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Featured in this month's issue:

1. HEALTH BYTES: Facts and Tips for Better Living!

2. WELLNESS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

3. FEATURED ARTICLE: "Adult Macular Degeneration"

4. HEALTHY RECIPE-OF-THE-MONTH: Hawaiian Rice

5. PAST SPECIAL EDITIONS

6. PRODUCT-OF-THE-MONTH: Shake: A protein rich drink

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1. HEALTH BYTES - Facts and Tips for Better Living

TANNING BEDS MORE DAMAGING THAN SUNLIGHT -- Doctors remind people who want to look bronzed for the summer that the sun and tanning beds cause irreversible damage to the skin. Redness of burns and the sought after bronze hue are actually indicators of injury. Some people think lying in tanning beds is safer than sitting in the sun, but the opposite is true, said Dr. Daniel Sauder, of Johns Hopkins University. Although they are quicker, tanning beds emit mostly ultraviolet-A rays, which penetrate deep into the skin. They can cause damage to the immune system after a single exposure and could eventually cause skin cancer. The disease will affect one million people in the United States this year, Sauder said. Instead of exposing skin to the sun or tanning lights, the doctor suggests that people who want that summer tan use self-tanning lotion.

SLEEPING AND BACK PAIN -- Back and neck pain can be caused by the way you sleep. You can stress neck ligaments if you sleep on your stomach or on a pile of fluffy pillows. Sleeping on your back or side with one supportive pillow or a neck roll puts less stress on your neck and spine.

MUSHROOMS AND NUTRITION -- The most well-known "medicinal mushrooms" of traditional Asian medicine are Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, and Coriolus Versicolor. Mushrooms are adaptogens to the immune system, i.e., their complex polysaccharides and other components have the capacity to regulate and equilibrate disordered immune function, as well as to act as an invigorating tonic for the immune system. The Reishi derived polysaccharide has been found to be one of the most effective inducers of glutathione S-transferase activity in liver cells, an enzyme critical to the clearance of environmental chemicals from the body. The Reishi polysaccharide showed potent ability in the laboratory to protect DNA from attack by metal-catalyzed free radical (Fenton) reactions and by ultraviolet light. It was also protective against hydroxyl radical-induced DNA strand breaks. Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) has been revered in China and Japan as both a food and a medicinal herb for thousands of years. It is high in soluble fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In purified form, it is used intravenously in Japan for treatment of hepatitis B, and has been found to increase survival in patients with recurrent stomach cancer, particularly when used in combination with chemotherapy. Maitake (Grifola frondosa) was used traditionally as a tonic and adaptogen, and along with shiitake and reishi, was used as a food to help promote wellness and vitality. The polysaccharides present in maitake have a unique structure (branched beta-1,6-glucans) and are among the most powerful studied to date.

WEIRD CURE FOR BAD BREATH -- Take zinc. HealthScoutNews reports that research published in the French journal "Revue De Stomatologie Et De Chirurgie Maxillo-Faciale" concludes that the main cause of chronic bad breath is a group of compounds that contain sulfur. The sulfur-producing bacteria gather on the back of the tongue and on the teeth. (Mind you, chronic bad breath is caused by more than just eating onions for lunch.) Zinc apparently makes your breath smell better because it binds to the sulfur. So look for mouthwashes, gum, toothpaste, and even cold lozenges that contain zinc to zap that bad breath.

DO THIS AND LIVE LONGER -- Scientists recently figured out that if you eat fewer calories, it could increase your lifespan by as much as 40 percent. Now they may also understand why: the mutations of two particular genes seem to work in tandem with a low-cal diet to orchestrate a longer life.

WANT A SHARPER MEMORY? -- Eat blueberries! Pint for pint, these little blue jewels may contain more antioxidants than any other fruit or vegetable. The most powerful health-promoting compounds in blueberries are anthocyanins, phytochemicals that belong to the flavonoid family. Besides combatting the free-radical damage linked to heart disease and cancer, anthocyanins may boost brain power - at least in rats. When fed blueberry extract for nine weeks, elderly rats outperformed a control group at such tasks as navigating mazes and balancing on rotating logs. And when aging rats ate a blueberry-enriched diet for four months, they performed as well in memory tests as younger rats. Another blueberry benefit: like cranberries, they seem to fight off urinary-tract infections by preventing E. coli bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall.

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2. WELLNESS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

** Q & A #1: What is the difference between aerobic exercise and resistance exercise and which one is best?

The term "aerobic" has to do with the utilization of oxygen. Aerobic exercise involves activities such as walking, running, jogging, cycling and swimming to increase the rate of respiration (breathing) and heart rate. This results in increased distribution of oxygen to the whole body, plus conditions the cardiovascular system. "Resistance" exercise has to do with a different kind of work. It can be accomplished in several ways, but usually is thought of as weight lifting. It is also referred to as strength training. It builds muscles and is valuable to help maintain lean body mass (muscle) - especially in later years and during weight loss programs. Another benefit from strength training is that it helps to reduce bone loss. So, you can see both types of exercise are important.

** Q & A #2: What is a "Niacin Flush" and is it harmful? Niacin, otherwise known as Vitamin B-3 or "nicotinic acid" is historically interesting and was discovered many years ago when researchers learned pellagra resulted from a deficiency of niacin and protein. This discovery was an important milestone, similar to the learning about Vitamin C and scurvy. One of niacin's actions in the body is vasodilation, especially in the peripheral areas. Taken in its pure form, niacin is absorbed quickly with blood vessel dilation often noticed in the facial area, neck and ears. Feelings of warmth, tingling, itching and redness are usually experienced from the increased blood flow to these areas. This reaction is commonly called a "Niacin Flush" and usually subsides within a little while. Another form of niacin or nicotinic acid is "nicotinamide," which does not cause the flushing. However, many experts do not believe that nicotinamide is as valuable as regular niacin. Many believe that having a niacin flush is a good indication that your circulation is improving. Other than an "odd" feeling there is no reason for concern as this usually occurs only when larger doses of niacin are taken. People who experience niacin flushes notice the severity reduces within a short time.

** Q & A #3: How much sodium or salt should I eat or not eat each day?

There has been an ongoing debate over this subject for years. We know that sodium is an essential (element) nutrient and it performs many important functions in the body, but it is generally thought that most people in developed countries consume too much, primarily because of its extensive use in processed foods. Excess consumption can cause bloating and water retention. Because this excess water retention may cause excess pressure in the tissues, some researchers believe elevated blood pressure can result. The Committee on Dietary Allowances, which is part of the National Academy of Sciences, recommends that you consume at least 500 mg per day, but not over 2,400 mg. To give you a reference, one teaspoonful of table salt contains about 2,000 mg.

** Q & A #4: What are isoflavones? They are naturally-occurring nutritional compounds that occur in soy beans. Researchers are now learning how valuable they are to our overall health. Isoflavones are antioxidants and soy protein, of which they are a component, shows great promise in supporting a healthy circulatory system and other health-supporting benefits.

** Q & A #5: Am I getting too much fat by eating nuts?

Not if eaten within reason. A past study has found that nuts may even help lower your risk of heart disease. They are tasty, convenient and easy to carry, and loaded with protein. The fat they contain is largely of the heart-healthy unsaturated type. In addition nuts contain vitamin E, fiber, trace minerals, calcium and vitamin B. Do not be concerned about having to eat the dry-roasted type as nuts do not absorb added oil and most of the oil you notice from roasted nuts comes from the nuts themselves. But when buying commercially prepared nuts for snacks be careful not to over-indulge in sodium as it is best to eat the unsalted ones, or at least the lightly salted version.

** Q & A #6: What are OPCs and how do they help me to be healthier?

Glad you asked. Possibly the most valuable single antioxidant nutrient is "OPC," or (Oligomeric ProanthoCyanidins), which occurs in thousands of plants and are commonly extracted from grape seed and pine bark. OPCs are powerful and support the action of other antioxidants, especially Vitamin C. They cross the blood-brain barrier and have been extremely well researched. OPCs are considered to have anti-aging properties as they help support your body's immune system and cell structure. All OPC supplement products are NOT created equal. Only those considered "choice" or "premium-quality" offer the most for your money and these can be 20 to 50 times more potent than vitamin C and E! For additional information on OPCs, please see http://www.theolivebranch.com/opcs.htm

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3. FEATURED ARTICLE - "Adult Macular Degeneration"
On line - http://www.theolivebranch.com/news/macular.htm

If you prefer an e-mail copy, send your request to: news@theolivebranch.com

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4. HEALTHY RECIPE-OF-THE-MONTH - Hawaiian Rice
This side dish goes well with baked fish or chicken. Click here - http://www.theolivebranch.com/recipes/rice-h.htm

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5. PAST SPECIAL EDITIONS:

We have several Special Editions that we issued on particular Health Issues or on Complimentary/Alternative Botanicals. You can view them from the following index:
Click here -http://www.theolivebranch.com/news/special.htm

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6. PRODUCT OF THE MONTH - Life Plus SHAKE

This is a low carbohydrate, protein-rich drink mix that improves body tone and lean body mass. Available in either chocolate or vanilla flavors, this product is very popular among athletes, weight watchers, or those who just wish to increase their energy and fitness levels. SHAKE provides a special blend of proteins from three different sources known for their biologically favorable ratio of amino acids.

More Information - http://www.theolivebranch.com/s-shake.htm

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Take good care of yourself and Be Healthy!

The Culbreths

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The information in this newsletter has not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. We make no claims, either expressed or implied, that any products mentioned in this newsletter will cure or treat disease, replace prescription medication, or supersede sound medical advice.