An estimated 50 million children have high levels of the "bad" cholesterol -- known as LDL -- that puts them at high risk for suffering heart attacks as adults. Most of these children have inherited disorders causing these abnormal cholesterol levels. Because...
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Vitamin Could Save Lives: Low B-1 linked to diabetic kidney disease
Researchers at the University of Essex have discovered a new link to the cause of kidney disease in diabetes sufferers which could save hundreds of lives each year. Professor Paul Thornalley and a team of researchers from the University's Department of Biological...
Potent Cancer Fighter: Green tea works on many different levels, say researchers
Green tea's ability to fight cancer is even more potent and varied than scientists suspected, say researchers who have discovered that chemicals in green tea shut down one of the key molecules that tobacco relies upon to cause cancer. It's a find that could help...
New Role for Ginkgo? Herb found effective in vitiligo
It’s estimated that nearly 5% of the world’s population is affected by vitiligo, a type of skin discolouration. This condition is characterized by progressively widening areas of depigmented (very white) skin caused by damage to cells that produce pigment in the skin,...
Cutting Cholesterol: Plant sterols found to be effective
A recent study has shown once again that naturally occurring plant compounds called phytosterols can help lower blood levels of cholesterol. Researchers at the Department of Internal Medicine at Washington University in St Louis studied 10 volunteer subjects with...
“C” Through the Smoke! Vitamin C offers protection from effects of secondhand smoke
Researchers have found new evidence that vitamin C can significantly reduce levels of oxidative stress (free-radical damage), which is associated with a variety of chronic diseases, for people exposed to environmental tobacco smoke. The study provides hope for people...
Brain Boost: Sports supplement shown to enhance memory and IQ
Research by Australian scientists has shown that taking creatine can give a significant boost to both working memory and general intelligence. The study monitored the effect of creatine supplementation on 45 young adult vegetarian subjects in a double-blind,...
The B-12 Battle: Elderly may be most at risk for deficiency
Growing older carries more risks, among them the risk for vitamin B-12 deficiency. Emerging evidence points to B-12 deficiency as an increasingly common reason behind high levels of homocysteine in the blood — a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Deficiencies of...
Sunscreens and Bug Sprays Don’t Mix: Combination may harm children and seniors
According to a recent study at the University of Winnipeg, using sunscreens and DEET-based insect repellents may increase the skin absorption of chemical ingredients and endanger health – particularly in seniors and children. People may wish to apply these products...
Natural Comfort: Red clover improves vaginal dryness
Results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial indicate that a standardized red clover supplement is a natural alternative for minimizing vaginal dryness in healthy, postmenopausal women. As women get older, the vagina becomes dry and overly delicate in response...