Green tea and eyes

Green tea is widely promoted as a cure for every disease on earth. Anytime there is a health problem, the words “green tea” are always at the forefront. Some people think that green tea can even help solve the recession!

Now there is word that green tea extracts can reach the inner segments of the eye. Researchers claim that the high levels of green tea can protect the eye from a variety of disorders. The extracts in green tea that have been widely postulated to be protective include catechins. Researchers claim that catechins act like anti-oxidants and protect the delicate tissue of the eye from glaucoma, cataracts and infections of the eye.

In a recent study, rats were fed green tea and their eyes were analyzed for content of catechins. The study showed that high levels of catechins were found in the retina, which is the light sensing tissue at the back of the eye. And simply based on these rat studies the researchers claimed that green tea can protect the eye.

So what about the study?

This is another hog wash study.

Just because green tea extracts get into the eye does not mean that humans will not form cataracts or glaucoma. The Chinese, Asians and the Middle Easterners have been drinking gallons of green tea for thousands of years and yet these populations have the worst types of cataracts on earth.

For the consumer it is important to understand that green tea may be a great social beverage but its health benefits are exaggerated.

If green tea was a panacea for all health problems, then the Orientals would have been disease-free and this is clearly not the case.

Homeopathy Sucks, say UK politicians

Finally, it seems that someone has woken up and realized that homeopathy is the biggest scam on earth. Last week a group of British scientists strongly recommended to the government to stop funding all homeopathic products because they are B.S. (exactly what I have been saying in my column for many years).

The well-known Science and Technology committee in Britain found zero evidence that homeopathy based on herbal medicine was effective- in fact they were hard pressed to find even one single symptom that was relieved by homeopathy. Of course, the researchers did observe that all patients were relieved of their money.

The British government has acknowledged that there is no scientific proof that homeopathy works. The British government spends millions on homeopathy treatment each year. The committee also urged the drug regulatory agency not to license any homeopathic treatment since they were more likely to be scams and not bona fide medicine.

The homeopathy industry in North America is a multibillion dollar industry with new quake treatments being announced every week. For the consumer, “buyer beware” is an adage that should not be forgotten- medicine today has more to do with money than healing.

Should I take calcium supplements?

We live in a world where everyone wants to take a pill or a tablet to improve their health. WHY? Because everyone seems to believe that there is magic in the pills. This false myth has led to establishment of an industry which now manufacturers thousands of pills, lotions and potions- not to help you get better but so that they can make money!


Sure, there are some individuals who have calcium deficiency and it is reasonable to take calcium supplements. Calcium is required to strengthen bone and prevent fractures. In general, adults makes require about a one gram of calcium on a daily basis.

For an individual who eats healthy, there is no need to take extra calcium. Foods that are rich in calcium include dairy products, milk, broccoli, spinach, and fish. Plus, many fresh juices are fortified with calcium. Finally, sunlight is a great source of vitamin D which helps increase calcium absorption.

Unless you have a poor diet, are chronically ill and have documented calcium deficiency, supplements are not recommended. Calcium supplements are not a one shot deal and have to be taken regularly for many years to have an effect on bone. And these pills cost money.

If you want to keep your bones strong, eat healthy, exercise or walk, do not smoke and drink alcohol in moderation- leave the pills for the diehard calcium maniacs.

Is flaxseed of benefit for health?

These days everyone wants to take a supplement to improve their health. Nutritionists and alternative care practitioners often recommend flax seed for a variety of reasons. It is known that flax seed is high in fiber, contains omega 3 fatty acids and a number of plant substances known as lignans.

Flax seed is most commonly used to treat constipation and bloating. There is some evidence that it may lower blood cholesterol and thus decreases risk of heart disease.

Flax seed is available either as whole seeds or grounded powder. Adults need to take at least 1 g of flax seed every day for health benefits.

However, for those of you who have never ever tried flax seeds, it is not very appetizing. Most people mix the grounded power in a beverage, take it with hot or cold cereal or mix it in food.

As far as cancer is concerned, there is no evidence that flax seed can prevent any type of cancer. A few non blinded studies showed that flax seeds may reduce risk of prostate cancer but these studies were not poorly controlled and the data reporting was flawed. Today, the role of flax seeds and its preventive role in prostate cancer has not been settled.

Many health food stores have been hyping up exorbitant claims about flax seed and its health benefits- this is simply a business ploy and considered false advertising.

If you have high cholesterol and/or constipation and are too lazy to walk/exercise, then there is no harm in taking flax seeds once in a while.

If you want to reduce risk of any cancer and maintain good health, exercise regularly, stop smoking, eat healthy and get a health check up once a year with a decent health care professional.

Final note: there is no lotion, potion, herb, drink, liquid or tablet out there which can prevent any type of cancer!