JUNE 27, 2022 THE FORGOTTEN LIMA BEAN

The forgotten bean - You rarely see anything written about the lima bean It is the plant children first learn about in Biology in 6th or 7th grade.

There is nutritional value in lima beans as in other legumes. They are a good source for fiber, and virtually a fat free source of high-quality protein. Lima beans contain soluble fiber, which helps regulate the blood sugar levels, and even lowers cholesterol. Lima beans also prevents constipation and supports those individuals with irritable bowel disease. Lima beans are of great value due to their content of trace minerals. These minerals are molybdenum, manganese, iron, copper phosphorous, magnesium, and potassium. There is also thiamine and folate in lima beans. One cooked cup of lima beans is 216.00 calories with 14.6 grams of protein.

Unlike most other beans lima beans secrete an abundance of nectar. Therefore, honeybees love the lima bean flowers. The nectar is colorless and has a sugar concentration of 42 % - 59%. This is secreted freely the day the petals unfold and very enticing for the Honeybee. In 1949, Pellet wrote in The Hive and the Honey Bee called the honey white gold with a good flavor but granulates quickly. There is also another book, American Honey Plants described the honey as almost water white with fine flavor.

George Ayers in the American Bee Journal many years ago wrote a fine article about The Lima Bean which inspired me to write about lima beans. It also brought back memories of my childhood. His conclusion which is striking and relevant is that if honey bees are important in the pollination of lima beans, why is there very few articles on lima beans.

Until tomorrow

JUNE 23, 2022 SPICE IN YOUR LIFE

As men we need to know our testosterone levels, It is not about your maleness or your sexual libido. It is about that lower free testosterone is a risk factor for heart disease. Recently a reputable heart journal dispelled the myth that the low total testosterone is the risk factor for heart disease. It is the free testosterone that is the risk factor.

So ask your doctor to check your total and free testosterone as well as your prostate specific antigen. The later is important if you a candidate to start hormonal therapy. I am on the fence about testosterone. I do know that anabolic steroids have been abused . There are serious side effects as enlargement of the prostate, prostate cancer, and anger/ agitation . Yet testosterone is needed if the man is depressed and has a low libido ( or sex drive ) It doesn't always to be given in intramuscular shots. It can be given orally or administered by rubbing cream ( androgel or compounded testosterone) into the skin.

There is also another answer. The answer is to block the aromatase enzyme that converts your testosterone to the female hormones as estrone, progesterone and luteinizing hormone. Some of these natural aromatase inhibitors include chrysin and quercetin ( both of which are bio-flavonoids) and pomegranate seeds.

All in all, testosterone is an incredibly important hormone for health, longevity, and vitality – in both men and women. Leading a Primal life, free of excessive stress and peppered with smart, intense workouts, full of healthy animal fats and plenty of vitamin D, should be enough to promote adequate amounts of testosterone coursing through your veins-

NOW we offer the DUO- the low intensity shock wave therapy can increase your circulation to your genital area for both men and women It’s simple- not invasive- The transducer is applied to 5 areas in men and 3 in females for a total of 300 pulses in men per area ( total 1500) and 500 pulse waves to 3 areas ( total 1500) for the session. Each session is about 15 You will need 2 sessions per week for a total of 3 weeks. The success is about 85 % If you are interested we will send a brochure and discuss this treatment option.

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 22, 2022 VITAMIN E

Vitamin E is a supplement that is rarely discussed It has been controversial through the years in regard to heart disease health. It is typically in a multi vitamin and very rarely do I prescribe it. Over the last several years I have read more studies on Vitamin E and have been prescribing for my patients.

Vitamin E is essential for human health, but unfortunately, many people are deficient in this important nutrient. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is found in foods like leafy greens, nuts, and seeds. It plays a vital role in supporting the immune system, protecting against cell damage, and maintaining healthy skin and eyes. A vitamin E deficiency can cause a number of health problems, including anemia, fatigue, muscle weakness, and vision problems.

Patients always ask me I don’t want to take vitamin E but I will use my food as a source of vitamins supplements and minerals The best way to ensure adequate vitamin E intake is to eat a varied diet that includes plenty of leafy greens, nuts, and seeds

There are a few signs of vitamin E deficiency Most are overlooked. One of the most common signs of vitamin E deficiency is dry, flaky skin.

A vitamin E deficiency is rare There are some that are more at risk.

For example, those who have trouble absorbing fat from their diet are more likely to be deficient in vitamin E. This includes people with certain digestive disorders, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease.

I would add vitamin E 200 units if you do not have it in your multi vitamin or you don’t eat leafy greens and nuts

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 21, 2022 HAZELNUT

The hazelnut is from the Birch family and its botanical name is Corylus avellana The nuts from these nuts have been cultivated for 2000 years and its origin traces to Asia. The French give the hazel nut a different name—The Filbert Nut

I love hazelnuts for heart health. these nuts contain monounsaturated fats which will help lower your bad cholesterol, LDL and increase the good cholesterol ( HDL) They also contain lots of magnesium which helps potassium and calcium balance. This corrected balance helps with blood pressure and palpitations. By helpng magnesium, you are now helped manage sugar ( glucose) I use lots of hazelnuts in patients with diabetes

As with most nuts—there are lots of antioxidants. Hazelnuts contain manganese which helps all the reactions needed in the body and then better absorption of the antioxidants. I can’t say enough about the benefits of hazelnuts for anemia and even memory

I was always intrigued by hazelnut as it is used in the Italian liqueurs Frangelico and Fratello ( which is part of my surname, Fratellone) and mixed with other spices as vanilla and chocolate. The flavors are extracted in a mixture of alcohol and water. I remember tasting both liqueurs as a child for a Holiday dinner.

I won’t have the opportunity again since todays celebrates 28 years of continuous sobriety. I am a very grateful, blessed and humble human being

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 20. 2022 GOJI BERRY

The Goji berry also known as Lycium barbarum is considered a superfood. The Chinese believe this fruit is the fountain of youth and wards off agents. This can be said of other superfoods. For the herbalist or botanist it has other names. It is also known as false jessamine or boxthorn. Goji berry comes the same Family as tomatoes and potatoes.

It Chinese herbal medicine the Goji berry is used to detoxify the liver and kidneys. The Goji berries are fleshy and range in color from orange to yellow and even red. Most of us eat dried goji berries. The berries ripen in midsummer ( as do my gooseberries) and often hand picked

In my practice I use Goji for a variety of conditions. I use it for macular degeneration of the eyes, diabetes, cholesterol and to manage stress, anxiety and fatigue I even use Goji in my patents with autoimmune disease especially lupus.

I love having a cup of Goji tea for its calming effect especially after dinner or at bedtime It has been written that doing too many goji can result in high blood pressure and there even is a report of toxic hepatitis. These are rare side effects. It is all in moderation

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 16, 2022 FATHERS AND FORGIVENESS

Within days of my birth ( June 16th 1960)- was Father's Day June 19th 1960. I was a gift to my father. My brother was a gift to my parents on Mother's Day one year later. Father's Day in the United States is on the third Sunday of June. It celebrates the contribution that fathers and father figures make for their children's lives. Its origins may lie in a memorial service held for a large group of men, many of them fathers, who were killed in a mining accident in Monongah, West Virginia in 1907.

In my years I have celebrated my birthdate on Father's Day - In 2005 it was the last Father’s Day/ my birthday that I celebrated with my dad

In order to grow, you must forgive, I am blessed with the ability to forgive others for the pain they have caused me. I can forgive family, friends, and past 'love' relationships. In my practice I see many who have not forgiven their parents. Given who my parents were, where they came from, and the forces they were up against in the late 1950 and 1960's, I know they were doing their best they could. I have compassion and understanding for the parents they were. How could I not ? I am their son. I also loved them then and even today as they are no longer with me. . Every circumstance between a child and their parents is different ! I am a father of adult children. I am truly humbled and loved by my children Being a father is the greatest profession.


In 28 years of my sober/spiritual journey I have turned my breathing to transform negative energy into love. I have performed rituals of forgiveness thus releasing my resentments. In 1994 in my 30-day rehab I wrote in large letters on large colored construction paper my resentments. I then put them in the flames of a burning log. What a relief -

I have learned that I can say anything to anybody, good or bad as long as I put these three words after what I say - the three little words are not I love you, but instead Bless their heart.

Today On my 62 nd birthday I can say I am very blessed, grateful and happy man

Until tomorrow

JUNE 15, 2022 YOUR SKIN

What is the largest organ in the human body? If you answered the colon or the liver , you are wrong. The largest organ in terms of surface area and weight is THE SKIN, which is the most overlooked. Our skin is a fluid barrier, a major source of sensory input, a temperature controller, ands a contributor in the immune system.
Do you take care of your skin? First of all hydration is the first key point. You must drink water every day - about 8 glasses of 8 oz of water/day. There are many stressors to the human skin. These ar environmental . By this I mean the weather, the sun and the pollution. We live in a toxic world. Many illnesses first manifest their problem on the skin. This is especially true of some internal cancers. This is also apparent when we discuss candida overgrowth.
It is said but 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer. Is this due to lack of vitamin because of skin sun screeners or not enough and you are spending too much time in the sun. We do know that melanoma is on the rise in the last decade by 20-30%.
The fastest growing industry is the cosmetic industry. This is not only for the women, but equally for the men. More cosmetic products for men are now on the shelves. Did you know that by age 50, the average female will spend at least 250,000 on hair and facial products? Look what some individuals pay for their hair color and haircuts. It can be a bit outrageous, but we are a country of ' how we look on the outside.' If we ingest supplements/herbs and vitamins for the inner self, we should start helping the outer beauty with vitamins. So this is what the cosmetic industry is doing. Cosmeceuticals are products that have some medicinal benefits depending on what you put into the product. Organic and natural are different labels. The word natural follows no standard ands has no regulatory agency, as the word , organic does.
Many skin products use the word anti-oxidants, or anti aging. Be wary of these labels. What actually is in the product. One of the first doctors who made a skin care line was Dr. Perricone. I believe he was the first to add Vitamin C or ascorbic acid to his products. It has been shown that skin products with absorbic acid revealed an increase in skin density, this having a protective effect. There are many cosmetic companies now using soy in their products as soy contains phytosterols which are potent anti - oxidants.

The one herb that has been recently added to skin products is Feverfew. This is most commonly associated with migraine prevention and arthritis. Feverfew does have anti-inflammatory and anti oxidant potential. It is effective in reducing the redness of the skin. Feverfew is part of the daisy family. One plant I always utilize in skin conditions is the pot marigold also known as Calendula.

One of the most studied and researched plants is Camella sinensis, also known as Green tea. tea is consumed only second to water in most countries. Today I am delighted that more Americans are consuming herbal teas, especially Green, Oolong, White and Black tea. The polyphenol in green tea, especially, EGCG inhibits collagenase activity and increases collagen formation.
Studies have shown that topical green tea applied to the face inhibits ultraviolet-induced erythema and decreased DNA sun damage to the skin. You probably have seen green tea or EGCG added to the most expensive cosmetic products.

You also may start to see the following herbs added to some skin products. These include
Punica granatum, commonly known as Pomegranate, Coffea arabica, known as the Coffeeberry and Euterpe oleracea, known as the Acai berry.

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 14, 2022 BANANAS

Most Americans consume a banana at least once a week and some consume bananas every day. In the 1600’s the Spainards grow banans in south Florida, but it is not until Carolus Linnaeus , the father of taxonmy dubbs it the wise fruit otherwise known as its botanical name, Musa sapentium

The health benefits of a daily banana cannot be underestimated There is lots of potassium. Eating one banana a day is good for balancing the sodium and potassium in the body thus helping the heart function. This balances your blood pressure

The potassium in bananas has been stated to prevent kidney stones. Suppressing calcium excretion in your urine prevents stones from forming. Therefore this calcium can be used to preserve your bones. A banana does contain sugar so it can be used as a form of energy . Consuming a banana before a work out can be beneficial Great 3 pm snack with peanut butter ( Hint !)

Due to its fiber content it aids ( like other fruits with fiber) in digestion Bananas also contain prebiotic oligosaccharides which is the food for the good bacteria in your gut ( microbiome ) Also by eating a banana a day you get your daily requirement of B6 It is said that bananas act as a barrier for HCl production which can indigestion and ulcers.

There is no downside to eating a banana now and then. I don’t think you should sing “ There are no bananas today” This was an actual song written in 1923 by Irving Cohen and Frank Silver. The song was popularized by Eddie Cantor

Until tomorrow…