The medicinal properties of the Brazilian acai fruit are legendary among the natives of the Amazon region. Since entering the US market, this mysterious berry has sparked interest among researchers in the academe.

The acai berry has long been considered to be the number one superfood due to its being a rich source of natural antioxidants. But in 2006, the University of Florida conducted a study on the effects of the Brazilian acai fruit on cancerous cells.

What they found was startling - extracts from the berries generated a self- destructive reaction in leukemia cells. This is by no means a cure for cancer, but it presents a huge potential in discovering greater benefits from these berries than were first thought of.

The idea was that if the researchers achieved that kind of result from a cancer sample, then the odds are high that the beneficial properties of the acai berry will only improve our health

It is common knowledge that any diet rich in vegetables, fruits and fibers will improve a person's health, but the benefits received by consuming acai berry juice is an added asset.

Acai enthusiasts have noted increased energy, healthier skin, better digestion, and even lowered cholesterol when partaking of a regular acai berry juice regimen.



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Unfortunately, it is hard to determine whether a patient has cancer just because he or she has a certain symptom and/or symptoms. This is mainly due to the fact that the symptoms of cancer can also be shared with much more common, less deadly ailments such as; regular headaches or migraines, period pains and many more common problems. If you have any doubts though, or if you have a history of cancer in your family please be sure to seek out medical advice from your General Practitioner (GP).

Here are some symptoms you should look out for:

Headaches.

Though not a common sign of cancer, it has been known to be related to certain cancers. If your over-the-counter medicine doesn't help with the pain, then it is advised to seek help from a doctor.

Changes in Urination.

If you notice a slow urine flow, more frequent urination or small amounts urination you could possibly have prostate cancer. It is more likely though, that it is a urinary infection or enlarged prostate, which is prevalent in aged men.

Lump/s in Testicles.

Lumps in the testicles or enlarged testicles are a common sign amongst testicular cancer patients. If you do have a lump or enlarged testicles, it is advised that you talk to your doctor about it. Monthly self-examinations are also recommended.

Lump in Breast or Breast Discharge.

More often then not, breast lumps are noncancerous tumors such as a cyst or fibroadenomas. All lumps should be investigated by your doctor. If the discharge is from just 1 nipple or there is blood, seek the advice of your GP.

Blood in Stool.

This should always been seen to by your doctor. May be caused by hemorrhoids, but should have your doctor examine the entire intestinal tract to be sure. An X-ray may be enough to determine the source of the bleeding.

Blood in Urine.

Blood in the urine can be caused by kidney stones, urinary infection or one of the multiple other causes. It is possible that the blood or 'Hematuria' can be a symptom of cancer of the kidney or liver. Blood in the urine should always be seen to by a doctor.

Changes in Warts or Moles.

The larger the mole the more likely it is cancerous. Moles that are irregularly shaped, bleed or multi colored could possibly be cancerous. Any suspicious moles should be removed. The process of removing a mole is simple and will help in determining whether it is cancerous or not.

These are just some of the most common symptoms. Symptoms such as; diarrhea, blood-tinged saliva, persistent coughing, overly thin stools, unexplained anemia, hoarseness of the throat, swollen or lumps in glands, indigestion, unusual vaginal discharge, weight loss, continued itching of the anus or genitals, fever, night sweats and sores that do not heal should also be seen to by your doctor as they can be associated with some form of cancer.



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Cancer and loved ones- how to manage this time of trial and stress with dignity.

Cancer and your loved ones need to understand how to navigate through this time of ordeal and hardship with some guidelines. These guidelines make this period of time easier to handle and even endure more easily. Almost every family has someone who has been diagnosed with cancer. In fact, it is not uncommon that up to one third of your family may die of cancer someday.

You see, I've been involved with cancer for number of years professionally. During my long career as insurance agent, I was one of the leading agents in the country for selling cancer policies. I sold these policies like your mom made apple pie. It was easy and quick sales.

What was my secret to such a lucrative career? I understood the role that cancer plays in any family.

You can benefit from my years of experience.

I always told my clients that they should not see themselves as victims of this dreaded disease. They should see themselves as a person who has cancer- not as a cancer patient.. Don't allow this label to define your life. That is one of the timeless lessons that I taught my clients when they bought cancer insurance.

Never see yourself as a cancer patient! That's the wrong perspective. Your mother wouldn't want you to define yourself in such a limiting role, and neither should you. Don't let the Beast define your existence. You are more than your cancer.

See yourself as a person who has cancer instead.

I want you to just put your feet up on your desk and lean back as if you were the master of your universe. Ok, maybe you are not at your desk right now, but I believe that you get the idea. You want to claim your power!

Cancer patients may often believe they have no power and this results in no hope.

Hopelessness is a dreaded attitude of the mind. It is a virus that can rip your life apart. It destroys your motivation for living. I hope that you still have your feet up on your desk.

What's my next lesson from selling hundreds of cancer policies? Having a support system of family and friends is a must... it is vital. You see, cancer is not just a disease. It is a label that takes away your desire to live.

Join a support group that gives you hope.

Doctors know this now as well. They don't want to take away your precious hope even if death is certain in days or months.

Now you know timeless truths about cancer:

1. Don't label yourself as a cancer patient.
2. See yourself as a person who has cancer.

There is a world of difference between these two states of mind.

Beat the Beast... never give up hope is the best mental attitude.

Have a battle plan for caner which includes your mind, body, and spirit.

* Be sure to get a second opinion because approximately 50% of all cancers are misdiagnosed.
* Don't be afraid that your doctor will disapprove of your need for a second opinion... he probably will encourage this action.



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