Question: In your books, you recommend avoiding all sweetners other than stevia, primarily because of their effect on blood glucose/insulin levels.  However, many holisitic practitioners allow xylitol (a sugar alcohol) as well as stevia.  Xylitol is even an incredient in my vitamin D supplement, and I've heard that xylitol is helpful in combatting yeast.  I am led to understand that these sugar alcohols have minimal effect on blood sugar and insulin release and have no side effects.  Is there any other reason why a cancer patient should avoid sugar alcohols, such as xylitol and erythritol? Also, I have read that cancer patients should avoid oranges.  Why is that?  -- LP, Internet Answer:  We are wary of xylitol, erythritol and the other sugar alcohols. Whereas they don't appear to cause rapid elevations of blood sugar, whether they are safe for long-term daily consumption is unknown. I don't know why a website on combating cancer would single out oranges; all fruits contain sugar…

Deodorants and Breast Cancer: Separating Urban Legend From Legitimate Concern Roughly a decade ago, a claim spread rapidly online suggesting that deodorants and antiperspirants—especially those applied to the underarm—cause breast cancer. The idea gained traction quickly, not because it was proven, but because it sounded plausible. Most breast cancers are diagnosed in the upper outer quadrant of the breast, near the armpit. Combine that observation with the fact that many underarm products contain biologically active chemicals, and a hypothesis was born. But what does the science actually say? Why the Concern Arose in the First Place Many conventional underarm products have historically contained ingredients such as: Parabens Aluminum compounds Phthalates Propylene glycol Triclosan Talc and silica Polyethylene glycols and ethoxylated compounds Some of these substances have been studied for endocrine-disrupting or estrogen-mimicking properties, which natural…

. . . cancer preventers or giotrogens?Kale is one of a class of vegetables called “crucifers” or “cruciferous vegetables,” and they’re among the most nutritious vegetables around. They possess unique compounds that appear capable of preventing cancer through various mechanisms, helping to eliminate excess and harmful forms of estrogen from the body, supporting detoxification, and even killing H. pylori (the bacteria that cause ulcers and may lead to stomach cancer).But these very same compounds may also interfere with thyroid function and are known as goitrogens (meaning that they can interfere with the function of the thyroid gland, which, in an extreme case, will produce a goiter). Are cruciferous vegetables safe to eat?First, what vegetables are we talking about? Besides kale, the cruciferous vegetables include arugula, beet greens, bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, broccoli sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, cress, horseradish, kohlrabi, mustard greens, radishes, r…

Imagine if there were a magic potion that was: nontoxic, inexpensive, had no side effects, and worked to prevent aging, colds, depression, diabetes, flu, multiple sclerosis, obesity, and osteoporosis and was proven to prevent four out of five cases of cancer.  Most of us would take such a potion daily if it existed. Vitamin D is that amazing magical potion.  -- Raymond Francis, Never Fear Cancer Again, pp. 311-312.Around this time of year, Newsclips is usually talking about vitamin D and immunity. Keeping you cold and flu-free throughout the winter months has been shown to be one of vitamin D’s most useful and remarkable abilities. But did you know that this antioxidant vitamin can also prevent cancer?According to scientific studies, vitamin D deficiency plays a role in causing at least 17 varieties of cancer as well as in causing many, many other diseases, while levels of vitamin D up to around 60-80 ng/ml have been shown to virtually eliminate breast cancer.Unfortunat…

We’ve been praising coconut oil for almost a decade now, and we searched the world to find the very finest coconut oil available, which we carry Beyond Health Coconut Oil. So, we were pleased to see an article online listing 20 benefits of this amazing stuff. Apparently coconut oil has “come into its own,” since the article begins, “You’ve no doubt noticed that coconut oil is on everyone’s lips . . . and in their frying pans, smoothies, hair, and in a little jar on their nightstand. What underlies coconut oil’s recent popularity is the sheer amount of benefits to mind, body and soul that it promises, and research shows that adding coconut oil to your diet and your person could be one of the easiest ways to improve your health, well-being, appearance, and even your sex life.”So without further ado, here are author Grant Stoddard’s 20 benefits of coconut oil: Capric acid in coconut oil increases energy and reduce food consumption. Lauric acid in coconut oil kills bacteria,…

The Hidden Sugar in Processed Foods — and Why High-Fructose Corn Syrup Raises Red Flags Sugar is everywhere in the modern diet—but not all sugars behave the same in the body. While table sugar (sucrose) is already problematic when consumed in excess, growing research suggests that high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) may pose additional metabolic concerns, especially when it becomes a staple of highly processed foods. HFCS is now found in a large percentage of packaged and ultra-processed products, making overconsumption easy—and often unintentional. Why High-Fructose Corn Syrup Is Different HFCS is a refined sweetener made by converting corn starch into glucose and then into fructose. Unlike glucose, which can be used by nearly every cell in the body, fructose is primarily metabolized by the liver. When intake is high and continuous, this metabolic bottleneck can stress liver function and disrupt normal energy regulation. HFCS and Weight Gain: What Research Suggests Ani…

Authentic, traditionally crafted balsamic vinegar is more than a culinary luxury  it is a biologically active food containing organic acids, polyphenols, and fermentation-derived compounds that influence metabolism, mineral absorption, cardiovascular health, and cellular resilience. Below is a structured, science-guided summary of the documented physiological effects associated with vinegar consumption, with emphasis on traditionally aged balsamic varieties. 1. Metabolic Support Weight Management + Blood Sugar Regulation Key Mechanisms Mechanism Effect Acetic acid slows gastric emptying Reduces glucose spikes Improved insulin sensitivity Enhances metabolic control Triglyceride reduction Supports lipid metabolism Appetite regulation Helps caloric balance Clinical Findings Obese subjects consuming 1–2 tbsp vinegar daily for 12 weeks showed reductions in body weight visceral fat BMI waist circumference triglycerides Individuals taking vinegar…