Current Health News and Studies About Nutrition and ExercisePage 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 5 Page 6 January 30, 2009: a recent study carried out by Dr. David C. Christiani of the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston found that children who eat processed meat are 74 percent more likely to develop leukemia than children who eat more veggies and avoid these meats. The results of this study was published in the journal BMC Cancer.Processed meats contain the chemical sodium nitrite which previous studies have shown is linked to colorectal and pancreatic cancers. Sodium nitrite is added to meats to give them visual appeal. You will find sodium nitrite in meats such as bacon, sausage, and hot dogs (Read The Dangers of Red Meat for related information.) February 10, 2009: you can choose alternatives to common foods which will take your health to the next level; below I will rate a handful of common foods good, better, best. Beef. Note: 92 percent lean means that the beef contains 8 percent of fat by weight. BETTER- Organic Beef. Organic beef signifies that the cows have not been given antibiotics, hormones, or fed grain that was grown with the aid of pesticides. (See also...) Note: organic is not the same as natural. BEST- Grass-Fed Beef. Though more expensive, grass-fed beef is the most nutritious of all. Due to their diet of grass, these cows have double the vitamin E content as conventional cows, is high in CLA, and 60 percent more omega-3 fatty acids. FISH. BETTER- Halibut. Halibut has considerably more omega-3 than tilapia BEST- Salmon. one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids; a diet which includes fatty fish like salmon has been linked to lower heart disease, stroke, and diabetes risk. Choose wild over farm-raised because it is lower in PCBs, dioxins, and other toxins. VEGETABLES. BETTER- Watercress. a study conducted by the University of Ulster in the United Kingdom found that watercress has been associated with diminished cellular DNA damage (can lead to cancer.) BEST- Spinach. rich in iron; studies from the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary links spinach with a reduced risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. SNACKS. BETTER- Peanuts. peanuts has as much protein as 1/2 cup of black beans; a handful contains as much as 7 grams of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. A study from the Harvard School of Public Health discovered that women who ate peanuts and peanut butter at least 5 times a week reduced their risk of developing type 2 diabetes up to 27 percent. BEST- Almonds. David Katz, MD, director of the Yale Prevention Research center, says the following of almonds, "...they're (almonds) one of the most nutritious nuts around." One study found that almonds together with a heart-healthy diet reduced LDL cholesterol as much as a statin drug did. DRIED FRUIT. BETTER- Dried Apricots. 1/2 cup of dried apricots have the daily recommended amount of vitamin A and as much fiber as two slices of whole wheat bread. February 13, 2009: Alzheimer's disease is on the increase; it has grown over 1200 percent in the past 20 years and America has fully one-fourth of the globe's Alzheimer's cases! Help may be on the way to actually prevent this dreaded disease. Researchers from the University of California at San Diego have discovered proof that a natural protein called BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) is able to not only treat, but prevent the on-set of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers used a variety of laboratory animals in their studies. They injected BDNF directly into the animals brain memory circuits. BDNF stimulated the cells and prevented them from dying from the underlying disease. According to lead researcher Mark Tuszynski, MD, PhD, "In each case, when compared with control groups not treated with BDNF, the treated animals demonstrated significant improvement in the performance of a variety of learning and memory tests. Notably, the brains of the treated animals also exhibited restored BDNF gene expression, enhanced cell size, improved cell signaling, and activation of function in neurons that would otherwise have degenerated,compared to untreated animals. These benefits extended to the degenerating hippocampus where short-term memory is processed, one of the first regions of the brain to suffer damage in Alzheimer’s disease.” Dr. Tuszynski also stated that BDNF can prevent and reverse Alzheimer's disease independently of amyloid plaque tangles. Aerobic exercise can boost the body's production of BDNF. And as far as nutrients are concerned, pantethine provides the basic compound cysteamine that nerve cells need to make BDNF. Also, acetyl-l-carnitine, fish oil, blueberries, and curcumin assist in helping to make BDNF or stop it from declining. February 14, 2009: a new study associates migraine headaches with large waistlines; according to this study which will be revealed at the American Academy of Neurology's 61st Annual Meeting in Seattle, April 25 to May 2, 2009, men and women who are overweight and between the ages of 20 and 55 may have an elevated risk of experiencing migraine headaches. The study's participants numbered 22,211 men and women who were asked if they suffered from migraines or severe headaches. Parameters used were body mass index which measures body size by relating height to weight and total waist circumference. Age, gender, and the distribution of body fat affected the risk of developing migraines. February 18, 2009: Dr. David Frawely, founder and director of the American Institute for Vedic Studies in Santa Fe, New Mexico, says this of turmeric, "If I had only one single herb to depend upon for all possible health and dietary needs, I would without much hesitation choose the Indian spice Turmeric. There is little it cannot do in the realm of healing and much that no other herb is able to accomplish. Turmeric has a broad spectrum of actions, mild but certain effects, and is beneficial for long term and daily usage. Though it is a common spice, few people, including herbalists know of its great value and are using it to the extent possible. It is an herb that one should get to know and live with." How beneficial is turmeric? Following is a list of researched benefits: Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory. It contains curcuminoids, plant based nutrients which exhibit antioxidizing properties. Curcuminoids are effective against cancer, arthritis, and Alzheimer's disease. What makes turmeric such a powerful antioxidant, i.e. anti-inflammatory, is a substance called curcumin. Curcumin is the natural ingredient which gives turmeric its characteristic yellowish-orange color. It has been estimated that 100 grams of turmeric contains anywhere from three to five grams of curcumin. In India where turmeric is used extensively, four types of cancer common in the United States is 10 times lower: breast, prostate, colon, and lung. Prostate cancer, which is the number one type of cancer in American men, is rare in India. Researchers partially attribute this to the large consumption of turmeric. Turmeric supports liver, brain, and heart function. Professor Moolky Nagabhushan of the Loyola Medical Center located in Chicago, Illinois has been studying turmeric for the past 20 years. He thinks that turmeric can shield the body from dangerous environmental and in turn protect against the development against childhood leukemia. Research reveals that turmeric may also provide protection against: Some have pointed out that curry powder contains very little curcumin; so it is advised that you look for the turmeric spice itself. It can also be purchased as a supplement. February 19, 2009: evidence exists that milk and milk products may interfere with the body's ability to absorb antioxidants. Antioxidants are natural substances such as vitamin E which protects the body against destructive free radicals; researchers in Germany conducted a test to see what milk would do to the heart protective capabilities of tea. Sixteen healthy women were chosen for the tea study. They were given one-half liter of freshly brewed black tea or black tea with 10 percent skimmed milk or boiled water at three different times. Black tea improved the arteries' ability to relax and expand which suggests positive cardiovascular health. However when milk was added to the tea, the cardiovascular effect was not there. The proteins in milk known as caseins were responsible for nullifying the beneficial effects of the antioxidant polyphenols. The caseins bind to polyphenols, especially a catechin known as EGCG, and makes them ineffective. Dr. Robert Vogel who is a professor of medicine at the University of Maryland says that tea is one of the greatest providers of antioxidants. In countries where a lot of tea is drunk, heart disease rates are low. This is not true in the British Isles where milk is commonly added to tea. It has been reported that milk blocks the antioxidants in blueberries too. Although not laboratory tested, milk is thought to similarly block polyphenols in other fruits and vegetables. February 27, 2009: there has always been a continuing debate as to which type of diet is best for weight loss-high fat versus low fat, how much protein to eat, etc. What is not controversial however is the fact that any diet must include healthy foods as opposed to refined and junk food. A study looking at 811 obese patients in Massachusetts and Louisiana found out that, "We have a really simple and practical message for people-it's not so much the type of diet you eat, it's how much you put in your mouth," says Dr. Frank Sacks, a professor at Harvard University's School of Medicine and lead author of this new study. This study has been published in the February, 26th issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. All who took part in this study were given at random heart healthy diets which were either high or low fat with average or high protein levels. Their nutrition consisted of high amounts of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Saturated fat naturally found in butter and meat were substituted with fats found in vegetable oils and nuts. Study participants were encouraged to engage in at least 90 minutes of exercise per week. After 6 months on the study's plans, everyone lost approximately 13 pounds of weight; at one year into the plan, study participants regained some of the weight they had lost. After two years, the average weight loss was about 9 pounds. Out of 811 patients, only about 15 percent were able to lose 10 percent or more of the weight they began with. However, everyone, despite the specific plan they were on, lowered their risk of developing diabetes, reduced blood levels of LDL cholesterol and increased HDL cholesterol and overall heart health. One of the study's co-author's had this to say, "People do have to choose heart-healthy foods...I think the beauty of the study is that they have a lot of flexibility in terms of the dietary approach." Dr. Sacks commented that most diet plans call for calorie restriction and a lot of people get hungry and fall off the wagon. In the study, the researchers wanted the participants to eat 750 less calories every day than they burned. They were able to do so for the first few weeks, but by month number six they ate only approximately 225 calories less than they burned. One of the study's co-author's had this to say, "People do have to choose heart-healthy foods...I think the beauty of the study is that they have a lot of flexibility in terms of the dietary approach." Dr. Sacks commented that most diet plans call for calorie restriction and a lot of people get hungry and fall off the wagon. In the study, the researchers wanted the participants to eat 750 less calories every day than they burned. They were able to do so for the first few weeks, but by month number six they ate only approximately 225 calories less than they burned. Lesson learned is that a drastic reduction in calories is unrealistic. Dr. Sacks realized that a more gradual approach was needed. "I think what that teaches us is that maybe it's better to make a more gradual change in intake," says Sacks. "That's what I recommend to my patients: let's try to pick a gradual or realistic reduction in calories that's not going to make you really hungry a lot and that you can sustain day after day." But even with a gradual reduction in calories, a weight loss program may a challenge to keep up. Study after study has shown that sustainable weight loss succeeds more often with support from the community and peers. In this study it was discovered that participants who took advantage of group and personal counseling achieved far greater weight loss than those who did not. Those who attended at least two-thirds of the counseling sessions lost on average 13 pounds more than the average of the entire study population. February 28, 2009: a new report has been released by the World Cancer research Fund saying that over 40 percent of breast and bowel cancers in wealthy nations could be prevented through diet, physical activity, and weight control. Professor Mike Richards, National Clinical Director for cancer says, "After not smoking, it is clear that diet, physical activity and weight control are the most important things people can do to reduce their cancer risk." "We are expecting a substantial increase in cancer rates with the ageing population, obesity rates soaring, and with people becoming less active and increasingly consuming highly processed and energy dense foods and drinks. The good news is that this is not inevitable," says Professor Martin Wiseman, project director. March 2, 2009: can't get your kids to eat their veggies? The problem may be you. Researchers from the St. Louis University School of Public Health found that if parents ate more fruits and vegetables, their children will follow their lead. The study involved 1,306 parents enrolled in the national Parents as Teachers program. Besides the regular program, a little less than half of the parents also took part in the High 5 for Kids program. As a part of this program, researchers made four home visits to teach nutrition, and find means to get their children to eat more fruits and vegetables. Some of the ways used to encourage children to eat more fruits and vegetables was to eat in front of them, and allow the children to make their own selections from among several different types of fruits and vegetables. The researchers found that children of parents who ate more fruits and vegetables ate more fruits and vegetables themselves. And the amount eaten was directly in line with how much more the parents ate. March 2, 2009: There's good news for fish lovers. Although fish is good for you, there has been increasing concern about the levels of mercury. Researchers have found eating tropical fruit like pineapples, bananas, papaya, mango, and guava blocks mercury absorption. Looking at the natives of the Brazilian Amazon who eat fish up to 700 times a year, researchers discovered that the ones who ate tropical fruit at least once a day had 80 percent less mercury buildup. Not knowing exactly what in the tropical fruit results in the reduced mercury buildup, the results are a godsend for fish lovers. March 3, 2009: with consumers becoming more health conscious, and government agencies banning trans fats and requiring restaurants to provide nutrition labeling for their products, fast food chains are providing healthier meals; because of our current recession, more and more families are turning to fast foods as an economical alternative to eating home-cooked meals and going to more expensive eateries. Frances Largeman-Roth, senior food and nutrition editor of Health magazine, did a survey of the ten top fast food restaurants in the United States in terms of healthy alternatives. The survey answers the questions of (1) why they are the healthiest, (2) what the healthiest meals are and (3) what meals to avoid. The fast food chains were scored on such parameters as availability of nutrition information, the use of organic produce, the use of healthy fats and preparations, and the use of sodium counts in entrees. Panera Bread with over 1,230 stores is number one. Panera Bread is a bakery-cafe type eatery. Its offerings surprised the judges at Health magazine. Panera has a comprehensive menu choice for all of its meals. For portion control, they have half-soups, sandwiches, and salads. Almost all of its chicken is antibiotic and hormone-free. Jason's Deli has 206 franchises located in the West, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and the South. It was given second place mainly due to its heavily organic menu. About one-fifth of all the ingredients Jason's Deli uses are organic. Whole wheat wraps, blue corn tortilla chips, field greens, and spinach are some of Jason's offerings. Caution...some sandwiches have high sodium levels. Au Bon Pain has 280 locations nationwide. Pioneering the use of healthy fast foods, Au Bon Pain serves hot entrees, sandwiches, soups, and salads made with whole-grains, veggies, and antibiotic and hormone-free chicken. Noodles and Company includes Asian dishes on its menu; it has 204 locations in the West, Midwest, and the South. Cutting out the typical fast food grease, Noodles and Company uses soybean oil for sauteing. Choices include lean proteins such as hormone and antibiotic-free chicken, beef, shrimp, and organic tofu. This eatery also offers smaller-sized portions. Watch out for the desserts. Corner Bakery Cafe has 111 locations in the West, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and the South. From a health perspective, Corner Bakery Cafe's breakfasts are second to none. Their menu also includes healthy salads, soups, and sandwiches made with whole grains, fresh, lean meats, and veggies. Unique to Corner Bakery Cafe are portion-controlled combinations. Chipotle boasts over 800 locations nationwide. This is a buffet style eatery. It has fresh, locally-grown produce. Chipotle has won praise for its produce purchased from local farms, antibiotic and hormone-free meats, and organic ingredients. Atlantic Bread is located in 24 states in the Southeast, West, and North with 106 franchises. Atlantic Bread features whole-grain bread, fresh sandwiches, and healthy soups and salads. McDonald's has over 14,000 locations nationwide with hundreds more overseas. Health magazine included McDonald's because it is overhauling its menu. They include nutrition information on the back of their tray liners. Happy meals can be ordered with low-fat milk or fruit juice instead of soda and apple dippers (low-fat caramel) in the place of French fries. Fries, by the way, are now fried in a canola-oil blend. The Grilled Chicken Classic sandwich and wrap are healthy choices. McDonald's still provides super-sized entries. Einstein Bros. Bagels has 649 locations nationwide. They offer healthy alternatives to the typical high-carb bagel; reduced fat, shmears, hummus, and peanut butter brings healthy fats to the consumer. Einstein Bros. Bagels also has a Good Grains Bagel with four grams of fiber on its menu. All salads can be ordered half-sized. Beware of their Overstuffed-sized sandwiches. Taco Del Mar has 270 stores in 22 states. Many of their products contain whole-grain. Whole-wheat tortillas are a healthy alternative in Taco Del Mar's burritos. They have banned lard from their beans and bakes fish and taco shells instead of frying them. March 12, 2009: a study has shown that a 2:1 ration of potassium to sodium may reduce the risk of death from cadiovascular disease by 50 percent. The study was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Sodium and potassium have important roles in maintaining the body's water balance and blood pressure. The recommended maximum sodium intake is 2,300 milligrams (mg.) However, Americans consume an average of 4,000 mg of sodium to only 2,600 mg of potassium daily. Excess sodium can cause the body to retain fluid leading to high blood pressure, and even death from heart disease. Fruits and vegetables are great sources of potassium. The standard American diet (SAD), on the other hand, contains too much sodium. March 16,2009: a 14 year study shows that flavonoids may help to control belly fat. Flavonoids, especially catechins, flavonols, and flavones may make the body's metaolic profile more efficient, says the researchers. Study participants received most of their flavonoids from pears, apples, tea, chocolate, broad beans, onions, leeks, and sweet peppers. March 19, 2009: new research has shown that high intakes of trans fatty acids increases a person's risk of developing precancerous colorectal tumors by 86 percent. "These results suggest that consumption of high amounts of trans-fatty acid may increase the risk of colorectal neoplasia [abnormal cell growth], and they provide additional support to recommendations to limit trans-fatty acid consumption," the researchers wrote in the American Journal of Epidemiology. Researchers from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill interviewed 622 people between the years 2001 and 2002 concerning diet and lifestyle. They were then given a complete colonoscopy. Based on the analysis of the collected data, the scientists found that the participants who ate the most trans fats were 86 percent more likely to have colorectal adenomas than the ones who ate the lowest amount. Colorectal adenomas are small, benign tumors or polyops which develop in the colon or rectum that can turn into cancer if not treated. March 20, 2009: a study initiated by TNO Quality of Life in the Netherlands found that cooking reduced levels of sulforaphane in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli by 90 percent; this study was published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. The researchers noted that the "consumption of raw broccoli resulted in faster absorption, higher bioavailability, and higher peak plasma amounts of sulforaphane, compared to cooked broccoli." When study participants were tested, the bioavailibility of sulforaphane in raw broccoli was 37 percent while that in cooked broccoli dropped to an amazing low of only 3.4 percent. It also took the body longer to absorb sulforaphane from the cooked broccoli. Sulforaphane is the major member of the isothiocyanate family. March 24, 2009: all the major television news shows, ABC, CNN, etc., reported on the latest findings by the United States National Cancer Institute. People who ate the highest amount of red and processed meat had a greater risk of developing cancer or heart disease than those who ate lesser amounts. People who ate large amounts usually ate around 160 grams of red or processed meat per day-equivalent to a 6 ounce steak. The more conservative meat-eaters ate about 25 grams of red or processed meat a day. And surprisingly, people who ate the highest proportion of white meat had a lower risk of overall death, and a lower risk o developing cancer or heart disease than people who ate a lower proportion. The cancer institute researchers say that 11 percent of deaths in men and 16 percent of deaths in women could have been avoided if they had eaten the amount of red meat those in the lower group ate. "No one's saying that people should avoid bacon or burgers completely, but evidence from large studies like this tells us that cutting down on these foods can reduce the risk of dying from cancer and other diseases," says Ed Yong of the Charity Cancer Research UK. March 25, 2009: a report by www.chicagotribune.com says that the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) released information that some weight loss products contain potentially dangerous chemicals. The FDA states that some weight loss products which claim to be 'natural' or 'herbal' contain drugs, sometimes in higher than normal or recommended dosages. “These tainted weight loss products pose a great risk to public health because they contain undeclared ingredients and, in some cases, contain prescription drugs in amounts that greatly exceed their maximum recommended dosages,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, FDA. Some of the drugs are controlled substances like sibutramine or suspected cancer-causing agents. Altogether the FDA has found 72 products which are polluted. According to the FDA, the following products should be avoided: Fatloss Slimming, 2 Day Diet, 3x Slimming Power, Japan Lingzhi 24 Hours Diet, 5x Imelda Perfect Slimming, 3 Day Diet, 7 Day Herbal Slim, 8 Factor Diet, 7 Diet Day/Night Formula, 999 Fitness Essence, Extrim Plus, GMP, Imelda Perfect Slim, Lida DaiDaihua,Miaozi Slim Capsules, Perfect Slim, Perfect Slim 5x, Phyto Shape,ProSlim Plus, Royal Slimming Formula, Slim 3 in 1, Slim Express 360, Slimtech, Somotrim, Superslim, TripleSlim, Zhen de Shou,Venom Hyperdrive 3.0, Starcaps, Slim Waistline, Slim Waist Formula, Slim Up, Sliminate, Slim Fast, 2x Powerful Slimming,Slim Express 4 in 1, Reduce Weihgt, Super Fat Burner, Super Slimming, Sana Plus, Trim 2 Plus, Powerful Slim, Waist Strength Formula, Slimming Formula, Perfect Slim Up, Slim Burn, Slim 3 in 1 Slim Formula, Slim 3 in 1 M18 Royal Diet, Slim 3 in 1 Extra Slim Waist Formula, Slim 3 in 1 Extra Slim Formula, Natural Model, 2 Day Diet Slim Advance, Miaozi MeiMiaoQianZiJiaoNang,Meizitang, Meili, JM Fat Reducer, Imelda Fat Reducer, 7 Days Diet, Extrim Plus 24 Hour Reburn, Fasting Diet, Cosmo Slim,Body Slimming, Body Shaping, Body Creator, BioEmagrecin, 3 Days Fit, 21 Double Slim, Eight Factor Diet, and 7 Diet. March 27, 2009: the following list of pharmaceutical drugs deplete co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10): The following drugs can lead to magnesium deficiencies: March 30, 2009: promising news has emerged from the Autism Research Unit at the University of Sunderland in he United Kingdom concerning autism. Improvement in children's behavior was seen after 5 months on a gluten and casein-free diet. The protein gluten naturally occurs in wheat, barley, and rye while casein is a protein found in dairy products. These proteins are also in many processed foods. Gluten and casein are often disguised under such names as natural flavorings, curds, caseinate, spices, lactose, and more. Researchers at the university surmise that autism is the result of the incomplete breakdown and subsequent absorption of proteins in gluten and casein. This leads to irregularities in the neurological processes which accounts for autistic symptoms. Revising an autistic child's diet should be done with the aid of a healthcare provider and a nutritionist. Traditional and alternative autistic Healthcare providers can be found through the Defeat Autism Now (DAN) program. Foods autistic children can eat include rice, potatoes, buckwheat flour, quinoa, soy, fruits, vegetables, sorghum, tapioca, and teff. March 31, 2009: according to Dr. David Williams, the major complication of diabetes is foot ulcers. About 25 percent of people having diabetes will develop foot ulcers; adults with foot ulcers are 24 times as likely to be hospitalized for limb amputations compared to adults not having diabetes. Almost all foot ulcers originate from poor blood circulation or nerve problems caused by diabetes which results in a loss of feeling. According to past studies, one-third of all diabetics over the age of 50 have PAD, peripheral artery disease. Arteries are so blocked that blood circulation is sharply limited. There exists a test for PAD. Known as ankle-brachial, this test uses a regular blood pressure cuff to take pressure in the arm, but needs a Doppler ultrasound machine to measure ankle pressure. Keeping one step ahead of possible foot complications, doctors should regularly screen their diabetic patients. Unfortunately they aren't. But individuals, perhaps with the assistant of a family member, can perform home inspections. Begin foot inspections by checking for dry patches and calluses on the sole of the foot. Dryness may indicate a lack of pressure sensation. If there is a darker discoloration under the patch or callus, it's a sign that a bruise or hematoma which can develop into an ulcer. Feet should be given tender loving care. When they get wet, thoroughly towel dry and powder the feet. Moist feet can be a fertile ground for fungal infections. A fungus-infected nail can be successfully be treated with neem oil or tea tree oil. Apply the oil to the base of the nail where it comes out from the toe at the end of the toenail with a cotton swab. Do this on a daily basis until all of the infected area has grown out. Cracks or crevices on the sole of the foot present ideal grounds for infections. Lotions can be used to prevent these cracks from forming. Dr. Williams recommends the application of topical dressings using a gauze pad and honey (manuka honey is highly recommended.) It has been estimated that over 600,000 diabetics in the United States will develop foot ulcers this year; over 80,000 of that number will require amputation of the toe, foot, or leg. |
this spice is yellowish-orange in color and is popular in Indian curry dishes and yellow mustard; it originates from the curcuma longa plant which grows in Indonesia and southern Indian. It is known as turmeric.