There are some concerns that soy isoflavones, such as genistein and daidzein, contain phytoestrogens that may stimulate breast cell growth and increase the risk of breast cancer. Research now reports that soy isoflavones do not stimulate breast or uterine cell growth and other markers for cancer risk.Read More
Diet and Nutrition
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The protein ghrelin and other gut hormones help regulate body weight and appetite. Ghrelin is known to produce feelings of hunger, and increases during fasting and decreases after a meal. The hormones leptin, peptide YY and glucagon-like peptide are known to produce feelings of satiety (fullness). However, the concentrations of gut hormones have not been studied during different rates of eating. Now research reports that eating too fast blocks hormones that curb appetite and satiety....Read More
Canadian physicians in urban Toronto noticed the prevalence of symptoms of B12 deficiency in patients of South Asian descent (from India or Pakistan) and lactovegetarians.Read More
On October 13, 2009, First Lady Michelle Obama spoke to employees at the Department of Health and Human Services about healthy living. Mrs. Obama's visit to the health agency was to thank employees for their service and to urge all Americans to live healthier, more active lives. The first lady noted that $373 million from the economic stimulus package has been allocated for communities who have programs to reduce obesity. Mrs. Obama expressed concern that...Read More
A study published in JAMA this June from the Oregon University of Health Sciences investigated the effects that fish oil supplementation had on the incidence of ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation in participants with an implantable cardiac defibrillator.Read More
Recent research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology investigated the possible role that plant sterols may play in the development of atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid arteries.Read More
Polyunsaturated fatty acids have been shown in trials to exert a protective effect on the heart and cardiovascular system in general. Studies show that ingestion of fish oils can reduce the risk of death from a heart attack.Read More
Research on garlic has proven its beneficial effects at lowering high blood cholesterol while exerting protective effects on cardiovascular system.Read More
A study published in the March issue of Cancer Research measured the effects of genistein against metastasis of breast cancer cells after surgical removal of the primary tumor.Read More
Green tea contains high concentrations of polyphenol antioxidants which are referred to as catechins, or EGCG (a major component of green tea catechins). A cup of green tea contains 50 to 100 mg of catechins. Research suggests that catechins in green tea may help prevent cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and other degenerative diseases. Now research reports that green tea boosts abdominal fat loss in overweight people. The study, published in the Obesity, evaluated the effects...Read More
The June issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a small double blind randomized study that tested the efficacy of plant sterols against placebo in Type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic patients.Read More
Recent findings in various medical studies have shown a possible beneficial relationship between serum carotenoids and cardiovascular health. In particular lycopene was thought to help prevent cardiovascular disease.Read More
Previous studies show the Mediterranean diet offers protection against heart disease, various forms of cancer, obesity, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Now research reports that a low carb Mediterranean Diet reduced the need for prescription drugs in overweight patients with type 2 diabetes. The four year study compared the effects of a low fat American Heart Association type diet and a low carb Mediterranean Diet on drug therapy for diabetics. The study, published in Annals of...Read More
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), two-thirds of Americans are either overweight or obese, and the average American adult is 23 pounds overweight, Obesity is not only a health problem, it is also a societal problem. Health economists have warned that rising healthcare costs are associated with the obesity epidemic. Now research reports that health spending for obesity is double what it was a decade ago. The study, published in Health...Read More
The U.S. and the Western world are in the midst of a spreading obesity epidemic. In Western societies, obesity and heart disease are directly related to lower socioeconomic status. Now research reorts that social stress may cause the body to deposit more fat in the abdomen. This increases the harmful buildup of plaque in the blood vessels, leading to heart disease. The animal study, published in Obesity, investigated the effects of low social status on the development...Read More
Previous research has suggested that Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a naturally-occurring compound of the Brassica genus of vegetables (such as broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts), may have anticancer benefits. Research reports that I3C may, in fact, protect against breast cancer.Read More
The top five healthy lifestyle habits include a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein, maintaining a healthy weight, physical activity, moderate alcohol use and not smoking. These lifestyle habits are associated with a lower risk of chronic disease including heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Now research reports that adults practicing healthy lifestyle habits are few and the numbers are declining.The study, published in The American Journal of Medicine, examined the healthy lifestyle habits...Read More
Previous research has shown that soy may lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart disease, and prevent certain cancers. Now research reports that soy may also reduce the risk of endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterine lining).Read More
The study, published in the journal Stroke (2004, vol. 35, no. 7), identified the nutrients found in fruits and vegetables associated with a lower incidence of stroke.Read More
The study, published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine (2004, vol. 158, no. 6), investigated whether healthy adolescents are deficient in vitamin D.Read More
