Recent studies point to whey protein as an immunity booster and anti cancer agent. It is known to boost glutathione levels, your body’s natural antioxidant. There is even evidence that whey can lower the stress hormone cortisol and boost brain serotonin so as to lower stress and depression similar to the drug prozac. Whey is probably best known as a high quality protein good for building muscle mass and improving athletic performance. In fact, athletes, body builders and other active people have made whey protein supplements the best selling on the market, eclipsing soy.

 

Whey protein is derived from cow’s milk and most brands on the market are processed to create a lactose free product of very high biological value. Whey protein of this kind is the most potent muscle building, growth promoting protein supplement available. In my opinion, everyone should drink a whey protein shake every day.In addition to some of the benefits described above, a whey protein shake does the following: helps speed up weight loss, increases endurance, strengthens the immune system, curbs appetite, promotes the action of human growth hormone which has anti-aging effects, helps prevent oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol), strengthens bones and helps prevent bone loss, and increases muscle recovery after intense muscular exercise.

 

There are many brands of whey protein on the market, but the one I prefer is Whey Delicious because of its superior taste which is achieved via a special blend of the herb stevia.  You can use a Whey Delicious shake as a meal substitute if you are trying to lose weight. Make it up using 8 oz of water, skim milk, or a combination of water and coconut milk. Put in a blender with ice cubes and blend until smooth. If you wish, add frozen fruit to the mixture: strawberries, raspberries, or blue berries are best. Diabetics and people on a strict diet should use only water and Whey Delicious powder to make their shakes. If you engage in intense daily workouts to build or maintain muscle, you may want to use two scoops of Whey Delicious rather than one.

Did you know that vitamin D is really not a vitamin at all but a hormonal like substance made from cholesterol that is vital to your health. While it does combat osteoporosis by helping you to absorb calcium from your blood, vitamin D also helps prevent heart disease, prostate and breast cancer, and high blood pressure. In fact, there is ample evidence that vitamin D is an overall cancer preventing agent.

 

The best way to get vitamin D is to get sensible sun exposure on a daily basis. This was advocated some time ago by Dr. Michael Horlick of Brown University. Sensible sun exposure means not getting a burn and tanning slowly over time. Although Dr. Horlick’s advice has been condemned by the American Academy of Dermatology the fact remains that careful sun exposure will help you to produce adequate levels of vitamin D without causing skin cancer.

 

The further from the equator that one lives, the less vitamin D you make when out in the sun. It is also a fact that humans living in more northern latitudes have higher incidences of cancer than do people living closer to the equator. In North America during fall and winter months, most people get no sun exposure or very little. If they aren’t eating large quantities of cold water fish and fish oils like cod liver oil, they all become deficient in vitamin D. Dark skinned people, such as African Americans, are most at risk for vitamin D deficiency, and this may explain the higher cancer rates among this segment of the population.

 

According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, “vitamin D” deficiency from too little sun exposure, not from oral doses, is the single most common vitamin deficiency in the United States, In fact, estimates run as high as 85% of Americans having low blood levels of vitamin D.

So get plenty of sun when you can but be smart about it. Get your first seasonal exposure a little at the time, 15 to 20 minutes without sunscreens (they prevent vitamin D synthesis). Slowly increase your sun exposure until you have developed a protective tan. At that point it becomes safe to get an hour or more of sun without burning. If you want to sunbath for several hours, you can then apply sunscreens to help avoid getting burned or developing dry skin. Eat lots of cold water fish rich in vitamin D and consume Omega-3 supplements daily.

 

Studies show that vitamin D slows the growth of cancerous tumors. It promotes the death of cancer cells and may also hinder angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels to support the tumor. It may also suppress metastasis. So, not only is vitamin D a means of preventing cancer but it probably should be used in the treatment of the disease as well.

 

In cold weather, when you get little or no sun exposure, take 1000 to 2,000 IU of a good vitamin D supplement daily, but because vitamin D can be toxic (too much can lead to hypercalcaemia), it is wise to have your doctor check your levels every so often.

For more comprehensive information on nutrients, contact me.

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