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...
Research Archive
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...
Fight Fatigue: Siberian ginseng shown to help in trial
If you’re feeling the effects of our high-paced lifestyle that’s almost become the norm, you may want to look into supplementing with ginseng. One of the earlist known medicinal herbs, ginseng is an antioxidant-rich root reputed to help people adapt to stress and...
Fibre Factor: Researchers report protective effect on heart
Consumption of dietary fibre from fruits and cereals may lower the risk of coronary heart disease, say researchers from Harvard University, Boston. They say that dietary fibre, found in fruits, vegetables, grains and cereals, may reduce the risk of heart disease by...
Fatty Acids and Epilepsy: DHA levels often low in patients
Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial to the proper development and function of cell membranes in the brain. But one particular fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is found at abnormally low levels in patients with uncontrolled epilepsy, according to researchers at...