February 2013

There is some exciting news in the fight against breast cancer!

A seventeen-member team of researchers at the University of Minnesota and its Masonic Cancer Center have identified a human enzyme they believe is responsible for the cell mutations found in a majority of breast cancers. Lead researcher Dr. Reuben Harris, Ph. D. and his team found that APOBE3CB was present in high levels in breast cancer cells. According to Dr. Harris, APOBEC3B is a biological “double-edged sword” because it protects some cells from viruses but produces mutations that cause cancers. The next step is to figure out how this enzyme and the other 10 in its family mutate cancers and which ones they affect.  If future studies confirm that high APOBEC3B levels indicate the presence of breast cancer this discovery could lead to better therapeutic outcomes for patients. It is possible that one day an enzyme blood test could detect breast cancer well before a mammogram and a drug(s) could be developed that block APOBEC3B from causing nasty mutations that lead to tumor formation -- totally changing the way breast cancer is diagnosed and treated. 

I'm sure that most of you are familiar with the aphrodisiac qualities of chocolate and oysters but what about basil?  Sweet Basil is a stimulant and is used in aromatherapy to fight depression and anxiety and to cure headaches.  For centuries basil’s “alluring” aroma has been said to drive men wild -- so much so that women would dust their breast with dried and powdered basil. When consumed basil has a warming effect on the body that helps increase circulation, stimulate sex drive, increase fertility and produce a general sense of well being.  It’s powerful stuff so please make sure you use basil responsibly.

This Valentine’s Day make the time to be good to you and sprinkle some basil on it!

Happy Valentine’s Day and Good Health!

Terry

“When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.”

~Regina Brett, Number 10 of 45 Life Lessons and 5 to Grow On

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