What Is Phytohemagglutinin?

Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) is a lectin, a sugar-binding protein, found in many raw legumes eaten worldwide. Lectins are one of the main causes of food sensitivity [R].

PHA causes blood cells (red and white) to clump together, which makes them easier to find and kill when infected [R].

PHA is most known for the PHA skin test. It’s a simple way to measure immunity, as PHA increases white blood cell count, amplifying the immune response [R].

It is also used to fight HIV as it activates dormant HIV-1 cells, which alerts the immune system to destroy them [R].

Lectins like PHA are mostly found in legumes. PHA is found at the highest concentrations in raw beans, especially red and white kidney beans. Lower amounts are found in common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and broad beans (Vicia faba) [R, R, R].

PHA is a toxin to animals with single-stomach digestive systems like humans. PHA poisoning can occur from eating just 4 or 5 raw beans, causing severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea [R].

PHA Components

The unpurified protein form of the PHA lectin is PHA-P [R].

PHA-P consists of two closely related lectins: PHA-L, and PHA-E. The letters E and L indicate these proteins group either red blood cells (‘E’ for erythrocytes) or white blood cells (‘L’ for leukocytes) together [R].

The mucus form is PHA-M, which can be used to increase white blood cells [R, R].

While these forms are the most common, PHA from red kidney beans can be divided into a family of 5 lectins [R].

PHA is mostly found in beans of various legumes. Different species have different amounts of PHA, with red kidney beans having the most. Although at lower levels, PHA is also found in the roots of bean plants [R, R

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What are Sweet Potatoes?

Sweet potatoes, or Ipomoea batatas, originated in Central or South America and have been cultivated by humans for over 5000 years. Today, there are over 400 strains of sweet potato grown around the world. Different parts of the plant, such as the leaves, stems and root tubers, are used for food, medicine and animal feed [R].

Sweet potatoes are only distantly related to potatoes. Sweet potatoes belong to the same family as morning glory (Convolvulaceae), while potatoes are considered a type of nightshade (Solanaceae). Potato tubers are derived from the plant stems while sweet potato tubers are derived from the root [R].

Satsuma-imo, or Japanese sweet potato, is a sweet, yellow-fleshed strain. Traditionally grown in Japan and Okinawa, it is now available at grocery stores across North America. It is a staple food of the Okinawans, who are some of the healthiest and longest-lived people on Earth. Their good health and long lifespan are attributed, in part, to their diet [R, R].

The Japanese sweet potato is distinct from the Okinawan sweet potato, which is purple-fleshed. The Okinawan people eat both in abundance [R].

Components in Japanese Sweet Potato Tubers

The phytonutrients associated with different colors in sweet potato do have different health properties. Besides that, however, sweet potato strains have a very similar nutritional profile. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, sweet potato has been named the ‘healthiest of all vegetables’ by The Center for Science in the Public Interest [R].

Sweet potato leaves are rarely consumed in western countries but are a good source of fiber, protein, and minerals. The macronutrient, micronutrient, and phytonutrient information provided below are for the tuber, which is the part that’s usually eaten [R, R].

Carbohydrates

In a 100 g (86 calorie) serving of sweet potato, there are 20.1 g of carbohydrates. Of this, around 12.7 g are starch, 4.2 g are sugars (sucrose, glucose, fructose, and maltose) and 3.0 g is fiber. Sweet potato starch is higher in amylose than amylopectin, which raises blood sugar slowly. This makes it a healthy food choice for diabetics [R

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What is Jackfruit?

Jackfruit, also known as jack tree, fenne, or sometimes simply jack, is related to breadfruit and originated in India. It is part of the mulberry or fig family, found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide including Southeast Asia, Africa, and Brazil [R, R].

The jackfruit fruit contains fleshy bulbs and starchy seeds, both of which are used as food. This tree produces the highest yield and largest known edible fruit (average weight of 10 kg) than any other fruit tree species [R, R].

Jackfruit is rich in phytonutrients such as phenols and flavonoids and has been studied for its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancer, and antidiabetic qualities [R, R, R, R, R, R].

Snapshot

Proponents:

• Great nutritional value
• Boosts immunity
• Lowers blood sugars
• Combats pathogens
• May reduce inflammation and oxidative stress

Skeptics:

• Clinical evidence is scarce
• Some people may be allergic
• May interact with blood thinners

Components

Jackfruit pulp has many valuable micronutrients including [R]:

• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B3
• Zinc

Raw jackfruit flesh is a good source of carbohydrates. A 100 g portion has 94 calories, 23 g carbohydrate, and 1.5 g fiber. This fiber content is believed to contribute to the jackfruits’ relatively low blood sugar response when compared to sugar and other tropical fruits [R, R, R].

One 100 g portion of jackfruit flesh can provide up to 25% of the recommended daily amount of niacin (vitamin B3), a key vitamin in energy production, nerve function, and hormone production [R].

The jackfruit seed can be boiled or roasted and preserved in syrup like chestnuts, or ground into a meal and blended with wheat flour. The pulp and seed are often ground together into a meal commonly eaten in Sri Lanka [

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What Is Ghee (Butter)?

Ghee, also known as ghrita (Ayurvedic), clarified butter, or butter oil, is pure milk fat. It is prepared by heating milk or cream to remove the water via evaporation, followed by filtering out milk solids. Ghee is considered to be the healthiest fat in some cultures (Ayurveda). It is very low in the milk proteins (casein and whey) normally found in dairy products [R, R].

As a source of dietary fat, ghee has been used for preparing various dishes, especially in India. Numerous health benefits are attributed to ghee, such as antioxidant effects, cholesterol-lowering, and more [R, R, R].

Is Ghee Dairy Free?

Ghee has negligible levels of lactose, a milk sugar that affects lactose-intolerant individuals. It is also low in galactose (another milk sugar) as well as the milk proteins, casein, and whey. All of this makes ghee suitable to use in a dairy-free diet [R, R, R, R].

Is Ghee Vegan?

Although ghee is considered dairy-free, it is not vegan because it is derived from animal products (milk or cream) [R, R, R].

Components

Ghee is composed of 99-99.5% fat – saturated fats, cholesterol, omega-3 fatty acids, and unsaturated fats. The omega-3 fatty acids in ghee are primarily linoleic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The composition and quality of ghee varies depending on the source of milk (cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo) and how the ghee was produced (see the section: Traditional Versus Industrial Preparation). The remaining 1% is water, traces of milk proteins (casein and whey), carotene/carotenoids (antioxidants), and vitamins (vitamin A, D, K, and E) [R, R, R].

How Does It Work

Active Components of Ghee

The most active components in ghee are linoleic acid (conjugated linoleic acid and alpha-linoleic acid), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA

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What is Alfalfa?

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is the most commonly grown legume in the world. It originated in Asia, but today the U.S. is the biggest producer. Its name is rooted in an Arabic phrase meaning the “father of all foods” and its traditional use spans thousands of years [R].

Alfalfa has become all the buzz among health-conscious consumers nowadays. You’ll hardly find a health food store without alfalfa sprouts or powder. But you might be surprised to hear that the majority of produced alfalfa goes to the food industry, which uses it as animal feed [R].

Before it made its way into Western food stores and farms, alfalfa was used for a long list of health ailments in the East. Traditionally, it is believed to be a remedy for improving memory, breastfeeding, kidney problems, and arthritis. It is a valued herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda) [R].

Antioxidants & Nutrients

Besides being a great source of vitamin K, alfalfa is also rich in phytonutrients. The antioxidants in alfalfa come in different varieties and include [R]:

• Flavonoids: quercetin, myricetin, luteolin, apigenin
• Phenolic acids: coumaric acid, ferulic acid, salicylic acid, caffeic acid
• Phytoestrogens: coumestrol, formononetin, daidzein

The importance of antioxidants for health can hardly be overstated. Systemic inflammation and oxidative stress are involved in virtually every chronic disease. The polyphenols in alfalfa and other foods may help by countering inflammation and free radical damage [R, R, R].

In both cell and rat studies, alfalfa reduced markers of oxidative stress. It reduced free radical production, limited DNA damage and boosted the antioxidant glutathione. It also protected the liver from damage [R, R].

Alfalfa extract has shown brain-protective effects in rats. The extract limited brain cell death due to a lack of oxygen (hypoxia). It also boosted antioxidants inside cells, including glutathione and superoxide dismutase (SOD) [R].

Sprouts Nutrition

100 grams (3 cups) of raw alfalfa sprouts provides [R]:

• 23 calories
• 4 grams of protein

The post 6 Amazing Alfalfa Benefits + Nutrition & How to Grow Sprouts appeared first on SelfHacked.

What Is White Kidney Bean Extract?

White kidney bean is a variety of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), which contains a protein (α-amylase blocker) that purportedly blocks the breakdown and digestion of starch [R, R, R].

In humans, this protein has been claimed to:

• Act as a carbohydrate absorption blocker [R]
• Help burn fat reserves [R]
• Suppress appetite [R]
• Reduce blood sugar and insulin spikes after meals [R]

Additionally, white kidney beans contain the lectin phytohemagglutinin. While high amounts of phytohemagglutinin are toxic to humans, lower concentrations can have appetite-suppressing effects [R, R, R, R].

For these reasons, white kidney bean extract is sold under different brands as a weight loss supplement. The main white kidney bean extract supplements are [R]:

• Phase 2 (also known as Phaseolamin 2250, Phase 2 Starch Neutralizer, and Starch Lite), an α-amylase blocker [R, R]
• Beanblock, a combination of an α-amylase blocker and phytohemagglutinin [R]

Components

The main active compounds of white kidney bean extract are:

• α-Amylase blocker: also referred to as phaseolamin, this lectin acts as a carbohydrate blocker by preventing the binding of starch to the enzyme that breaks it down (α-amylase). This means that fewer carbohydrates are absorbed into the body [R, R].
• Phytohemagglutinin: this lectin binds to receptors on the intestinal lining and suppresses appetite by influencing the release of certain hormones (decreases ghrelin) [R].

Other white kidney bean compounds that might be present in small amounts are:

• Trypsin and chymotrypsin blockers: they block the protein-digesting enzymes trypsin and chymotrypsin. High-temperatures and pressure can destroy these blockers, preventing the digestive problems experienced when eating beans or taking in the extract [R, R, R].
• Phaseolin: although it is a very nutritious amino acid

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What is Leptin?

Leptin is a satiety hormone that promotes weight loss. It is produced by the body’s fat cells [R].

When a person eats enough food, leptin is released into the bloodstream, where it travels to the brain, signaling that they are full and that can burn calories at a normal rate [R, R, R].

To learn more about normal leptin levels and what this hormone does in the body, read the first part of this series.

This post will focus on the dangers of high leptin. Elevated leptin levels are associated with obesity, overeating, and inflammation-related diseases, including high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, and heart disease [R].

Leptin’s Role in Weight

To recap, leptin is one of the big 4 hormones that determine weight. It is made in fat tissue, while receptors for it are dense in two important brain regions (the hypothalamus and hippocampus) [R].

Leptin acts as a signal to the brain to inhibit food intake and enable the storage of surplus calories (in fat cells).

At the same time, it protects non-fatty tissue from fat overload. Increased leptin is associated with higher body fat mass, a larger size of individual fat cells, overeating, and excessive hunger. In rodents, it increases energy expenditure by using brown fat for energy [R].

The more fat is present, the more leptin is produced. This feedback loop, when functioning normally, keeps body weight in homeostasis: eating more food increases body fat, which increases leptin secretion, which decreases appetite and increases energy expenditure [R].

Leptin Deficiency (Low Leptin)

Causes

Low leptin levels have been associated with:

• Low body mass index (BMI) [R, R]
• Cold exposure [R]
• Alcohol [R]
• Exercise [R, R]
• Short-term fasting [R]
• Sleep deprivation [R]
• Anorexia [R]

Leptin deficiency can also be caused by disorders such as:

• Congenital leptin deficiency [R]
• Congenital and acquired

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What Is Bitter Melon?

Momordica charantia, better known as bitter melon, bitter gourd, and karolla, is a tropical plant mainly found in Asia, India, East Africa, and South America [R].

Its fruit, with a remarkably bitter flavor, is used for cooking and also for its blood sugar-lowering potential [R].

Bitter melon is a rich source of vitamins including vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, and B9. In addition, it also contains minerals such as potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron [R].

Importantly, bitter melon contains several blood sugar-lowering compounds such as charantin, polypeptide-p, and vicine [R].

Snapshot

Proponents

• May help lower blood sugar
• May reduce pain
• May lower blood fat levels

Skeptics

• Insufficient evidence for several potential benefits
• Not safe for children
• Reported to cause fertility issues in mice and rats

Health Benefits

Possibly Effective

Lowering Blood Sugar

Both bitter melon and its component polypeptide-p lowered blood sugar in old animal studies and preliminary trials on people with diabetes. Proponents claim that bitter melon has the potential to be used as a less antigenic replacement to mainstream insulin therapy in diabetics [R, R, R].

In a clinical trial on 52 people at risk of developing diabetes, bitter melon juice lowered fasting blood sugar levels. In contrast, it was ineffective in a small trial on 5 non-diabetic but overweight men [R, R].

In a clinical trial on 100 people with moderate (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes, drinking a solution made from its pulp lowered blood sugar both before and after meals. A similar solution enhanced the effect of antidiabetic drugs such as metformin and glibenclamide in another trial on 15 people [R, R].

In another trial on 25 people with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, bitter melon reduced blood sugar after meals and improved insulin

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What is Mucuna pruriens?

The Dopamine Bean

Mucuna pruriens is a tropical legume also known as velvet bean. In herbal medicine and Ayurveda, Mucuna has been used for thousands of years as a remedy for male infertility, nervous disorders, Parkinson’s disease, and as an aphrodisiac [R].

Like Jack’s magic beans in the fairytale, mucuna beans are sometimes called “magical velvet beans.” For researchers, this “magic” refers to mucuna’s potential to improve brain health. For users, this bean’s “magical properties” span from its alleged aphrodisiac effects, while others yet allude to the plant’s subjective simultaneously relaxant and stimulating effects [R].

Mucuna is also known as the “dopamine bean” since it is a good source of L-Dopa (4 – 7%), from which dopamine is made in the body [R].

The high L-dopa content offers additional benefits to the plant itself: it protects the seeds from insects and pests. Mucuna seeds are also a major source for commercially extracting pure L-dopa, which is used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease [R].

How much do we know?

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCIH) states that “There is some limited evidence that Mucuna pruriens may have beneficial effects on some symptoms of Parkinson’s disease such as motor function.” [R]

Nonetheless, Mucuna pruriens supplements have not been approved by the FDA for medical use. Supplements generally lack solid clinical research. Regulations set manufacturing standards for them but don’t guarantee that they’re safe or effective.

Mucuna pruriens should never be used as a replacement for approved medical therapies. Speak with your doctor before supplementing.

Recent research uncovered that mucuna might also boost antioxidants and scavenge free radicals in the body, but this hasn’t been proven in humans [R].

Plant Origins & Traditional Use

Mucuna pruriens is originally from southern China and eastern India but is now cultivated throughout the tropics.

In the Himalayas and Mauritius, both the green pods and the mature beans from Mucuna pruriens are traditionally boiled and eaten. In Guatemala and Mexico, it is roasted and ground to make a coffee substitute widely known in the region as “Nescafé” [R].

The taste of Velvet bean powder is

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What Are Natural Killer (NK) Cells?

Overview

Natural Killer (NK) cells are described as a type of toxic lymphocytes that are critical to the immune system [R].

NK cells are produced in the bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, and thymus, from where they then enter into the circulation [R].

Scientists think that they help quickly degrade stressed cells – such as tumor cells and virus-infected cells. NK cells are hypothesized to become active around 3 days after infection [R].

Studies suggest that NK cells develop long-lived and highly-specific memories to a variety of targets [R].

These cells are extremely diverse, as are genetic factors impacting them [R].

Function

According to recent scientific reviews, people who are genetically-deficient in NK cells have regular viral infections and die prematurely [R].

Individuals deficient in NK cells are prone to early phases of herpesvirus infection [R]. Since NK cells help to fight viruses like HIV, their deficiency may also worsen outcomes in HIV-positive patients [R]

Additionally, mice with poor NK cell function seem to be more prone to carcinogen-triggered cancers [R].

Activation of NK Cells

Scientists think that circulating NK cells remain in their resting phase until they are activated by cytokines. Once activated, they invade tissues with pathogen-infected cells and secrete cytokines such as interferons [R] and TNF-a to fight off the invader [R, R].

NK cells also appear to release a membrane-disrupting protein, perforin, which causes cell death of the target cell. Perforin got its name because its thought to perforates the “skin” of the pathogen [R, R].

When to See a Doctor

If your goal is to lower or increase your NK cells because you have serious health problems – including autoimmunity or severe allergies – it’s important to talk to your doctor, especially if your symptoms are significantly impacting your daily life.

Your doctor should diagnose and treat any underlying conditions causing your symptoms.

Elevated Natural Killer Cells

The post About Natural Killer Cells & How to Increase & Decrease Them appeared first on SelfHacked.

Disclaimer: This post focuses on the science of blood pressure regulation and electrolyte balance in relation to aldosterone. It is solely informational. Talk to your healthcare provider if your blood pressure and/or labs are abnormal.

What is Aldosterone?

Definition & Function

Aldosterone is a hormone produced in the cortex of adrenal glands. It is known as a “mineralocorticoid.” [R]

Aldosterone helps the body retain sodium and water and excrete potassium, which results in higher blood pressure [R].

According to one experimental hypothesis, aldosterone has a daily rhythm to it. It seems to increase toward the end of the sleep phase, prior to the early morning (before cortisol rises) (R).

High blood levels of potassium typically signal the body to raise aldosterone production [R].

Aldosterone works in opposition to the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) produced in the heart, which excretes sodium and lowers blood pressure [R].

Both high and low aldosterone has been implicated in disease. The body is good at keeping this hormone in balance in health.

Blood Pressure Control

Aldosterone’s role in fluid balance is within the context of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which keeps our body fluids and blood pressure in strict control [R].

When cells in the kidneys recognize a reduction in blood flow (lower blood pressure), through a cascade of events, angiotensin I is produced. The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) then converts it to angiotensin II, which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce aldosterone [R, R].

Prorenin->Renin->Angiotensinogen->Angiotensin I (+ACE)->Angiotensin II->Aldosterone.

ACE inhibiting drugs (also known as ACEI) are used to block the angiotensin-converting enzyme, resulting in lower angiotensin II, lower aldosterone, and lower blood pressure [R].

ACEI are available only with a doctor’s prescription. They include drugs like lisinopril (Zestril) and captopril (Capoten).

Limitations

Note that aldosterone is not the only hormone that affects blood pressure regulation and electrolyte balance. The health of blood vessels, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), and other pathways also impact blood pressure and heart health.

As an example, beta 2-adrenoreceptor blockers like propranolol block

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