Health News Tidbits – July
Estrogen Therapy's Benefits Now in Doubt
-
A recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association questions
hormone replacement therapy. The article questions its effectiveness for
osteoporosis prevention, and suggests that it increases the risk of heart
attack's. The only symptom that the article supports HRT for is hot flashes. For
the full article, access the Chicago Sun-Times Wed., June 13,
2001
Brassica Vegetables May Decrease Risk of Breast Cancer-
According to a research letter published Journal of the American Medical
Association, brasssica vegetables, which include broccoli, Brussels sprouts,
cauliflower, and cabbage, were found to have a 20-40% decrease in the risk of
breast cancer, when consuming 1 to 2 servings daily. brassica vegetables are
high in the compound indole-3-carbinol (I3C). In preliminary research, I3C has
been reported to affect the metabolism of estrogen in a way that might protect
against breast cancer. Further research is required to further define the role
that brassica vegetables play I breast cancer prevention. JAMA 2001;285:2975-7
Walnut Consumption May Reduce Heart Disease-
A recent American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that
consumption of as little as five ounces of nuts per week has been shown to
reduce cardiovascular risk by 30-50%. The rich source of polyunsaturated fatty
acids in walnuts beneficially redistributes cholesterol. Am J Clin Nutr 2001;74:72-9
Better Diet May Help Prevent Breast Cancer-
An American Journal of Epidemiology article reports that a diet rich
in fruits and vegetables may reduce a woman’s risk of breast cancer by 11-21%. The
researchers measured blood carotenoid levels of 270 women. Women who developed
breast cancer on average were found to have lower carotenoid levels, which relates
to lower intake of carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables (carrots and
leafy-green vegetables). Am J Epid 2001;153:1142-1147
NCEP Issues New Cholesterol Guidelines -
A summary of the new clinical practice guidelines on the prevention and
management outlined by The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP):
A) Treating high cholesterol more aggressively for
those with diabetes
B) A lipoprotein profile (measures LDL, total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides) as the first test for high cholesterol. Suggests repeating once
every five years
C) HDL level below 40mg/dL is a major risk factor for heart disease (was
35mg/dL). An HDL level of 60mg/dL or more is considered protective against
heart disease
D) Proper nutrition which includes:
-Eating healthier
fats (poly & unsaturated), less saturated fat
-Eating more soluble
fiber
-Supplementing with
plant sterols and stanols
E) Weight control
F) Stress reduction
G) More physical activity
H) Advising against the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as an
alternative to cholesterol-lowering drugs
Ginseng Could Help Lower Blood Sugar Levels -
An Archives of Internal Medicine article reports that American Ginseng may help
lower blood sugar levels in people with and without type 2 diabetes when taken
40 minutes before a meal. Arch Int Med Vol. 160, pg. 1009
Green Tea May Strengthen Teeth Against Decay -
Green Tea naturally contains fluoride and catechin polyphenols, which both kill
cavity-causing bacteria. Thus, green tea extracts may be another option for
preventing tooth decay. Arch Pharm Res 1998 21(3):348-352
Study Shows Women Need Extra Folic Acid -
According to a new study from Centers for Disease Control in the latest issue
of Journal of the American Medical Association, while folic acid
fortification programs have been successful overall, babies are still being
born with defects because pregnant women may not be getting enough folic acid
in their diets. Experts say women need at least 400 mcg. to protect their
babies from neural defects. Doctors strongly advise their patients to get their
folic acid in supplement form and not to rely on their diet alone.
FDA Clears Way for Fish Fat Addition to Baby Formula -
The FDA has cleared the way for Martek Biosciences Corp. to sell their
nutritional oils in infant formulas in the United States. Martek's oils contain
two fatty acids that are naturally present in breast milk but not added to most
infant formulas. Scientific studies have found that the addition of these oils
may boost an infant's intelligence and vision.
Food Makers Agree to Simpler Labels Regarding Allergic Reactions -
Food labels will use more easily understood terms for ingredients that can
cause allergic reactions. For instance, milk can also be termed
"casein" and eggs can be "albumen." Labels will also
disclose the sources of flavorings that could be allergy-inducing. The new
guidelines from the food industry apply to eight food groups that are
responsible for most allergic reactions: shellfish, eggs, fish, milk, peanuts,
soy, tree nuts, and wheat.
Study Indicates Oily Fish Might Ward Off Prostate Cancer -
According to a published study in The Lancet, even moderate amounts (two
to three servings per week) of oily fish such as mackerel, sardines, and salmon
might reduce the risk of prostate cancer considerably (as much as 50%). The
study involved 6,272 Swedish men over a thirty year span.
Avocados Highest Fruit Source of Vitamin E, Lutein -
According to UCLA Center for Human Nutrition Researchers, avocados have nearly
twice as much vitamin E as previously reported, making them the highest fruit
source of the powerful antioxidant. In addition, avocados have the highest
amount of lutein compared to twenty of the most frequently consumed fruits.
Leafy Greens Good for Your Carotids -
A recent study in the journal Circulation found a correlation with
lutein-containing leafy green consumption and good cardiovascular health.
Results showed less thickening of the artery walls in 480 men and women with
higher lutein levels in their cells.
Dietary Fatty Acids May Influence the Development Childhood Allergic
Diseases -
Children consuming higher amounts of margarine in their diets may be more likely
to develop allergic diseases, such as eczema, asthma, and hay fever, according
to a study published in the current issue of Allergy. Children who
consumed higher amounts of butter were not as likely to develop the allergic
diseases. Hydrogenation, the process used to create margarine, creates trans
fatty acids, which have been shown to increase the risk of heart disease, among
other conditions. In conclusion, the quality of fat consumed in the diet is
important for the development of allergic disease in children. Allergy
2001;56:425-8
Health News Tidbits - June
Health News Tidbits - July
Health News Tidbits - August
Health News Tidbits - September
Health News Tidbits - October
Health News Tidbits - November
Health News Tidbits - December
Health News Tidbits - January '01
Health News Tidbits - February '01
Health News Tidbits - March '01
Health News Tidbits - April '01
Health News Tidbits - May '01
Health
News Tidbits - June'01