SQUALENE-TREASURE OF THE DEEP

“The answer to good health is prevention by anticipation and not by reaction. This means avoiding illness through proper diet including the right use of supplements, a clean environment, exercise and sleep.”

“The secret of deep-sea shark liver extract has been woven in legends carried for centuries in Japan. It has been noted in the ancient book on typical Chinese remedies written as far back as the Ming Dynasty. Now, modern research has confirmed the deep-sea shark liver oil's beneficial effects on health.”
(page 5)

“Dr. Tsujimoto and the others who are credited with the scientific discovery of squalene were primarily interested in the industrial benefits of the hydrocarbon.
It was Doctor Keijiro Kogami who began espousing the health-giving benefits of squalene. Graduated in 1918 from the Tokyo Imperial University, college of Medicine, Dr. Kogamy spent a lifetime of research at the Nakano National Tuberculosis Treatment Center, at the Tokyo Imperial University. In 1930, Doctor Kogami turned his attention to squalene and began biochemical experiments and research. Five years later, around 1935, he began injecting squalene into tuberculosis patients. This treatment made sense since squalene is a natural microbicide, although not as potent as antibiotics. Dr. Kogami conducted the most extensive research and tests on squalene. Dr. Kogami's success resulted in the establishment of his own hospital in Tokyo, the Kogami Hospital at Yotsua.
Dr. Kogami is considered a pioneer in the practical application of squalene throughout Japan and the world, having conducted the earliest and most extensive tests on squalene for medical health applications. Among the doctor's notable studies and findings were extensive tests proving that squalene is completely harmless to the cells of the human body. He was also the first to signify and prove its dietary value. More importantly, his laboratory experiments showed squalene's ability to hinder the growth of the tubercle bacillus. This was the first experiment that proved squalene's inherent action as a powerful natural and safe bactericide, as will be discussed more thoroughly in chapter three. Our tests conducted by Dr. Kogami included tests on skin diseases, diabetes and lung gangrene. Researchers conducted on the sebum cutaneum (secreted skin oil and fat) showed squalene as a vital ingredient. This led the people at Kogami to study the various uses of squalene for the skin. It must be noted, however, that since tuberculosis was raging its ugly head all over Japan, Dr. Kogami's focus was primarily on TB, disregarding the more appropriate use of squalene as a dietary supplement.”
(pages 10-11)

“Squalene is not a magic ill that will solve all your health problems. Many good products like squalene have ended up being considered as “quack” remedies because their benefits and features have been overstated. Others tout them as “miracle cures.” One of the purposes of this book is to present the complete truth about squalene to dispel overstated claims. As I have mentioned before, great health is achieved through a healthy diet, reduced exposure to “free radicals”, a stress-free lifestyle and adequate exercise. Squalene as a supplement is added to this regimen. This is to say that a person who ingests hundreds of squalene capsules will sill not experience great health if the other requirements are not met. However, consider the benefits of squalene: sufficient supply of pure oxygen to your cells, prevention of cell mutation, increased immunity, purifying and anti-aging action. These are valuable reasons to regularly take this God-given natural substance. All it takes is one to three capsules as a dietary supplement.”
(pages 36-37)

“First of all, when using squalene for the face apply to the neck area first to test for the reason that you may be sensitive to it. However, generally, squalene is safe to use and you should not have any problem using it for the other parts of your body. Secondly, be sure your hands and skin are properly cleaned before attempting to apply squalene, bearing in mind that it is readily absorbed by the skin cells. This means that any harmful substance in your hands or environment will be absorbed just as quickly if you do not maintain a level of cleanliness. Thirdly, use only squalene contained in soft gelatine capsules. This ensures that the squalene has not been exposed to the elements, prior to your applying it to your skin.”
(page 45)

“Baby skin is very sensitive. Even ordinary wet diapers can trigger rashes on babies. Countless testimonies have been received on squalene being effective as a baby oil. The reason squalene is better than traditional oil is because of its osmotic feature. Moreover, squalene has an inherent germicidal action that is perfect for protecting baby skin. Being a natural bactericide, it does not kill all the bacteria on the skin. It is important to realize that while there are harmful bacteria, there are also bacteria that help protect the skin. Known as “normal bacteria flora”, they aid in fighting harmful elements that attack the skin. Using very strong bactericides in washing the skin also washes off even the good form of bacteria. If this happens, the harmful bacteria or fungus can grow more easily. This is especially important to baby skin as they have less resistance to bacterial infection.”
(page 96)

“Be sure you apply everything immediately but if there's more of squalene left, don't use it on your skin, you can drink it.”
(page 45)

“If you have a high level of cholesterol in your blood, my advice to you is – DO NOT WORRY! I do not intend to diminish the concern of such a condition. It's just that worrying will not solve the problem, rather only worsen it. The fact is unless such a cholesterol profile is accompanied by other symptoms, a heart attack is certainly not inevitable. According to the data from the Farmingham study of cardiovascular risk, a man who has a similar risk profile has a 6% to 7% probability of developing coronary heart disease in the next eight years. There is no conclusive evidence that drugs that lower cholesterol levels would reduce the probability of death from heart ailment, even after levels are reduced. It is disturbing to see that many people who find out that they have high cholesterol levels react wrongly. Fear and worry cause unnecessary stress and loss of sleep. Unsure of their state of health they tend to stay away from any physical activity or exercise which is really what they need. As a result of health concern degenerates into a more serious disease.
It is important to understand that cholesterol levels vary from season to season, with levels being highest during winter. This could also be due to the kind of food eaten in winter. A diet low in saturated fat and high in fiber can help substantially reduce cholesterol. Oat bran or meal is highly recommended. Note, however, that fiber-rich foods can absorb cholesterol only in the intestines. A diet supplemented with lecithin can help lower cholesterol that has already been absorbed by the body. Aside from changing your diet, you should avid a stressful lifestyle and take up exercise. Personally I believe that the best exercise is one that can be maintained. Brisk walking for 30 to 45 minutes is both relaxing and adequate, if done three times a week. A final tip is: supplement your diet with squalene which aids in increasing your good cholesterol.”
(pages 121-122)

“All over Europe and even in America, more and more doctors are combining ancient medicine and new technology to treat all kinds of diseases from ordinary colds to complicated heart diseases.”
“Dr. Andrew Weil is a 54-year old Harvard-trained physician. He is one among a rapidly growing number of doctors who believe that the future of health management lies in combining Western techniques with ancient therapies such as herbalism and acupuncture. He says, “By uniting philosophies that have been separate for a long time, health care will be completely transformed.” Surgeons have long realized that patients suffering from the same sickness may have different symptoms and reactions. They have long realized that a patient's health is very much related to his emotions. Two patients who suffer from blood circulation blockages may have completely different symptoms. One may not show any symptom whatsoever, while the other may be hospitalized earlier with several unrelated symptoms. The difference is the level of stress each one may be susceptible to. The level of stress can cause vessel spasms which may trigger various symptoms. Once again, learned science and technology may not provide the only answers.
I believe that in the future a combination of both science and natural methods will be used to solve our problems. It is sad to find that in the area of environmental protection, the scientist and the naturalist also find themselves in opposite camps. It is as if one can solve the problem alone. Rather that cooperating they end up shooting at each other down. The scientist must realize that science was never meant to disprove nature but to validate it. The naturalist must realize that science is not the enemy but the positive partner meant to support and at times even enhance nature. I believe the future will be a cooperation. In time as science alone fails and as nature alone cannot remedy, more and more will realize the value of cooperation. I believe that as more and more people validate the truth about squalene, it will be at the forefront of this future development. An invaluable gift of the natural deep discovered, extracted and encapsulated by science.
I believe the future will have an array of products that will combine science and nature. The great philosopher Voltaire once said “Everyone should be his own physician. We ought to assist, not force the nature.” The scientist cannot dispense of nature too quickly and must realize that at some point a Universal God created all things and established a grand design of order. The naturalist must realize that science is necessary to validate this design. The future must be a cooperation. Hopefully, one that will lead to mankind's better state of health.”
(pages 138-139)

COMMON QUESTIONS (pages 143-146)

1. Q. Can I take squalene with other medicine?
   A. First, it is important to understand that squalene is a natural health food (a dietary supplement) and not medicine. There is no harm in ingesting it when taking medicine.
2. Q. Is squalene good and safe for children, and what are its benefits to them?
   A. A prodigious amount of cellular reproduction through fission occurs in infants and children. Their brisk cellular activities require much oxygen. Thus, squalene is good for children. Squalene is completely safe for children at a dosage of one to two capsules daily as a dietary supplement.
3. Q. Is squalene good for pregnant women?
   A. Yes. Pregnancy is most critical period when squalene is much needed. The embryo-fetus grows at an explosive rate, from one cell-reproducing fission to three kilos or more in nine months. Pregnant women play a vital role in supporting this cellular activity which is most important before a baby is born.
4. Q. Can squalene take the place of vitamins?
   A. No. Squalene and vitamins are substances whose chemical structures and functions completely differ. To substitute one for the other is not feasible. Vitamins have an important role to play and there is a need to take them. However, vitamins do not have squalene's cellular protection, enhancement, activation, sterilizing and oxygen-supplying action.
5. Q. Is squalene found only in sharks?
   A. As explained in Chapter V. Technical Information, squalene is found in certain types of animals and plants as well. However, they are present in them in very minimal quantities. The dogfish (deep-sea shark) is found to have the greatest amount of pure grade squalene in its liver. Olives, avocado, eggplant, chicken meat, parmesan cheese and tuna meat all have squalene at minute concentrations.
6. Q. Is there such thing as having an “overdose” of squalene?
   A. It depends on what you mean by “overdose”. If you mean the type that results when one takes chemical drugs, then the answer is no. If by “overdose” you mean like overeating on a certain type of food, the answer is yes. Chemical drugs can have very serious side effects when overdose is experienced. To overeat on peanuts or tomatoes may cause some indigestion or loose bowel movement, but the harm is not comparable to overdosing on chemical drugs. Remember that squalene is a natural food supplement that is readily flushed out by the body in case of an overdose.
7. Q. Since squalene is an oil, will it not cause one to be overweight?
   A. No. The amount of calories in one capsule (450 mg.) is minimal. Even if a person were to take 3 capsules daily, this would not be enough to cause someone to be overweight. Overweight would not be enough to cause someone to be overweight. Overweight is usually caused by overeating. Curbing food intake is the solution accompanied by exercise.
8. Q. Isn't the shark an endangered species?
   A. No.
9. Q. If squalene is the precursor to cholesterol, will regular intake increase my over-all cholesterol levels?
   A. Not necessarily. At the rate of 2 to 3 450 mg capsules per day the corresponding cholesterol conversion is minute. More important to understand is that there is some confusion about dietary cholesterol and blood cholesterol. Fact is cholesterol is a very broad term.

SQUALENE: SHARED BY SHARKS AND OLIVES

“What, I'm sure you'd like to know, does the humble and beneficent olive have in common with the ferocious shark? Nothing much, apart from uniquely high levels of a substance called squalene.

Let's turn from squalene for just one moment. The really interesting direction from which to approach this whole subject is to ask why a high consumption of olive oil is associated with a sharp drop in levels of breast cancer and probably several other types of cancer. In Greece, women take approximately 40 per cent of their caloric intake from fat. That was the level American women were at until a slight decline in recent years. Contrary to any simplistic theory about the relationship of fat consumption to breast cancer, however, Greek women have only one-third of incidence of breast cancer of American women. That isn't the end of the good news for Greek women. Those among them who consume olive oil more than once a day have a further reduction of 25 percent of their breast cancer risk. This phenomenon is not confined to Greece. Most of the major olive-consuming countries surrounding the Mediterranean show a similar pattern. A study done in Spain showed a reduced breast cancer risk in women consuming the most olive oil. Similar research in Italy suggests that olive oil exerts protective effects; the edible oil consumed by Italians is olive oil about 80 percent of the time. An Italian study done in 1990 also showed decreased incidence of pancreatic cancer in people who consumed the most olive oil.

The protective effect of olive oil had been thought to be due to the high proportion of it (72 percent) that comes from the monosaturated fatty acid oleic acid. This fatty acid is also found in beef and poultry (45 percent of fat) as well as in other vegetable oils, such as corn, palm, soybean, and sunflower seed. And many of these other fats and oils rich in oleic acids have accidentally shown association with greater risk of cancer. This has caused scientists to look at squalene. Nearly 1 percent of the content of olive oil is squalene. That's a uniquely high concentration compared to what is found in the other fats and oils that human beings commonly consume. In fact, food regulatory parameters use squalene concentration to determine the purity of olive oil.

That squalene should be the good guy really doesn't come as a surprise. Studies have shown that this nutritional precursor has anti-cancerogenic affects for which we seem to have a very good explanation. It inhibits skin cancers in laboratory animals caused by the potent cancerogenic bemzoprene. In other research, animals were protected from breast cancer, and it may be that we know the mechanism of this protection. Squalene has been found to inhibit (by 80 percent!) an enzyme called HMGcoA - reductase that – after various chemical conversions – makes possible the activation of the ras oncogene.

Oncogenes, by the way, are rather special genes that generally remain latent, or unactivated, throughout our lives. They never cause us problems unless they are activated, and then they will tend to push you strongly toward cancer.

The ras oncogene is quite an infamous culprit in cancer studies. It has been shown to have an association with many types of cancers, including melanoma, colon, breast, and pancreas. If squalene protects us, as it seems to, this may be why. Please note: the average squalene intake in the United States is only 30 milligrams a day. In Greece, Italy, with their vastly higher olive oil consumption, squalene intake is usually in the range of 200 to 400 milligrams a day.

All of this evidence points a finger squarely at squalene. There are very good logical reasons suggesting that it should be protective against cancer. Animal studies from countries that border the Mediterranean are giving strong indications that this hypothetical protection is very real. I can recommend only two steps. First, incorporate olive oil in your diet. Learn to cook with it. It is by far the healthiest cooking oil in common use. Once you grow accustomed to it, start using it on your salads. In your household, we use nothing but. I suggest you use virgin or extra virgin olive oil, as these are made from the first pressing of the olive and are nutritionally richer. My second recommendation, based on all the evidence in this chapter, is that you add shark liver oil to your list of nutritional supplements. The combination of AKGs and extra squalene that it will put in your diet will be formidably health enhancing.”
(Dr. John Maras)

Possible benefits of squalene:
-brain tumors
-beast tumors
-prostate tumors
-colon tumors
-infections
(Dr. John Maras)