Italian researchers have found that rooibos tea is able to boost plasma antioxidant defences in humans.
The researchers from the Antioxidant Research Laboratory in Rome found ingestion of fermented and unfermented rooibos tea increased TAC levels, measured as total antioxidant capacity (TAC).
Friday, July 30, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Myth busting: Can artificial sweeteners raise your blood sugar?
Most artificial sweeteners -- saccharin, aspartame and sucralose, for example -- offer the sweetness of sugar without the calories. They contain no carbohydrates and so have no effect on blood sugar. But these sweeteners are sometimes paired in "sugar free" products with another sugar substitute called sugar alcohols. Read more
Friday, July 23, 2010
Tonalin® CLA Delivers Health Benefits for Mild Asthmatics
In the first published study of its kind, Tonalin® CLA improved airway hyper-reactivity in overweight mild asthmatics accompanied by a significant improvement in their tolerance for strenuous exercise.
Adults taking Tonalin® CLA also reduced their body weight and BMI by 2 kg (4.4 lbs) and 0.5 kg/m over time which was associated with a metabolically favorable change in adipokine concentrations. The reductions observed in the CLA group were significantly different from the placebo group confirming once again the beneficial impact of CLA for weight and body fat management.
The prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention trial, published in the July edition of the Journal of Clinical & Experimental Allergy, was conducted by a team of researchers at the University of British Colombia, Vancouver, Canada.
Adults taking Tonalin® CLA also reduced their body weight and BMI by 2 kg (4.4 lbs) and 0.5 kg/m over time which was associated with a metabolically favorable change in adipokine concentrations. The reductions observed in the CLA group were significantly different from the placebo group confirming once again the beneficial impact of CLA for weight and body fat management.
The prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention trial, published in the July edition of the Journal of Clinical & Experimental Allergy, was conducted by a team of researchers at the University of British Colombia, Vancouver, Canada.
Low vitamin D linked to metabolic syndrome in seniors
Insufficient and deficient levels of vitamin D may increase the risk of metabolic syndrome by about 40 percent, according to new findings.
According to findings presented at The Endocrine Society's 92nd Annual Meeting in San Diego, of the 1,300 white Dutch men and women ages 65 and older surveyed almost 50 percent were vitamin D deficient, and about 37 percent of the total sample had the metabolic syndrome.
Vitamin D deficiency has previously been linked to impaired insulin secretion in animals and humans, and has also been linked to insulin resistance in healthy, glucose-tolerant subjects.
According to findings presented at The Endocrine Society's 92nd Annual Meeting in San Diego, of the 1,300 white Dutch men and women ages 65 and older surveyed almost 50 percent were vitamin D deficient, and about 37 percent of the total sample had the metabolic syndrome.
Vitamin D deficiency has previously been linked to impaired insulin secretion in animals and humans, and has also been linked to insulin resistance in healthy, glucose-tolerant subjects.
Compound in banaba shows promise against human rhinoviruses
Human rhinoviruses are the predominant cause of common viral respiratory tract infections. They exhibit symptoms such as sore throat, rhinitis, nasal congestion and cough, as well as acute otitis media and sinusitis, and are associated with exacerbations of asthma in both children and adults
The leaves of Lagerstroemia speciosa L. (banaba in Philippines' Tagalog dialect) are used as traditional medicinal foods in Southeast Asia including in Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and southern China. For example, tea brewed with its leaves is often used to treat diabetes.
This recent laboratory study found the compound from banaba was more effective against several strains than the anti-viral drug ribavirin.
The leaves of Lagerstroemia speciosa L. (banaba in Philippines' Tagalog dialect) are used as traditional medicinal foods in Southeast Asia including in Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and southern China. For example, tea brewed with its leaves is often used to treat diabetes.
This recent laboratory study found the compound from banaba was more effective against several strains than the anti-viral drug ribavirin.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Is resveratrol promising on erectile dysfunction?
A recent animal study indicates resveratrol normalizes endothelial dysfunction caused by atherogenic diet.
Drugs that improve endothelial function in the cavernous arteries and the corpus cavernosum tissue hold great promise in treating or at least minimizing the vascular damage that contributes to erectile dysfunction.
Resveratrol (trans-3,5,4′-trihydroxystilben) is a polyphenol (phytoalexin) naturally found mostly in red wine and different therapeutic plants. By in vitro experiments, it has been displayed that the cardiovascular protective effects of resveratrol might be through a variety of mechanisms: it inhibits the proliferation of smooth muscle cells, platelet aggregation, and the oxidation of LDL cholesterol; it also reduces the synthesis of lipids and eicosanoids, which promote inflammation and atherosclerosis.
Drugs that improve endothelial function in the cavernous arteries and the corpus cavernosum tissue hold great promise in treating or at least minimizing the vascular damage that contributes to erectile dysfunction.
Resveratrol (trans-3,5,4′-trihydroxystilben) is a polyphenol (phytoalexin) naturally found mostly in red wine and different therapeutic plants. By in vitro experiments, it has been displayed that the cardiovascular protective effects of resveratrol might be through a variety of mechanisms: it inhibits the proliferation of smooth muscle cells, platelet aggregation, and the oxidation of LDL cholesterol; it also reduces the synthesis of lipids and eicosanoids, which promote inflammation and atherosclerosis.
Isotretinoin may increase the risk of cardiovascular disorders by causing hyperhomocysteinaemia
Isotretinoin has revolutionized the treatment of acne by improving the cosmetic outcome and decreasing the psychological damage.
However, a new study suggests that after 2 months of treatment with isotretinoin there may be an increased risk of cardiovascular disorders as a result of hyperhomocysteinaemia.
However, a new study suggests that after 2 months of treatment with isotretinoin there may be an increased risk of cardiovascular disorders as a result of hyperhomocysteinaemia.
FDA freezes long-term study on diabetes drug
A long-term study on the safety of a popular diabetes drug was put on hold Wednesday by the Food and Drug Administration, while the FDA considers whether it’s too dangerous to continue. Several large studies have linked the drug, Avandia, to a higher risk of heart attacks and other heart problems. Read more
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Higher-Protein Diets Support Weight Loss, but May Lower Bone Density in Postmenopausal Women
Overweight and moderately obese postmenopausal women using diets based on higher protein intake also need to be aware of potential bone loss, according to new research from Purdue University.
Researchers analyzed data from two controlled diet studies and discovered the women who ate the energy-reduced diets successfully lost weight, but the groups that consumed the higher-protein meat-containing diets also lost bone mineral density compared to the control group.
The impact of dietary protein on bone remains controversial, and information about dietary protein and bone from studies with weight-stable subjects might not be applicable to weight loss.
Researchers analyzed data from two controlled diet studies and discovered the women who ate the energy-reduced diets successfully lost weight, but the groups that consumed the higher-protein meat-containing diets also lost bone mineral density compared to the control group.
The impact of dietary protein on bone remains controversial, and information about dietary protein and bone from studies with weight-stable subjects might not be applicable to weight loss.
Low Vitamin D Levels Associated With Cognitive Decline
Older adults with low levels of vitamin D appear more likely to experience declines in thinking, learning and memory over a six-year period, according to a report in the July 12 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine.
An estimated 40 percent to 100 percent of older adults in the United States and Europe are deficient in vitamin D, according to background information in the article. This deficiency has been linked to fractures, various chronic diseases and death. Vitamin D may help prevent the degeneration of brain tissue by having a role in formation of nervous tissue, maintaining levels of calcium in the body, or clearing of beta-amyloid, the substance that forms the brain plaques and tangles associated with Alzheimer's disease.
An estimated 40 percent to 100 percent of older adults in the United States and Europe are deficient in vitamin D, according to background information in the article. This deficiency has been linked to fractures, various chronic diseases and death. Vitamin D may help prevent the degeneration of brain tissue by having a role in formation of nervous tissue, maintaining levels of calcium in the body, or clearing of beta-amyloid, the substance that forms the brain plaques and tangles associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Luteolin Stars in Study of Healthful Plant Compounds
Six natural compounds in plants -- luteolin, quercetin, chrysin, eriodicytol, hesperetin, and naringenin were tested for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Of the six compounds, luteolin was the most effective inhibitor of TBK1. TBK1 is a signaling enzyme associated with inflammation in the body.
Luteolin is found in celery, thyme, green peppers, and chamomile tea. Foods rich in quercetin include capers, apples, and onions. Chrysin is from the fruit of blue passionflower, a tropical vine. Oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and other citrus fruits are good sources of eriodicytol, hesperetin, and naringenin.
Of the six compounds, luteolin was the most effective inhibitor of TBK1. TBK1 is a signaling enzyme associated with inflammation in the body.
Luteolin is found in celery, thyme, green peppers, and chamomile tea. Foods rich in quercetin include capers, apples, and onions. Chrysin is from the fruit of blue passionflower, a tropical vine. Oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and other citrus fruits are good sources of eriodicytol, hesperetin, and naringenin.
Vitamin D Levels Associated With Parkinson's Disease Risk
Individuals with higher levels of vitamin D appear to have a reduced risk of developing Parkinson's disease, according to a report in the July issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
The study looked at 3,173 Finnish men and women age 50 to 79 who did not have Parkinson's disease at the beginning of the study, in 1978 to 1980.
Over a 29-year follow-up, through 2007, 50 of the participants developed Parkinson's disease. After adjusting for potentially related factors, including physical activity and body mass index, individuals in the highest quartile (one-fourth of the study population) of serum vitamin D levels had a 67 percent lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease than those in the lowest quartile of vitamin D levels.
The study looked at 3,173 Finnish men and women age 50 to 79 who did not have Parkinson's disease at the beginning of the study, in 1978 to 1980.
Over a 29-year follow-up, through 2007, 50 of the participants developed Parkinson's disease. After adjusting for potentially related factors, including physical activity and body mass index, individuals in the highest quartile (one-fourth of the study population) of serum vitamin D levels had a 67 percent lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease than those in the lowest quartile of vitamin D levels.
High Fructose Intake Linked to Higher Blood Pressure
High fructose intake in the form of added sugar is independently associated with higher blood pressure (BP), according to the results of a cross-sectional analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2003 to 2006), reported online ahead of print July 1 in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
In the study sample of 4528 adults without a history of hypertension, median fructose intake was 74 g/day, which is approximately equivalent to 2.5 sugary soft drinks each day.
In the study sample of 4528 adults without a history of hypertension, median fructose intake was 74 g/day, which is approximately equivalent to 2.5 sugary soft drinks each day.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
All-Trans Retinoic Acid Boosts Lung Cancer Chemotherapy
Adding all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) to cisplatin and paclitaxel improves outcome in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer, Mexican researchers report in a June 14th online paper in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Vitamin D Low in Patients With Headache and Migraine
Patients with headache and migraine may need to have their vitamin D levels assessed, report researchers. Preliminary findings released here at the American Headache Society (AHS) 52nd Annual Scientific Meeting reveal low vitamin D levels in these patients, with levels similar to those found in patients with chronic pain.
Researchers measured serum vitamin D levels in 900 patients and included 100 of these in the current analysis. About half of the patients had new migraine and headache. The remaining patients had chronic pain disorders, including fibromyalgia, rheumatic, and neuropathic pain disorders.
Researchers measured serum vitamin D levels in 900 patients and included 100 of these in the current analysis. About half of the patients had new migraine and headache. The remaining patients had chronic pain disorders, including fibromyalgia, rheumatic, and neuropathic pain disorders.
Calcium/vitamin D Supplements Not Bad For The Heart
Giving calcium and vitamin D supplements to postmenopausal women will not affect their coronary artery calcium levels, new data from the Women's Health Initiative show.
Previous work on this topic has yielded conflicting results, with one study suggesting that calcium supplements raised the risk of adverse events in postmenopausal women. Others, though, have shown little connection between supplements and coronary artery calcification.
Previous work on this topic has yielded conflicting results, with one study suggesting that calcium supplements raised the risk of adverse events in postmenopausal women. Others, though, have shown little connection between supplements and coronary artery calcification.
Vitamin B6, Methionine Linked to Lower Risk for Lung Cancer
Serum levels of vitamin B6 and methionine were inversely associated with risk for lung cancer, according to the results of a large cohort study reported in the June 16issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Between 1992 and 2000, 385,747 of the 519,978 EPIC participants donated blood samples for measurement of serum levels for 6 factors of 1-carbon metabolism and cotinine. There were 899 patients with lung cancer identified by 2006, to which 1770 control participants were matched by country, sex, birth date, and blood collection date.
Elevated serum levels of B6 and methionine were associated with a lower risk for lung cancer after accounting for smoking.
Between 1992 and 2000, 385,747 of the 519,978 EPIC participants donated blood samples for measurement of serum levels for 6 factors of 1-carbon metabolism and cotinine. There were 899 patients with lung cancer identified by 2006, to which 1770 control participants were matched by country, sex, birth date, and blood collection date.
Elevated serum levels of B6 and methionine were associated with a lower risk for lung cancer after accounting for smoking.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Fermented tea kombucha vanishes on alcohol worries
The drink dates back thousands of years and across cultures, though its actual country of origin is unclear. But it has gained popularity in the past few years in the U.S., partly because of claimed health benefits, though there's little science behind them. And it doesn't hurt when stars like Lindsay Lohan are photographed drinking kombucha.
Since last month, the government has been testing kombucha to determine if it should be labeled like beer or wine. Distributors and retailers like Whole Foods Inc. have removed the most popular form, raw kombucha, from stores, saying they won't restock until they know more. Read more
Since last month, the government has been testing kombucha to determine if it should be labeled like beer or wine. Distributors and retailers like Whole Foods Inc. have removed the most popular form, raw kombucha, from stores, saying they won't restock until they know more. Read more
Monday, July 12, 2010
Vitamins B6, B12 May Protect Against Depression in Older Adults
High total intakes of vitamins B6 and B12 are associated with a lower risk for depressive symptoms over time in community-residing older adults, according to the results of a cohort study reported online June 2 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
B-vitamin deficiencies have been associated with depression; however, there is very little prospective evidence from population-based studies of older adults. The study examined whether dietary intakes of vitamins B-6, folate, or vitamin B-12 were predictive of depressive symptoms over an average of 7 years in a community-based population of older adults.
After adjustment for age, sex, race, education, income, and use of antidepressant medications, higher total vitamin intakes including supplements were associated with a lower risk for incident depression during follow-up for up to 12 years. Odds of depressive symptoms were 2% lower per year for each additional 10 mg of vitamin B6 and an additional 10 μg of vitamin B12.
B-vitamin deficiencies have been associated with depression; however, there is very little prospective evidence from population-based studies of older adults. The study examined whether dietary intakes of vitamins B-6, folate, or vitamin B-12 were predictive of depressive symptoms over an average of 7 years in a community-based population of older adults.
After adjustment for age, sex, race, education, income, and use of antidepressant medications, higher total vitamin intakes including supplements were associated with a lower risk for incident depression during follow-up for up to 12 years. Odds of depressive symptoms were 2% lower per year for each additional 10 mg of vitamin B6 and an additional 10 μg of vitamin B12.
Dark Chocolate May Help Control Elevated Blood Pressure
Dark chocolate may help control elevated blood pressure (BP), according to the results of a meta-analysis reported in the June 28 issue of BMC Medicine.
Flavanols found in chocolate have been shown to increase the formation of endothelial nitric oxide, which promotes vasodilation and consequently may lower blood pressure. There have, however, been conflicting results as to the real-life effects of eating chocolate. The researchers found that consumption can significantly, albeit modestly, reduce blood pressure for people with high blood pressure but not for people with normal blood pressure.
Flavanols found in chocolate have been shown to increase the formation of endothelial nitric oxide, which promotes vasodilation and consequently may lower blood pressure. There have, however, been conflicting results as to the real-life effects of eating chocolate. The researchers found that consumption can significantly, albeit modestly, reduce blood pressure for people with high blood pressure but not for people with normal blood pressure.
High Blood Levels of Vitamin E Reduces Risk of Alzheimer's
High levels of several vitamin E components in the blood are associated with a decreased risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) in advanced age, suggesting that vitamin E may help prevent cognitive deterioration in elderly people. This is the conclusion reached in a Swedish study published in the July 2010 issue of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
Vitamin E is a family of eight natural components, but most studies related to Alzheimer's disease investigate only one of these components, alpha tocopherol. Scientists hypothesized that all the vitamin E family members could be important in protecting against AD. If confirmed, this result could have implications for both individuals and society, as 70 percent of all dementia cases in the general population occur in people over 75 years of age, and the study suggests a protective effect of vitamin E against AD in individuals aged 80+.
The study included a sample of 232 participants. All participants were aged 80+ years and were dementia-free at the beginning of the study (baseline). After 6-years of follow-up, 57 AD cases were identified.
The blood levels of all eight natural vitamin E components were measured at the beginning of the study. Subjects with higher blood levels (highest tertile) were compared with subjects who had lower blood levels (lowest tertile) to verify whether these two groups developed dementia at different rates. The study found that subjects with higher blood levels of all the vitamin E family forms had a reduced risk of developing AD, compared to subjects with lower levels. After adjusting for various confounders, the risk was reduced by 45-54%, depending on the vitamin E component.
Vitamin E is a family of eight natural components, but most studies related to Alzheimer's disease investigate only one of these components, alpha tocopherol. Scientists hypothesized that all the vitamin E family members could be important in protecting against AD. If confirmed, this result could have implications for both individuals and society, as 70 percent of all dementia cases in the general population occur in people over 75 years of age, and the study suggests a protective effect of vitamin E against AD in individuals aged 80+.
The study included a sample of 232 participants. All participants were aged 80+ years and were dementia-free at the beginning of the study (baseline). After 6-years of follow-up, 57 AD cases were identified.
The blood levels of all eight natural vitamin E components were measured at the beginning of the study. Subjects with higher blood levels (highest tertile) were compared with subjects who had lower blood levels (lowest tertile) to verify whether these two groups developed dementia at different rates. The study found that subjects with higher blood levels of all the vitamin E family forms had a reduced risk of developing AD, compared to subjects with lower levels. After adjusting for various confounders, the risk was reduced by 45-54%, depending on the vitamin E component.
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