Genes Associated With Common Liver Damage

For those of you that follow our blog post you know that Sunburst Oranges is closely involved with The American Liver Foundation. We provide a variety of support to the cause. 

From time to time we offer information that is related to your liver health.

In a first-of-its-kind exploratory study, the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) has identified a potential gene associated with the initiation of the most common cause of liver damage.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of liver damage. In this study, published in the September edition of Translational Research, TGen scientists sequenced microRNAs (miRNAs) from liver biopsies, spelling out their biochemical molecules to identify several potential gene targets associated with NAFLD-related liver damage.

The miRNAs -- RNA molecules that regulate gene expression -- were obtained from liver biopsies of 30 female candidates for gastric bypass surgery: 15 with, and 15 without, NAFLD liver damage.

Using the most advanced technology to refine the data, researchers identified several potential gene targets associated with NAFLD-related liver damage. Specifically, they found that a particular miRNA called miR-182 produced a strong association with a protein called FOX03.

Importantly, researchers observed a significant suppression of FOX03 protein levels in damaged livers, compared to those without liver damage, suggesting a potential role for this gene in the initiation of liver disease.

The authors cite limitations in this particular study: The study's small sample, and the fact that all 30 patients were obese females who were candidates for gastric bypass surgery, which may have limited the data. They were selected because obesity is a significant risk factor for NAFLD outcomes, and because of the value of obtaining unbiased liver samples.

The American Liver Foundation advocates on behalf of more than 30 million Americans with liver disease on the federal, state, and local levels.

They provide education programs, support services, and outreach activities that reach more than 200,000 individuals annually and help raise awareness about liver disease prevention and management.

Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and healthy foods to use as gifts for a business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We sell only the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Oranges
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-561-3391

Chocolates You Won't Hand Out On Halloween

When you want to give the very best in healthy gifts chocolate can be at the top list.  When it comes to chocolates taste is king and Sunburst Oranges' Chocolates have the very best in taste.  But even better than a plate of vegetables we have really decadent tasting selections of your favorite chocolates. 

Taste of the Valley
Our Taste of the Valley box includes the signature items of the Santa Ynez Valley. The box contains Dark Chocolate Red Wine Truffles, Dark Chocolate Lavender Truffles, our very own Ooey Gooey Bites, and our homemade Sea Salt Caramels. 1/2 pound box of Mixed Milk, Dark and White Chocolates

English Toffee
Our English Toffee is handmade using only the best all natural ingredients. This rich crunchy buttery toffee is hand dipped and then rolled in a bed of chopped golden California almonds. 1/2 pound bag Mixed Milk, Dark and White Chocolate

Nuts and Chews
Choose from a variety of our organic crunchy nut clusters including Spanish peanuts, California walnuts and fresh roasted almonds. Our creamy caramels are hand crafted from scratch using only the freshest ingredients. 1/2 pound box of Mixed Milk, Dark and White Chocolate

Chocolate Hedgehogs
These extremely popular and cute animals make for a great gift for kids and a fun surprise for adults. 1 pound Mixed Milk, Dark and White Chocolate

Assorted Truffles
These decadent truffles have a sweet creamy ganache center infused with either Santa Ynez Valley red wine, or feature other elegant flavors ranging from Mocha Espresso to French Lavender. 1/2 pound box of Mixed Milk, Dark and White Truffles

Are you looking for the perfect healthy gift for family, business associate or  a special friend? A quick visit to sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh and sweet gift giving adventures. We sell only the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Oranges
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-561-3391

Seven Things You Don’t Know About Chocolate

You may know some of these, but, do you know all of these sweet treats. Can we call them tricks of the trade?

M&Ms The Snack For NASA Astronauts
First packed on the space shuttle in 1981, M&M's have now flown in space more than 130 times. NASA, which does not endorse commercial products, calls them "candy coated chocolates." M&M's have shown an ability to stay in one piece in very extreme conditions and are a favorite for "acrobatic microgravity dining feats," NASA says.

Chocolate Makes You Feel Good
The smell of chocolate increases theta brain waves, which triggers relaxation.

Massachusetts State Cookie – Chocolate Chip
Recognizing that the cookie was invented at the Toll House restaurant in Whitman, Massachusetts, in 1930, the state designated it as its official cookie in 1997. Massachusetts is one of only three states with official state cookies -- the others being New Mexico and Michigan, whose Michigan Treasure Cookie also contains chocolate chips.

Chocolate Bar That Weighed 6 Tons
In 2011 Thorntons, a Derbyshire, United Kingdom, candy company, created a chocolate bar that weighed more than 12,770 pounds and set a Guinness World Record. It took workers 10 hours to pour liquid chocolate into the mold that measured nearly 13 feet long. Afterward, it was broken into bits and sold to raise money for charity.

The Aztecs Considered Chocolate To Be An Aphrodisiac
Their emperor Montezuma reportedly consumed some 50 cups of xocolatl, a chocolate beverage, every day to help fuel his sexual trysts.

Eating Chocolate Can Be Heart Healthy
Eating dark chocolate every day reduces the risk of heart disease by one-third.

$260 For A Chocolate Bar
In the pantheon of fine chocolates, there are gourmet boxes, handmade bonbons and now: a $260 handcrafted bar that you eat with wooden tongs (no finger contamination). It's from To'ak Chocolate, and it's handcrafted from Ecuadorian cacao beans. It also is the most expensive chocolate in the world, according to To'ak Chocolate co-founder Jerry Toth.

Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and healthy chocolates to use as gifts for a business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We sell only the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Oranges
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-561-3391

October 28th Is National Chocolate Day

National Chocolate Day is observed annually on October 28.  While there are many specific chocolate related holidays throughout the year, National Chocolate Day celebrates all things chocolate.  As America’s favorite flavor, chocolate is well deserving of it’s own day of honor and celebration. 

Canada seems to be having a very special burger on National Chocolate Day

It seems that US peanut butter is jealous that they don't live in Canada. 

So, because the world is great, The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro is introducing a confection worthy of clogging all your arteries just in time for National Chocolate Day.

The Canadian burger chain introduced us to the burger called the "Reese PBC" last week and it's been making us salivate ever since.

This burger is basically a party with its Reese Peanut Butter Cups, beef patty, crispy onion strings, and strips of smoked bacon. It's the perfect marriage of savory and sweet.

Now, we know what you're thinking: That Sounds Amazing! (If you're not thinking that, well, you probably need to broaden your horizons. Also, isn't it shocking that this wasn't made in America?!)

Chocolate comes from the seed of the tropical Theobroma cacao tree.  Cacao, which has been cultivated for at least three millennia, is grown in Mexico, Central America and Northern South America.  The earliest known documentation of using cacao seeds is from around 1100 BC.  The cacao tree seeds have a very intense, bitter taste that must be fermented to develop the flavor.

Once the seeds have been fermented, the beans are dried, cleaned and roasted.  After roasting, the shell is removed to produce cacao nibs.  The cacao nibs are then ground into cocoa mass, which is pure chocolate in rough form.   The cocoa mass is usually liquefied then molded with or without other ingredients. At this point of the process it is called chocolate liquor.  The chocolate liquor may then be processed into two components: cocoa solids and cocoa butter.

Some other sources designate July 7, September 15 or December 28 as “Chocolate Day” or “International Chocolate Day” That seems OK as you can’t have too many days for Chocolate.

Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and healthy chocolates to use as gifts for a business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We sell only the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Oranges
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-561-3391

Citrus and Pumpkin Soup For Halloween

Here is a perfect treat for dinner on Halloween night. This is a very different spin on the tasty favorite of pumpkin soup. You can choose either oranges or lemons.  The lemons will add more of a tangy taste to the soup while the orange juice will be a bit sweeter and of course the great touch of orange pumpkin flavor.

 Ingredients

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

2 teaspoons packed brown sugar

1 can (14 1/2 fluid ounces) chicken broth

8 oranges or lemons to get 1/2 cup of juice (depending on size)

1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 can pumpkin puree

1 12 ounce can evaporated milk

Directions

Melt the butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and sugar; cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until soft. Add the chicken broth, salt and pepper; bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low; cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. Stir in pumpkin and evaporated milk. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Transfer mixture to food processor or blender; process until smooth. Now add your citrus juice to the mix and blend briefly. Return to saucepan. Reheat till warm, if necessary. Serve your pumpkin soup in a great Halloween party setting. Special bowls make a great treat.

Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and healthy foods to use as gifts for a business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We sell only the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:

Sunburst Oranges

180 South “E” Street

Porterville, CA  93257

559-561-3391

A Big Part of the Average American Diet Causes Cancer

That headline isn’t really new news. “A Big Part of the Average American Diet Causes Cancer” has been said many times before.  This time, however, it is coming from a prominent organization and is in a bit stronger language.

The research division of the World Health Organization has announced that bacon, sausage and other processed meats cause cancer, and that red meat probably does too. The report by the influential group stakes out one of the most aggressive stances against meat yet taken by a major health organization.

One component, nitrates, have been linked as a cancer risk for years. How many times have you heard that a well-balanced diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables is better for you than one that is rich in meats, let alone highly processed meats?

The fiber and nutrients from fruits and vegetables are good for all aspects of your overall health. The fact that they are many times anti-cancer in nature is also a big plus.

Yes, many folks love the taste from eating many different types of meats. But overall research has shown that your diet should be heavy in the beneficial aspects of a diet that supports heart health and doesn’t raise your cancer risks. 

The WHO conclusions are based on the work of a 22-member panel of international experts that reviewed decades of research on the link between red meat, processed meats and cancer. The panel reviewed animal experiments, studies of human diet and health, and cell mechanisms that could lead from red meat to cancer.

But the panel's decision was not unanimous, and by raising lethal concerns about a food that anchors countless American meals, it will be controversial. The $95 billion U.S. beef industry has been preparing for months to mount a response, and some scientists, including some unaffiliated with the meat industry, have questioned whether the evidence is substantial enough to draw the kinds of strong conclusions that the WHO panel did.

The research into a possible link between eating red meat and cancer - colorectal cancer is a long-standing area of concern - has been the subject of scientific debate for decades. But by concluding that processed meats cause cancer, and that red meats "probably" cause cancer, the WHO findings go well beyond the tentative associations that other groups have reported.

Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and healthy foods to use as gifts for a business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We sell only the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Oranges
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-561-3391

Rhubarb Shows Beneficial Anticancer Properties

Rhubarb has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine since ancient times and today it 
is still present in various herbal preparations. In this blog the toxicological and anti-neoplastic potentials of the main anthraquinones from Rhubarb, Rheum palmatum, will be highlighted. It is interesting to note that although the chemical structures of various anthraquinones in this plant are similar, their bioactivities are rather different. 

The most abundant anthraquinone of rhubarb, emodin, was capable of inhibiting cellular proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and prevention of metastasis. These capabilities are reported to act through tyrosine kinases, phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase C (PKC), NF-kappa B (NF-k B), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascades. Aloe-emodin is another major component in rhubarb found to have anti-tumor properties. Its anti-proliferative property has been demonstrated to be through the p53 and its downstream p21 pathway. Our recent proteomic study also suggests that the molecular targets of these two anthraquinones are different. However, both components were found to be able to potentiate the anti-proliferation of various chemotherapeutic agents. Rhein is the other major rhubarb anthraquinone, although less well studied. This compound could effectively inhibit the uptake of glucose in tumor cells, caused changes in membrane-associated functions and led to cell death. Interestingly, all three major rhubarb anthraquinones were reported to have in vitro phototoxic. This re-evaluation of an old remedy suggests that several bioactive anthraquinones of rhubarb possess promising anti-cancer properties and could have a broad therapeutic potential.

Most of the water-soluble components of rhubarb are readily absorbed after ingestion. This 
medicinal plant is generally considered low in toxicity, but intoxication could result from over 
dosage, especially of the fresh herb. Toxic symptoms include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, abdominal colic, and jaundice. Although no recent study has been conducted on the long-term effects of anthraquinones present in rhubarb, an earlier study suggested that they could lead to liver cirrhosis and hypokalemia.

A number of studies have demonstrated that the main anthraquinones of rhubarb, emodin, aloe-emodin, and rhein, inhibit the growth and proliferation of various cancer cells. Emodin has been reported to inhibit proliferation in breast, lung, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancers cells. After comparison with other anthraquinone derivatives, such as emodin 1-O-b-D-glucoside, physcion, and physcion 1-O-b-D-glucoside, C1 and C3 position of emodin is believed to be important for the anti-tumor function. However, emodin can evoke a less or no cytotoxic effect in several normal cells, including HBL-100 cells derived from normal human breast tissue, human fibroblast-like lung WI-38 cells, and three primary cultured rat normal cells. It has also been demonstrated that emodin displays over 25-fold differential cytotoxicity against ras-transformed bronchial epithelial cells to the normal human bronchial epithelial cells. These data suggest that normal cells are more resistant to emodin-induced cytotoxicity than cancer cells. Such specificity of emodin towards malignant cells might be due to its effect targeting on some oncogene signaling transductions, which are constitutively active or amplified in cancer cells.

Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and healthy foods to use as gifts for a business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We sell only the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Oranges
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-561-3391