Eating Veggies Linked to Cognitive Health
A study published in Neurology had concluded that high amounts of vegetable consumption may be associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline in older people. The Rush Institute on Healthy Aging reported that eating three portions of leafy green, yellow, and cruciferous vegetables can slow the loss of mental function as people age, possibly by as much as 40 percent. Fruits were a part of the study, but had little to no effect on cognitive decline. Researchers theorize that is due to vegetables having a higher vitamin E content than fruit. Read More.
Major Health Organization Promotes Fruit And Vegetable Consumption To Help Prevent Obesity And Other Chronic Diseases
Recently the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations specialized agency for health, announced a new campaign to promote greater consumption of fruits and vegetables. The WHO has taken the position that sufficient daily intake of fruits and vegetables could help prevent obesity and other major chronic diseases.
Source: www.who.int
Herbal Blend Containing Guarana Helps Delay Gastric Emptying and Induce Weight Loss
In a recent multi-faceted research project including a double-blind placebo-controlled study, an herbal preparation including guarana significantly delayed gastric emptying reducing the time a person perceives gastric fullness. The preparation also induced significant weight loss over a 45 day period of time in overweight patients treated in a primary health care context. Because of the positive results for overweight individuals, the researchers are recommending further clinical studies be conducted. Source: The Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 14, June 2001.
White House Pushes Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) recently wrote the Agriculture and Health and Human Services (HHS) departments urging them to revise current guidelines to distinguish between harmful trans fats that increase the risk of heart disease and beneficial fats such as omega-3 fatty acids that can lower the risk. Trans fats are typically found in margarines, cooking oils and hidden oils found in processed foods. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in flaxseed oil, flaxseed, olive oil, and fish. The recommendation comes just as officials at HHS and the Agriculture Department prepare to begin writing new food and nutrition guidelines.
Source: www.naturalproductsinsider.com
High Cholesterol and Hypertension May Put Individuals At An Increased Risk Of Alzheimer's
According to researchers, middle-aged individuals with elevated cholesterol and high blood pressure may be at an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease later in life. A review of 1,400 patient medical records conducted at the University of Kuopio in Finland found that adults who had high cholesterol and high systolic blood pressure were more than twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. According to researcher Dr. Miia Kivipelto, "Now we have more reason to pay attention to proper treatment of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia (elevated cholesterol)." "Not only do you reduce your chances of, say, heart attack, but you also can reduce your chances of getting Alzheimer's disease."
Source: British Medical Journal 2001; 322: 1447-1451
American Diabetes Alert...Reduce Your Risk
You could be at risk for diabetes. More than 10 million Americans have been diagnosed with the disease and an estimated 5.4 million have diabetes and don't know it. If you are overweight, unfit, have high blood pressure or a family history of diabetes you could be at risk. By taking good care of ourselves with healthy eating and consistent exercise, we can lower the chances of getting diabetes as well as aim at a better quality of life.
Heart Diet Guidelines - General Population
A healthy eating pattern includes foods from all food groups. You don't have to eliminate anything you can't live without, but you shouldn't indulge in excess. The major guidelines under this category are: 1) consume a variety of fruits and vegetables and grain products, including whole grains, and 2) include fat-free and low-fat dairy products, fish, legumes, poultry, and lean meats.
Studies Find Scores Of Toxic Chemicals Common In US Population
Two recent studies, one conducted by New York's Mt. Sinai Hospital and another by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), found that the presence of a wide variety of toxic chemicals in people's bodies is universal in our society. In the Mt. Sinai's study, nine environmentally conscious people were tested for industrial compounds, pollutants and other chemicals. A total of 167 chemicals, including heavy metals, phosphates, dioxins, chlorine, insecticides and PCB's were found present across the entire group. These chemicals have been linked to cancers, birth defects and nervous system damage. The CDC study tested a larger and more representative sample of 5,000 random Americans. It measured 116 harmful chemicals, some of which were heavy metals, solvents, insecticides, PCB's and plasticizing agents called phthalates. Their findings found a decline in lead levels and a dangerous chemical byproduct of tobacco smoke compared to previous studies. However, some of their findings showed that, compared to adults, children have higher levels of certain pesticides, cotinine, and chemicals used in soft plastic toys and personal care products.
Source: www.ewg.org
Cancer-Fighting Benefits of Exercise
WASHINGTON - According to experts at the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), regular physical exercise prompts a series of changes within the human body that actively fight cancer. By studying these changes, researchers have begun to isolate how and why physical activity seems to lower cancer risk. "For almost fifty years we've known that regular exercise protects against heart disease," said Edward Giovannucci, M.D., Sc.D., of the Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health. "The studies coming in now point to a similar protective effect against cancer, especially colon cancer. Laboratory studies and clinical trials are helping us understand the physiological changes that occur in the body of a person who exercised regularly.
A 1997 AICR report, Food, Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer: A Global Perspective, reviewed the effect of exercise upon cancers occurring at specific body sites. Additional studies are currently underway into the possible link between exercise and lowered risk of colon, breast, prostate and other cancers.
Source: Natural Products Industry, Insider®, Volume 5, No. 2, February 7, 2000