Bananas Can Prevent HIV?

Experts indicate, bananas have a substance that has the potential to become an obstacle to HIV infection. These findings are expected to open a new window in the treatment of prevention of HIV infection has yet to find a cure. Researchers from the University of Michigan Medical School are interested in lectins, chemicals that are naturally in plants, because of its ability to stop the chain reaction of various types of infections. Laboratory test results show, BanLec, lectins found in bananas, as effective as anti-HIV drugs at this time.

A new way to stop the spread of HIV is absolutely necessary. We have a number of new HIV infections exceeds the number of individuals who received antiretroviral drugs, namely 2.5 to 1. In fact, there are no signs of an HIV vaccine would be present in the near future.

Currently the use of condoms is still so prevention of HIV transmission is most effective when used consistently and correctly. Other prevention strategies are also effective means to prevent transmission through the vagina and rectum using a drug that prevents HIV entry into target cells.

Research conducted by Michigan State University researcher shows how lectins can identify the attackers from outside the body, such as viruses, and attack him as a pathogen, can be developed to identify the HIV virus.

Besides having the same potential anti-HIV drugs currently available, the banana lectins are also much cheaper to produce as a drug that can reach the wider community. Lectins from banana are believed to be more effective when used in preventive medicine components of the virus that apply the genitals or anus.

“The problem for anti-HIV drugs is the ability of the virus to mutate and become resistant. However, it can be prevented by lectins. Lectins can be attached to the sugar found in various points of HIV-1 envelope and the estimated need of mutation for the virus to multiply get it, “said Erwin J Goldstein, PhD, professor of biological chemistry.

Nuts for Cholesterol Reduction

Back to nature, so is the expression to combat rising cholesterol levels. Researchers from Loma Linda University, United States, reported that the consumption of nuts is effective for lowering cholesterol levels in the blood.

The analysis of 25 studies involving 600 people showed, consume 67 grams of nuts (equivalent to a small bag) every day could lower cholesterol levels up to 7.4 percent. However, experts did not recommend the consumption of processed peas with sugar or salt.

Not only cholesterol, apparently nuts are also useful for reducing triglycerides, blood fats, are associated with heart disease. Benefits of nuts are more pronounced in those classified as obese body weight.

Aside from being a source of fiber and a good vegetable protein, researchers can not explain how the mechanism of the cholesterol-lowering nut. One theory states, the content of Phytosterol which is naturally present in nuts will prevent the absorption of cholesterol by the body. Pea is a food that is cheap and accessible. Beans, red beans, peas, or soybeans, when processed into various types of food will benefit your health. In addition to making it into soups, beans are also delicious when boiled. So, there’s no reason to exclude this food in our daily menu.