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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 21, 2015)
10 A SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2015 J OEL F UHRMAN , MD Green vegetables protect the heart Green leafy vegetables are superior to other foods in their nutrient density, and unsurpris- ingly, greater intake of leafy greens is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Greater consumption of cru- ciferous vegetables (a family of vegetables known for their anti-cancer effects, it includes many leafy greens such as kale, cabbage and bok choy), are similarly associated with lower risk of death from cardiovascu- lar disease and from all causes. Oxidative stress is known to be a significant contributor to the development of cardiovas- cular disease. Our antioxidant defenses are a combination of dietary compounds and the body’s own antioxidant enzymes, and there is evidence that when we eat cruciferous vegetables, their phytochemi- cals signal the body to produce its own protective antioxidant enzymes, by activating a pro- tein called Nrf2. Nrf2 is a transcription factor, a protein that can increase or decrease the expression of cer- tain genes. Nrf2 works by bind- ing a specific sequence present in genes called the antioxidant response element (ARE). In the presence of certain phytochemicals, Nrf2 travels to the nucleus of the cell to induce that cell to produce natural antioxidant enzymes and pro- tect against inflammation. Essentially, Nrf2 is a mes- senger through which benefi- cial phytochemicals from the diet turn on the body’s natural antioxidant and anti-inflamma- tory protection mechanisms. For example, one study on sulforaphane (a phytochemical found in broccoli) showed that once activated, Nrf2 suppresses the activity of adhesion mole- cules on the endothelial cell surface to prevent binding of inflammatory cells and there- fore retard atherosclerotic plaque development. Another study showed that sulforaphane and other isothio- cyanates (cruciferous vegetable phytochemicals), by activating Nrf2, blocked inflammatory gene expression and oxidative stress in endothelial cells inhibiting aging of the vascular tree. Sulforaphane also helps maintain the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, a vascular system that is crucial for prop- er brain tissue function, via activation of Nrf2.8 The point is that cruciferous vegetables are essential for excellent health and promotion of maxi- mum lifespan. Other phytochemicals that can activate Nrf2 include anthocyanins (found in berries), EGCG (found in green tea) and resveratrol (found in grapes and peanuts). Exercise may also activate Nrf2. In contrast, smoking sup- presses the protective actions of Nrf2; human endothelial cells exposed to the blood of FAHS offering hamburgers today Enjoy hot dogs and ham- burgers hot off the grill on today, Feb. 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Grocery Outlet parking lot. Money raised will go to help provide care for the once- homeless cats and dogs await- ing their forever home at the Florence Area Humane Society's no-kill shelter. Saturday’s event features hamburgers for $3, hot dogs and Polish dogs for $2, and cheeseburgers for $3.50. Soda and bottled water are $1. In addition, homemade cookies and scones created by FAHS volunteers are also available for 50 cents. At this month’s event, the FAHS van will be in the park- Buy a Burger or Sandwich and get $3.00 off the Second one! (Equal or lesser value, elk burgers not included) Check out our daily $6.95 early bird special 7:00 am to 9:00 am (Monday through Friday) smokers compared to non- smokers showed decreased Nrf2 expression, reducing antioxidant defenses. Not surprising that smoking and green vegetables have opposite effects! Research on phytochemicals and the protective effects Nrf2 is still in its early stages, and as we learn more, we can expect exciting advances in the under- standing of how phytochemi- cals work to promote health and extend lifespan. Dr. Fuhrman is a New York Times best-selling author and board certified family physician specializing in lifestyle and nutri- tional medicine. 435 Highway 101 541-902-2449 Toni of Red Rose Catering is now CATERING to your pets! •Day Care •Overnight Care •Weekly and Monthly Service Open 7am-7pm Daily (after hours available) 24-Hour Caregiver on Site - Licensed and Insured 4370 Hwy. 101 North In the Florence RV Complex (next to Bi-Mart) 541-590-2466 - Shot Records Required www.TheSiuslawNews.com ing lot to accept donations of food for dogs and cats. Do your part and volunteer today to help support these local non-proft organizations in our community! Volunteer•Get involved•Donate Habitat for Humanity Restore An opportunity to donate, re-use and recycle building materials, fi xtures and appliances. (ReStore 541-997-5834) PO Box 3302, 2016 Hwy 101, Florence 97439 Helping Hands Coalition Assisting those in need in our Community. Free Hot Meals Mon-Wed-Fri 11 AM - 2 PM PO Box 1296 • 1339 Rhododendron Dr., Florence, OR 97439 Call 541-997-5057 to Volunteer Meals on Wheels and Cafe 60 Meals on Wheels are available to people over the age of 60 who cannot get out much due to illness or advanced age and who are not eating properly, regardless of income. Cafe 60 is available for those who prefer to make new friends in a dining room setting. 1570 Kingwood PO Box 2313, Florence 541-997-5673 laneseniormeals.org Peace Harbor Volunteers Join the Peace Harbor Hospital Volunteers, you will fi nd an area of interest in a caring organization. 400 9th Street, Florence 541-997-8412 ext. 209 Us Too Florence Provided by your home town newspaper, Shoppe is the only online directory featuring local businesses available on your smartphone, tablet or computer. Find exclusive deals and specials, make reservations, or schedule your next appointment. Visit 6KRSSHWRGD\DQGH[SHULHQFHDQHZZD\WR¢´QGORFDO businesses where and when you need them. www.shoppelocal.biz Siuslaw News Logo Here Shoppe™ is a trademark of News Media Corp. Saving men one PSA test at a time. “Someone to talk to...who understands!” 541-997-6626 maribob@oregonfast.net www.ustoofl orence.org To include your organization in this directory, please call us @ 541-997-3441