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Natural Health Alternatives

Up to date news and comment about worldwide developments in natural health.

October 12, 2011

Raw vegetables and fruit 'counteract heart risk genes'
People who are genetically susceptible to heart disease can lower their risk by eating plenty of fruit and raw vegetables, a study suggests. It says five or more daily portions should be enough to counteract culprit versions of a gene on chromosome 9, thought to be possessed by a fifth of people of European ancestry.

Read article on the BBC News website (UK)

Comment: The diets of our ancestors thousands of years ago were rich in plant nutrition and high in vitamins. However, independent studies conducted in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and many other countries show that the nutrient content of our food has fallen substantially over the past few decades. As such, it is somewhat misleading to infer that everybody can always get all the nutrients they need in their food. Significantly, therefore, the Dr. Rath Research Institute has examined whether micronutrient supplementation can protect the arteries even when there is a genetic predisposition to cardiovascular disease. The institute’s conclusion: Micronutrient supplementation CAN help prevent important mechanisms contributing to cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure and vascular blood clots, even in cases where there are known inherited risk factors for the condition.

October 11, 2011

Folic acid in early pregnancy associated with reduced risk of severe language delay in children
Use of folic acid supplements by women in Norway in the period 4 weeks before to 8 weeks after conception was associated with a reduced risk of the child having severe language delay at age 3 years, according to a study in the October 12 issue of JAMA.
Read article at medicalxpress.com

October 11, 2011

Ginger could reduce bowel cancer risk
Fifteen volunteers given two grams of ginger root supplement daily for 28 days showed reduced signs of colon inflammation - a condition that has been linked to bowel cancer - compared to 15 given a placebo. The researchers, from the University of Michigan Medical School in the US, consequently suggested that ginger could be used as a bowel cancer prevention agent.
Read article in the Daily Telegraph (UK)

October 4, 2011

Vigorous exercise boosts vitamin D while lowering heart risk
Vigorous exercise significantly improves several risk factors for heart disease, including boosting vitamin D levels, a new study shows.
Read article on the USA Today website

October 4, 2011

EFSA: Vitamin D can reduce falls among the elderly
Over 60-year-olds who consume 800IU (20ug) of vitamin D2 and D3 per day have, “a significant reduction in the risk of falling”, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has concluded.
Read article at nutraingredients.com

September 27, 2011

Study Finds Vitamin B12 May Prevent Memory Loss
Experts used to think that cognitive decline was an inevitable part of aging, but a growing body of research is finding that lifestyle factors like exercising and a healthy diet may delay the process. A new study has found a link between poor nutrition and cognitive problems in older adults. The study, published Monday in the journal Neurology, found that adults over 65 with a vitamin B12 deficiency are more likely to have lower brain volumes and cognitive impairment than those with adequate B12.
Read article at foxnews.com (USA)

September 23, 2011

Omega-3 may ease depression symptoms, slash dementia risk: RCT
Fish oil supplements may reduce symptoms of depression and a subsequent risk of dementia, suggests new data from Australia.
Read article at nutraingredients.com

September 16, 2011

Why You Need More Vitamin D. A Lot More.
Vitamin D has emerged as the nutrient of the decade. Numerous studies have found benefits for nearly 100 types of health conditions. These health benefits include reduced risk of bone diseases, many types of cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes mellitus, bacterial and viral infectious diseases, and autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, neurological conditions such as cognitive dysfunction, and improved athletic and physical performance.
Read news release at orthomolecular.org

September 15, 2011

An apple or pear a day may keep strokes away
Apples and pears may keep strokes away. That's the conclusion of a Dutch study published in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association in which researchers found that eating a lot of fruits and vegetables with white flesh may protect against stroke.
Read article at medicalxpress.com

September 14, 2011

Omega-3 supplements show benefits against anxiety: Human data
A daily dose of 2.5 grams of omega-3s may reduce symptoms of anxiety by about 20%, according to new data from the Ohio State University.
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.com

September 14, 2011

Daily Vitamin B pill can help stave off Alzheimer's disease
A daily vitamin pill could dramatically slow the onset of memory loss in old age and even protect against Alzheimer's disease, researchers have found. The tablet, containing high doses of B vitamins and folic acid, reduced memory decline by 70 per cent in some elderly people. It also halved the rate of brain shrinkage in some patients - a physical symptom associated with forgetfulness that can lead to full blown Alzheimer's disease.
Read article in the Daily Telegraph (UK)

September 13, 2011

More evidence that spicing up broccoli boosts its cancer-fighting power
Teaming fresh broccoli with a spicy food that contains the enzyme myrosinase significantly enhances each food's individual cancer-fighting power and ensures that absorption takes place in the upper part of the digestive system where you'll get the maximum health benefit, suggests a new University of Illinois study. "To get this effect, spice up your broccoli with broccoli sprouts, mustard, horseradish, or wasabi. The spicier, the better; that means it's being effective," said Elizabeth Jeffery, a U of I professor of nutrition.
Read article at medicalxpress.com

September 9, 2011

Multi-nutrient supplement shows anti-inflammatory benefits
A supplement containing a mix of B vitamins, amino acids, and botanical extracts was effective at reducing markers of inflammation, says new research.
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.com

September 7, 2011

Micronutrient powders reduce anemia and iron deficiency in infants in low-income countries
Adding a powder that contains several vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc and vitamin A, to the semi-solid foods taken by infants and children between six months and two years of age, can reduce their risk of anaemia and iron deficiency. This is the conclusion of a new Cochrane Systematic Review.
Read article at medicalxpress.com

September 7, 2011

Aerobic exercise may reduce the risk of dementia
Any exercise that gets the heart pumping may reduce the risk of dementia and slow the condition's progression once it starts, reported a Mayo Clinic study published this month in Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Researchers examined the role of aerobic exercise in preserving cognitive abilities and concluded that it should not be overlooked as an important therapy against dementia.
Read article at medicalxpress.com

September 6, 2011

Riboflavin shows blood enhancing properties for UK women
Daily supplements of riboflavin may improve measures of blood health, including haemoglobin levels, says a new clinical trial that highlights the potential significance of moderate deficiency of the B vitamin.
Read article at nutraingredients.com

September 6, 2011

Chondroitin sulfate improves hand function, relieves morning stiffness caused by osteoarthritis
New research shows that chondroitin sulfate significantly decreased pain and improved hand function in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the hand compared with those in the placebo group. Results of the clinical trial available today in Arthritis & Rheumatism, a journal published by Wiley-Blackwell on behalf of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), also report that chondroitin sulfate improves grip strength and relieves morning stiffness.
Read article at medicalxpress.com

September 1, 2011

Exercise counteracts aging effects
As we age, our bodies change in ways that challenge athletic ability. But exercise also can slow down — and in some cases even prevent — some of the physiological ravages of time. "A lot of things that we thought were just inherent to the aging process and were going to happen no matter what don't really have to happen if you maintain an appropriate lifestyle," says Jim Hagberg, a professor of kinesiology at the University of Maryland in College Park.
Read article in the Los Angeles Times (USA)

August 30, 2011

Vitamin C 'may benefit asthmatic children'
Children with asthma may benefit from treatment with vitamin C, according to new research.
Read article at mediplacements.com (UK)

August 29, 2011

Leucine may help to burn fat but spare muscle wastage: Pilot study
Research in high altitude climbers has suggested that supplementation with the amino acid leucine can help to boost fat burning whilst preventing loss of muscle tissue.
Read article at nutraingredients.com

August 29, 2011

Cycling fast: vigorous daily exercise recommended for a longer life
A study conducted among cyclists in Copenhagen, Denmark1 showed that it is the relative intensity and not the duration of cycling which is of most importance in relation to all-cause mortality and even more pronounced for coronary heart disease mortality. The study presented today at the ESC Congress 2011, concluded that men with fast intensity cycling survived 5.3 years longer, and men with average intensity 2.9 years longer than men with slow cycling intensity. For women the figures were 3.9 and 2.2 years longer, respectively.
Read article at medicalxpress.com

August 26, 2011

Vitamin A supplements for children could save 600,000 lives a year
Children in low and middle income countries should be given vitamin A supplements to prevent death and illness, concludes a study published in the British Medical Journal today. The researchers argue that the effectiveness of vitamin A supplementation is now so well-established that further trials would be unethical, and they urge policymakers to provide supplements for all children at risk of deficiency.
Read article at medicalxpress.com

August 23, 2011

Seaweed may reduce blood pressure in healthy kids: Study
Consuming nutrient-dense seaweed may decrease blood pressure in healthy children and offer earlier-life strategies for preventing high blood pressure in adults, says a new study. Regular seaweed consumption among 3 to 6 year olds was associated with a significant reduction in blood pressure in both boys and girls, according to findings published in the open-access Nutrition Journal. Japanese scientists from Gifu University and Aichi Bunkyo Women’s College proposed that the potential benefits may be linked to the dense nutrient profile of seaweed, including the minerals and alginate - a kind of dietary fiber – contained in the food.
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.com

August 19, 2011

Multivitamins may slash premature birth risk: Study
Women who began using multivitamin supplements around the time of conception had a lower risk of giving birth prematurely, says a new study. Multivitamin use was associated with a 16% reduction in the risk of pre-term birth, and a 20% reduction in the risk of preterm labour, according to findings published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.com

August 17, 2011

Study identifies fish oil's impact on cognition and brain structure
Researchers at Rhode Island Hospital's Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Disorders Center have found positive associations between fish oil supplements and cognitive functioning as well as differences in brain structure between users and non-users of fish oil supplements. The findings suggest possible benefits of fish oil supplements on brain health and aging.
Read article at medicalxpress.com

August 16, 2011

15-minute daily exercise is 'bare minimum for health'
Just 15 minutes of exercise a day can boost life expectancy by three years and cut death risk by 14%, research from Taiwan suggests.
Read article on the BBC News website (UK)

August 9, 2011

Tufts-Harvard study builds vitamin D's anti-diabetes potential
Daily supplements of vitamin D may boost the function of the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, says a new study from Boston-based researchers that supports the potential role of the vitamin for pre-diabetics. A daily 2,000 International Units (IU) dose of vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, was associated with a 25 percent improvement in the functioning of beta cells in the pancreas, according to findings published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.com

August 8, 2011

Omega-3 may boost heart benefits of tomato antioxidants: Study
Adding omega-3 to an antioxidant-rich tomato juice may boost the potential heart health benefits of the juice, suggesting a potential synergy between nutrients, says a new study. Healthy women who consumed the omega-3, tomato juice combination had lower levels of cardiovascular disease markers compared with women who consumed only the tomato juice, according to results of a small trial published in the European Journal of Nutrition.
Read article at nutraingredients.com

August 4, 2011

Are You Taking Enough Omega-3 for Heart Health?
Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and worldwide. Coronary heart disease accounts for approximately 35% of all cardiovascular deaths and 10.5% of all deaths worldwide. Most risk factors of coronary heart disease are changeable, meaning coronary heart disease is a largely preventable disease. Omega-3 oils have been shown to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, but how much is enough? Recent research from the British Journal of Nutrition found consumption of greater than 250mg per day was associated with a 35% reduction in the risk of sudden cardiac death.
Read article on the website of the Natural Health Research Institute (USA)

August 2, 2011

A small amount of exercise is good for your heart
More research shows that even small amounts of aerobic exercise help lower coronary heart disease risk, according to a review published Monday in Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association.
Read article in USA Today

Comment: Regular physical activity is a precondition for cardiovascular health and should be performed by everyone. To read Dr. Rath's ten step program for natural cardiovascular health, see pages 22 and 23 from the introduction to his classic book, "Why Animals Don't Get Heart Attacks … But People Do!" To read Dr. Rath's cellular health recommendations for the prevention and reversal of coronary heart disease, read chapter 2 of the book.

August 2, 2011

Cooked green vegetables, dried fruit, legumes, and brown rice associated with fewer colon polyps
Eating legumes at least three times a week and brown rice at least once a week was linked to a reduced risk of colon polyps by 33 percent and 40 percent respectively, according to Loma Linda University research recently published in Nutrition and Cancer. High consumption of cooked green vegetables and dried fruit was also associated with greater protection, the study shows.
Read article at medicalxpress.com

July 27, 2011

How some extra sunlight can slash risk of diabetes
Millions of people may be at serious risk of ill health because of low levels of vitamin D caused by a lack of sunlight. Poor levels of the “sunshine vitamin” is putting people in danger of developing type 2 diabetes, researchers have found. A landmark study in Australia, the largest of its kind, found people with high levels of vitamin D are less likely to develop it. This could lead to at-risk patients using supplements along with diet and exercise to prevent it.
Read article in the Daily Express (UK)

July 26, 2011

Study Suggests Multivitamin Supplementation Could Significantly Benefit the Elderly
Aging comes with many challenges that include both physical, with hip fractures from falls costing our healthcare system $17 billion in 2001, and mental, with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease costing $100 and $5.6 billion each year, respectively. Fortunately, nutrition is a vital and controllable aspect of health as we age. A new study has shown that the elderly, even when achieving adequate food intake, can still suffer from vitamin deficiencies.
Read article on the website of the Natural Health Research Institute (USA)

Comment: After studying 78 patients between the ages of 70 and 75, the researchers concluded that multivitamin supplementation is “necessary, even in healthy individuals, to ensure an adequate micronutrient intake in the elderly.”

July 26, 2011

Zinc lozenges may shorten common-cold duration
Depending on the total dosage of zinc and the composition of lozenges, zinc lozenges may shorten the duration of common cold episodes by up to 40%, according to a study published in the Open Respiratory Medicine Journal.
Read article at medicalxpress.com

July 26, 2011

Doubling vitamin D levels most cost effective way to reduce global mortality rates, study
Increasing serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D is the "most cost-effective way to reduce global mortality rates", according to a new study. In a paper assessing the likely impact on mortality rates of doubling serum vitamin D levels from 54 to 110 nmol/l in six regions of the world, Dr William B Grant estimates that this would increase life expectancy by two years across all six regions.
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.com

July 22, 2011

Vitamin D may slash diabetes risk: Meta-analysis
Increased intakes of vitamin D are associated with a 13 percent reduction in the risk of diabetes, says a new meta-analysis. According to data published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, intakes greater than 500 International Units (IU) per day were associated with a 13 percent reduction in the risk of type-2 diabetes. Researchers from Tufts Medical Center and Carney Hospital in Massachusetts also report that people with the highest blood levels of vitamin D, measured as more than 25 nanograms per milliliter, had a 43 percent lower risk of developing type-2 diabetes than people with the lowest blood levels (less than 14 ng/ml).
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.com

July 19, 2011

Listen up! Antioxidants may slash risk of hearing loss, says study
Increased intakes of antioxidant vitamins A and E may significantly reduce the risk of hearing loss, according to a new study from Australia. People with the highest average intakes of vitamin A had a 47 percent reduced risk of moderate or greater hearing loss, compared to people with the lowest average intakes, scientists from the University of Sydney report in The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging. In addition, increasing dietary vitamin E intakes were linked with a 14 percent reduction in hearing loss.
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.com

July 14, 2011

Lycopene may help prevent prostate cancer in African Americans
Lycopene, a red pigment that gives tomatoes and certain other fruits and vegetables their color, could help prevent prostate cancer, especially in African American men, according to new research at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant, and some studies have shown that diets rich in tomatoes may lower the risk of certain cancers, especially those of the prostate, lung and stomach.
Read article at medicalxpress.com

July 13, 2011

Omega-3 reduces anxiety and inflammation in healthy students
A new study gauging the impact of consuming more fish oil showed a marked reduction both in inflammation and, surprisingly, in anxiety among a cohort of healthy young people. The findings suggest that if young participants can get such improvements from specific dietary supplements, then the elderly and people at high risk for certain diseases might benefit even more.
Read article at medicalxpress.com

July 13, 2011

Nuts may help prevent diabetes, suggests study
Daily consumption of nuts may help to control type 2 diabetes, and prevent its complications, according to new research. The study, published in Diabetes Care, reports that consuming two ounces of nuts daily as a replacement for carbohydrates may be an effective glycemic and serum lipid control for people with Type 2 diabetes. “Mixed, unsalted, raw, or dry-roasted nuts have benefits for both blood glucose control and blood lipids and may be used as part of a strategy to improve diabetes control without weight gain,” said lead author Dr. David Jenkins, from the University of Toronto.
Read article at nutranigredients.com

July 12, 2011

Vitamin E may reduce risk of motor neurone disease
Long-term use of vitamin E supplements may be associated with a reduced risk of the motor neurone disease ALS, according to new research. The study, published in American Journal of Epidemiology, analysed data from over one million people from five longitudinal cohort studies, and suggested an inverse association between dietary vitamin E intake and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) which “warrants further study.”
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.com

July 11, 2011

Higher folic acid levels in teens tied to academic success
Teens who have high levels of folic acid appear to do better in school than those with lower levels, Swedish researchers report. "Folate intake had a positive association with academic achievement" in the students studied, the authors wrote in the report published in the July 11 online edition and the August print issue of Pediatrics. Not only should health providers monitor folic acid levels in teens, but the findings should influence school meals, school teaching and information given to parents, according to the researchers.
Read article at kptm.com (USA)

July 8, 2011

Omega-3 ‘scientifically supported’ to reduce blood vessel stiffness
A review of the scientific literature reveals that omega-3 fatty acids offer a ‘scientifically supported means of reducing arterial stiffness’, says a new review from Australia.
Read article at nutraingredients.com

July 8, 2011

The healing power of ginger
Ginger is an herb with a complex chemical structure and proven efficacy in treating certain medical conditions. So why don’t we know more about it and use it more often? Actually, many parts of the world have been using this herb for more than 2,000 years — it is a common additive and medicinal herb in Chinese and Indian cultures. Over the last 20 years, numerous studies have shown the efficacy of ginger in treating various conditions. In vitro studies suggest that ginger has antiemetic, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic effects and may additionally protect against Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.
Read article in the Bangor Daily News (Maine, United States)

July 6, 2011

Vitamin D can help elderly women survive
Giving vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) to predominantly elderly women, mainly in institutional care, seems to increase survival. These women are likely to be vitamin D deficient with a significant risk of falls and fractures. This is the key conclusion in a systematic review published in the latest edition of The Cochrane Library.
Read article at medicalxpress.com

July 5, 2011

High folate intake may reduce risk of colorectal cancer
Intake of high levels of folate may reduce colorectal cancer risk, according to a new study in Gastroenterology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute. Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin that occurs naturally in food.
Read article at medicalxpress.com

July 1, 2011

Beetroot juice could keep athletes at the top of their game by boosting stamina
Beetroot juice could help athletes beat the best. The brightly-coloured juice gives cyclists such a boost that they can shave vital seconds off their time, Exeter University research shows. The benefits of beetroot juice don’t end there, with previous studies from the university crediting it with increasing stamina. Lowering blood pressure, warding off dementia, and even giving pensioners the extra energy they need to make a trip to the shops, could all also be in its power.
Read article at medicalxpress.com

Comment: A growing body of research suggests that, in addition to boosting performance and endurance during athletic activity, beetroot juice could help the elderly or people with heart or lung-conditions, promote brain health in older adults, and significantly reduce blood pressure.

June 30, 2011

Researchers find herbal medicine treatment reduces inflammation in allergen-induced asthma
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) using a traditional Korean medicine, SO-CHEONG-RYONG-TANG (SCRT) that has long been used for the treatment of allergic diseases in Asia, found that SCRT treatment alleviates asthma-like pulmonary inflammation via suppression of specific chemokines or proteins.
Read article at medicalxpress.com

June 29, 2011

Vitamin E tocotrienols show cholesterol benefits for healthy adults: Study
Vitamin E tocotrienol-rich supplements may improve blood cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease, especially in people over 50, says a new study from Malaysia.
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.com

June 27, 2011

Combination of calcium, vitamin D reduces melanoma risks in some women
A combination of calcium and vitamin D may cut the chance of melanoma in half for some women at high risk of developing this life-threatening skin cancer, according to a new study by Stanford University School of Medicine researchers.
Read article at medicalxpress.com

June 24, 2011

Diet reverses type 2 diabetes
A Newcastle University team has discovered that Type 2 diabetes can be reversed by an extreme low calorie diet alone. Affecting two and half million people in the UK – and on the increase – Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition caused by too much glucose, a type of sugar, in the blood. In an early stage clinical trial of 11 people, funded by Diabetes UK, all reversed their diabetes by drastically cutting their food intake to just 600 calories a day for two months. And three months later, seven remained free of diabetes.
Read article at medicalxpress.com

June 23, 2011

Pine bark extract plus CoQ10 shows benefits for heart failure patients
A combination of coenzyme Q10 and an extract from French Maritime Pine bark may improve blood flow and general heart health in heart failure patients, indicates a new study from Italy.
Read article at nutraingredients.com

June 16, 2011

Omega-3 boosts insulin resistance markers, suggests study
Increased consumption of omega-3 fatty acids may help to improve important markers insulin resistance, which may lead to diabetes, says new research.
Read article at nutraingredients.com

June 15, 2011

Using olive oil in your diet may prevent a stroke
A new study suggests that consuming olive oil may help prevent a stroke in older people. The research is published in the June 15, 2011, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Read article at medicalxpress.com

June 14, 2011

L-carnitine shows blood sugar benefits: Study
Daily supplements of L-carnitine may improve how the body handles glucose, and prevent spikes in blood sugar levels, suggests a new study from Scotland with implications for diabetics.
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.com

June 13, 2011

Vitamin E supplements may reduce lung disease risk: Cornell study
Daily supplementation with vitamin E may reduce the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by about 10 per cent in women over 45, says a study from Cornell University.
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.com

June 8, 2011

Moderate to intense exercise may protect the brain
Older people who regularly exercise at a moderate to intense level may be less likely to develop the small brain lesions, sometimes referred to as "silent strokes," that are the first sign of cerebrovascular disease, according to a new study published in the June 8, 2011, online issue of Neurology.
Read article at medicalxpress.com

June 7, 2011

Magnesium supplements may ease hot flashes for breast cancer patients
Daily supplements of magnesium may ease hot flashes in women with breast cancer, suggest data from a pilot phase II trial from Virginia Commonwealth University Health System. Writing in Supportive Care in Cancer, scientists report that 400 mg per day of magnesium oxide for 4 weeks was associated with a 41.4 percent reduction in the frequency of hot flashes. The intensity of the hot flashes was also reduced as a result of magnesium supplementation by about 50 percent.
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.com

June 6, 2011

Folate and colon health: Study identifies minimum dose for protection
Japanese researchers have reported a minimal essential blood level for the B vitamin folate for an apparent benefit for colon health, which may help with intake recommendations. A study with 458 Japanese men and women found that the risk of developing a benign colorectal tumor (adenoma) was decreased when blood level of the B vitamin were above 8.0 nanograms per milliliter.
Read article at nutraingredients.com

June 2, 2011

An age old cure
The answer to treating painful arthritis could lie in an age old herbal remedy - frankincense, according to University research.
Read article at medicalxpress.com

June 1, 2011

Study identifies dose threshold for omega-3’s heart benefits
Daily doses of omega-3s of at least 250 milligrams are required to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death and other heart conditions, says a new review and meta-analysis. According to findings published in the British Journal of Nutrition, at least 250 mg of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (LCFA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), was associated with a 35 percent reduction in the risk of sudden cardiac death. In addition, such doses were associated with a ‘near-significant’ 17 percent decrease in the risk of ‘total fatal coronary events’, according to a team of researchers from academia and industry.
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.com

May 31, 2011

New Studies Suggest Sunlight May Help Ward Off Disease
A new study in Australia suggests that obtaining Vitamin D through sun exposure may help prevent the onset of multiple sclerosis as well as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and some types of cancer.
Read article on the Daily Nexus website (University of California, Santa Barbara, USA)

May 27, 2011

Male reproductive health could benefit from vitamin D: Study
Vitamin D could play a key role in improving male reproductive health, according to a new study from researchers at the University of Copenhagen and Copenhagen University Hospital. The study, conducted in 300 normal men, showed a positive correlation between the percentage of motile sperm and serum vitamin D levels.
Read article at nutraingredients.com

May 25, 2011

Prenatal vitamins reduce the risk of autism by half, even more for some higher-risk cases
Women who reported not taking prenatal vitamins immediately before and during a pregnancy were twice as likely to have a child with autism, UC Davis researchers reported Wednesday.
Read article in the Los Angeles Times (USA)

May 24, 2011

Broccoli sprouts show benefits for diabetics: RCT
Powdered broccoli sprouts may boost antioxidant defenses in people with diabetes, suggest findings from a randomized clinical trial from Iran. According to findings published in the peer-reviewed European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a daily dose of five or 10 grams or the broccoli sprout powder was associated with an increase in the total antioxidant capacity of the blood, and reductions in malondialdehyde (MDA), a reactive carbonyl compound and a well-established marker of oxidative stress. The study adds to the growing body of science supporting the potential health benefits of broccoli and broccoli sprouts, most often touted for their potential anti-cancer activity.
Read article at nutraingredients.com

Comment: To access scientific studies on the health benefits of broccoli sprouts and other phytobiologicals, visit the phytobiologicals.com website. To read Dr. Rath's Cellular Health recommendations for diabetes, click here to download chapter 7 of his classic book, "Why Animals Don't Get Heart Attacks … But People Do!"

May 23, 2011

Vitamin D 'lowers relapse risk of multiple sclerosis'
Having high levels of vitamin D everyday can lower the risk of relapse in multiple sclerosis sufferers, a new study has claimed.
Read article in The Hindu (India)

May 20, 2011

Pre-eclampsia supplement 'can protect against disease'
A dietary supplement given to pregnant women at high risk of pre-eclampsia can reduce the likelihood of the disease occurring, a study says. Writing in the British Medical Journal, researchers says the presence of an amino acid and antioxidant vitamins in the supplement helps to combat abnormally high blood pressure.
Read article on the BBC News website (UK)

May 18, 2011

Omega-3 may reduce depression symptoms in the elderly: Study
Daily omega-3 supplements may reduce the occurrence of the symptoms of depression in elderly women, says a new study from Italy that adds to the ongoing debate over omega-3 and mood. According to findings published in The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, depressed women who received daily supplements containing 2.5 grams of omega-3 experienced significant reductions in their symptoms. In addition, researchers from the University of Pavia also report that omega-3 supplements providing a daily EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) dose of 1.67 grams and a daily DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) dose of 0.83 grams reported improvements in the 'quality of life'.
Read article at nutraingredients.org

May 18, 2011

Sun protects against childhood asthma
Vitamin D, which is primarily absorbed from the sun, plays a role in protection against childhood asthma. Now, a new study led by Valencian researchers has shown that children who live in colder, wetter cities are at greater risk of suffering from this respiratory problem, since there are fewer hours of sunlight in such places.
Read article at medicalxpress.com

May 16, 2011

High dose vitamin D may boost exercise capacity for lung disease patients
High dose supplements of vitamin D may increase the exercise capacity and strength of respiratory muscles in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), suggests a new study. A monthly dose of a whopping 100,000 IUs (international units) of vitamin D experienced significant improvements in exercise capacity and respiratory muscle strength compared to those in the placebo group, according to findings presented at the ATS 2011 International Conference in Denver. US recommendations for vitamin D are 600 IUs per day for adults up to age 70 and 800 IUs daily over 70 year-olds.
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.com

May 12, 2011

Relief from red, itchy skin: Unraveling the secrets of vitamin D
Vitamin D helps to reduce the inflammation associated with psoriasis, a common skin condition that causes red, itchy patches on the skin, shows a new study.
Read article at medicalxpress.com

May 12, 2011

'Sunshine vitamin' pills may extend lives of cancer patients
A vitamin pill available for a few pence in any local chemist's shop may have a bigger impact in extending the survival of cancer patients than drugs costing tens of thousands of pounds, says a leading cancer specialist. Professor Angus Dalgeish, consultant medical oncologist at St George's Hospital, Tooting, south-west London, will tell a conference next week that he tests all his cancer patients for the level of Vitamin D and prescribes supplements where they are low. At St George's, where he runs a clinic for patients with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, tests showed that the majority had low Vitamin D.
Read article in The Independent (UK)

May 11, 2011

Radioactive Fallout: Can Nutritional Supplements Help?
A Personal Viewpoint by Damien Downing, M.D.
The Fukushima nuclear accident has already been described as "the largest accidental release of radiation we have ever seen", and it's not over yet. Already, radioactive plutonium, strontium and iodine have reached the continental USA. So should we worry? And, what can we do about it?
Read news release at orthomolecular.org

May 11, 2011

L-theanine may boost attention for anxious folks: Study
Daily supplements of L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea, may help people with anxiety focus on their daily activities, suggests a new study from Japan.
Read article at nutraingredients.com

May 9, 2011

Vitamin E tocotrienols may reduce cholesterol: RCT data
Supplements containing a mixture of tocotrienols – forms of vitamin E – may reduce cholesterol levels by about 15 percent in people with raised cholesterol, says a new study from Malaysia. According to findings published in Functional Foods in Health and Disease, an open-access online journal, 300 millgrams per day of a tocotrienol-rich palm oil extract for six months may reduce LDL cholesterol levels by 17 percent and total cholesterol by 11 percent.
Read article at nutraingredients.com

May 6, 2011

Omega-3 status in pregnancy linked to childhood obesity: Study
Adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy may lower the risk of childhood obesity by 32 per cent, according to new research from Harvard Medical School.
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.com

May 2, 2011

The Alternative Approach: Vitamin C May Impact Your Heart
Can vitamin C improve heart function in those with congestive heart failure? According to one study, the answer is yes.
Read article on the website of the Natural Health Research Institute (USA)
Comment: Vitamin C is the key nutrient for the stability of blood vessels, the heart and all other organs in our bodies. Without vitamin C, our bodies would literally collapse and dissolve, as in scurvy. Significantly, therefore, Dr. Rath has discovered that coronary heart disease occurs exactly for the same reason that clinical (early) scurvy does – a deficiency of vitamin C in the cells composing the artery wall.

April 29, 2011

Omega-3 may slash levels of heart disease risk factor
Supplements of omega-3 fatty acids are associated with lower levels of an amino acid called homocysteine, an amino acid linked to increased risks of heart disease and dementia, says a new meta-analysis of the scientific evidence. Data from 11 trials including 720 people with doses of omega-3 ranging from 0.2 to 6 grams per day concluded that supplementation with omega-3s was associated with lower blood levels of homocysteine.
Read article at nutraingredients.com

April 27, 2011

Pycnogenol Again Found to Help With Leg Circulation
Pycnogenol, a bark extract from the French maritime pine, is a rich source of plant antioxidants called polyphenols. believed responsible for pycnogenol’s significant health benefits that include helping maintain normal blood sugar and helping maintain joint health and mobility. When it comes to blood circulation, pycnogenol has been found useful in helping treat venous ulcers, protecting against deep venous thrombosis and improving venous blood circulation in the legs. Now a new study has again confirmed the benefit for venous leg circulation.
Read article on the website of the Natural Health Research Institute (USA)

April 27, 2011

Chondroitin Shows Quick Benefits to Knee Health
Osteoarthritis is the most common musculoskeletal disorder and the leading cause of pain and disability in the USA. Osteoarthritis affects more than one-half of adults over 65 years of age and is estimated to cost our healthcare system more than $86 billion each year. With no known cure for arthritis, treatment is aimed at reducing pain and preventing further reductions in joint health and mobility. Exercise has been found to help maintain joint health, but additional treatments are needed. Now a new study has found that chondroitin sulfate may help joint health.
Read article on the website of the Natural Health Research Institute (USA)

April 21, 2011

Resveratrol shows anti-diabetes potential: Study
Daily supplements of resveratrol may improve how the human body responds to insulin, the hormone responsible for sugar and fat metabolism, Hungarian researchers report for the first time. According to findings published in the British Journal of Nutrition, a daily 10 milligram dose of resveratrol was associated with reductions in insulin resistance in type-2 diabetics.
Read article at nutraingredients.com

Comment: Phytobiologicals such as resveratrol are natural plant-derived substances which are important for the protection and healthy functioning of the body’s cells. To access scientific studies on the health benefits of phytobiologicals, visit the phytobiologicals.com website. To access scientific research showing how diabetes can be treated in a natural way, visit our Worldwide Studies and Research page.

April 19, 2011

Peppermint earns respect in mainstream medicine
Peppermint is now clinically proven to be an effective pain reliever for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Read article at medicalxpress.com

April 13, 2011

Fish oil may lower postnatal depression
Consuming foods or supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy may lower the risk of developing symptoms of postpartum (after childbirth) depression.
Read article on the Press TV website (Iran)

April 12, 2011

Research Review Finds Lycopene Benefits High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
High cholesterol and high blood pressure are “major risk factors” for cardiovascular disease and stroke which cause nearly 38% of all deaths in the United States each year and cost our healthcare system $403 billion and $43 billion each year. The American Heart Association’s recommendations are (no higher than) 200 mg/dL for total cholesterol levels while classifying” high cholesterol” as at least 240 mg/dL. “Optimal” HDL and LDL cholesterol levels are at least 60 mg/dL and no higher than 100 mg/DL, respectively. Now a new study has found that lycopene may help keep both cholesterol and blood pressure in healthy ranges.
Read article on the website of the Natural Health Research Institute (USA)

April 12, 2011

Health benefits of vitamin D
Long known to be essential as an adjunct to calcium for strong bones and teeth, recent research suggests vitamin D is essential for healthy muscles and the immune system, and that it can help prevent allergies and juvenile diabetes.
Read article in the Daily Telegraph (UK)

April 11, 2011

Vitamin D may help reduce heart risk in African-Americans
In recent years supplementation with Vitamin D has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in people who are deficient in the vitamin. Now new research from the Georgia Prevention Institute at Georgia Health Sciences University in Augusta indicates that supplementation with the "sunshine vitamin" may be particularly beneficial for overweight African-American adults, a population at increased risk for both CVD and Vitamin D deficiency.
Read article at physorg.com

April 11, 2011

Vitamin D 'may combat eye disease'
Vitamin D supplements may ward off vision loss from an age-related eye disease in women younger than 75, research has shown. Higher blood levels of the vitamin were associated with a significant decreased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Read Press Association news report at yahoo.com

April 4, 2011

A sunny outlook for blood pressure
A lack of sunlight can lead to high blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease, research shows. Low levels of vitamin D – which the body creates using sunlight – have been linked to stiffer arteries and an inability of blood vessels to relax, even in those who are otherwise healthy. This can lead to vascular problems and high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease, say US scientists. But when levels of vitamin D were increased, blood pressure fell, researchers from Emory and Georgia Tech Predictive Health Institute in Atlanta found.
Read article in the Daily Express (UK)

March 29, 2011

Antioxidant formula prior to radiation exposure may prevent DNA injury
A unique formulation of antioxidants taken orally before imaging with ionizing radiation minimizes cell damage, noted researchers at the Society of Interventional Radiology's 36th Annual Scientific Meeting in Chicago, Ill. In what the researchers say is the first clinical trial of its kind, as much as a 50 percent reduction in DNA injury was observed after administering the formula prior to CT scans.
Read article at physorg.com

Comment: The early detection of health problems is very important in curtailing the progress of, or eliminating, disease at its onset. Over the last decades, various imaging techniques such as X-rays, ultrasounds, MRI and CT scans have been developed and applied to diagnostic, as well as therapeutic, medical care.

However, in recent years, many doctors – and especially radiologists – have become concerned with the overuse of certain diagnostic techniques, in particular those that expose patients to radiation. Although infrequent use of X-ray or CT (computed tomography) scans will not have adverse effects on a patient, multiple exposures to radiation over a short period of time can cause serious damage to cells, resulting in an increased risk of cancer and other diseases. To read more about some of the concerns associated with medical radiation exposure, and learn which micronutrients and antioxidants can protect you from it, click here.

March 29, 2011

Vitamin K may benefit both elderly men and women: Study
The bone benefits of a diet rich in vitamin K may extend to both elderly men and women, according to findings from a new study from Spain. Data from 200 elderly people showed that high dietary intakes of vitamin K were associated with higher measures of bone mineral density (BMD), and higher scores in an ultrasound test, say findings published in Bone.
Read article at nutraingredients.com

March 25, 2011

Peer Reviewed Publication Supporting Intravenous Vitamin C for Cancer Patients
The Riordan Clinic announced today publication in the Journal of Translational Medicine results of a collaboration between oncologists, alternative medicine practitioners, and basic researchers, which proposes a new use of intravenous vitamin C for treatment of cancer. The paper, available freely online at www.translational-medicine.com/content/pdf/1479-5876-9-25.pdf, describes the possibility of using intravenous vitamin C to treat inflammation associated with cancer.
Read press release at prnewswire.com

March 25, 2011

Cranberry shows heart health benefits: Study
Polyphenol-rich cranberry juice may boost heart health by alleviating arterial stiffness, says a new study from the Boston and Tufts Universities. Double-strength cranberry containing 835 milligrams of total polyphenols and 94 mg of anthocyanins was associated with improvements in a measure of arterial stiffness called carotid femoral pulse wave velocity, according to findings published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Read article at nutraingredients.com

March 24, 2011

Eskimo study suggests high consumption of omega-3s reduces obesity-related disease risk
A study of Yup'ik Eskimos in Alaska, who on average consume 20 times more omega-3 fats from fish than people in the lower 48 states, suggests that a high intake of these fats helps prevent obesity-related chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
Read article at physorg.com

March 22, 2011

Vitamin B12 intake during pregnancy 'will reduce babies' crying'
Women who consume plenty of vitamin B12 during their pregnancy are likely to have a calm baby, new research has revealed.
Read article on the website of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (UK)

March 21, 2011

Radiation Worrying You? Take a Vitamin
With astronauts facing risks from radiation on long-duration space missions, NASA has recommended a simple solution.
To mitigate the effects of radiation on astronauts, doctors advise a simple measure: Take a vitamin pill.
Read article at discovery.com

Comment: Ann Kennedy, head of the NASA-backed National Space Biomedical Research Institute’s Radiation Effects Team, says that vitamin deficiencies appear to be extremely important in determining radiation effects and the resulting incidences of many chronic diseases, including cancer and cataracts. However, it is not only astronauts and nuclear power plant workers who are exposed to radiation. In recent years, many doctors – and especially radiologists – have become concerned with the overuse of certain diagnostic techniques that expose patients to radiation. To learn about ways to minimize the risks from medical radiation exposure, click here.

March 21, 2011

A dose of safflower oil each day might help keep heart disease at bay
A daily dose of safflower oil, a common cooking oil, for 16 weeks can improve such health measures as good cholesterol, blood sugar, insulin sensitivity and inflammation in obese postmenopausal women who have Type 2 diabetes, according to new research.
Read article at physorg.com

March 17, 2011

Vitamin E Users Show Lower ALS Risk
People who regularly take vitamin E supplements over the years may have a decreased risk of developing the fatal neurological condition amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a new study suggests.
Read article at foxnews.com

March 16, 2011

Selenium deficiency may increase risk of chronic disease: Study
Ensuring adequate intakes of selenium may reduce the risk of age-related diseases such as cancer and heart disease, says a new review that supports Bruce Ames’ triage theory.
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.com

March 14, 2011

Omega-3 fatty acid intake linked with reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration in women
Regular consumption of fish and omega-3 fatty acids found in fish is associated with a significantly reduced risk of developing age-related macular degeneration in women, according to a report posted online today that will appear in the June issue of Archives of Ophthalmology.
Read article at physorg.com

March 11, 2011

Olive oil polyphenols’ heart benefits boosted: Human study
Daily doses of polyphenol-rich olive oil may boost levels of an antibody that counters oxidized LDL cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of artery hardening and heart disease, suggest new data from a pan-European study. According to results from the EurOlive Study, a daily dose of olive oil polyphenols increased levels of oxidized LDL autoantibodies (OLAB), which reduced levels of oxidized LDL, an accepted risk factor for artery hardening (atherosclerosis).
Read article at nutraingredients.com

March 10, 2011

Zinc battling childhood diarrhoea in Nepal
The United Nations is promoting the use of zinc supplements in Nepal to battle acute infant diarrhoea that kills 15,000 under-5s per year in the Himalayan state.
Read article at nutraingredients.com

March 9, 2011

The nutrition of cognition: Review considers the evidence for Alzheimer’s
Supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), uridine, and choline may improve the cognitive functions of Alzheimer’s patients, according to a new review.
Read article at nutraingredients.com

March 3, 2011

Increased B vitamins may ease PMS symptoms: Study
Higher intakes of the B vitamins thiamine and riboflavin from the diet may reduce the incidence of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) by about 35 percent, suggest new findings. According to a new paper published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the link between B vitamins and PMS is biologically plausible since B vitamins such as thiamine and riboflavin are known to play important roles in the synthesis of various neurotransmitters involved in PMS.
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.com

March 2, 2011

Potassium levels possible key to racial disparity in Type 2 diabetes
Lower potassium levels in the blood may help explain why African-Americans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes as whites, according to a new study by Johns Hopkins researchers. The findings, if confirmed, suggest that part of diabetes prevention may someday prove as easy as taking a cheap potassium supplement.
Read article at physorg.com

February 28, 2011

Study: High Doses of Vitamin D May Prevent Cancer
Researchers now say higher levels of vitamin D may be necessary to reduce one's risk of cancer. Scientists at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha just published a new study in the journal Anticancer Research, noting that traditional intakes of the essential vitamin just aren't enough to reach blood levels that can prevent or significantly decrease the risk of breast cancer and several other major diseases.
Read article at aolhealth.com

February 24, 2011

Antioxidants in pecans may contribute to heart health and disease prevention
A new research study from Loma Linda University (LLU) demonstrates that naturally occurring antioxidants in pecans may help contribute to heart health and disease prevention; the results were published in the January 2011 issue of The Journal of Nutrition. Pecans contain different forms of the antioxidant vitamin E—known as tocopherols, plus numerous phenolic substances, many of them with antioxidant abilities. The nuts are especially rich in one form of vitamin E called gamma-tocopherols. The findings illustrate that after eating pecans, gamma-tocopherol levels in the body doubled and unhealthy oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood decreased by as much as 33 percent.
Read article at physorg.com

February 23, 2011

Selenium may reduce prostate cancer markers: Study
Supplementation with selenium glycinate may increase the activities of related plasma enzymes, and reduce the levels of an important marker for the risk of prostate cancer, according to a new study that contradicts current thinking. The research, published in Nutrition Research, suggests that selenium glycinate supplementation gave changes consistent with improved selenium functional status and lowered prostate cancer risk in a group of 30 middle-aged US men.
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.org

February 22, 2011

Daily pill that can stop the ringing in your ears
A mineral found in spinach and other green leafy vegetables is being used to treat people with chronic tinnitus — characterised by an inexplicable ringing or buzzing in the ears. Researchers believe the mineral magnesium plays a key role in protecting our hearing system and that supplements taken daily will reduce tinnitus.
Read article in the Daily Mail (UK)

February 21, 2011

Omega-3s may counter degenerative muscle loss: Study
Daily supplements of omega-3 fatty acids may boost the production of muscle protein in older people, and reduce the risk of degenerative muscle loss, suggest data from a new human trial. Four grams per day of omega-3 fatty acids for eight weeks were found to increase the rate of muscle protein synthesis associated with increased supply of amino acids and insulin, according to findings published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.org

February 18, 2011

Omega-3 may improve depression measures for seniors: Study
Daily supplements of omega-3 fatty acids may improve measures of depression in seniors with mild to moderate depression, according to new findings from Iran. Writing in the peer-reviewed European Archives of Psychiatry & Clinical Neuroscience, researchers from the Tehran University of Medical Sciences report that six months of supplementation with 300 mg of both eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) resulted in significant improvements in depression scores, as measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale-15.
Read article at nutraingredients.org

February 16, 2011

Take zinc to fight a cold, say scientists
The best way to shake off a cold is to take supplements of the trace metal zinc, scientists say today.
Read article in the Daily Telegraph (UK)

February 14, 2011

Eating berries may lower risk of Parkinson's
New research shows men and women who regularly eat berries may have a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease, while men may also further lower their risk by regularly eating apples, oranges and other sources rich in dietary components called flavonoids. The study was released today and will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 63rd Annual Meeting in Honolulu April 9 to April 16, 2011.
Read article at physorg.com

February 11, 2011

How much vitamin D do pre-teen girls need?
In the winter, pre-teen girls may need more vitamin D -- either from diet or supplements -- to have healthy bones, a new study says.
Read news report at reuters.com

Comment: Published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, this study proposes that teenage girls need a vitamin D intake of about 750 IU per day to have levels in their blood that allow for healthy bone growth. However, it is important to understand that it is not the intake of any one single nutrient that ensures optimum bone health, but the intake of a complete spectrum of various different micronutrients, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids and trace elements. This is why the approach of Dr. Rath and Dr. Aleksandra Niedzwiecki at the Dr. Rath Research Institute concentrates upon the concept of nutrient synergy, a methodology which maximizes the health benefits of micronutrients because of the discovery they work best in "teams". For example, a clinical research study funded by the Dr. Rath Research Institute has shown that the healing time for bone fractures can be reduced by supplementation with an essential nutrient complex containing ascorbic acid, lysine, proline, and vitamin B6.

February 8, 2011

Astaxanthin shows potential for brain health: Human study
Daily supplements of astaxanthin – the pigment that gives salmon its pink color – may reduce the abnormal accumulation of compounds associated with dementia, says a new study from Japan. Twelve weeks of supplementation with astaxanthin were associated with significant reductions in levels of compounds called phospholipid hydroperoxides (PLOOH), known to accumulate abnormally in the red blood cells (erythrocytes) of people with dementia, compared with placebo.
Read article at nutraingredients-usa.org

February 8, 2011

Food for thought – diet does boost your intelligence
Children brought up on healthy diets are more intelligent compared with their junk food eating counterparts, new research suggests. Toddlers fed a diet packed high in fats, sugars, and processed foods had lower IQs than those fed pasta, salads and fruit, it was found.
Read article in the Daily Telegraph (UK)

February 7, 2011

The Alternative Approach: Find Relief from Chronic Cough with Vitamin B12
Is it possible that a B vitamin can reduce or cure a chronic cough? According to one medical study, the answer is yes.
Read article on the website of the Natural Health Research Institute (USA)

February 7, 2011

Sun exposure, vitamin D may lower risk of multiple sclerosis
People who spend more time in the sun and those with higher vitamin D levels may be less likely to develop multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a study published in the February 8, 2011, print issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Read article at physorg.com

February 7, 2011

Vitamin D linked to colon cancer protection: Meta-analysis
High blood levels of vitamin D are associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer, according to a new meta-analysis of observational studies from an international team of researchers. Analysis of data from nine studies revealed that, for every 10 nanograms per milliliter increase in levels of vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) the associated risk of colorectal cancer decreased by 15 percent.
Read article at nutraingredients.org

February 7, 2011

Grapes may ease liver disease: study
University of Queensland Diamantina Institute PhD student, Veronique Chachay, hopes to determine if a nutrient found in grape skin could hold the key to better managing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Ms. Chachay is currently recruiting people to participate in an eight-week clinical trial. She is interested in hearing from men aged between 18 and 65 years with abdominal obesity, who have been diagnosed with fatty liver, and who are not taking any diabetic medication. Resveratrol (RSV), an antioxidant nutrient found in about 300 plants including grape skin, peanuts and berries, has been found to benefit cardiovascular health, and early clinical trials are under way to determine any benefits for cancer prevention and treatment, degenerative and aging diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
Read article at physorg.com

Comment: To examine the latest research showing how specific plant-derived compounds such as resveratrol, green tea extracts, quercetin, curcumin and cruciferous vegetable extracts can be effective in protecting the healthy functioning of our body cells, click here to visit the phytobiologicals.com website.

February 1, 2011

Popeye was right: spinach really does boost your muscles
Popeye's claim that "I am strong to the finish because I eat all my spinach" is scientifically correct, a study has found. Researchers have discovered that eating a bowl of spinach a day makes your muscles "profoundly" more efficient. They found that eating 300g of the vegetable reduced the amount of oxygen needed to power muscles by as much as five per cent when exercising. The effect is so powerful it works after just three days.
Read article in the Daily Telegraph (UK)

January 31, 2011

To boost cancer-fighting benefits, eat broccoli with a side of sprouts
A new University of Illinois study provides convincing evidence that the way you prepare and eat your broccoli matters, and also suggests that pairing broccoli with broccoli sprouts may make the vegetable's anti-cancer effect almost twice as powerful.
Read article in The Independent (UK)

January 28, 2011

Study unlocks lycopene’s heart health benefits
Lycopene, the compound that gives tomatoes their red color, may benefit heart health by boosting the body’s natural antioxidant defenses and protecting against DNA damage, says a new study from South Korea. A daily supplement of 15 milligrams for eight weeks was associated with increased activity of SOD (super oxide dismutase), a powerful antioxidant enzyme, as well as reductions in measures of DNA damage in white blood cells, according to results published in the journal Atherosclerosis. Furthermore, the apparent benefits extended to a reduction in systolic blood pressure and a decrease in levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). CRP is a marker of inflammation and is reported to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular-related events.
Read article at nutraingredients.com

January 24, 2011

Calcium plus vitamin D shows bone boosting benefits for teenage girls
Supplements of calcium and vitamin D may boost the bone health of girls underg