Here’s a new reason why a real Christmas tree is always best! Researchers have identified a group of anti-inflammatory compounds in the bark of the Scotch pine — widely used for Christmas trees — that they say could be used for treating arthritis and pain. The...
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Hangover Helper? Plant extract reported to ease “the morning after”
Individuals who took a dietary supplement containing extracts of Opuntia ficus indica, a type of prickly pear cactus, before consuming alcohol, had reduced symptoms of alcohol hangover compared to individuals who drank but took placebo, according to researchers. The...
Grandma Was Right! Cod liver oil helps aching joints, study shows
Scientists from Cardiff University report that cod liver oil is effective in slowing the destruction of joint cartilage in patients with osteoarthritis. For the first time ever, the clinical study provides unique human evidence of the effectiveness of cod liver oil in...
Good Fats for Healthy Heart: Flaxseed and nut oils reduce risk for disease
A Penn State study has shown that a diet rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid found in flaxseed oil, walnuts and walnut oil, not only lowered bad cholesterol but also decreased markers for blood vessel inflammation in men and women. The study...
Going Veggie is Easy! Studies show most make a smooth change for better health
In a new study, Neal D. Barnard, MD, and his colleagues show that patients easily transition from a standard omnivorous diet to a low-fat, vegetarian diet that helps people lose weight, lower blood pressure and otherwise improve their health. Many doctors are aware...
Food Nutrients in Decline: Modern farming practices blamed for nutritional changes
A recent study of 43 garden crops suggests that their nutrient value has declined in recent decades while farmers have been planting crops designed to improve other traits. The study was designed to investigate the effects of modern agricultural methods on the...
Food Additives and Hyperactivity: Study suggests “cleaning up” kids’ foods may help
Artificial food colourings and preservatives have a "significant" impact on hyperactivity levels in very young children, say researchers, and removal of these substances could be in the long-term interest of public health. The authors base their findings on over 1,800...
Fish Oils for the Heart: Healthy fats have a number of benefits, study finds
Fish oil can help reduce deaths from heart disease, according to new evidence reports announced today by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The systematic reviews of the available literature found evidence that long chain omega-3 fatty acids, the...
Fish Oils a Smart Choice: Study shows omega-3 keeps IQ sharp in old age
Want to stay smart into your old age? Consider eating more oily fish or taking fish oil supplements, suggest researchers from Scotland. They found that people who eat oily fish or take fish oil supplements score 13% higher in IQ tests and are less likely to show early...
Fighting Superbugs: Study looks at power of probiotics
Can probiotics reduce infections in intensive-care hospital patients? This is the focus of a new clinical study at the Medical College of Georgia. Probiotics are the so-called “good bacteria” that help keep the intestinal tract and immune system healthy. They include...