Go Nuts!

Food 7 Minutes

In their many variations, nuts are a superfood praised as rich sources of minerals, vitamins, amino acids, proteins, and other bioactive compounds. Chestnuts are champions for vitamin C, for instance. Pistachios contain the most vitamin A and potassium. Both are high in folic acid. Cashews enrich us with magnesium. The level of vitamin B3 (niacin) is the highest in peanuts, and vitamin E (tocopherol) is found in almonds. Walnuts are especially high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a neuroprotective omega-3 fatty acid important for normal growth and development. It also has been shown to induce apoptosis (programmed death of cells) in breast cancer cells. Our bodies cannot produce ALA, hence, nutritional intake is a must, as is the case with many other key nutrients.

Research Supports the Benefits of Nuts

A 2023 review published in the journal Foods found mounting evidence that a nut-rich diet can potentially prevent numerous chronic illnesses. According to the report, “The ingestion of phytochemicals from nuts and their positive influence on several diseases (cancer, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, birth defects, cataracts, diabetes, diverticulosis, and obesity) are established.” In addition to the improvement of cardiovascular disease, depression, and cognitive function, nut consumption is correlated with lower cancer incidence and cancer mortality, and decreased all-cause mortality, states a 2021 review.

The Nut–Cancer Health Connection

The World Health Organization predicts a considerable increase in cancer, with a potential of 32.6 million cases worldwide by 2045. Effective strategies, such as increasing dietary fiber, eating more fruits and vegetables, and physical activity, could potentially reduce cancer risk factors by approximately 42 percent. The journal Chronic Diseases and Translational Medicine published a review in 2023 about the interrelation of nut consumption and different types of cancer, including women-related and gastrointestinal cancers.

Data suggests that eating nuts not only reduces “cancer-related risk and mortality,” but possibly prevents the occurrence of certain types of cancer and its advancement. Nuts contain active anticarcinogenic compounds such as “folate, phytosterols, saponins, phytic acid, isoflavones, ellagic acid, α-tocopherol, quercetin, and resveratrol,” according to the review. The research points to certain phytochemicals and their mechanisms as preventatives for cancer.

Accordingly, walnuts, pecans, almonds, and pine nuts contain polyphenols, which inhibit carcinogenesis that is chemically induced. Likewise, hazelnuts and Brazil nuts hold helpful properties, called isoflavonoids, to balance hormonal mechanisms. Most nuts are strong antioxidants that counteract oxidative stress and guard our DNA—the health benefits list of nuts is long.

Nuts at a Glance

Walnuts

A review published in the journal Nutrition outlines the cancer-preventative properties of walnuts, as researched in animal studies with mice. It summarizes the following points:

A diet enriched with walnuts prevented the increase of “human breast cancers implanted in nude mice by [approximately] 80%.”

Mammary gland tumors were reduced by approximately 60 percent through a diet containing walnuts in a mouse model.

“Walnuts slowed the growth of prostate, colon, and renal cancers by antiproliferative and antiangiogenic mechanisms.”

Another interesting fact was shared in the review. Comparing the intake of whole walnuts to a diet equally rich in n-3 fatty acids, the reduction of tumors in the mammary gland was greater when ingesting whole nuts. This reinforces the idea that active components in walnuts act synergistically to suppress cancer. Walnuts also proved their antitumorigenic qualities in an animal study in vivo in mice. Compared to the corn-oil-based control group, the walnut group featured two major improvements—the tumor growth rate was slowed by 27 percent, and the tumor weight was reduced by 33 percent. Reducing inflammation in the body benefits many health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Walnuts have proven valuable in all.

A randomized tested a daily intake of 56 grams of walnuts (366 calories) in 46 overweight adults. Another trial analyzed the same amount on diabetic patients. Both results showed that the increased nut intake improved endothelial function significantly, which is key for healthy blood and lymph vessels. In turn, endothelial cells are needed to protect from vascular malfunctions—the hallmarks of several types of malignant disorders.

Almonds

Contrary to common belief, regular almond intake does not lead to weight gain, although the nuts contain almost 50 percent fat. Instead, almonds “appear to promote weight loss,” affirms a research paper published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, which benefits obesity-related illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, almonds also contain the highly controversial and much-researched bioactive compound glycoside amygdalin. Its pharmaceutical development as an anti-cancer treatment continues to be a topic of discussion in the pharmaceutical world.

As a commercial drug, amygdalin is distributed under the name Laetrile but has since been shown to have serious side effects, such as damage to nerves and the liver, a lack of oxygen in the blood, and confusion. Furthermore, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved Laetrile and has said that the compound shows only little anti-cancer effect.

In contrast, a review in the Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics praises amygdalin’s few side effects, its low cost, and especially its excellent results in the battle against multidrug resistance. Furthermore, the compound can be easily naturally sourced as it occurs in the kernels of many fruits and is a compound in nuts.

A 2023 comprehensive review published in the International Journal of Molecular Science relates the same hopeful message: “Amygdalin seems to be a promising naturally occurring agent against cancer disease development and progression.” While Amygdalin has proven its anti-tumor qualities, it still is not recommended as an extensive remedy, as some challenges need to be overcome.

Its correct dosage heavily depends on the type of bacteria present in a person’s gut. Therefore, researchers have not been able to find an across-the-board therapy. “Unfortunately, there is currently no foolproof method for determining the microbial consortium and providing a safe oral dosage for every patient,” researchers stated in a 2022 review.

Scientists place their hope in modern nanotechnologies as they further explore the qualities of amygdalin in cancer treatment. “There are several pieces of evidence to support the idea that amygdalin can exert anticancer effects against lung, breast, prostate, colorectal, cervical, and gastrointestinal cancers,” researchers stated in the 2023 review. The compound “has been reported to induce apoptosis of cancer cells, inhibiting cancer cells’ proliferation and slowing down tumor metastatic spread,” they added.

A 2019 article published in Cancer Medicine that dials in on amygdalin, primarily found in bitter almonds, not only highlights its “antioxidative, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory activities,” but investigates the clinical value of the anti-cancer agent.

The compound introduces cytotoxicity and apoptosis in the body and balances the immune function, which affects especially “solid tumors” such as lung or bladder cancer and renal cell carcinoma. Despite limiting factors, such as the “primary stage” of both clinical and experimental research and the lack of high-quality publications on the topic, researchers still believe these studies to be promising regarding cancer treatments. Many may not be surprised that walnuts and almonds provide us with these health benefits. However, the following nut, which botanically speaking, is a legume, often gets a “bad rap” as a common allergen. Nevertheless, research shows its valuable qualities in cancer therapy.

Peanuts

A human study published in the journal Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation showed that “high consumption of peanuts, walnuts, and almonds appears to be a protective factor for the development of breast cancer.” The study group included 97 female patients suffering from breast cancer and a control group of 104 healthy women. Researchers analyzed their seed consumption via the Mantel-Haenszel test method and found a correlation between dietary nut intake and the development of breast cancer.

Peanuts once again portrayed their qualities as functional food in a study that investigated phytosterols (PS), a natural compound that lowers cholesterol levels and prevents cardiovascular diseases. This research suggests that their sterol beta-sitosterol, in particular, holds protective anticancer effects against “colon, prostate, and breast cancer.”

With 207 milligrams PS per 100 grams, unrefined peanut oil has the highest concentration of valuable beta-sitosterol—even higher than olive oil. Peanut butter “contains 144-157 mg PS/100 g.” Further refinement of the product results in lower rates of the active compound. Another healthy property of peanuts is the polyphenol phytochemical resveratrol—the target of a review focused on anti-cancer agents. In addition to peanuts, sources of resveratrol include grapes, red wine, and other berries.

Researchers point out that people benefit from the consumption of this powerful antioxidant, as it displays “strong anti-tumor activities through inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, inducing cell apoptosis, promoting tumor cell differentiation, preventing tumor invasion and metastasis, and further moderating the host immune system to kill tumor cells.” In fact, the nickname “French Paradox” was given to resveratrol’s impact on the health of the French people, as it seems that the compound counteracts the French diet, which is often high in fats, and protects consumers from cardiovascular disease and more.

Pistachios

Another inconspicuous nut with plenty of healthy properties comes from the cashew family. In comparison with other nuts, the health profile of pistachios is even more advantageous. They are low-fat, a good source of vegetable protein, contain a remarkable amount of minerals (potassium) and vitamins (C and E), and are high in dietary fiber.

Both in vitro and in vivo models have indicated significant regulatory properties in pistachios on oxidative stress, according to a 2022 review. Consequently, eating pistachios also positively affected the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer. Another 2022 review highlighted resveratrol in pistachios and its favorable role in breast cancer treatment. Unfortunately, the high cost of this nut often keeps people from regular intake, which would be beneficial for their health.

Diet, Inflammation, and Cancer

It has long been known that lifestyle and diet greatly impact our health. A 2010 review describes the multistage process of cancer as “initiation, promotion, and progression” and explains that oxidative stress plays a role in all three phases of tumorigenesis (the formation of cancer), as does chronic inflammation in the body—conditions fought by nuts. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids supports cancer survival, according to a review published in the Journal of Nutrition that examined several animal studies. In addition, it can lessen side effects that come with chemotherapy and increase the treatment’s efficacy. The review goes as far as to state that the “consumption of omega-3 fatty acids might slow or stop the growth of metastatic cancer cells” after appropriate cancer treatment. Walnuts contain the highest amount of omega-3 fatty acids.

SOURCE: THEEPOCHTIMES.COM

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  3. “NEW: Shocking and Disgusting Revelations Emerge About the USCP Officer Who Killed Ashli Babbitt”

    Red State, By Bonchie | 2:33 PM on December 13, 2024

    AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin

    ENTIRE ARTICLE: “New, shocking revelations have emerged regarding the USCP officer who shot and killed Ashli Babbitt on January 6th, 2021. According to a new report, then-Lt. Michael Byrd, who claims to have saved “countless lives” that day, was paid tens of thousands of dollars in taxpayer money after the shooting and even demanded cash from a memorial fund meant for the families of slain officers. 

    The report also reveals Byrd’s long history of professional misconduct. Naturally, after a House Oversight subcommittee requested more information, the USCP claimed it could not find any records associated with the officer’s disciplinary record. One Internal Affairs investigation involved him leaving his post to play cards.

    The 2001 investigation of Michael L. Byrd, 56, was the first known disciplinary case brought against the lieutenant who crept from his blind near the doors to the Speaker’s Lobby on Jan. 6, 2021, and shot Babbitt to death. The 2001 incident is the fourth such disciplinary case disclosed since Nov. 20.

    A source with detailed knowledge of the Internal Affairs Division case told Blaze News that Byrd was charged with abandoning his post, eating and drinking at his post, and lying to investigators — a terminable offense. It is one of three Byrd disciplinary cases for which records could not be found when a House oversight subcommittee requested them in early 2024, the source said.

    According to sources, surveillance video proved that Byrd had committed the alleged breach of protocol. Instead of admitting to it, he ended up lying to investigators, leading to a recommendation that he be fired. USCP administrators never took action, though. 

       The USCP disciplinary officer recommended that Byrd be fired.

       “So they charge him with eating, drinking on post, abandoning post,” the source said. “They charge him with untruthful statements with the recommendation to terminate.”

       Even with the evidence and firing recommendation, Capitol Police administration did not part ways with Byrd.

    If that isn’t a perfect illustration of the federal government, I’m not sure what is. Byrd had multiple disciplinary investigations take place against him, with at least one involving a recommendation of termination, and he was still on the job in 2021 to shoot Ashli Babbitt. That leads me to the most disgusting part of these revelations. While other officers were paid $3,000 in retention bonuses following January 6th, Byrd was given $36,000. He was also reimbursed for another $21,000 in “security upgrades” for his home in Maryland and housed at Joint Base Andrews at a cost of $35,000 from July 2021 until January 2022. 

    Byrd was given $36,000 in unrestricted funds as a “retention bonus” in 2021, while other Capitol Police officers received around $3,000 each. Byrd was reimbursed for more than $21,000 in security upgrades for his personal residence in Prince George’s County.

    Capitol Police paid to house Byrd at the Joint Base Andrews military facility from July 2021 until late January 2022 at a cost of more than $35,000, according to records obtained by Judicial Watch Inc. When he left the base for any reason, Byrd was provided with a Capitol Police dignitary protection detail, which a source told Blaze News could easily cost $425 per hour.

    This is where Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) comes into the picture. Sounding like a mob boss, the then-Speaker of the House ordered that Byrd be “taken care of.” The first thought was to promote him to a position requiring a top-secret security clearance. USCP General Counsel Tad DiBiase, who will come into play again momentarily, concluded that he likely couldn’t obtain one. Why? Because Byrd not only had serious financial issues, but he was on the USCP’s “Lewis List,” which is for officers with significant issues of integrity and credibility who can not be relied upon in criminal trials.

    This story gets even worse, though. According to emails exchanged with DiBiase, despite being paid tens of thousands of dollars that other officers didn’t get after January 6th, Byrd was still desperate for more. He went so far as to demand money from a Memorial Fund set up for the widows of slain officers.

    There was an early plan to provide Byrd with a payment from the Capitol Police Officers Memorial Fund, which was founded to honor fallen officers and support their survivors. Byrd expressed frustration that the fund was being opened to officers who were injured on Jan. 6.

    “What you proposed could take months,” Byrd wrote in an email to DiBiase at 8:47 p.m. Nov. 16, 2021. “Our expectation was that this would be done soon. Now you’re telling me we got to wait for the rest of the department to even file claims, get evaluated and go through the process we have endured for months.

    “That is blatantly wrong to treat us like this,” Byrd wrote. “This was never proposed to us in this manner. Now we’re being grouped in with everyone else. Wow! This is really bad for you all to do this when you know we’re expecting to have funds soon. So disappointing!”

    In a reply email one minute later, DiBiase was taken aback by Byrd’s attitude.

    “I’m sorry you are disappointed,” DiBiase wrote. “I find that surprising since we have already provided you $36,000 in unrestricted retention funds. You know what the rest of the department is receiving? $3,000 each. Yes, you are being lumped in with the other 91 officers who suffered injuries that day. The Memorial Fund is for the entire department, not one officer.”

    Byrd would go on to complain that his wife was “vividly upset” by the news, noting that he hadn’t gotten permission yet to set up a “GoFundMe” to collect more money. For reference, Byrd was not injured on January 6th, yet he complained to DiBiase that the fund was being opened up to officers who were, describing himself as being “grouped in with everyone else.” 

    Ultimately, he was promoted to Captain in 2023 despite his record and the questionable nature of his decision to shoot Babbitt. Byrd is clearly a very disturbed individual who should have been fired long before he raised his service pistol on January 6th. His troubled history is a testament to the sheer corruption of the United States federal government, and he serves as a microcosm of just how bad things are in the bureaucratic state.”

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  4. My daughter’s hair looked like this at one time….hers was even longer!

    NF: They must use specialized settings to get the road to show up like this….

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  7. Avatar

    Donald J. Trump

    @realDonaldTrump

    Mystery Drone sightings all over the Country. Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge. I don think so! Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shot them down!!! DJT
    Dec 13, 2024, 5:08 PM

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  8. “WEEKLY WRAP: Daniel Penny Freed, School Child Abuse, Fall of the UK, and more!Just another week of the most insane stories you’ve ever seen.”

    Libs of TikTok, Dec 13, 2024

    “While much of the country has been swept up by the recent assassination of the UnitedHealthcare CEO, including delusion liberals who are openly praising a cold-blooded killer, I wanted to make sure that you didn’t miss some of the most important stories of the week.

    What better way to start than with the long-awaited conclusion to the trial of Daniel Penny, a former marine who stopped Jordan Neely, a violent career criminal from harming innocent bystanders on the subway? Daniel Penny was found NOT GUILTY and walked out of the courthouse a free man.

    However, that didn’t stop BLM leaders like Hawk Newsome (pictured above) from calling Daniel Penny a racist and demanding that “black vigilantes” rise up and enact violence.

    While BLM and unhinged liberals have meltdowns over the “racist” justice system, other systems such as our schools are in serious trouble. Earlier this week, I highlighted a story about teachers who left a young autistic student lying on the ground in agony for TWO HOURS after he broke his femur.

    Teachers reportedly laughed, talked, and ate food while the child cried in pain. After two hours, the boy was finally taken to the hospital for treatment. The school has since fired the teachers but the parents are demanding answers.

    Speaking of demanding answers, what is going on in our military? Yesterday, I published a story on the Tooele Army Ammunition Depot in Utah, which is holding an “inclusive holiday card design contest.” Servicemembers are instructed to create a card design that represents DEI.

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    We are supposed to have the greatest fighting force on the planet, and here we are shoving woke garbage down the throats of servicemembers. With Donald Trump on his way back to the White House, the Democrat’s plan to destroy the military will be over.

    However, what the Democrats can’t destroy with their woke ideology, they will just attack instead. Rep. Nancy Mace, a sitting congresswoman, has been the focus of mainstream media onslaught for opposing the idea that men should be able to invade women’s bathrooms and private spaces. Because of her views, she was violently assaulted by an LGBTQ activist on Capitol grounds.

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    The Left always resorts to violence when they don’t get their way. It’s why they love to praise and glorify dangerous criminals time and time again. It’s why they protect criminal illegals over American citizens. It’s why they seek to harm children with irreversible gender treatments or kill them in the womb before they have a chance to draw breath.

    At Libs of TikTok, I won’t let them get away with it. I will continue to expose the radical Left for the evil freaks that they are. We are the media now! Together, we will make a difference.

    Have a great weekend and see you next week!” – Chaya

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  9. I am adding a short daily prayer to the board. I would invite each of you, if you wish, to also add one or maybe two of your own liking. I do not want to stifle anyone but please limit yourself to one or two religious postings. here’s one I found that I liked.

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