Much has been written about how green tea was discovered. Some of them are utterly fantastic, such as the one about Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, who tore off his eyelids in frustration at not being able to stay awake during meditation and that a tea plant sprouted from the spot where his eyelids landed.

And then there is the one about the leaf that fell on an open pot of water that a Chinese emperor was boiling. He liked the refreshing taste that the leaf introduced into the water and soon found that the brew could cure headaches and body aches, among others. He even decreed that his people should start drinking this magical elixir.

Regardless of which story you may have heard, green tea is extracted from the Camellia sinensis shrub. It has been determined that the extracts are rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Polyphenols are also known as antioxidants which act on harmful free radicals inside the body. These are the major causes of diseases. Besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, green tea is able to eliminate harmful cells without damaging healthy ones.

Aside from suppressing harmful cells, here are a few other areas in which green tea benefits your health:

Reduces the risk of heart diseases. Green tea has the ability to lower cholesterol levels. The antioxidants target the bad cholesterol and leads to a balance between the good and bad cholesterols.

Stimulates blood flow. This is due to the presence of caffeine in green tea. It mildly stimulates the heart, which in turn increases the blood flow throughout the body.

Suppresses appetite. One of the most popular attributes of green tea is that it aids weight loss. It has been found that green tea affects a hormone known as leptin, which decreases appetite.

Enhances metabolism. Hand-in-hand with lowering leptin levels, green tea also increases noradrenaline levels. Increasing the activity of this particular neurotransmitter results in the burning of bodily fat.

Slows aging and its effects. The presence of free radicals in the body leads to unwanted diseases and aging. By counteracting them through the presence of antioxidants, green tea is able to slow down premature aging and at the same time contributes to clearer, younger-looking skin.

When shopping, be warned though that there are many bottled leisure drinks nowadays capitalizing on the popularity of green tea. They promote themselves as healthy green tea beverages when in reality, they are nothing more than sugar water infused with a less than significant amount of green tea extracts. You are better off buying the real powdered product or in capsule forms.

It is quite apparent that green tea is an expert in many areas of providing good health. Aside from the benefits mentioned above, there are anecdotal accounts from ancient China about how green tea prevents tooth decay, promotes longevity, relieves constipation, treats depression, and keeps the eyes sharp. These are the stuff that legends are made of. Put them all together and you have your own personal health legend--the guru known as green tea.

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Another wise person once said good health need not come at an expensive price. Find high quality, low cost green tea capsules plus other vitamins and supplements now and enjoy a good and healthy life.

The colon is part of the body's digestive system. The digestive system removes and processes nutrients (vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and water) from foods and helps pass waste material out of the body. The digestive system is made up of the esophagus, stomach, and the small and large intestines. The first 6 feet of the large intestine are called the large bowel or colon. The last 6 inches are the rectum and the anal canal. The anal canal ends at the anus (the opening of the large intestine to the outside of the body).

Being age 50 or older is actually the number one risk factor for colon cancer. But other things impact colon cancer development, too. For example, studies indicate that all of these factors can contribute to colon cancer: alcohol, smoking, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity.

A diet high in animal fat and low in dietary fiber, which is the typical American diet today, has been linked to colon cancer. A review of the relationships between diet, exercise, and colon cancer suggests that diets high in vegetables and regular physical activity are the most significant factors in reducing the risk of colon cancer. Strong evidence shows that physical activity can reduce the risk of colon cancer by up to 50 percent. Some scientists hypothesize that fiber (from vegetables) might bind to potential carcinogens and cause them to be excreted before they can cause harm; other suggest that, in enhancing the movement of material through the GI tract, exercise or high-fiber diet reduces the time that carcinogens have to come in contact with colon cells. Other scientists suggest that high levels help protect the GI tract and delay the development of stomach, colon, and rectal cancer. Alternatively, the breakdown products of fiber produced by colonic bacteria, including acids that lower colon pH, might make carcinogens inactive.

Although these logical reasons point to a beneficial effect of fiber, a major study of women fails to support the protective effect of dietary fiber against colorectal cancer. However, a recent study of 400,000 men and women across nine European countries shows as much as a 40 percent reduction in risk.

Colon Cancer Center

You see them everywhere from jewelry, to car magnets, to symbols on grocery products, to major companies displaying them on their advertisements. The pink ribbons show everyone that you care about and are interested in finding a cure for breast cancer. Whether you just wear a pink ribbon or you are more socially active in the issue depends upon your own personal experiences with breast cancer.

Today, prominent people in the movie industry and corporations are showing their support of many different causes. One of the more popular one, particularly for women, is the breast cancer ribbon. You will see prominent people wearing the pink ribbons on their fancy designer gowns as they walk down the Red Carpet at the Oscar's or Emmy's. They are not ashamed to show their fans that they care about a special topic of interest to the community.

It is rare today that you do not know someone that has been touched by breast cancer. If you are lucky your acquaintance survived the ordeal and is back to living a fairly normal life. For those of us that have lost someone close to us it is harder because we know that early detection might have saved them.

The pink ribbon is considered to be an international symbol for breast cancer-regardless of country, the pink ribbon serves a universal meaning. One of the very interest facts is that no one company, organization or foundation owns the rights to this worldwide symbol. Each company, organizations or foundation can create their version of the pink ribbon and this will give them the rights reserved on their copyright, for example Avon has its own, as does Estee Lauder. This is one the reasons why you see so many different pink ribbons being displayed.

Pink Ribbon Day is always on the fourth Monday of October. It marks the culmination of breast cancer activities during the month of October. It is recognized as breast cancer's national day in support of awareness and research, and generates a range of activities with an education and fundraising focus. Pink Ribbon Day raises funds for research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

So, whether you have your own personalized pink ribbon that you share with friends and relatives or you are using a corporate one, you are showing your support for this very important cause. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each ribbon goes into breast cancer research-to help those looking for a cure for all of us.

You can help increase your communities breast cancer awareness and support breast cancer research at the same time by proudly wearing your ribbon. Each and every one of us can make a different in the fight against breast cancer. And, all you need to do is purchase a small pink breast cancer awareness ribbon. So, what are you waiting for-they are in all of the stores. Just pick one up and show your support!

For more information on breast cancer visit - a website that specializes in providing breast cancer related information and resources including information on the breast cancer ribbon.

MESOTHELIOMA: DO YOU NEED A LAWYER?

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma in the last five years, you may wish to meet with an attorney to discuss your legal rights. Anyone who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma should consider this option. If you have a loved one who is deceased because of mesothelioma, their spouse or an executor of the estate should also consider legal representation. There are different avenues to consider regarding representation and the possibilities of obtaining compensation. We believe it is important that you choose representation by a firm that is exclusively devoted to mesothelioma claims. We believe you should choose a firm that has years of experience and a proven track record with mesothelioma claims. Some people do not want to file a lawsuit. For such people, they may want to know that a number of companies have filed for bankruptcy protection and have established bankruptcy trusts that pay smaller amounts to mesothelioma victims. Sometimes, if it is too late to file a lawsuit or if the mesothelioma victim is strongly opposed to filing a lawsuit, we can recover some compensation by filing claims with bankruptcy trusts. This is a decision that should not be made quickly and should only be made after consultation with an experienced legal representative.

STATUTES OF LIMITATION

All states have statutes of limitation that provide that a claim is barred if it is not timely filed. Some states require that a claim must be filed within one year of the date of diagnosis, while other states provide that the individual has as long as five years from the date of diagnosis. This not only varies from state to state, but sometimes varies depending upon the state of exposure or where the lawsuit is filed. It may be necessary, if some period of time has expired after the date of diagnosis, to file the claim in a different jurisdiction to avoid the running of the state of limitations. As a general rule, it is always better to get the process moving as quickly as possible to avoid any potential issues with a statute of limitations.

WHERE WILL THE LAWSUIT BE FILED?

A lawsuit will not necessarily be filed in the state where you live. Some jurisdictions are more liberal in awarding substantial jury awards. If you or your loved one live in a state where juries tend to be more conservative, it might make sense to discuss bringing the case in an alternative jurisdiction. Oftentimes cases can be brought in another state where there was exposure or where a defendant may be located or incorporated. If there is a potential problem with the statute of limitations in the state where you live, the problem can sometimes be avoided by filing in another state. This should only be decided after meeting with your legal representative.

DO I HAVE TO GO TO COURT?

Typically, we can do all of the work on your case in or near your home. If your deposition is taken, this can also be done in your home or in a conference room near your home. Only if the case is not settled, might you have to be present in court for any period of time. Even if your case goes before a jury, you generally only need be present for a small portion of the trial.In the overwhelming percentage of these cases, however, settlements will be reached prior to the trial date. Because of this, it is always best to hire experienced counsel with a track record of success. Experienced counsel who have obtained substantial awards in the past may be more likely to obtain significant settlement offers from the defendants prior to going to trial.

WHAT IS YOUR NEXT STEP?

Because mesothelioma cases have become more lucrative, the number of law firms that are seeking mesothelioma cases are on the increase. You may encounter lawyers that you know who now claim to be interested in taking your case. It is important to have experienced legal representation from lawyers who have experience negotiating settlements in mesothelioma cases.If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma in the last five years, talk to an experienced mesothelioma lawyer to discuss your legal rights today.

Patricia Hughes writes articles for the Maune Raichle Law firm 1-800-358-5922. The firm specializes in mesothelioma cases. For more information go to:

Isn't it the most pathetic situation when someone knows death can strike any moment? For the Mesothelioma cancer patients the gap between life and death is very little. The only hope is to resist through treatments for the time being.

Parallel to the Government initiative, many charitable and voluntary organizations have started working on researches related to Mesothelioma and its curing possibilities. It is indeed a good sign that all over the world more and more people are becoming conscious about this matter and trying to get involved in the rescue mechanism from this deadly and yet incurable disease.

Different Mesothelioma Foundations have taken the challenge to research and find out a definite cure for this cancer and doctors, biologists and pharmaceutical organizations have joined hands in support to this charitable mission. It's really a grand mission and should be applauded by all sectors of the society. In the civilized society why should such a disease sprout where a mineral becomes the cause of fatality. Is there no way of bringing an end to this situation?

Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America (MESORFA)

MESORFA is working to its level best in the American continent to uproot the problem of Mesothelioma as soon as possible. The prominent oath taken by this Foundation states that they are supporting and funding to all such research works that can find remedy and cure for Mesothelioma at the earliest not causing another case of fatality.

How is MESORFA really instigating its charitable mission to help out the real victims of Mesothelioma? Let's take a quick look.

Mesothelioma Laboratory at USC and Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center in Los Angeles are the two main centers conducting research work as well as giving treatment to the patients of Mesothelioma. The Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America (MESORFA) is funding these Research centers.

Veglin, the drug discovered

Already the Mesothelioma Laboratory at USC has made a successful endeavor. A particular drug has been formulated through the research that has proved effective on the Mesothelioma cancer patient. Veglin is the name of the drug and it is being used in a prescribed dose to remove the tumors through a shrinking process and this in turn is helping the fluid gathered in the lungs to reduce and come out. The healing rate is quite fast. The Lab is looking forward to discover an ultimate curing medicine for Mesothelioma. Had this charitable organization not stretched out its helping hands it would have never been so easy for such researches to take place.

Find more Mesothelioma and asbestos info online.

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Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. In the UK, approximately 750 women are diagnosed each week which amounts to over 41,000 new cases each year. 250 women die of the disease every week. However, the earlier a cancer is detected, the higher the chance of successful treatment and survival.

To pick up potential problems at the earliest possible opportunity, you need to be aware of any changes in your breasts, which could be change in size, one breast may have become noticeably larger or lower, nipple change if it becomes inverted (pulled in) or changes its position or shape, rash on or around the nipple, discharge, from one or both nipples, puckering or dimpling around nipple, swelling under your armpit or around your collarbone (from lymph nodes), lump or thickening that feels different from the rest of the breast tissue, constant pain in one part of your breast or in your armpit.

If you notice a change, see your GP straight away. Your GP may be able to reassure you after examining your breasts, or you may be asked to come back at a different time in your menstrual cycle to rule out a hormonal cause. Alternatively, you may be sent to a breast clinic for a more detailed examination.

One of the simplest methods for early detection is for all women to be "breast aware" by checking their breasts for lumps or changes each month. In reality, though, very few women regularly do this – some women may be unsure how to do a breast examination and others may find it difficult to distinguish normal breast tissue from a genuine lump.

More than 80% of cases occur in women over 50. Taking the contraceptive pill slightly increases the risk. Taking hormone replacement therapy significantly increases your risk somewhat more, but the health benefits derived from hormone replacement are better overall. Obesity and heavy drinking also significantly increase the risk.

Your risk of getting breast cancer doubles if you have one close relative (mother or sister), when compared to women with no cases in the family. Having two close relatives affected increases your risk further.

Biopsy (a tissue sample) it the most important method used to diagnose breast cancer. The sample of tissue is removed from the breast lump by a hollow needle and then examined under a microscope. The shape and appearance of the cells in the tissue sample reveals whether the lump is benign, which is true of the vast majority, or if it is cancerous.

The main treatment for breast cancer is surgery followed by a short course of radiotherapy or chemotherapy, depending on the type of tumour and how advanced it is.

In the early 1970's, only half of all women diagnosed with the disease survived for five years, but now due to scientific advances, over three quarters survive for that long and most of them will live for very much longer.

The most important thing to do is to check yourself regularly and if feel any lumps go straight to your GP for further examination and advice.

Most likely, there is nothing more frightening for a woman than the discovery of a lump in her breast. Her mind is quickly flooded with cancer and all of its consequences. Most women have a friend, a sister, or a coworker who has been diagnosed with the disease and know how difficult dealing with it can be. Fortunately, 80% of all breast lumps are not cancer, as most are cysts or a benign clump of tissue. From puberty on, a woman's breasts undergo many changes. Because of these continual changes, breast tissue requires adequate nutrition. Although everyone benefits from a healthy diet, there are additional nutrients which can specifically benefit women including B vitamins, calcium D-glucarate, broccoli extract, green tea, maitake mushrooms, and iodine.

Because scientists can learn a lot about diseases from simply observing it, they have learned that certain cultures have a very low incidence of breast cancer, among these being China and Japan. As compared to women in America, Canada, and parts of Europe, the Asian cultures have a much lower breast cancer rate and it seems likely that something in their diet could be protecting these women from the disease. As Asian women adopt a western diet their breast cancer rates climb. It has also been recognized that certain types of vegetables play a large role in the prevention of all types of disease, including cancer. Based on this, scientists have carried out many studies to determine what it is about these nutrients that can prevent breast cancer.

Deficiencies in vitamin B12 can result in a serious type of anemia, as well as nerve damage, and is now being researched to see if these deficiencies can also, in part, cause breast cancer. A scientific study proved that women who had the lowest levels of B12 in their blood had the highest rates of breast cancer. Another study discovered that when B12 was applied directly to cancer cells, it actually stopped cancer cells from growing. The researchers conducting this experiment believe that giving B12 to women with breast cancer as a part of a chemotherapy regime might help to keep cancer in check.

Similarly, low folic acid intake is linked to the development of all cancers because folic acid is crucial to the making and continual repair of DNA. A recent study discovered that high intakes of folic cancer may actually reduce the risk of breast cancer, as women who eat lots of foods that contain folic acid have much lower rates of breast cancer. Although there is no clear-cut, single cause of breast cancer, many factors are required for the disease to appear, including estrogen. Studies have shown that women who have higher levels of estrogen tend to develop breast cancer more often. This means that women who got the periods before age eleven or entered menopause after the age of fifty-five have a higher risk of breast cancer. Another factor affecting breast cancer is the consumption of alcohol. Since alcohol raises estrogen levels, a woman who consumes even moderate amounts of alcohol increases her risk of breast cancer. However a recent study has shown that folic acid can overtake this link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer as those women who drink one alcoholic drink a day and have high levels of folic acid have the same rate of breast cancer as those women with high folic acid intakes who did not drink.

While women need estrogen to soften skin, thicken hair, and fill out hips and breasts, estrogen can also nourish breast tumors and help them to grow bigger, stronger, and more deadly. Thanks to good nutrition, American women get their periods early and go through menopause later in life. Today, women also have fewer pregnancies, with the average number of children being one or two. Each of these factors increases the time in which women's bodies are exposed to estrogen, meaning increased opportunities for estrogen to cause trouble. We are also continuously exposed to cancer-causing chemicals and toxins, coming from contaminants in the food we eat and pollutants in the air we breathe. Although the body does have a system that eliminates some of the excess estrogen and toxic chemicals before they cause harm, an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase can interrupt the excretion process, allowing the hormone or toxin to continue to cause harm. Fortunately, scientists have discovered a natural substance found in foods, calcium d-glucarate (CDG), which can stop the activity of beta-glucuronidase. CDG, which is found in fruits and vegetables, has been shown in experimental studies to significantly slow breast cancer growth. There are also many other trials currently underway studying its ability to decrease the breast cancer risk in women at high risk for the disease.

Iodine, which is the trace element in a hormone found in the thyroid gland and is involved in several metabolic functions, functions as a protection of breast tissue from cancerous cells. A study exposing breast cancer cells and breast tissue without any cancer to a type of seaweed containing high amounts of iodine concluded that the seaweed killed all of the cancerous cells and did not harm the normal breast cells. Researchers believe that it is because many Japanese women eat this kind of seaweed, containing great amounts of iodine, that they have very low rates of breast cancer.

For a great deal of time, cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, have been observed by scientists for their ability to reduce the risk of diseases including cancer. It appears that the phytochemical sulforaphane, found in broccoli, is one of the chemicals responsible for this beneficial ability. Sulforaphane increases certain enzymes in the body called phase 2 enzymes, which deactivate cancer-causing chemicals. When breast cancer cells were exposed to sulforaphane in a lab experiment, the compound inhibited the growth of the cancer cells up to eighty percent.

There is a good amount of research that has concluded that green tea beverage consumption is associated with a lower incidence of breast cancer. Researchers have long noted the low rates of breast cancer in Japan, where green tea is consumed at great amounts. The active compound found in green tea that is responsible for breast cancer inhibition is EGCG, which stops the cells from growing, causes them to lose their ability to replicate, and die.

For many years, maitake mushrooms have been linked to good health in all that eat them, partly because they contain an important compound called D-fraction. D-fraction not only stops the growth of cancerous tumors, but it also alerts and stimulates immune cells to fight the disease. Due to its success, maitake is now being used in clinical trials of women with breast cancer, improving many symptoms including reduction of the tumor.

These nutrients should not be used in place of traditional treatment for breast cancer, as none of these nutrients can cure breast cancer. However, they can be a part of plan of treatment. If you have breast cancer, talk to your healthcare practitioner about these nutrients and remember that nutritional supplements are supplements to your food, medication, and treatment, to enhance and prevent, not a replacement. Supplements like B vitamins, calcium D-glucarate, broccoli extract, green tea, maitake mushrooms, and iodine can be found at your local or internet health food store.

Visit VitaNet Health Foods, VitaNet sells high quality herbs like Source Naturals Calcium D-glucarate to help fight cancer. Please link to this site when using this article.