Health News Tidbits – August
Diet Dramatically Lowers "Bad"
Cholesterol -
A recent article in Metabolism underlined the value of eating more
soluble fiber, fruits, and vegetables. Participants who ate a 2500 calorie, high
fiber diet for two weeks experienced a 33% drop in their bad cholesterol levels.
Tuna May Help Your Sight-
According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical
Nutrition, participants who ate tuna more than once a week had a 40% lower
risk of age-related macular degeneration than those who ate it less than once a
month. The researchers believe that the omega-3's found in the tuna are
responsible for the eye-protecting benefits.
Vitamin C and DNA Damage Incorrectly Linked -
The recent University of Pennsylvania study finding a link between DNA damage
and vitamin C were not performed on humans, but rather in test tubes that
simulated reactions that do not occur in the human body. One of the study's
authors, Ian Blair, in an interview with Reuters, pleaded, "Absolutely for
God's sake do not say vitamin C causes cancer."
International Journal of Obesity Study Confirms CLA Reduces Body Fat -
A double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study published in the
International Journal of Obesity (Volume 25, Issue 8, August 2001) is the second
study in eight months to conclude that the natural dietary supplement conjugated
linoleic acid (CLA) reduces abdominal fat among men classified as abdominally
obese. The participants lost an average of one inch from their waistlines in a
four week period.
New Report on Fiber and Colon Cancer Prevention -
The largest study ever conducted on diet and cancer by the European
Prospective Investigation of Cancer (EPIC) shows strong protective effects of
dietary fiber on prevention of colon and rectal cancer. The study, which
involves over 500,000 people in ten different countries, shows that those at
lowest risk for colon cancer ate an average of 50% more fiber in their diets
than those at highest risk. Details of the study will not be available until
2003.
One Third of Cancers Linked to Diet-
Another statistic to come from the ongoing European Prospective
Investigation of Cancer (EPIC) study shows that almost one in three cancers
could be prevented through healthier eating.
Prostate Actions of Saw Palmetto Becoming Clearer -
A journal published in this week's journal Urology, confirm that a saw
palmetto supplement reduces levels of DHT (a hormone linked to benign prostatic
hyperplasia (BPH) in men). The participants showed a 32% decrease in DHT levels
when taking 320mg saw palmetto per day combined with nettle root, pumpkin seed
oil, lemon flavanoids, and vitamin A, for six months.
Diet May Raise Asthma Risk in Children -
Toddlers who consume large amounts of margarine and fried foods in vegetable oil
may be twice as likely to develop asthma as those who eat less of these foods. Thorax 2001;56:589-595
Beneficial Bacteria Helps Heal Intestines -
High doses of probiotics, the beneficial bacteria that lives in the intestinal
tract, help control pouchitis, an inflammation of the small intestine common in
patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Throughout nine months of treatment,
85% of the probiotic group remained symptom free while 100% of the placebo group
relapsed. Gastroenterology August 2000; 199:305-309
Flaxseed and Low-Fat Diet Can Be Protective Against Prostate Cancer -
According to a published study in the July issue of Urology, a low-fat
diet supplemented with flaxseed may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Researchers from Duke University concentrated on how hormone levels
(testosterone) can be affected by dietary fat and fiber. Significant reduction
of PSA levels in men with early-stage prostate cancer occurred while PSA levels
continued to rise in men with advanced prostate cancer.
Lutein Decreases Heart Disease -
According to the June 19, 2001 issue of Cirulation, lutein may help
prevent the hardening and narrowing of arteries that can lead to heart attack
and stroke. The study purposes that lutein's antioxidant properties reduces
oxidative damage to the body. Those participants with the lowest lutein levels
showed increased artery thickness, while those with the highest lutein blood
levels showed virtually no artery-wall thickening.
Heart Association Recommends Against Estrogen for Protecting the Heart -
The American Heart Association did an about face and have recommended
against women taking estrogen solely to prevent strokes and heart disease,
because of growing evidence that they may cause harm in some patients. These new
guidelines were published recently in Circulation, the journal of the
American Heart Association.
Select Fish With Care -
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) advise pregnant women, young children, and nursing mothers to avoid
consuming ocean fish shown to have high levels of mercury. They specifically
advise avoiding shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. Preferred choices
of ocean fish include up to 12 ounces of cooked fish per week, selected from
shellfish, canned fish, smaller ocean fish or farm-raised fresh-water fish.
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