Vitamin K-Rich Leafy Veggies Shown To Protect Against Dementia

A U.S. study that linked vitamin K consumption to slower cognitive decline found that eating foods rich in vitamin K, lutein and beta-carotene could be a simple, affordable way to protect the brain from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Scientists monitored the diets and cognitive abilities of 954 older adults – average 81 years -- for two to ten years. They noted a significant decrease in the rate of cognitive decline among study participants who consumed greater amounts of green leafy vegetables. Those who ate one to two servings a day had the cognitive ability of a person 11 years younger than those who consumed none.

"Eating green leafy vegetables keeps mental abilities sharp", News release, study presented at the American Society for Nutrition (ASN) annual meeting, April 10, 2015

Blueberries May Be An Effective Therapy For PTSD

In a study using animal models of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), U.S. researchers have demonstrated that blueberries might be a more effective treatment than antidepressant drugs. The only approved therapy for the condition is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like Zoloft and Paxil, but their effectiveness is marginal at best. The main reason seems to be an increase in norepinephrine (NE) when taking SSRIs. But blueberries increase beneficial serotonin without increasing norepinephrine. About eight percent of Americans suffer from PTSD.

"The Neuro-Protective Efficacy of Blueberry in an Animal Model of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)", News release, research presented at the 2015 Experimental Biology Meeting, April 10, 2015

Peanuts Protect Blood Vessels When Eating High-Fat Meals

Including peanuts in a high-fat meal protects blood vessels, a small clinical trial has found. Researchers monitored the lipid profile, glucose and insulin levels of 15 overweight men who ate meals with or without peanuts. Vascular function was assessed using flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). The researchers found that the peanut meal maintained normal vascular function while the high fat-matched control meal impaired vascular function acutely. Vascular dysfunction plays a major role in the development of atherosclerosis, and the formation of coronary plaques and lesions that lead to coronary artery disease.

"Adding peanuts to a meal benefits vascular health", News release, study presented at the American Society for Nutrition's scientific sessions & annual meeting , April 10, 2015

Omega-3s Lacking In Diet Of Canadian Mothers-To-Be

Most of the first 600 (of 2,000) expectant mothers surveyed in a Canadian pregnancy and nutrition study did not include  enough omega-3 fatty acids in their diets. It is recommended that healthy adults, including pregnant and lactating women, consume at least 500 mg of omega-3s daily. The European Commission recommends a minimum of 200 mg of DHA daily for pregnant and lactating women. Only 27 percent of women during pregnancy, and 25 percent at three months post-delivery, met the recommendation for DHA. Seafood, fish and seaweed products contributed to 79 percent of overall omega-3 fatty acids intake, with the most coming from salmon.

"Women who take n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplements during pregnancy and lactation meet the recommended intake. ", Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, April 03, 2015

Louis Pasteur Had It Right: Drinking Raw Milk Is Hazardous To Your Health

Promoters of raw milk claim it contains more natural antibodies, proteins and bacteria, and is healthier, cleaner, tastes better and reduces lactose intolerance and allergies. But drinking raw (unpasteurized) cow’s milk is a dangerous practice, according to U.S. researchers who issued a report to the Maryland House of Delegates. The researchers screened 1,000 articles and reviewed 81 journal articles, finding that people are nearly 100 times more likely to get sick from foodborne pathogens -- infectious Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria, and E. coli -- when drinking raw milk.

"A Literature Review of the Risks and Benefits of Consuming Raw and Pasteurized Cow's Milk", Special report to Maryland House of Delegates, April 03, 2015

Strength Training Offers Many Benefits For Senior Citizens

An Austrian study that tested the impact of the Healthy for Life exercise project on older people found that regular strength training by people 65 and older had many health benefits, including strengthening of their hands, which makes independent living easier. Muscle mass declines starting at age 30, and by age 80 reaches 50 percent. Participants in the study increased their hand strength by three kilograms, or 20 percent. Researchers also noted major increases in mobility and physical activity, quality of life and cognitive functions.

"Strength training still advisable in older age", News release, Medical University of Vienna, April 03, 2015

Eggs + Raw Veggie Salad = Significant Nutrition Enhancement

A U.S. study that looked at how eggs affect absorption of nutritious carotenoids found that absorption increased significantly when cooked eggs were added to a vegetable salad. The small clinical study involved 16 men who ate one of three salads of uncooked vegetables: one without eggs, one with 1.5 scrambled eggs, and one with three scrambled eggs. Those who ate the most eggs with tomatoes, shredded carrots, baby spinach, romaine lettuce, and Chinese wolfberry (goji berry) increased absorption of carotenoids 3-9 fold. Lutein and zeaxanthin were boosted by adding eggs, and nutrients from the vegetables were enhanced.

"Consuming eggs with raw vegetables increases nutritive value", News release, study presented at the American Society for Nutrition's annual meeting, March 29, 2015

Potential Treatment Of Aggressive Breast Cancer Discovered

In lab experiments, U.S. scientists who treated triple negative breast cancer tissues with rosehip extract found a significant reduction in growth and migration of cells. Exposure to the highest concentration of rosehip extract cut triple negative breast cancer cell proliferation by 50 percent. The result was reduced with smaller concentrations. Rosehips are the fruit of the rose plant; triple negative breast cancer is a particularly aggressive form that resists current treatments. When combined with the breast cancer chemotherapy drug doxorubicin, the extract enhanced its ability to decrease cell multiplication and migration.

"Natural extract shows promise for preventing breast cancer, study suggests", News release, study presented at the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET) annual meeting, March 29, 2015

Herbal Remedy Is Effective In Treating Depression, Without Side Effects

A clinical trial among patients diagnosed with mild to moderate major depressive disorder found a significant improvement in symptoms after taking roseroot (Rhodiola rosea) extract. The improvement was comparable to that experienced when taking the SSRI antidepressant sertraline, but with fewer side effects, especially among patients with milder symptoms. Sixty-three percent of the patients on sertraline experienced side effects – most commonly nausea and sexual dysfunction – compared to only 30 percent of patients taking roseroot. The U.S. researchers said the results were preliminary, but suggest that an herbal remedy might be the better choice for MDD patients who experience severe side effects from traditional antidepressants.

"Rhodiola rosea versus sertraline for major depressive disorder: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. ", Phytomedicine, March 26, 2015