Brown seaweed found remarkably effective at breaking down fat cells, treating diabetes

(NaturalNews) At the 232nd American Chemical Society National Meeting held in San Francisco today, Dr. Kazuo Miyashita from Hokkaido University reported on animal studies that suggest wakame -- a brown seaweed often used to flavor Asian soups and salads -- can promote weight loss and fight diabetes.

Miyashita and colleagues theorize the compound fucoxanthin is primarily responsible for the food's beneficial effects. When laboratory rats and mice were fed wakame, it induced expression of the fat-burning protein known as UCP1. The protein builds up in fatty tissue around internal organs, and the study results suggested that when UCP1 expression is induced by fucoxanthin, it helps with the oxidation of fatty acids and production of heat energy in fat tissue mitochondria. Mitochondria are found in every cell and create energy from sugar and fatty acids, and regulate metabolism.

Wakame's anti-diabetes effect, the researchers hypothesize, is probably due to fucoxanthin's promotion of the synthesis of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) -- a fatty acid that can be found in fish oil -- in the liver. When the animals were fed fucoxanthin and soybean oil, their DHA levels reached a level comparable to that achieved by fish oil supplementation, according to the researchers.

These results, combined with previous studies by Miyashita and colleagues that found fucoxanthin can kill prostate cancer cells in culture, lead the team to propose the compound could be a great preventative agent for many diseases.

Health advocate Mike Adams is a proponent of wakame for its health benefits, and recommends Modifilan.com as a source for brown seaweed, although he receives no money or kickbacks of any kind for promoting the company or its products. "The natural medicinal effects of this ocean plant are simply astounding," Adams said. "In addition to promoting weight loss and preventing prostate cancer, this plant can treat radiation sickness, improve body mineralization, support healthy thyroid function and even block the growth of breast cancer tumors."

Seaweed Systems Announces Award of Another Contract for its DO-178B Certifiable SeaWind/178-3D Software from Rockwell Collins

Seaweed Systems announces at FI2004 the award of a major contract for its SeaWind/178B-3D product by Rockwell Collins, Cedar Rapids for use on the C-130AMP program

WOODINVILLE, WA - July 21, 2004 /Send2Press Newswire/ -- Seaweed Systems, Inc. (Seaweed), a leading developer and supplier of OpenGL® and X Window System embedded graphics solutions, today announced at Farnborough International 2004 the award of a major contract by Rockwell Collins, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The contract calls for Seaweed to deliver to Rockwell Collins its DO-178B Level A certifiable embedded graphics driver product (Seawind/178-3D).

This product is based upon a certifiable subset of the OpenGL® API and will be used by Rockwell Collins for the Tactical Multi-function Display for the C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (C-130 AMP).

The common software architecture specified for the C-130AMP program is aimed at improving interoperability and supportability across multiple sub-systems and hardware variants. This common architecture will use Wind River Systems' (Wind River) Platform for Safety Critical Systems ARINC 653 (AE653). The graphics sub- systems will make use of Seaweed's SeaWind/178-3D graphics driver ported to run under AE653. Seaweed is one of Wind River's key partners in the aerospace and defense market. The two companies have already cooperated for several years to satisfy the graphics needs of their joint customers.

"Rockwell Collins and Seaweed have developed an excellent working relationship over the past two years and we are delighted to form a part of their winning solution on this latest program. We look forward to completing the effort in conjunction with our partners at Wind River." said Robert Schulman (President, Seaweed Systems). "Cooperation at both business and working levels between Wind River and Seaweed ensures the best possible end result for our customers with the least possible risk. We look forward to delivering the solution to Rockwell Collins and enhancing our long-term working relationship with them on this and other programs."

"We are pleased to work with Seaweed in delivering a certifiable Open GL solution for C-130 AMP that supports the Wind River Platform for Safety Critical Systems - ARINC 653. This solution brings the best tools, operating system, and graphics solution to the market for DO-178B safety certifiable systems" said Steve Blackman, Wind River's Senior Director of Business Development, Aerospace and Defense. "Under the C-130 Avionics Modernization Program, Boeing will develop a modern, common avionics system for the approximately 500 C-130 transport aircraft in Air Force service".

"We are pleased to be able to offer the C-130 AMP program the benefits of our extensive background in providing open system solutions" said Brian Wiebke, Rockwell Collins Program Manager for C-130 AMP. "Application of the Seaweed Systems OpenGL® solution to the C-130 AMP allowed us to leverage the two companies' previous work to provide Boeing with a platform to quickly begin software development. Seaweed Systems continues to be a valued partner in helping Rockwell Collins meet our customers' open systems needs."

About Seaweed Systems, Inc.
Seaweed Systems provides software products and consulting services in the embedded X Window System and OpenGL® markets. Seaweed Systems' customers, which include Boeing, Lockheed Martin, BAE SYSTEMS, EADS, Rockwell Collins, Smiths Aerospace, Elbit Systems, General Dynamics, Honeywell, L-3, NASA, Northrop Grumman, Radstone Technology, Raytheon, Synergy Microsystems, DRS Technology, Ball Aerospace and IS&S, benefit from Seaweed's unmatched price, performance, feature set and implementation schedules in the real-time embedded space.

They also benefit from the strong working relationships established between Seaweed Systems and other leading COTS suppliers in this arena such as 3Dlabs, Wind River Systems and Radstone Technology. These relationships ensure that customers are provided with the most complete and advanced product solution possible for both certifiable and non-certifiable developments. Additional information is available at http://www.seaweed.com

About Wind River
Wind River is the market leader in device software optimization. Wind River enables companies to develop and run software faster, better, less expensively and more reliably. Wind River Platforms tightly integrate a rich set of market-leading operating systems, development tools and middleware with services to provide a complete foundation that meets the specific requirements of a vertical market.

Wind River's products and professional services are used in multiple markets including aerospace and defense, automotive, digital consumer, industrial, and network infrastructure. Companies from around the world turn to Wind River to create the most reliable products and to accelerate their time to market.

Founded in 1981, Wind River is headquartered in Alameda, California, with operations worldwide. To learn more, visit Wind River at http://www.windriver.com or call 1-800-872-4977.

Wind River Systems and the Wind River Systems logo are trademarks of Wind River Systems, Inc., and VxWorks is a registered trademark of Wind River Systems, Inc. All other names mentioned are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of their respective companies.

About Rockwell Collins
Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL) is a leader in the design, production and support of communications and aviation electronics solutions for government and commercial customers worldwide. Additional company information is available at www.rockwellcollins.com.

Article Editor: Christopher Laird Simmons

Seaweed extract blocks HPV cervical cancer virus, scientists discover

(NaturalNews) A new study by the National Cancer Institute has revealed that a seaweed extract called carrageenan can prevent human papillomavirus (HPV) -- a sexually transmitted disease linked to cervical cancer -- from entering human cells.

Researchers found that carrageenan -- derived from red algae -- strongly inhibits HPV from attaching to human cells, which prevents it from entering and infecting the cells. "We were floored by how much better it worked than anything else we have tested," said researcher John Schiller of the National Cancer Institute.

Carrageenan is already in use in sexual lubricants as a thickener, and researchers hope to eventually develop the seaweed extract into an inexpensive gel that could help curb the spread of HPV, which infects 50 percent of sexually active women between the ages of 18 and 22.

An inexpensive gel would compete with Merck's new HPV vaccine called Gardasil. An influential U.S. advisory panel recently advised all 11- and 12-year-old girls to be vaccinated with Gardasil, which is nearly 100 percent effective against the most dangerous strains of HPV. However, the three-course Gardasil vaccination costs $360, which many people cannot afford, especially in developing countries.

The researchers said carrageenan was shown to somewhat affect HIV and herpes, but that genital HPV was a thousand times more susceptible to the seaweed extract. While Gardasil comes with possible side effects including pain, swelling, erythema (redness of the skin), pruritus (itching) and fever, carrageenan is widely used in baby formula as a thickener, and is completely safe to ingest.

The Role Of Brown Seaweed In The Next Generation Of Cancer Treatments

By Maurice Petersen

SUMMARY: What does brown seaweed have to do with cancer treatment? Quite a lot, as researchers are finding out. This article will explain the brown seaweed's role in cancer treatment, and what that means for you.

What does a brown seaweed have to do with cancer treatment? Quite a lot, as researchers are finding out. This article will explain it's role in cancer treatment, and what that means for you. The Life Cycle of a Cell Normal cells have a lifespan just like people do. Sometimes they die before their time due to injury or blood loss. Otherwise they live their allotted time, then shut themselves off. This is called apoptosis (also known as cell “suicide”). A cell can go through apoptosis early—it’s programmed to do so if its genetic information becomes damaged or altered in some way. Sometimes things go terribly wrong. A cell’s genetic information alters, but the cell doesn’t shut itself off. Instead, it replicates uncontrollably. You have cancer. The Role of the brown seaweed in Apoptosis Researchers are looking for a way to reliably induce apoptosis—to get the cancer cells to shut off like they’re supposed to. This is a complex process. The trick is to get the cancer cells—and only the cancer cells—to shut down. If researchers figure out how to do this, doctors could target cancer cells and kill them before they take over a patient’s body. Fucoidan, a key nutrient in brown seaweed, has caught the attention of a growing number of researchers looking for a way to induce apoptosis. We have to stress here that fucoidan is not a cure—researchers have yet to figure out why some cells fail to die. But fucoidan may be a powerful way to treat cancer once it has developed. Researchers in Japan found that when fucoidan was introduced to cancer cells in a Petri dish, the cancer was destroyed. French scientists reported that fucoidan has anti-tumor capabilities. It can cut off a tumor’s blood supply, preventing further growth.

There are other researchers exploring many different ways to treat cancer once it spreads. Unlike many man-made treatments, the brown seaweed has no known side effects. The fucoidan inside of it is extremely digestible. The Tongans and Japanese have been using the brown seaweed( called Limu Moui by the Tongans) for over 3,000 years. These peoples enjoy a level of health and wellness Westerners with their drugs can only dream about. Researchers will eventually find practical treatment options for cancer. Fucoidan will likely be one of them. Once these treatments pass clinical testing, they will have to go through the slow process of FDA approval. But you can enjoy all the health benefits of this brown seaweed right now. It is widely available through distributors around the world. You may not be able to cure cancer, but you can raise your chances of surviving it. This brown seaweed is not a medicine or a drug. While it can promote wellness, i t is not a cure. Do not use this or any article as a substitute for medical advice. Consult your doctor.

Seaweed Is Healthy?

When was the last time you had seaweed in your diet? Actually when was the last time you thought of seaweed as a food? Don’t worry, seaweed usually isn’t the first thing that pops into peoples heads when they think about cooking dinner or even as a healthy part of a diet.

It’s also not something you can just go out and find on every shelf in every grocery store either. It may be the opposite. Finding seaweed is tough to do since it is so scarce. And because it is so hard to find it’s no wonder our kitchen cupboards are missing this ingredient. Plus there aren’t many cookbooks crawling with recipes made of seaweed. Unless you eat sushi, seaweed may sound extremely strange being used as a key ingredient.

You would find it shocking to know that according to statistics the people who live in Japan are healthier and actually live longer than the people in the United States. Seaweed is a staple food of the island country of Japan. This is the key factor in their health and their long-levity. Seaweed contains higher contents of fiber than vegetables, more protein than meat, and more calcium than milk. Seaweed is actually a good ingredient to put into everyone’s diet.

If people in the United States would replace the fat of fast food burgers with the fiber of seaweed our health would improve tremendously. It can be simply done by putting a little seaweed extract into the burgers and the burgers wouldn’t even taste that different.

The food the we eat now a days is over-processed and grown in depleted soil. However, if you add seaweed to your diet this would not be true. Due to the ocean floor is rich in nutrient material and seaweed is a concentrated source of minerals. If you want to ensure you are receiving the necessary quantities and varieties of minerals and vitamins then adding seaweed to your diet is recommended and proven to help.

There are many types of seaweed. You can find them in health food stores as well as stores that sell Asian food. Look for Agar, Dulse, Hijiki, Irish Moss (which saved thousands of people from starvation during the potato famine of 19th century Ireland), Kelp, Kombu, Laver, Nori, Sloke, and Wakame. Put them together and you have a low calorie sea-vegetable salad! Seaweed can also be used in seasonings, soups, teas, and assorted food recipes.

Using the name seaweed would not be the correct term for a plant with such a high value. The more appropriate terms would be sea plants, sea vegetables, marine flora, or ocean. There have even been studies done by scientists studying the medicinal properties in ocean herbs.

Limu Maui is an exotic name, which translated means brown seaweed. Brown seaweed contains a mineral named fucodian that Japanese researches are claiming to be comparable to a mothers’ milk when it comes to the human immune system. PubMed is a service of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health and is a good place to look-up studies on fucodian, laminarin (also an immune-booster found in brown seaweed), or anything else. It is available at either pubmed.gov or pubmed.org on the world wide web.

If you are the kind of person who does not enjoy vegetables then sea herbs are not right for you and you don’t have to eat them. You can still take a supplement that come in tablets, capsules, or liquid extracts form. When done this way you also receive smaller algae forms of seaweed like chlorella or spirulina. Plus beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and iodine are some others things you would be adding in by taking these supplements. Again, studies on these can be found at PubMed.

Seaweed is a wholesome food that adds variety to your diet and is good for your health.

Keep The Doctor Away! Eat Seaweed Every Day!

Dulse And Kelp Seaweed

We are blessed with the largest gardens imaginable and we don’t use them to anything like their true capacity. Scrubbing the ocean clean of toxins, producing over 90% of our oxygen, and with uses ranging from foods to fuels to medications, ocean plants are a truly untapped resource.

Seaweeds, like dulse and kelp, convert the rich minerals dissolved in the ocean into an edible form. Kelp has a fairly strong flavor and is rich in iodine and many other minerals. Dulse is similar, but a little more lettucy, mild in flavor and with less iodine but plenty of trace minerals. Just a handful of dulse will provide all the vitamin B-6 you need, 66% of your vitamin B-12, all your daily required iron and fluoride, and many other minerals. It’s low in sodium and high in potassium. Kelp is similar, but with more than enough iodine for your body to function properly.

When you’re considering adding seaweed to your diet, consider this: seaweed absorbs its minerals and nutrients from the ocean, which has almost an identical mineral balance as the human body. Trace mineral elements found in the ocean that are needed by the body are found in seaweed; these are items you might not get in your normal diet, even with vitamin supplements. And unlike fish and marine animals, few toxins are absorbed by ocean vegetables.

Japanese and Chinese cookery uses many other varieties of seaweed, 21 species in normal everyday dishes. The most important ones in Japan are nori, kombu and wakame. Other cultures which have used seaweed extensively in their daily diets include almost any culture with an ocean coastline, including Iceland, Ireland, Scotland, and all the Mediterranean countries. Interestingly, Mediterranean and East Asian cultures also share a low rate of heart disease and other metabolic imbalances; could it be in the seaweed?

Seaweed: Vegetable of the Sea

By: Lambert Klein
When you think about seaweed you may visualize the smelly green/brown vegetation that washes up onto the shore. Not a pretty sight, but you may be surprised by the powerful nutrient punch seaweed has to offer. Think of seaweed as: "Vegetable of the Sea".

Benefits of a diet that includes seaweed:

• Live longer
• Weight Loss
• Healthy Heart and Veins
• Healthy Thyroid
• Fights Radiation Poisoning
• Lower Cholesterol and Blood Pressure
• Prevent Ulcers
• Fights Constipation
• Detoxify
• Lung Health
• Neutralize Acids

Is seaweed a miracle potent? No, although some people believe it is from the results they see and studies they have read. Seaweed is a unique health food supplement rich in valuable nutrients that our body needs. It's not a quick fix, but a long term investment that will produce results over time.

Seaweed is rich in vitamins and minerals such as, calcium, natural iodine, selenium, enzymes, plus a list of others such as: A, B, C, D and Vitamin K.

In today's stressful world seaweed can have a calming effect that helps in our daily routines. Your nervous system will benefit from seaweed by improving nerve and brain signals. This can help your alertness and memory, which could promote improvements in many aspects of your life.

British scientists are trying to make junk food healthier by adding seaweed. They believe the high fiber content along with the vitamins and minerals will add some nutrition to an otherwise very unhealthy product. This may even fight excess weight. It is far better to not eat the junk food in the first place.

There was a time in certain cultures where seaweed was thought very highly of. Only royalty had easy access to it. Now anyone can benefit from seaweed's nutritional qualities.

Are you worried about pollution in seaweed? The world we now live in is highly polluted. The lands and produce grown there are frequently more polluted than the oceans generally are. Pesticides are extensively utilized in our crop's growth production. Overall the oceans seem to be the better choice.

So if you particularly want to add fiber, vitamins and minerals that you may not be consuming enough of, then consider supplementing your diet with seaweed. You may not like the taste of seaweed but seaweed has many health benefits.

There are some high quality seaweed supplements that you may consider if the strong taste is unbearable for you. This is a small investment that could reap significant rewards for you and your health. So invest in the most important thing in your life, You!