August's Feature Article!

Written by: Heng Qian Wen

Diagram 1. Fresh ABM mushroom

Cancer, as terrifying as it sounds, is a very common disease nowadays which affects humans as well as animals. Well, look on the bright side, we have Agaricus Blazel Murill (ABM) mushroom! It is one of the most highly regarded cancer fighters among plant foods. This mushroom has been scientifically proven to be effective in boosting immune system and acts as a complement to cancer treatment.

The discovery of the ABM mushroom has led to many research, primarily focused on the anti-tumor properties of beta-1,3 D-glucan and beta-1,6 D-glucan. These polysaccharides aid in the production of T-cells, interferon and interleukin to prevent the reproduction, spread and relapse of cancer cells as well as virus-infected cells. And with that, it has several medicinal effects such as anti-tumour effect, anti-cancer effect, preventive effect, blood glucose reducing effect, blood pressure, cholesterol and arteriosclerosis reducing effect. Besides, it is found to be effective against sigmoid colonic cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer and liver cancer as well as most solid tumors.

Diagram 2. Dried ABM Mushroom

ABM mushrooms are rich in protein, vitamin B₁, B₂ and have other important minerals needed in human body such as sodium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium and iron. Vitamin D₂ which is converted from  ergosterol that is present in this mushroom, is very useful in increasing absorption of calcium in the body. Thus, these nutrients help to protect and strengthen bone health, preventing diseases such as osteoporosis. Research shows that 100g of ABM mushrooms contains 9.65mg of iron, which is by far the highest percentage of iron found among plant foods. On top of that, until today no known side effects has been linked to the consumption of this mushroom.

In a nutshell, ABM mushroom is very effective in preventing cancer as it is scientifically proven that it eliminates 90% of the cancer cells. Without a doubt, cancer sufferers will have a slight hope in surviving cancer and pull themself out of this devastated tragedy by consuming this mushroom.

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Arakane Refugee Centre - Outreach Programme

Refugee children are among some who suffer innocently as a bleak future awaits them. This, is essentially what motivated us to pursue this outreach programme. So far, we have visited the centre once on the 1^st of August 2012, but we are making this a monthly effort to effectively make a difference to these children! 

There were a total of 11 people who participated in the visit. One of our students, Annie Cheng participated as the translator. 

From what we have seen, the standard of their English is about the equivalent of some Standard Five students here in Malaysia. Communicating with them is difficult because they normally speak in their native language and they have very poor learning equipments there. Hand gestures in addition to talking offer great help in communicating with them! *waves happily*

*Look at how adorable they are!* 

Ice breaking session with Steve! 

And of course we have this fun group photo too! :)))

What we have done so far was just ice breaking, besides also getting to know them. Lessons are to start in the next visit and all of us are getting excited to meet them again! We sure hope that they will all warm up to us and that eventually we will be able to help them learn and flourish into talented individuals. =D

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