Faust as a Romantic Hero - 794 Words

Faust as a Romantic Hero In Johann Wolfgang von Goethe s Faust, the protagonist exhibits many characteristics of a typical romantic hero. First, he is larger then life. He has obtained numerous advanced degrees, and conjures up spirits. In his effort to go beyond knowledge and gain experience he strikes a bargain with the Devil. He is not afraid of the Devil or hell ( Lawall Mack, 444) and proves that by making the deal with the Devil. Secondly, he embodies the best and worst of mankind. He is a scholar and would be considered a Renaissance man. Earlier in his life, he helped his father, who was a doctor, treat sick people during a plague. On the other hand, his lust for Margarete displays the worst of mankind. This†¦show more content†¦He then decides against suicide and instead undergoes a rebirth (Mitchell, 16). Faust exhibits pride in many instances of the play, particularly when he summons the Earth Spirit and is disappointed by the fact the Spirit does not consider him an equal and rebuffs him. Another instance is the deal made with Mephistopheles, where he will never be completely satisfied. Anyone making such a deal is obviously guilty of the sin of pride. In his relationship with Mephistopheles you see Faust as an arrogant and impatient man. He views Mephistopheles as his servant to do his bidding (Mitchell, 17). When he signs his pact with the Devil, he hopes to experience all of life, to fulfill all of human potential, at which point he would be like God. (Mitchell, 17) Faust appears to have an emotional outburst when he and Wagner are walking on Easter morning. He weeps openly and begs to be sent to distant lands ( Lawall Mack, 460) to relieve him of his pain and misery. In Faust s dealings with Margarete, he shows his sensitive side. He is capable of passionate romantic love. While at the witches celebration he is haunted by a vision of Margarete. He becomes filled with anger and guilt when he learns of Margarete s fate. When he attempts to rescue her from execution, she refuses. He feels deep regret for the position he has placed Margarete in. Faust show s howShow MoreRelated The Romantic Hero in Goethes Faust Essay1550 Words   |  7 PagesThe Romantic Hero in Goethes Faust Works Cited Not Included Long hailed as the watershed of Romantic literature, Goethe’s Faust uses the misadventures of its hero to parallel the challenges that pervaded European society in the dynamic years of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Faust is the prototypical Romantic hero because the transformation of his attitudes mirrors the larger transformation that was occurring in the society in which Goethe conceivedRead More Elliot Richards Bedazzled Essay1836 Words   |  8 Pagestrue when comparing Faust to the movie â€Å"Bedazzled.† Faust is a Romantic story that encompasses the Romantic movement to the fullest. â€Å"Bedazzled,† while encompassing many of these characteristics, has characteristics of the enlightenment, modernism, and postmodernism. Society’s character at the time of production of each storyline plays a huge role in how the story plays out. We can see this in how each desire is portrayed, how good and evil are portrayed, and how each hero gets themselves intoRead MoreEnlightenment Philosophy in Frankenstein Essay1882 Words   |  8 Pagesâ€Å"Frightful must it be; for supremely frightful would be the effect of any human endeavour to mock the stupendous mechanism of the Creator of the world† (Shelley 40) in order to stress Victor’s extravagant notions. As Joseph Kestner, professor of Romantic and Victorian literature, put s it, Victor positions himself as the head of all hierarchies in denying God as the sole creator of man. The intention of the author for placing Victor at such a high position and then displaying his hard fall is to simulateRead MoreThe Romantic Movement1322 Words   |  5 PagesThe Romantic Movement, known for its emphasis on the emotional aspect of literature, was a period when such novels as Frankenstein; or the Modern Prometheus were written, being very different than novels written before this era. Romantic thinkers and writers, such as Mary Shelley, believed that imagination was the crucial way of thinking. They often depicted their heroes in their novels as â€Å"creative artists† that are determined to push beyond society’s restrictions and ways of life. Mary ShelleyRead MoreInfluences of the Romantic Period1575 Words   |  7 PagesInfluences on the Romantic Period Romanticism spawned in the late 18th century and flourished in the early and mid-19th century. Romanticism emphasized the irrational, the imaginative, the personal, the spontaneous, the emotional, the visionary, the transcendental, and the individual. Romanticism is often viewed as a rejection of the ideologies of Classicism and Neoclassicisms, namely calm, order, harmony, idealization, rationality and balance. Some characteristics of Romanticism include: emotionRead More12 Literary Piece1670 Words   |  7 Pagesgods that he had undergone, his affair with nymph Calypso on the homecoming voyage, and his return to his kingdom. 4. Orlando furioso by Ludovico Ariosto (Italian epic) - Orlando Furioso is a famous epic with full of supernatural, allegorical and romantic adventures. The main theme of the epic is the war between Christians and pagans. Even though Ariosto, the writer, has depended much on the Graeco -Roman literary tradition of earlier writers for characters and incidents, it is a great epic poem dueRead MoreRomanticism versus Neoclassicism2775 Words   |  12 PagesNeoclassical and Romantic movements cover the period of 1750 to 1850. Neoclassicism showed life to be more rational than it really was. The Romantics favoured an interest in nature, picturesque, violent, sublime. Unlike Neo_classicism, which stood for the order, reason, tradition, society, intellect and formal diction, Romanticism allowed people to get away from the constrained rational views of life and concentrate on an emotional and sentimental side of humanity. In this movement the emphasis wasRead MoreThe Impact Of Beethoven On The Development Of The Symphony Until Mahler3555 Words   |  15 Pagestradition1 and a pioneer of romantic self-expression, has secured his status as one of the most revered composers in the history of Western music. Throughout his symphonic cycle, Beethoven’s own journey of self-discovery can be very clearly heard. The Third, Fifth, Sixth and Ninth symphonies were particularly pioneering; they used new ideas such as programme music, orchestral and symphonic expansion and the prolongation of dissonance, inspiring a new generation of romantic symphonists. However, thereRead More Paganini Essay2075 Words   |  9 Pagessuperstitious and innocent; therefore, many stories were created to explain the phenomenon called Paganini. From Stories to History In London, a magazine revealed a dialogue between Paganini and the devil, in which the musician personifies Faust, this time selling his soul in change of musical skills. At the same time, a Viennese caricaturist drew the violinist, surrounded by devils and profane symbols (Holbrook 364). Next, one critic testified that he saw the devil in Paganini’s elbow, assistingRead MoreEssay on The Gothic Genre and What it Entails6177 Words   |  25 Pageswriting at the time of the Romantic Gothic (i.e: Gothic written during the arbitrary period of Romanticism) considered such novels to be sensationalist, trashy and completely expurgated of any of the higher qualities of mind (Peacock quoted in Sage, 11). I think this is an unfair judgement on gothic writing during the romantic period. It is a genre that - at its best - can be a profound, complex and moving as any celebrated piece of Romantic literature. It was

The Trends Of Foreign Policy And National Security

American foreign policy has gradually changed since the birth of our nation. On July 4, 1891, John Quincy Adams addressed the Senate and House of Representatives during a powerful Independence Day speech designed to prevent an alliance with the Greeks against the Ottoman Empire. Although sympathetic to their cause, he warned against involving America in other states’ affairs, stating,† America does not go abroad in search of monsters to destroy. She is the well-wisher to Freedom and independence of all†. This paper seeks to evaluate the implications of John Quincy Adams’ statement, examine the trends of foreign policy and national security from the late nineteenth century to the present, and address current policy issues regarding†¦show more content†¦During his farewell address, President Washington explicitly stated that, â€Å"Europe had its own state of interests† and,† It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world† (OTH). Jefferson also agreed that we should have, â€Å"Peace, commerce and honest friendships will all nations, entangling alliances with none†. (OTH) Nevertheless, Greece’s plight tugged at the heartstrings of Americans. Although no troops were deployed to fight against the Ottomans, campaigns were made across America to raise relief aid for the Greeks. From 1823-1827, America sent supplies to support the civilians of Greece, although it was made clear that these supplies would not be given directly to the military, as it was only to help the poor and severely affected population (Earle 52). The United States did not want to explicitly support this conflict, one of the first examples of America changing its views on national policy due to its sympathies. The Monroe Doctrine also contributed to the neutrality of the United States. Announced by former President James Monroe in December of 1823, this doctrine opposed Eur opean colonialism and noted that the U.S. would stay out of European matters. Internationally, however, it wasn’t received well initially because America didn’t have a strong military foundation (OTH). America’s foreign policy changed slightly after the Monroe Doctrine. By theShow MoreRelatedNational Security Shaped The Constitutional Balance Since 1789910 Words   |  4 Pages1. How have the imperatives of national security shaped the constitutional balance since 1789? Has presidential authority†¦.. The founding fathers intended for a United States government to be run significantly through the legislative branch, and to encompass the majority of domestic and foreign matters of governance. 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The consumption of animal products high in fat and proteinRead MoreThe Determinants For The Adoption Of A Broad Environmental913 Words   |  4 PagesGiven that the IITs exceptions, either in the form of general or individual exceptions, have not been given due attention in current IITs, it has become a common trend that new IITs are beginning change this situation through adding the context of exceptions. Likewise, most of China’s IITs were concluded before 2012 without exceptions and a huge number of them need to be amended or updated, it becomes urgent to clarify to what extent exceptions are needed and whether the exceptions should have aRead MoreThe American Foreign Policy During The Vietnam War1016 Words   |  5 Pagesthe age of 27 . In Andrew Bacevich s The Limits of Power, he argues that the utterly corrupt American Foreign Policy was caused by presidential imperialism and the implemented National Security system that controlled the formulation and delivery of the American Foreign Policy throughout the Cold War. The alliance between the presidency and National Security originated with the National Security Council Report 68, also known as simply NSC-68, which was presented to Truman and grew in extent duringRead MoreInternational Trade Management Lecture Notes Essay1632 Words   |  7 Pages Globalisation Trends (Have choices, Cheaper) 1.1 Globalisation 1.2 Trends 1.3 To operate abroad, consider†¦ 2. Anti-globalisation (When you are anti-smth, there would be forms of barriers) 3. 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National interests that shape foreign policy covers a wide range of political, economic, military, ideological, andRead MoreA Brief Note On Boko Haram And The Fulani Militants1533 Words   |  7 Pagesterrorist attacks in that period, the stabbing of two policemen in Melbourne and the Martin Place siege, were carried out by individuals who planned and acted alone. Crimes planned like this are, by nature, always extremely difficult for police and security agencies to prevent. Given the constant and new technologies becoming available the nature of terrorist communication is constantly changing. Terrorist groups are adapting new approaches to communication, implementing new methods for interactionRead MoreRelationship between Stock Price and FDI Essay example1517 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Based on OECD Factbook 2013: Economic, Environmental and Social Statistics, Foreign direct investment defined as cross-border investment by other investors from the economy that had the objective to gain long term interest or benefit from other countries that need capital for development. FDI have divided into 3 categorty such as Horizontal FDI, plaform FDI and vertical FDI. Kimberly state that Foreign direct investment is global economic growth which are apply in all countries such as

Social Policy and Its Application to Social Services Provision Free Essays

Private problems become public issues when an individual’s problem/problems spill out into the community for example youth homelessness. Youth homelessness is greater than you might think in May 2008 it was thought that there were over 75000 youths at risk of becoming homeless, mostly due to the breakdown of the family or the introduction of a step family, 65% of these young people experienced violence as their family broke down and 20% experienced sexual abuse. The really sad thing about the number of youths at risk of homelessness is, in order to be detected as at risk something extreme has to happen e. We will write a custom essay sample on Social Policy and Its Application to Social Services Provision or any similar topic only for you Order Now g. the young homeless person was arrested for causing a disturbance or ends up in hospital after a violent incident. Mostly when families breakdown we as a community know nothing about it (their family problems are kept private) this becomes a public issue which may require the creation of a â€Å"policy for dealing with social issues†, when we see young people sleeping rough or the crime rate increases as the homeless person steals to feed them self. Over the years there has been significant research and development of policies which are aimed at combating homelessness among the 16-25 year olds and in 2002 the homelessness Act was endorsed by the Scottish parliament after it was highlighted that the numbers of homeless people sleeping rough in our cities, could affect the tourist trade, which in turn would affect our economy, this act extended the definition of priority need to include new groups of vulnerable people including youths. This Homeless act means that young people are no longer turned away from hostels; in fact there are hostels that are just for young people (these hostels help protect the young people on the streets from abuse i. e. prostitution) This homeless act also made local authorities develop homeless strategies e. g. the housing and support team that we have in West Lothian. Due to new policy the numbers of young people sleeping on the streets is few, and the ease of access to information/services means homeless people have hope and can access services before they actually become homeless, which in turn combats drug/alcohol abuse (which also relieves pressure off the NHS) and crime statics. 2. Social policies come about due to various influences. Nationwide statics are gathered for various reasons and as a result these figures/statics can and do bring around change in policy or even the implementation of new olicies e. g. it was found that the number of people binge drinking and requiring hospital treatment was on the rise, so the government created a policy that it was illegal to have happy hours in bar’s and it was illegal for shops to have two for one offers on alcohol. Another way the government is influenced to change or create policy is through pressure groups. Pressure groups don’t have to be official bodies or organisations like â⠂¬Å"fathers for justice†, they can be a group of people who are concerned about an issue in their community e. . a group of concerned parents petitioning the government about the lack of services for teenagers in their area (youth club) due to the planned closure of the community centre. Social policies can also come about if there is a threat to society e. g. terrorism, after 9/11 the pass port policy changed, before 9/11 children were able to travel on their parents passport, after 9/11 the policy changed and now everyone needs a passport regardless of age. Before 9/11 we could travel within our own country (Glasgow-London) without a passport now we can’t. Policies have also changed after public outcry. After the abduction, rape and murder of a child in England by a convicted paedophile, who had been housed in the area on his release from prison. The policy that gave these people anonymity was reviewed and changed, so that anyone who is concerned about an adult, who is working with children, can ask the police if they are a risk. 3. The mixed economy of care came about due to the governments of the 1980s being concerned that the place for the care of people should be provided from within their communities and that the â€Å"sense of community† would be lost as people stopped â€Å"looking after their own†. People would stop contributing charitably to the community and the people in it ( popping in on a neighbour to give her a break from her ill husband or running to the shop for an older person as well as fund raising and legacies), as it would become taken for granted that the state would provide everything i. e. ousing and Health Care as well as meals on wheels and respite, as a result, people would not feel like it was their job to help themselves, their community or their neighbours, that it was the states job, and so the fear was the sense of community would be lost to dependency on the state. The mixed economy of care means that different services collaborate/works together in order to provid e a service for an individual which not only meets their needs, but makes sure that the care being provided doesn’t over lap i. e. one care plan is made for the individual and all the required services work within this plan. Our government as it is now (2009) has picked up where the 1980/90s left off (they carried on where the last government left off instead of returning to state provided care) and is working towards a â€Å"mixed economy of care†, it has identified 4 sectors of care provision i. e. statutory, private, voluntary and informal. The statutory sector is care what is provided by the state for example benefits, cars for the disabled and access to health care e. g. occupational health (home adaptations). The private sector offers care as part of a business for example private nursing care, respite and private pensions. The voluntary/charity sector provide care that is funded through fundraising and donations and offers things like lunch clubs (help the aged), meals on wheels (WRVS) and hospital transport (red cross). The final sector, the informal sector comes by way of care provided by a non professional/specialist; this could be family, the community (neighbours) or friends who give up their time to look after their community and the people in it. The informal sector saves the government and NHS millions of pounds every year as their contribution relieves the need for official respite services and health care and it’s free. The Community Care Act 1990 came about as in order to fulfil the recommendations /objectives that the white paper (1989) Caring for People had identified (the enabling of older people to live independently for as long as possible in their own home, practical support for carers, guidelines for quality individual needs assessments and accountability for service providers and the quality of care they provide) new legislation was needed, thus the community care act (1990) was passed. Nowadays we see people living and working in our community who, not so many years ago, would have lived their lives in institutions or sanatoriums without any human rights or even choice, but now with implementation of individual/ person centred care plans/assessments, designed with the individuals needs, rights, circumstance and abilities in mind, as well as making access to different care services more easily available e. g. upported accommodation/residential nursing care, benefits, disabled employment (Remploy), occupational therapy, day care and befriending, not only are the individuals needs being met, the human rights of these individuals are being recognised. The individuals who were once locked away from the rest of society without any rights, choices or quality of life are now (with a little help from the care in the community act) living, working (Remploy) and contributing in and to communities (Volunteering in a charity shop). 4. Funding for different care services comes from various sources for example the services that are state/government services e. g. benefits, NHS departments (occupational therapy) and pensions are funded mostly through income tax, VAT, and national insurance, but not all of these services are completely free for example an older person who requires residential care will have to contribute financially if they have enough of an income or assets to cover the cost, they will also receive little or no help financially if they have a private pension i. e. they will have to pay for glasses and prescriptions. Funding for the local authority care services is much the same as central government funding comes firstly from the annual government grants as detailed in the 2009, amendment of the local government finance act 1992 Scotland order. Funding also comes from council tax income, business rates, licensing (alcohol) and recycling. While all this income generates wealth it does not mean everything is free and individuals will still contribute via user charges. Voluntary/charitable organisations also contribute to care services through fund raising and free care service i. . volunteers. There is also the Scottish post code lottery which has funded community projects as has the national lottery. Legacies also contribute to the financing of a service. 5. European commission was established in 1954 and has members from every country in Europe (two from the UK) its job is to form policy and legislation that protects the individuals’ human rights. They give the country an amount of time t o comply adequately to any new policy/legislation, before the country is taken to the human rights court e. g. he Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment, in employment and occupation. The minimum standard (directive) as stated by the EC included the protection of equal rights. The regulations (which must be implemented immediately) for this act included equal employment opportunities (promotion). Sometimes new legislations/policies cost money to implement and it falls to the local authority to decide how best to do this, finding the money often results in other services suffering through smaller grants e. . the promotion of electricity produced from renewable energy sources (â€Å"Renewables Directive†) the local authorities are obligated to implement these directives within a set time frame. The local authorities have to find the money, this is usually through council tax and money they make through council busin ess e. g. Neighbourhood Recycling, this in turn affects the care service and volunteer services by reducing the budget or funding they receive and possibly a rise in taxes and rates. The guide lines that come from the EC are a bit like expectations for example the government/EC expects local planners, architects and developers to take into account crime prevention when designing streets for example, this is to provide a safe and secure environment (your human right to live in a safe/secure environment) The duty to make this happen falls on local authority that, for example would have street/security lighting and the installation of CCTV as a condition of the planning application or they could create a local policy that says new housing schemes will only receive planning approval if there is security lighting fitted as standard. How to cite Social Policy and Its Application to Social Services Provision, Essay examples

Acute Effects of Nuts (Pecans and Walnuts) Ingestion on Plasma Level of Nutrients, Polyphenols and Biomarkers of Antioxidant Status free essay sample

The research was conducted for the reason that the researcher wanted to inform the audience on the effects of nuts ingestion to the plasma level of nutrients, polyphenols and biomarkers of antioxidant status.   Pecan nuts and walnuts are very popular nuts all over the world; however, these nuts are not sufficiently studied on the issues of the effect of ingestion on the plasma level of nutrients, polyphenols and biomarkers of the antioxidant status, all at the same time. It may have been studied but the effects on these nuts on the plasma level of nutrients, polyphenols and biomarkers of antioxidant status need more in-depth and expanded research. The postprandial effect of pecan nut and walnut ingestion to the plasma level of nutrients, polyphenolic compounds and biomarkers of the antioxidant status will also be explained. With this in-depth study, the audience will be able to understand the ingestion effects of the said nuts to their bodily functions. Evaluation on the effects of pecan nut and walnut consumption to the bioavailability of the polyphenols and antioxidant status in decreasing or lowering incidence of cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases and others, will help in the understanding the researched topic. This will also include the role in maintaining oxidative balance which protects the body against diseases on in vivo changes in lipid peroxidation and antioxidant markers. Addtionally, the time trend of plasma total polyphenol level before and after pecan nuts and walnuts consumption in obtaining plasma peak concentration will also be tackled. Consequently, the audience will have a better understanding on these that will lead to healthier and happier living conditions. The benefits of these may be of good or bad, but with an in-depth learning process and understanding the audience will be able to maximize the good benefits of pecan nuts and walnuts and probably to other foods that are being ingested. Introduction Pecan nuts or carya illinoences are very popular and are abundant since 8,000 years ago. Fossils of the nuts are found in streams and irrigations along Texas and some part of Mexico (Products-Pecans, 2004). Among the other nuts, pecans are the most valuable and the only nut that is naturally grown in North America. Pecan nuts are moniceous. The tree is self-fertilizing and hermaphrodite. It is closely related to hickories. This nut contains allelopathic juglone which is toxic or poisonous to other plants (Ball, 2001). There are also several varieties of pecans according to their color, size and quantity of meat. Example of these varieties are; Cape Fear, Stuart, Mahan, Elliot, Mohawk, Gloria Grande, etc. Pecan nut sizes depend on the variety, age of tree, size of the crop and moisture condition. They thrive healthier in conditions on the southern part wherein there are long and warm days and nights. Pecans are said to be mature if the shuck loosens and the nut shell splits up and opens. They also get diseases. Of the most common disease for pecan nuts is the scab that causes black spots in the leaves and nuts and malformation of the nuts (Pecan Trees, 2006). Its nutrition information indicates that pecan nuts are rich in fat, calories, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, folate and other proximate, vitamins and minerals (Pecans, 2007). Walnuts or juglans regia, on the other hand, are believed to originate in Persia which is cultivated in Europe, North America, North Africa and East Asia. Walnuts are deciduous trees and like pecans are also moniceous. There are several varieties of walnuts, example of these are; Hartley, Franquette, Payne and Eureka (Walnuts, 2007). Walnuts best thrive in California wherein there are warm summers and cold winters. They are usually free from diseases and insects. Walnut nutritional information indicates that it is rich in calories, fat, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, folate and other proximate, vitamins and minerals. Pecan nuts and walnuts are said to be good sources of nutritional supplement needed by the body. Pecan nuts are rich source of oleic acid, a monosaturated fatty acid that helps in reducing bad cholesterol or LDL. It is also a good source of 19 vitamins and minerals, vitamin E, 18 essential amino acids, and fiber (Products-Pecans, 2004). It contains antioxidant properties which slows the oxidation of bad cholesterol. Pecans help in increasing vitamin E level that helps in the health of prostate and intestines. On the other hand, walnuts are rich in linoleic acid which contributes to the level of polyunsaturated fat in the body. Polyunsaturated fat helps in reducing bad cholesterol in the body. However, large consumption of polyunsaturated fat can also reduce good cholesterol which consequently will lead to the reduction of the bad cholesterol (LDL) (Alberich, 2007, p. 2). Another good benefit of pecan nuts and walnuts is that they contain phytochemical called ellagic acid. Ellagic acids help in the triggering certain process, apoptosis, that helps in killing cancer cells by themselves (Ten Healthy Foods, 2002). Nut consumption reduces the risk of cardiovascular disorders. Life expectancy is also prolonged without bouts of coronary problems (Alberich, 2007, p. 3). Pecan nuts is the best source of antioxidants, which in effect lowers the risk of heart diseases and certain cancers due to the presence of phytochemicals (Pecans and Your Health, 2007). Research Questions Are there any increase in plasma polyphenol concentration after consumption of pecan nuts and walnuts? When is the peak concentration of polyphenols in plasma after consumption of pecan nuts and walnuts? Is there an increase in plasma antioxidant capacity after consumption? Literature Review Pecan nuts and walnuts are the types of nuts that are prominent in America. These nuts are used in varied nut-containing meals. The pecan nut in particular, is an endemic tree in America. These nuts contain more than enough proximate, vitamins and minerals and other chemicals that in effect give good boost to the bodily functions. They are considered good food that helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases and certain cancers. Nuts like macadamia nuts, almonds, hazel nuts and peanuts are rich in monounsaturated fats while walnuts are rich in polyunsaturated fats. Essentially, walnuts are rich in either N-3 and N-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids or PUFAs. Walnut consumption is said to reduce the plasma triglycerol and bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body (Almario, et al., 2001). Pecan nuts on the other hand, contain 60% polyunsaturated fatty acid and 30% monounsaturated fatty acids (Pecan Offers Good Nutrition, 2002). Antioxidant is a substance that reduce oxidative damage that are caused by free radicals which are highly reactive that attacks molecules by capturing electrons that modifies chemical structure in the body (Medterms, 2007). Pecan nuts and walnuts are said to be rich in antioxidants. According to the USDA Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center, pecan nut has the highest antioxidant capacity among the nuts due to its significant content of vitamin E (Pecans FAQ, 2007). Pecan nut is rich in a particular vitamin E which is the gamma tocopherol. The vitamin E content of the pecan nut is said to have reduce the incidence of heart diseases. A study was conducted by the Loma Linda University in California that had attested to the said proposition. It was conducted through a series of test involving 23 men and women ages 25 to 55. After the conduct of the study, it was confirmed that cholesterol-adjusted plasma gamma-tocopherol increased by 10.1% after eating pecan nut diet. The vitamin E content helps in the protection of fat content from oxidation of lipids by 7.4%. Gamma-tocopherol and alpha-tocopherol have the same functions. They both affects low density lipoprotein oxidation, superoxide activity, platelet aggregation ox-LDL-mediated activation of nuclear factor-kappaB, apoptosis and arterial thrombogenesis. They also increase nitric oxide (NO) generation and activity of the enzyme NO synthase. Nevertheless, gamma tocopherol is more potent in all its functions and increases the cNOS protein expression (The Vitamin E Factor, 2007). According to Dr. Ella Haddad (August 2006), lead author of the study, pecan consumption increases the gamma-tocopherol concentration in the blood, therefore, reduce lipid oxidation marker (Douaud, 2007). Another test result established in the observation is that certain phytochemicals found in pecan nuts protect the high level of unsaturated fats. It is self-protective due to high vitamin E or tocopherol content and complex phytonutrients with its ability to slow down oxidation process. Oxidation in the blood is harmful to one’s health because when the bad cholesterol was oxidized, it will build up and may result to arteriosclerosis (Pecan Nut-enriched Diet†¦, 2007). Another study conducted by Wanda Morgan (March 2000) explains that the bad cholesterol (LDL), as well as the total cholesterol level decreases by 6% after consumption of pecan nuts. The outcome was concluded after the experimentation was conducted to 19 men and women with normal blood lipids level. The result showed that those who ingested pecan nuts – although consumed food with monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats – did not gain weight and lowers the bad cholesterol and total cholesterol level in the body. Pecan nuts also increase the fiber nutrient intake in the body. Heart–healthy diets with pecan nuts are said to help control specific biomarkers of the heart diseases effectively. It also increases level of dietary fiber, thiamine, magnesium, copper and manganese. Essentially, it transforms inadequate copper and magnesium intake to adequate. This observation and conclusion was presented by the Texas AM University to the American Heart Association Conference on Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology last May 2001. Another research conducted by the University of Georgia concluded that plant sterols are natural in pecans, 90% of which are in the form of beta-sitosterol. Beta-sitosterol competes with the absorption of cholesterol in the body, therefore, lowers the blood cholesterol level. Other health benefits of pecans are as follows; serving of 30g pecan nuts provide 25% more of oleic acid; it is cholesterol free; it is sodium-free; it is fiber-rich; it contains concentrated amount of sterols; and contains phytochemicals (Pecans Offer Good Nutrition, 2002). Furthermore, pecans are rich with vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, folic acid, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin B and zinc. It is also rich in high-quality protein that contains very few carbohydrates and no cholesterol. In addition, pecan nuts aid in weight loss and maintenance due to increase metabolic rates and enhance satiety, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published in September 2003 (Pecans and Your Health, 2007). On the study based on the step I and II diets wherein the respondents are on a pecan-diet and control diet group, showed that the pecan-enriched group had lowered the thiobarbituric substance (TBARS) by 7.4% which indicates a non-plasma antioxidant effect (Nuts and Antioxidants, 2007). Walnuts, on the other hand, contain sufficient substance that helps boost a healthy body, one of which is the presence of antioxidants. Many substances also contributed to the antioxidant activity brought about by the walnuts, these are the following: melatonin, ellagic acid, gamma tocopherol, carotenoids and polyphenolic compounds. (California Walnuts†¦, 2007). Melatonin is a hormones in humans in the pineal glands. It is associated in inducing and regulating sleep. Amount of melatonin in walnut is said to be 2.5 to 45 nanograms per  gram. In theory, melatonin in walnuts may reduce the incidence of cancer, delay or lessen  severity of neurodegenerative diseases, and reduce severity of cardiovascular diseases (cited in Reiter, 2007). With the high content of melatonin in walnuts, it was said that the level of resistance for oxidative stress caused by toxic molecules increases. Presence of antioxidants in walnuts reduces the oxidation level of bad cholesterol (LDL) and arteriosclerotic process. Because of walnut consumption, the risk of cardiovascular disease decreases due to the lowering of the cholesterol level (Salvado, 2002) and it also reduce several molecules that promotes arteriosclerosis. There are several positive effects that may be attributed to this. It lowers the   level of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation; it increases the level of protective omega 3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); and   decreases level of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-selectin that are the components in the adhesion of the endothelium (Walnuts, 2007). A study was conducted to prove that the walnuts are beneficial to the heart. On this study – comparing effects between Mediterranian diet to adjusted Mediterranian diet – it was proven that consuming monounsaturated-dense walnuts has favorable effects to the high cholesterol level and cardiovascular risks. It was also proven that the walnuts are rich in omega 3 essential fatty acids, and, walnuts are the only nut containing this health benefit. Omega 3 is beneficial to health because it prevents erratic heart rhythm, less susciptability to blood clots in the arteries, improves ratio of good cholesterol (HDL) against bad cholesterol (LDL) and reduce inflammation helpful in asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis. Omega 3 is said to be a brain food . The brain contains 60% structural fats and this particular fat is actually found in the omega 3 of the walnuts. Some neurodegenerative diseases like Alzhiemers can be prevented by walnut intake, since this disease is caused by increasing inability of aging organism to protect from inflammation and oxidative stress. Walnut extract restrains amyloid-beta protein aggregation and breaks apart preformed aggregates. Two other components of walnuts, the ellagic acids and the gallic acids act as a dual-inhibitor of the enzyme acytelcholinesterase. Acytelcholine is a chemical in the brain responsible for the memory and learning. With Alzhiemers disease, acytelcholine is depleted (James, 2007). Some epidemiological studies suggests that depression can be associated with the lowering of omega 3 content in the body and so with the association of ADHD in children to the low intake of omega 3 fatty acids. This also help in the protection of the bones. Alpha-linolenic acid helps stabilize the ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 in the body which   prevents excessive bone turnover. Consuming omega 3-rich diet containing 17% polyunsaturated fatty acids, of which 10.5% is omega 6 and 6.5% is omega 3, resulted in the lower blood level of N-telopeptides, marker of bone breakdown, correlates with that of the marker of inflammation called necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Moreover, it was also proven that walnuts increases the artery elasticity by 64% and reduces the vascular cell adhesion molecules. Researchers also reported that consumption of walnuts increases flow in the bracial artery in the arm by 24%. Another substance beneficial   in the reduction in cardiovascular risk contributed by walnut consumption is the presence of L-arginine. L-arginine is an essential amino acid that is converted to nitric oxide (NO) which helps the inner walls of the arteries become smooth and allows it to relax (Walnuts, 2007). Walnut consumption increases L-arginine 0.9 to 1.4 g/d. Endothelial functions increases without cardiovascular risks after L-arginine supplementation. It was explained that substituting walnuts for other monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in the Mediterranian diet can be associated with the improved endothelial functions to people with hypercholesterolemia (Ros, et al, 2004). As to the hypocholesterolaemiant effect and increase in LDL-receptor activity, walnut is said to stabilizes the body weight and modifies the distribution of the   lipids between the various lipoproteins in the plasma without changes in the concentration of the plasmatic lipids (Alberich, 2007, p.6). According to Cortess (2004) study, proving that walnuts which are rich in antioxidant, L-arginine, alpha-linolenic acid and omega 3, thus, has an acute favorable effect on vasoactivity and that postprandial endothelial function of the brachial artery and markers of oxidation and endothelial activiation. It was concluded that walnuts reverse the impairment of endothelial functions, positively affects postprandial vasoactivity and improved brachial artery vasoactivity. The experimentation also shows that vasoactivity can be attributed to the presence of other cardioprotective constituents of walnuts like the L-arginine, antioxidants and alpha-linolinec acid on the endothelial functions. Although walnuts are very rich in  polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), it does not promote lipid peroxidation. Additionally, although walnuts are rich in vitamin E or gamma-tocopherol, it does not promote increase in plasma level after consumption. On the other hand, walnut consumption counteracted the detrimental changes in the flow mediated dilation (FMD) after consuming fatty foods. Increased in alpha-linolenic acid also improves the flow mediated dilation due to increased membrane fluidity of endothelial cells promoting enhanced synthesis and release of nitric oxide. Furthermore, unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants in walnuts preserve the protective phenotype of the endothelial cells. Ellagic acids which is present in both pecan nuts and walnuts play an important role in the antioxidation component of both nuts. Antioxidant mechanism of ellagic acids help in   scavenging of oxygen gas (O2), OH, peroxy radical, peroxynitrite, chemopreventive, antiviral, and antibacterial. It enhances GSH-dependent protection. Additionally, it also decreases the activities of cytochrome P450 particularly CYP2E1, In vitro studies, ellagic acid is more potent than the alpha-tocopherol (Devipriya, et al. 2007, p.8). Ellagic acid is a polyphenolic compounds that prevents binding of carcinogens to DNA, strengthen connective tissues, it inhibits mutation within the cells DNA and ability to cause apoptosis or the self-annihilation of cancer cells (Ellagic Acid Cancer Treatment, 2007). The highest or peak concentration of polyphenolic compounds in walnuts are found in the pellicle, the thin tan-brown skin that lines the meat of the nut.   Plasma polyphenols concentration in walnuts are basically rich in its kernel. It contains a number of nonflavaloid phenolics. English walnut pellicle extract contains at least ten plasma polyphenols, including ellagic acids, gallic acids, methyl gallate, etc. One serving of 50g of walnuts   extract contains 802 mg gallic acid equivalents (GEA) of phenols and 50g of pecan nuts extract contains 500 mg gallic acid equivalents (GEA). As per the assessment of Anderson, et al. (November 2001), walnut extract has more antioxidants than alpha-tocopherol and ellagic acid and gallic acid are more potent than alpha-tocopherol according to the trolox equivalent activity capacity (TEAC). Difference between the extract and purified compounds can be explained by the presence phenolic compounds as complexes of hydrolyzable tannins that results in lower antioxidant activity and that it may contain compounds that do not have trolox equivalent activity capacity (TEAC) as high as purified ellagic acid or another thing is that antioxidant activity may be lost during extraction. Hydrolyzable tannins are metal complexing agents compared with simple ellagic acid. In some vivo studies, walnut consumptions reduces the bad cholesterol (LDL) and total cholesterol level, however, it does not change the LDL alpha-tocopherol level or resist oxidation when initiated ex vivo. The favorable lipid profile pf walnuts had been propose as the mechanism for apparent antiatherogenic effect to humans. The fatty acids of walnuts are prone to oxidation where in fact the pellicle sorrounding the kernel is rich in antioxidant polyphenols and tocopherol in the kernel. Ten polyphenol is present in the pellicle extract including the monomers ellagic acids, gallic acids and methyl gallate. The in viro data on polyphenolic-rich walnut extract demonstrate potent antioxidant capacity with plasma and bad cholesterol (LDL) lipids. This contributes to the understanding of the dietary-derived polyphenolics participation in the complex antioxidant network (Anderson, 2001). Other contribution of walnuts to ones health is the prevention or control in the risk of having diseases aside from mentioned previously. The prevention and control of high blood pressure can be attributed to the consumption of walnuts. The International Study on Macro and Micro Nutrients and Blood Pressure conducted a study proving that polyunsaturated fatty acids and omega 3 present in walnuts decreases or stabilizes the blood pressure compare to those who do not eat it. Hirutsugu Ueshima, lead author, said: With blood pressure, every millimeter counts. The effect of each nutrient is apprently  small but independent, so together they can add up to a substantial impact on blood   pressure. If you can reduce blood pressure a few millimeters from eating less salt,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   losing few pounds, avoid heavy drinking, eating more vegetables, whole grains and   fruits (for their fiber, minerals, vegetable protein and other nutrients) and getting more    omega 3 fatty acids, then youve made a big difference. (Walnuts, 2007). Walnuts also improved cholesterol profile to those individuals with type 2 diabetes. This can  be attributed to the presence of monounsaturated fats, omega 3 fatty acids, alpha-linolinec acids, 16 antioxidants phenols, vitamin E, ellagic and gallic acids. Walnuts lowers risk of weight gain. According to a study conducted in Spain, consumption of walnuts reduces the risk of gaining weight by 31% than not eating walnut at all (Walnuts, 2007). Incorporating walnuts in the diet is less likely to gain weight than weight gain during withdrawing of walnuts in the diet (Sabate, et al, 2005).   Walnuts are energy-giving food but it does not contributes to weight gain. According to research in Harvard, healthy fat, fibers and proteins in walnuts are affective satiety during dieting (Walnuts and Weight, 2007). A possible explaination for this is because polyunsaturated fatty acids causes less weight gain than saturated fatty acids, instead, plasma linoeic acid and linolinec acid both increases. The eicosapentaenoic acid, on the other hand, did not increase as well, therefore, the triacylglycerol concentration does not have any modifications. During experimentation, the lack of modifications or alteration of the triacylglycerol concentration may be attributed to several factors like; respondents may have combined hyperlipidemia, may be due to old age or that consumption may contain more polyunsaturated fats than monounsaturated fats (Almario, 2001).