LECTINS
First, let’s consider lectins.
Human cells contain carbohydrates that project from the cell membrane. These function like locks. The lectins are like the keys. If the right lectin fits in with the “lock,” it can cause disruption of the cell membrane, even leading to cell death.
This can lead to all kinds of mischief: enlargement of the […]

THE SOLUTION
So, it seems logical that the best way to give a break to your digestive system and avoid indigestion or heartburn is to emulate the habits of the hunter gatherers. Now, to follow this advice strictly is next to impossible. We would find it deadly dull because human beings have been socialized to enjoy […]

GARLIC & CHOLESTEROL
Believe it or not, garlic has a substantial effect on cholesterol levels, but you would need between 1 to 4 cloves of fresh garlic a day to achieve a significant therapeutic result. Fortunately, the compounds in garlic responsible for its therapeutic benefit can be isolated in pill form.
However, in order to be effective, […]

INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE
Along with blood pressure, coffee drinking also elevates intraocular pressure, the main cause of optic nerve damage for people suffering from glaucoma (Caffeine and intraocular pressure in a Nigerian population. Journal of Glaucoma, 10(1):25-31).
To make matters worse, magnesium deficiency, which is linked to glaucoma, is made worse by coffee drinking, which inhibits absorption […]

DECREASED MENTAL FUNCTION
Drinking coffee increases homocysteine levels, which correlates with lower cognitive function in otherwise normal men over the age of 60 (Homocysteine: a marker for cognitive performance? A longitudinal follow-up study. The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging. 7(3):153-9).
While Alzheimer’s Disease has not been proven to directly correlate to coffee consumption, coffee consumption does […]

DNA REPAIR
Caffeine interferes with DNA repair and also inhibits DNA synthesis (Caffeine and human DNA metabolism: the magic and the mystery. Mutation Research. 2003 Nov 27;532(1-2):85-102). This is important because free radicals from pollution and other sources damage DNA, which constantly needs to be repaired if we are to stay youthful.
ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Consuming caffeine is associated […]

BONE DENSITY LOSS
Drinking coffee negatively impacts the absorption rate of minerals necessary to maintain bone density, particularly calcium (Effects of dietary caffeine on renal handling of minerals in adult women. Life Sciences. 47(6):557-64). This leads to osteoporosis, folks.
CELLULAR AGING
The chronic presence of stress hormones, such as cortisol, is increased by drinking coffee. This leads […]

Coffee is bad news. It pains me to say this because I love coffee.
I’ve included a small sampling of why this is so in this series of posts. Read it and weep.
ARTERIAL STIFFNESS
Caffeine has been shown to increase arterial stiffness, which is a contributing factor to coronary artery disease, as well as hardening of the […]

These are foods that are about as far removed from mankind’s natural diet as possible (see my post Secrets of the Paleolithic Diet), and progressively make up a larger and larger percentage of the modern diet as time marches on.
Most cultures in the world have been socialized to enjoy these foods, so it may be […]

Let me begin by asking a question: when is whole wheat bread not actually whole wheat bread? The answer: almost always when you buy it in the store or a bakery. When you virtuously order whole wheat toast for breakfast in a restaurant, what you are actually getting is about ¾ white flour and ¼ […]