and Ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays.

The most commonly used minerals for sunscreen (Sunblock) cream are Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and Zinc oxide (ZnO). The different of the mineral based sunscreen and the chemical based sunscreen is the usage of the mineral based sunscreen will left a thin opaque white mark layer on the skin. In order to make Titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide sunscreen transparent, the manufacturers using smaller particles of the mineral ingredients, by micronization process to reduce the particle size, which is called nanoparticles (nanometer particles), nanoparticles are mineral particles that have been fragmented to size below 100 nanometers, the micronization process itself is called nanotechnology, nanoparticle mineral sunscreen cream when applied to the skin are less visible. It should be noted that, the term micronized (makes micron particles) does not always contains nanoparticles, the size of 1 micron (μm) particles equal with one millionth of a meter, while 1000 nanometer (nm) particles equal with 1 micron particles, so 1 nanometer particle equal with one billionth of a meter (m).

The so-called nanoparticles are of most concern, it is unclear whether or not they are being absorbed through the skin, nano-particles have a greater potential to penetrate the skin dermis into the bloodstream, the consequences of which are unknown.

If we do not convince, the safety way we can take is avoiding mineral sunscreen products containing nanoparticles, caution also should be made to avoid applying nanoparticles sunscreen cream to cuts, wounds and abrasions (damage areas of the skin)!!!

Maximum concentration used:

1. Titanium dioxide (TiO₂): 25 % and no limit in Japan,
   
2. Zinc oxide (ZnO): 25 % in USA, 20 % in Australia, 25 % in EU particle size >100 nm, no limit in Japan.

[2]. Chemical Sunscreen creams (Chemical blocks):

The Chemical Sunscreen creams allow the sun’s rays to penetrate the skin, and the active ingredients the synthetic chemical compounds absorb the radiation of ultraviolet rays (UVA & UVB), prevent it from burning or damaging the skin.

Avobenzone / Butyl-Methoxydibenzoylmethane

Avobenzone is oil soluble, is one of the most common UVA-protective active ingredients used in Sunscreen cream, it absorbs the full spectrum of UVA rays, absorbs ultraviolet light over a wider range of wavelengths than many other organic chemical sunscreen agents used in many commercial preparations marketed as broad spectrum sunscreens creams, it has an absorption maximum of 357 nm, frankly speaking, the protection activity of Avobenzone is unclear, if it is not stabilized with photostabilizer, Avobenzone has a tendency to break down under sunlight, causes not effective anymore, Maximum concentration used: 3 % in USA, 5 % in European Union Countries (EC), 10 % in Japan.

Benzophenon (Diphenylmethanon)

Benzophenon may cause irritation and rashes in many users, and moreover, Benzophenon appears to mimic the hormone estrogen in the body, that means Benzophenon behaves like estrogen hormone, this chemical sunscreen may disrupt user’s endocrine system, as Benzophenon more readily to be absorbed by the skin compares to other sunscreen ingredients, the use of Benzophenon in sunscreen cream products is particularly concerning.

Maximum concentration used:

Ecamsule / Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid.

Similar to Avobenzone Ecamsule is a UVA-protective sunscreen active ingredient, filter out UVA rays to prevent UV-related signs of aging, it is known for its excellent photostability, Ecamsule was approved by the FDA in 2006, Maximum contration used: 10 %

Padimate-O / Octyldimethyl-PABA

Padimate-O is derivative of PABA / para-aminobenzoic-acid ( PABA is also a standard ingredient in sunscreen product for years, but recently most of the manufacturers remove it from sunscreen cream formula, because PABA stains clothing and causes allergies in many users).

Padimate-O used in sunscreen cream formulations because it can effectively protect the skin from untraviolet-B rays (UVB_rays), which are known to cause sunburn and skin cancer, Padimate-O preventing direct DNA damage by UVB rays.

Maximum concentration used: 8 % in USA, Australia, and EC (maybe delisted), 10 % in Japan.

Other FDA approved UV-filter chemical sunscreen ingredients:

• p-Aminobenzoic acid (PABA)
• Cinoxate (2-Ethoxyethyl p-methoxycinnamate).
• Dioxybenzone (Benzophenone-8).
• Homosalate (Homomethyl salicylate), The salicylic acid portion of the molecule absorbs ultraviolet rays, protecting the skin from sunburn, sun damage. Maximum concentration used: 15 % in USA and Australia, 10 % in EC and Japan, 15 % in USA and Australia.
• Methyl anthranilate (Methyl-aminobenzoate).
• Octocrylene (3-diphenyl acrylic acid).
• Octyl-methoxycinnamate / 2-ethylhexyl-paramethoxycinnamate, Its primary use is in sunscreens and other cosmetics to absorb UV-B rays from the sun, protecting the skin from damage, Maximum concentration used: 7.5 % in USA, 10 % in EU and Australia, 20 % in Japan.
• Octyl salicylate (2-Ethylhexyl salicylate).
• Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3).
• Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid.
• Sulisobenzone (2-Hydroxy-4-Methoxybenzophenone-5-sulfonic acid).
• Trolamine salicylate (Triethanolamine salicylate).

What should the good Aromatherapy be ?

" The greatest joy for Aromatherapy lover is developing our own unique blends "
" A good blend of Aromatherapy essential oil is a well-balanced combination of Top, Middle, and Bottom notes "

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of Essential Oils to heal and revitalize the body and mind, a complete psychosomatic system of healing, a holistic approached to health and well-being by means of AROMA.

Who is the pioneer of Aromatherapy?
A French Chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, in 1930. He burned his hand and put in a jar of pure Lavender Essential Oil, and…… the pain was gone almost instantly, his burn healed with no blisters, scars or infections.

What are today’s Aromatherapy concepts ?

Aromatherapy is the science and art of using the pure volatile, non-oily essences of plants in healing, the precious Essential Oils heal and enliven body, mind and spirit by enchanting our senses, medicinal use of Essential Oils brings healing on 3 planes:

1. Physical: Essential Oils to be some of the strongest antimicrobial agents, ridding the body of toxins and fighting infection.
2. Mental: Essential Oils effect mood and have a historical reputation for increasing libido.
3. Spiritual: Essential Oils are used in ritual and ceremony to open and heighten spiritual awareness.

The use of Aromatherapy in business:

In Japan engineers are incorporating aroma systems into new buildings:

• The scent of Lavender & Rosemary is pumped into the customer waiting room to calm down the waiting customers.
• The Lemon & Eucalyptus fragrances are use by the bank teller counter to keep the staff always alert.

How do Aromatherapy Oils work?

• On the Physical body, locally & systematically, via absorbed through the skin into the lymphatic and blood circulation.
• On the Mind & Emotions, via the sense of smell and the Limbic System.
• On the Etheric Energy System of the body, via the energy vibration of the individual oils themselves.

The power of fragrance is used to influence and alter our emotional moods. Their aroma assists in balancing, stimulating, relaxing, invigorating and rejuvenating the body.

Human Brain-Limbic system-Olfactory

Limbic System in human brain consist of:

1. Hypothalamus regulating: hunger, thirst, response to pain, level of pleasure, and sexual satisfaction
2. Hippocampus regulating: short term memory, long term memory.
3. Amygdala regulating: anger, aggressive behavior.

In the Limbic system there is an organ called Olfactory which receives fragrance stimulation / odorant particles, and send the impulse through the olfactory nerves directly to the brain, through the olfactory organ in the nose human beings have the ability to distinguish many thousands of different odors, and the memories of these odors are stored deep in human’s sub-conscious minds. When men / women inhale air molecules which are carrying the odorants particles or odoriferous molecules of an Essential Oil, these molecules adhere to the Olfactory nerve endings in the back of the nose oil, producing stimulation in the nose direct to the brain, this is very rapid and direct pathway to the part of the brain which direct, controls, interprets and responds to sensory input.

Olfactory epithelium area, covered by mucus: 5 cm² in human (5% of the Nasal Cavity), but 25 Cm² in cat / dog, it contains odorant receptor cells 10 million in human, which are regularly replaced in about 4 – 8 weeks, each receptor cell possess a terminal enlargement that projects above the epithelial surface, from which extend about 8 – 20 Olfactory Cilia. We can smell between 4,000 to10,000 different odors.

Brain waves

Smelling Lavender fragrance Oil will increases α-waves in the back of the head, which are associated with relaxation.

Smelling Jasmine fragrance Oil increases β-waves in the front of the head, which are associated with a more alert state.

Types of Brain Waves

1. Alpha waves – regular and rhythmic, low-amplitude, slow, synchronous waves indicating an “idling” brain, Mid wave frequency: 8 - 13 Hz, subjective feeling states: awake but not actively processing information; relaxed; not agitated; not drowsy; tranquil & calm, associated tasks & behaviors: relaxing, watching television, light reading, eyes closed.
2. Beta waves – rhythmic, more irregular waves occurring during the awake and mentally alert state, High wave frequency: 12 - 35 Hz, the normal dominant rhythm, subjective feeling states: alert, concentrating, attentive, focused, anxious, associated tasks & behaviors: listening and thinking during analytical problem solving, judgment, decision making, processing information, REM sleep!
3. Delta waves – high-amplitude waves seen in deep sleep and when reticular activating system is damped, Slowest frequency waves: 1 – 3 Hz, subjective feeling states: deep, dreamless sleep, non-REM sleep, unconscious, associated tasks & behaviors: not moving, not attentive, sleeping.
4. Theta waves – more irregular than alpha waves; common in children but abnormal in adults, Slow wave frequency: 4 – 8 Hz, subjective feeling states: dreamlike, drowsy, distracted, unfocused, associated tasks & behaviors, state between wakefulness and sleep; during sleep, meditation, internal focus, and prayer; sub-consciousness.

The Benefits of Aromatherapy:

• Medicinal benefits: bruises, sprains, burns, wounds, scars, nervousness, stress, motion sickness, fatigue, respiratory illnesses, muscular aches, fungus, inflammation, digestive disorders
• Skincare benefits: dermatitis, stretch marks, eczema, acne, psoriasis, mature skin, varicose veins, dry skins, cellulite, wrinkles, fungus, bacteria.
• Emotional benefits: depression, frustration, grief, hysteria, anxiety, insomnia, lack of concentration, irritability, fear, poor memory, hopelessness, moodiness, panic attacks, nervous tension, sadness, worry.

Aromatherapy treatment techniques:

Skin absorption: massage blends: essential oil blended with carrier oil

Bath therapy: essential oil added directly to water (body, foot, and hand)

Inhalation: steam, handkerchief

Diffuser :

Clay candle or electric pottery

Cold / hot compresses.

Others: salves, mouthwashes, creams, gels

Aromatherapy Composition:

• Essential oil: liquid that is distilled from leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, and other plant elements
• Carrier oil : base or vegetable oils (e.g. sweet almond oil) used to dilute essential oils prior to applying to skin

To get the maximum benefit from Essential Oils, it should be made from natural, pure raw materials, synthetically made Essential Oils do not work !

Essential Oils that could be used in Aromatherapy:

Oil of Bergamot (Citrus bergamia), Oil of Cajuput (Melaleuca leucadendron), Oil of Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita), Oil of Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globules), Oil of Geranium (Pelargonium odoratissimum), Oil of Jasmine (Jasminum officinale), Oil of Lavender (Lavadula officinalis), Oil of Lemon (Citrus limonum), Oil of Marjoram (Origanum marjorana), Oil of Orange (Citrus aurantium var sinensis), Oil of Patchouli (Pogostemon patchouli), Oil of Peppermint (Mentha piperita), Oil of Rose (Rosa gallica), Oil of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Oil of Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), Oil of Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)

Essential Oils that should not be used at all in Aromatherapy:

Oil of Anise (Pimpinella anisum), Yellow Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora), Oil of Cassia (Cinnamomum cassia), Oil of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Oil of Pine (Pinus pumilio), Oil of Sassafras (Sassafras albidum), Wintergreen Oil (Gaultheria procumbens), Mustard Oil (Brassica nigra).

Contra-indications

• Pregnant women, avoid: Basil, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Coriander, Hyssop, Jasmine, Juniper, Marjoram, Oregano, Myrrh, Sage, Peppermint, Rosemary, Thyme.
• Hypoglycemia, avoid: Geranium
• High Blood Pressure, avoid: Pine, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme
• Photosensitivity, avoid: Bergamot, Lime, Mandarin, Lemon, Tangerine, Orange, Caraway, Cassia, Grapefruit, Patchouli, Petitgrain.
• Carcinogenic: Sassafras, Calamus, Yellow Camphor,

Essential Oil Grade:

1. Pure, Natural, Organic Essential Oils, can be used as Aromatherapy Oils
2. Natural Identical Essential Oils, Non-aromatherapy Oils. (due to highly complex components ± 300 chemicals, Essential Oil cannot be replicated in the Laboratory.
3. Synthetic Essential Oils, Non-aromatherapy Oils.

Aromatherapy Essential Oils scents:

Floral, woody, fruity, greeny, herbaceous, earthy, citrusy, sweety, grassy, oriental, spicy, fishy, powdery, minty, musky, fresh

Aromatherapy Essential Oil Notes

• Top note (15 – 25 %), the initial impression of a scent, most volatile, fastest acting oils, stimulating & uplifting (
• Middle note (30 – 40 %), heart or main body of an aromatherapy Essential Oils, balancing & most therapeutic, generally forms the greatest proportion of the blind.
• Bottom note (40 – 55 %), hold & boost the strength of Top & Middle notes, bring depth & solidness, fixative, least volatile, slowest to evaporate, longest acting, relaxing & sedating.

Top – Middle – Bottom notes Aromatherapy Essential Oil

Top note Middle note Bottom note

Grapefruit Chamomile Cedarwood

Lemon Cassia Patchouli

Lime Cinnamon Rose

Orange Clove Sandalwood

Peppermint Fennel (sweet) Vanilla

Spearmint Geranium Spikenard

Tangerine Lavender Jasmine

Mandarin Tea Tree Vetiver

Eucalyptus Rosemary

Marjoram Neroli

Pine Ylang Ylang

Bergamot Nutmeg

Choosing the good Aromatherapy Oils:

Good Aromatherapy Essential Oils

SHOULD BE :

1. Organic, pure Natural Essential Oils
2. Natural identical Essential Oils.
3. No synthetic chemicals, pesticides or fertilizers.
4. No GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms).
5. Food Grade (Perfumery grade has nothing to do with aromatherapy !).
6. Non oily, non greasy, do not leave a permanent mark on paper.
7. Therapeutic Grade (processed by distillation under low temperature and under low pressure).
8. No rancidity, not contaminated.

Go Green ! Stop smoking using Natural Herbs.

There are many Natural Herbs for Stop Smoking purposes

Smoking habit is strongly influenced by emotion, so it is very hard to stop smoking, every smoker has considered quitting at one time or another, whether it's for health reasons or because of the heavy price associated with smoking, dedicated smoker has considered quitting because of the nicotine addict.

However, from medical view of point, smoking itself is chemical processes that occur in the brain, when Nicotine enters the body, it is distributed quickly through the bloodstream and crosses the blood-brain barrier, Nicotine binds to nicotinic-acetylcholine-receptors increases the levels of dopamine neurotransmitter, causes pleasant feeling, alertness, relaxation, stop smoking means less dopamine supplied, causes feelings of difficult concentration, easily angry, insomnia, become restless, feeling depressive, these negative effects cause difficult to make smokers stop their habit, consuming herbs to stop smoking is a way to clean the body against nicotine withdrawal (cravings), different people take different herbs to help stop smoking, there many herbs to be chosen for stop smoking (smoking cessation).

Mentha piperita

Peppermint leaves

Mentha piperita, well-known called as Peppermint belongs to familia Labiatae, grows to 1 m tall and spikes of lilac-pink flowers are produced in mid-summer. stems are usually slightly hairy with purple color and leaves can also be purple-tinged, the flowers are purple, 6–8 mm long, with a four-lobed corolla about 5 mm diameter; they are produced in one turn of a spiral around the stem, forming thick, blunt spikes.

Peppermint is an inexpensive herb that can help people to quit smoking who light up in order to settle an upset stomach brought on by physical nicotine cravings. Dried peppermint leaf is used in herb teas, either on its own or in mixtures. Peppermint tea is regarded as a stimulant, a cure for flatulence and has antiseptic properties. It is used in treating indigestion (digestive symptoms), including bloating, gas, and nausea, sore throats, colds and toothache, in a modern aromatherapy, peppermint oil is used for energy & brighter mood, reducing pains, to help breathing, improve mental clarity & memory. A steaming glass of Peppermint tea can also reduce tension and stress. Many people take a piece of peppermint chewing gum to prevent smoking, after taking the peppermint chewing gum, the mouth becomes full with strong peppermint aroma (peppermint odorant particles) causes smoking does not give a pleasant feeling anymore, peppermint aroma can abate and refresh mouth malodor.

Peppermint has a high Menthol content, and is often used as a flavouring in tea, ice cream, confectionery, chewing gum, and toothpaste, the other active constituents of Peppermint are menthone, iso-menthone, menthofuran, ά,ß-pinene, limonene, phelladrene, camphene, ß-caryophyllene, 1,8-cineole, methyl-acetate.

Menthol

Lobelia inflata Herb

Lobelia leaves

Lobelia inflata, familia Campanulaceae, popularly known in North America as Indian Tobacco, also called as Asthma weed is a species of Lobelia, It is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant growing to 15–100 cm tall, with stems covered in tiny hairs. Its leaves are usually about 8 cm long, and are ovate and toothed. It has violet flowers that are tinted yellow on the inside, and usually appear in mid summer and continue to bloom into fall.

Lobelia inflata is used for treatment of asthma, the plant material is burned as a natural bug repellent to keep away insects such as mosquitoes.

Smoking cessation with Lobelia tea:

Lobelia Tea, a non-addictive herb, its benefits have been known for centuries among various native American communities as being effective for respiratory and viral disorders. Lobelia is a potent emetic (able to induce vomiting) and possesses relaxant, expectorant, anti-spasmodic, diuretic and sedative properties.

Lobelia is used alone or in combination with other products for smoking cessation, muscle relaxation, nausea, vomiting, and various respiratory illnesses.

Lobelia inflata herbal tea drive away the work of nicotine addicted, with a mechanism similar to that of Varenicline or Buspropion, which inhibit binding of nicotine with nicotinic-acetylcholine-receptors, increase the level of neurotransmitter dopamine hormone, causes the body does not feel pleasant again, finally the body will stop charging nicotine, in other words not addicted nicotine anymore. the empirical use of this herbal has no side effects such as feeling of suicide desire, the desire to harm his or herself, like the side effects caused by the anti-smoking drugs. Lobelia tea can be sipped daily during detoxification period to keep tissues flooded with elements that discourage nicotine cravings. The main constituent of lobelia is lobeline which is a chemical compound said to help relax the muscles and reduce a person's craving for nicotine, lobelia is widely used in many smoking cessation programs.

Lobeline toxicity:

It should be noted, that Lobelia inflata is considered a potentially toxic herb, an active ingredient in the lobelia plant, alkaloid lobeline, is similar to nicotine in its effect on the body. Like nicotine, it stimulates nerves in the central nervous system. For this reason, lobeline was used as a nicotine substitute in many anti-smoking products and preparations designed to break the smoking habit, lobeline bind to nicotine receptors in the nervous system and can cause serious symptoms, such as large quantity of sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, rapid heartbeat, mental confusion, convulsions, hypothermia, coma, and even death, the maximum amount should not exceed a total daily dosage of 20 mg lobelia, doses higher than 500 mg are highly toxic and could be fatal, people with high blood pressure, heart disease, tobacco sensitivity, paralysis, seizure disorder, and shortness of breath, and those recovering from shock should not take lobelia. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should also avoid this herb. Other alkaloid compounds in Lobelia inflata are alpha-Lobeline, beta-Lobeline, gamma-Lobeline, Lobelamine and Lobelamidine.

Lobeline

In 1993, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prohibited the sale of lobeline-containing smoking products. The FDA reported that such products lacked effectiveness in helping people quit or reduce smoking.

There are many other herbs used as smoking cessation, such as

1. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita, familia Asteraceae),
2. Kava (Piper methysticum, familia Piperaceae),
3. St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum, familia Clusiaceae),
4. Melein (Verbascum sinuatum, familia Scrophulariaceae),
5. Indian Pennywort (Centella asiatica, familia Mackinlayaceae),
6. Mimosa (Mimosa pudica, familia Fabaceae)

Related Article: 5-ways to quit smoking !
See also: Stop smoking with laser therapy

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Does Watermelon juice have viagra effect ?

Secret behind Watermelon Juice.

Watermelon or Citrullus lanatus / Citrullus vulgaris, family Cucurbitaceae, originally from southern Africa, this flowering plant produces a special type of fruit, which has a thick rind (exocarp) and fleshy center (mesocarp and endocarp), watermelon fruit, has a smooth exterior rind, green and yellow color, and a juicy and sweet, red, orange, yellow, or pink interior flesh colors, due to a carotenoid pigment Lycopene content, watermelon contains about six percent sugar by weight, almost 92 % of watermelon is water, but the remaining 8 percent is loaded with lycopene, an anti-oxidant that protects the human heart, prostate and skin health, it is a source of vitamin C, beside that, watermelons contain a significant amount of amino acid citrulline, it also contains Vitamins A, B₁, B₆ etc.

The George Mateljan Foundation

The Great Phytonutrient of Watermelon

Lycopenes

Lycopene is a carotenoid pigment**), found in tomatoes and other red fruits, like Watermelon, papaya, pink grapefruit and pink guava. Its name is derived from the tomato’s species classification, Solanum lycopersicum. Lycopene is a proven antioxidant, the strongest anti-oxidant existing in nature, helps prevent cancer of the lung, bladder, cervix, skin, prostate and gastrointestinal tract, also prevents heart disease and macular degenerative disease. Anti-oxidants neutralize free radicals which oxidize the cells in our bodies, cause disease and cell aging, when we take antioxidant lycopen, we neutralize the radicals and help our bodies in its fight against damaging substances and thus contributes to postponing the aging process, similar to other carotenoids, lycopene is a natural fat-soluble pigment, which is synthesized by some plants and micro-organisms but not by animals, where it serves as an accessory light-gathering pigment and to protect these organisms against the toxic effects of oxygen and light.

Lycopene is the most common carotenoid**) in the human body and is one of the most potent carotenoid antioxidants. Lycopene is easily absorbed and is naturally present in human plasma and tissues in higher concentrations than the other carotenoids. Its level is affected by several biological and lifestyle factors, because of its lipophilic nature, lycopene concentrates in low-density and very-low-density lipoprotein fractions of the serum. Lycopene is also found to concentrate in the adrenal, liver, testes, and prostate, unlike other carotenoids, lycopene levels in serum or tissues do not correlate well with overall intake of fruits and vegetables.

**)Carotenoids are the principal pigments responsible for the colors of vegetables and fruits: these include ß-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene which is responsible for the red color of red tomatoes, red color of watermelon, Its colour is due to its many conjugated carbon double bonds: each double bond reduces the energy required for electrons to transition to higher energy states, allowing the molecule to absorb visible lengths of progressively longer wavelengths. Lycopene absorbs most of the visible spectrum, so it appears red.

Lycopene is the most common carotenoid in the human body and is one of the most potent carotenoid antioxidants. Lycopene is easily absorbed by the organism and is naturally present in human plasma and tissues in higher concentrations than the other carotenoids. Its level is affected by several biological and lifestyle factors. Because of its lipophilic nature, lycopene concentrates in low-density and very-low-density lipoprotein fractions of the serum. Lycopene is also found to concentrate in the adrenal, liver, testes, and prostate. However, unlike other carotenoids, lycopene levels in serum or tissues do not correlate well with overall intake of fruits and vegetables.

Watermelon may have Viagra effect.

Dr. Bhimu Patil, director of Texas A&M's Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center, says watermelon may have Viagra-like effects, it is just because watermelon has ingredients that deliver Viagra-like effects to the body’s blood vessels and may even increase libido.

The beneficial ingredients in vegetables and fruits like watermelons are known as phyto-nutrients, naturally occurring compounds that are bioactive, or able to react with the human body to trigger healthy reactions, in watermelons, these include carotenoid pigment lycopene, beta carotene and amino acid citrulline – whose beneficial functions are now being unraveled. Among them is the ability to relax blood vessels, much like Viagra does.

When watermelon is consumed, L-citrulline is converted to L-arginine through arginine-synthase (AS) enzymes. Arginine is an amino acid that works wonders on the heart and circulation system and maintains a good immune system, the citrulline-arginine relationship helps heart health, the immune system and may prove to be very helpful for those who suffer from obesity and type 2 diabetes,

Arginine boosts nitric oxide (NO), which relaxes blood vessels, the same basic effect that Viagra has to treat erectile dysfunction and maybe even prevent it. while there are many psychological and physiological problems that can cause impotence, extra nitric oxide (NO) could help those who need increased blood flow.

Watermelon may not be as specific substance as Viagra (Sildenafil), but it’s a great way to relax blood vessels without any drug side-effects.

Nitric oxide (NO):

Nitric oxide or NO is a free radical gas that was originally discovered in the endothelial cells and is produced by the highly conserved NO-synthase from L-arginine. NO binds to its guanylyl-cyclase receptors and stimulates the subsequent increase in intracellular cyclic guanylyl monophosphate that in turn stimulates the protein kinase, which depends on cyclic guanyl monophosphate. This protein kinase inhibits intracellular calcium release by inhibiting phospholipase C and inositol triphosphate, and perhaps other intracellular calcium-release channels. Hence, NO assures blood flow through the vessel (Vasodilatation), protecting the tissue by antagonism of vascular smooth-muscle contraction.

L-Citrulline

H₂NC(O)NH(CH₂)₃CH(NH₂)CO₂H

Watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris Schrad.) is a natural and rich source of the citrulline. Citrulline, the precursor to arginine, is found in higher concentrations in the rind of watermelons than the flesh, unfortunately the rind is not commonly eaten, the organic chemical compound Citrulline is an α-amino acid, a non essential amino acid, its name is derived from citrullus, the Latin word for watermelon, it is a key intermediate in the urea cycle, the pathway by which mammals excrete ammonia. Citrulline is used in the nitric oxide (NO) system in humans and has potential antioxidant and vasodilatation roles, our bodies use citrulline to make Arginine, an other amino acid, which helps cells divide, wounds heal, and ammonia to be removed from the body.

Citrulline content in flesh and rind of Watermelon:

1. Citrulline content in watermelon fruit about 3.9 mg – 28.5 mg based on dry weight (dwt):
2. Seeded Watermelon: 16.6 mg / g dwt.
3. Non seeded Watermelon: 20.3 mg / g dwt.
4. Red Watermelon: 7.4 mg / g det.
5. Yellow Watermelon: 28.5 mg / g dwt.
6. Orange Watermelon: 14.2 mg / g dwt.
7. Watermelon Rind: 24.7 mg / g dwt. Compares with Watermelon flesh: 16.7 mg / g dwt.
8. Fresh Watermelon Rind: 1.3 mg / g fwt, compares with fresh Watermelon flesh: 1.9 mg / g fwt. (fwt = fresh weight)
9. 
   

How does Citrulline works ?

L-citrulline is converted to L-arginine through arginine-synthase (AS) enzymes, Arginine boosts nitric oxide (NO), continues with Nitric oxide’s work, which finally relaxes blood vessels (see the following chart).

How does Viagra works ?

Viagra / Sildenafil

Viagra works becuase part of the physiological process of erection involves the release of nitric oxide (NO) in the corpus cavernosum. Nitric oxide (NO) then activates the enzyme guanylate cyclase which results in increased levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), leading to smooth muscle relaxation in the corpus cavernosum, resulting in increased inflow of blood and an erection.

Viagra / Sildenafil is a potent and selective inhibitor of cGMP specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) which is responsible for degradation of cGMP in the corpus cavernosum (form 5-Guanyl-Mono-Phosphate). This means that, with Viagra, normal sexual stimulation leads to increased levels of cGMP in the corpus cavernosum which leads to better erections. Without sexual stimulation and no activation of the NO / cGMP system, Viagra should not cause an erection.

Citrulline compares with Viagra :

Citrulline and Viagra both has effect on blood vessel, causes Vasodilatation, but through different way.

1. Citrulline maintain the existence of cGMP by coverting to Arginine, Arginine produces Nitric oxide (NO), Nitric oxide activate the Guanylate-cyclase-enzyme, which stimulate the changes of Guanyl-Triphosphate into cGMP (Cyclic-Guanosie-Mono-Phosphate), cGMP causes Vasodilatation.
2. Viagra maintain the existence of cGMP (Vasodilatation) by inhibiting the Phospho-Diesterase-Type-5 Enzyme which convert the cGMP into 5-Guanyl-Mono-Phosphate (non-vasodilatator)

From this view of point

it is not easy to find the equivalent

between

consuming Watermelon and Viagra.

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