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...
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“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...
Good News for Joint Health: Collagen may prevent and treat osteoarthritis
Collagen could play a role in the prevention and treatment of degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis, suggests new research from scientists at Kiel University in Germany. Collagen, a structural protein in connective tissue, can stimulate the production of...
Finding Balance: Fish oils may help in psychiatric disorder
Women with borderline personality disorder (BPD) may benefit from taking fish oil supplements, according to a study published earlier this year in the American Journal of Psychiatry. There is growing evidence that omega-3 fatty acids, naturally found in cold water...
Eat Away Cholesterol: Diet as effective as drugs, say researchers
Researchers at the University of Toronto and St. Michael's Hospital have shown that a vegetarian diet composed of specific plant foods can lower cholesterol as effectively as a drug treatment. The study compared a diet of known cholesterol-lowering, vegetarian foods...
Brain Food? Fish, flax can reduce Alzheimer’s risk
Eating foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids (found in foods including fish, flaxseed and nuts) and weekly consumption of fish may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer disease (AD) later in life. According to the article published in the Archives of Neurology,...