Lycopene Shown To Improve Function Of Blood Vessel Lining, Reducing Cardiovascular Risk

A British clinical study that focused on the health effects of the powerful antioxidant lycopene, found in tomatoes and available in supplement form, discovered significant cardiovascular benefits. Thirty-six cardiovascular disease patients and thirty-six healthy volunteers were given either an off-the-shelf supplement containing 7 mg of lycopene or a placebo. Lycopene improved and normalized endothelial (blood vessel lining) function in the patients, but not in healthy volunteers. Lycopene improved the widening of the blood vessels by 53 percent compared to baseline. However, the supplement had no effect on blood pressure, arterial stiffness or levels of lipids.

"Effects of Oral Lycopene Supplementation on Vascular Function in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease and Healthy Volunteers: A Randomised Controlled Trial. ", PLoS ONE, June 09, 2014

Elderly Men Boost Their Health By Playing Soccer Two Hours A Week

They may not be able to bend it like former British footballer David Beckham, but men in their sixties and seventies reap remarkable fitness rewards by playing soccer, according to Danish research. Soccer is not only a fun social activity, it is also an effective form of high-intensity interval training. Inactive, untrained men 63 to 75 years old improved maximum oxygen uptake by 15 percent and performance during interval exercise by as much as 50 percent by playing soccer for just one hour twice a week for four months. In addition, muscle function improved 30 percent and bone mineralization in the femoral neck increased by two percent. “Intense training such as soccer can change the lives of elderly men," the researchers noted.

"A preliminary study: Effects of football training on glucose control, body composition, and performance in men with type 2 diabetes. ", Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, June 06, 2014

Men Benefit More From Interval Training On Stationary Bikes

Interval training – short bouts of intense exercise in tandem with moderate exercise – benefits men more than women, according to a new U.S. study. Though men and women both experience increases in aerobic capacity through interval training, men create more new proteins than women do. The study involved young, healthy, active men and women who completed sprint interval training on a stationary bike three times a week, for three weeks. Aerobic capacity was measured before and after the study, and the number of new proteins created was measured, especially those created in muscle. The researchers said the study does not extend to other types of exercise, such as running, jogging and cycling, where women may benefit equally or more.

"Greater muscle protein synthesis and mitochondrial biogenesis in males compared with females during sprint interval training. ", The FASEB Journal, June 02, 2014

Adding High-Fiber Prunes To Diet Helps With Weight Loss

Adding prunes to a weight loss diet program can help people shed pounds, a British clinical study has found. Scientists tested the impact of prunes for 12 weeks on 100 overweight and obese participants who generally ate a diet low in fiber. Participants either ate prunes every day (140 g for women and 171 g for men), and a control group only given advice on healthy snacking. Those who ate prunes as part of a healthy lifestyle diet lost 2 kg (4.4 lb) and shed 2.5 cm (0.98 in) off their waists, and the prunes were well-tolerated. The people in the control group lost only 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) and 1.7 cm (0.67 in) from their waists.

"Dried Fruit (Prune) Consumption Does Not Undermine Active Weight Management Or Produce Adverse Gastrointestinal Effects", Study presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Sofia, Bulgaria (HTPO.017), May 30, 2014

Red Wine Polyphenols Shown Highly Effective At Killing Harmful Oral Bacteria

Swiss and Spanish researchers have determined that the polyphenols in red wine and grape seed extract are effective in getting rid of the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease, common problems globally. For the study, the researchers grew cultures of bacteria responsible for dental diseases as a biofilm. The biofilms were immersed for a few minutes in red wine, red wine without alcohol, red wine spiked with grape seed extract, and water and 12 percent ethanol for comparison. They found that red wine with or without alcohol and wine with grape seed extract were the most effective at eliminating bacteria. The findings could lead to the development of natural products that prevent dental diseases with fewer side effects.

"Red Wine and Oenological Extracts Display Antimicrobial Effects in an Oral Bacteria Biofilm Model. ", Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, May 28, 2014

Decline In Preschooler Obesity Tied To Fewer Purchases Of Junk Food

One reason childhood obesity rates have stalled and started to drop in recent years is the fact that parents of preschoolers are buying less junk food and sugary drinks, according to a U.S. study. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that obesity rates among preschoolers (aged two to five) have slid from 12.1 percent to 8.4 percent. To find out why, the researchers analyzed food and beverage purchase data between 2000 and 2011 from 43,000 U.S. households with preschool-age children. They identified the top 20 foods and beverages purchased per capita, finding declines especially in milk, soft drinks, juices and juice drinks, and grain-based desserts, all of which include higher calorie solid fats and added sugars.

"Families with preschoolers buying fewer high calorie foods and beverages", News release, upcoming study in American Journal of Preventive Medicine, May 28, 2014

Diet Soda Drinkers Lose More Weight Than Water Dieters – Study

A 12-week clinical study subsidized by the U.S. beverage industry finds that drinking diet sodas helps people lose weight. The researchers, two of whom are paid consultants of the Coca-Cola Company, said that those who drank diet beverages during the study “lost more weight and reported feeling significantly less hungry” than participants who drank only water. The study among 303 people showed that people who drank diet sodas lost an average of 13 pounds – 44 percent more than the control group, which lost an average of nine pounds. Sixty-four percent of the diet soda group lost at least five percent of their body weight, compared with only 43 percent of the control group. Both diet soda and water groups saw reductions in waist circumference and blood pressure.

"The effects of water and non-nutritive sweetened beverages on weight loss during a 12-week weight loss treatment program. ", Obesity, May 27, 2014

Moderate Exercise Keeps Elderly Walking

Moderate daily exercise among frail elderly people can mean the difference between performing everyday duties and being housebound, a U.S. clinical study has found. Participants included two groups (total of 1,635) sedentary men and women ages 70 to 89 who could walk a quarter mile – two or three blocks around the neighborhood – within 15 minutes but were at risk of losing that ability. One group walked 150 minutes a week and did strength, flexibility and balance training. A control group attended health education classes and performed stretching exercises. Moderate physical activity helped aging adults maintain their ability to walk at a rate 18 percent higher than older adults who did not exercise.

"Effect of Structured Physical Activity on Prevention of Major Mobility Disability in Older Adults: The LIFE Study Randomized Clinical Trial ", JAMA, May 27, 2014

Vegan Version Of Atkins Diet Helps Drop Pounds, Reduce Heart Disease Risk

The so-called “Eco-Atkins” diet – low carb and vegan – not only helps dieters shed pounds, it also helps lower cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk, according to a Canadian study. Twenty-three obese men and women completed the six-month diet, in which participants ate only 60 percent of daily weight-maintenance calories, but were allowed to select their own menus, either Eco-Atkins or high carb/low fat. Eco-Atkins participants consumed 26 percent of calories from carbs, 31 percent from proteins and 43 percent from fat, primarily from vegetable oils, avocado, nuts and soy products. Over six months, participants on the Eco-Atkins diet experienced a 10 percent drop in cholesterol and lost an average of four more pounds than the high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet.

"Effect of a 6-month vegan low-carbohydrate (‘Eco-Atkins’) diet on cardiovascular risk factors and body weight in hyperlipidaemic adults: a randomised controlled trial. ", BMJ Open, May 22, 2014

U.S. Kids Get A Barely Passing Grade In Overall Physical Fitness

A group that promotes the benefits of exercise in the U.S. has issued a report card on the physical activity and sedentary behaviors of American children and youth, awarding a D- in overall physical activity and an F in active transportation. The National Physical Activity Action Plan presented the results of their assessment of activity (derived from national surveys), as well as facilitators and barriers, at a Congressional Fitness Caucus briefing in Washington, D.C., in April. Other grades awarded: sedentary behaviors (D), organized sport participation (C), active play (incomplete), and school (C-).

"U.S. Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth", Report, National Physical Activity Plan Alliance, May 19, 2014

U.S. Schools Find That Cafeteria Upgrades Are An Expensive Undertaking

School districts nationwide are moving to upgrade their cafeteria food preparation equipment to provide more attractive, and healthful meals to their kids. But the special blenders, food processors, walk-in freezers, salad bars, pass-through coolers and warmers are expensive, and it’s difficult to pay for the stuff through regular operating funds. To fill the gap, schools are trying a range of money-raising techniques, including bond programs and highly competitive federal grants. But despite the aggressive efforts, a survey of school food service officials found that 88 percent of districts still need at least one more piece of kitchen equipment.

"Schools seek upgrades to entice healthy eating", Associated Press , May 17, 2014