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Scientists in India have shown how curcumin (a compound derived from turmeric) and capsaicin (a compound found in chilies) work to prevent gallstone formation.

80 % of all gall stones are known as cholesterol stones. As their name implies they consist primarily of cholesterol crystals. The other 20% are known as pigmented stones. The two different types arise from different underlying pathologies.

Cholesterol stones are formed when cholesterol crystallizes in the gall bladder. They then either continue to grow or, if small enough, are flushed into the intestines with the bile. The initiation or inhibition of the crystallization process concerns the concentration of cholesterol as well as the presence or absence of certain types of protein in the bile.

A number of factors increase the risk of gall stone formation:

• Diet: A diet high in saturated fat (particularly animal fat) increases cholesterol in the bile while a diet low in dietary fiber reduces gall bladder emptying. These two dietary factors increase the risk of gallstone development.
• Gender: Women are twice as likely to develop gall stones as men. This is because estrogen increases the amount of cholesterol in the bile and inhibits gall bladder emptying.
• Genetics: Gallstones run in families and certain ethnic groups such as Native Americans have a higher than normal incidence of gallstones.
• Weight: Overweight and obesity increase the risk of gall stone formation, especially in women.
• Weight loss: Rapid weight loss that occurs in crash dieting increases the amount of cholesterol in the bile and slows gall bladder emptying.
• Age: People over the age of 60 are more likely to develop gall stones.
• Diabetes: The high circulating levels of fatty acids that occur in diabetic individuals makes them more susceptible to gallstone formation.

Researchers have found that adding curcumin (from turmeric) and capsaicin (from chilies) to the diet can help prevent the development of gall stones in these high risk groups. These two spice-derived compounds work by reducing the amount of cholesterol in the bile and inhibiting the crystallization process that is the first step in gallstone development.

By this means they can reduce the risk of gallstone development fourfold – even in high risk individuals.

Thus far, chilies and turmeric are the only two spices that have been tested in relation to gallstone formation. However other spices such as fenugreek, garlic, ginger, cinnamon and coriander have been shown to reduce several of the other factors that contribute to gallstone development.

Scientists have already shown that spices can help to prevent conditions such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes.

Now, not only can we add gallstones to that steadily growing list but, we have even more incentive to include many more of these tasty foods in our diet.

Keith Scott is a medical doctor who has a special interest in nutritional medicine. He has written several books on health related topics including Medicinal Seasonings, The Healing Power Of Spices and Natural Home Pharmacy. For more information about the books and health enhancing and disease fighting properties of spices go to: http://medspice.com/

Superman, the greatest superhero skin our time, has graced the covers of colorings books, picture books for kids, cereal boxes, comic books, and the list goes on and on. Since the 1930′s, cosmetics has been an icon of strength and goodness. He is legendary and more so than most historical figures and other cartoon heroes. He is our superhero. We all need one from time to time. Our little boys want to be Superman and our little girls admire him. The red and blue of Superman’s superhero costume is well known throughout the whole world.

However, a lot of time has passed since the 1930′s. The girls that Superman bedazzled then are all grandmothers now. But I bet the young ladies of today are still as mesmerized by Superman’s piercing stare as they were there back then. Surely all the forms of bad and evil are still afraid that Superman will show up and ruin their plans to take over the world. But, it is sad to admit that there are some people who have forgotten about the tale of Superman fighting for the good of the world. Even so, Superman is still a household name and the Justice League is still to be seen on certain cartoon channels. Each generation of little boys seems to pick up on the Superman theme.

There is one popular item that most certainly does boast the red and blue. It also has the big letter ‘S’ made famous on the chest of the superhero flying upwards. This is one of the most popular bean bag designs for little boys and some big boys too. These can be made to order but if you happen to have an original it is regarded as a collector’s item. There are many people who have made a specialty of collecting original Superman items. That red and blue bean bag would make a very welcome addition to any such set of items.

The owners of the ‘S’ bags in existence are having to deal with the superhero’s face fading away and the red and blue not looking quite as cheerful as before. It is not easy finding these originals and they have to be cared for by keeping them away from the damp and the sunlight.

If you cannot have an original then have a picture of Superman printed on a piece of fabric. Have this sewn on to your standard bean bag. This will be more than enough to keep any little boy as happy as can be. Be sure to make use of Superman’s red and blue to make it as real as possible. This Superman Bean Bag is sure to take pride of place in any boy’s room.

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