Rheumatoid arthritis is an immune system disease in which the body attacks its own joint tissue, leading to pain, swelling and limited motion. Many research studies show that dietary choices can have a significant effect on the severity of the disease. According to a...
Research Archive
Low Iron Common: Women and children especially at risk
Women and young children are most at risk for iron deficiency, but most are unaware they are anemic until diagnosed by a physician, according to Nancy Andrews, MD, an expert in iron metabolism. Iron-deficient anemia reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood...
Joint Research: Glucosamine eases chronic knee pain
If sore, stiff joints are slowing you down, you may be interested in the results of a recent study by Australian researchers. They report that glucosamine supplements can reduce knee pain in people with cartilage damage and may help in cases of osteoarthritis. Their...
Vitamin C, taurine ease artery damage from smoking
Researchers have found that vitamin C and taurine, an amino acid in fish, reversed abnormal blood vessel response associated with cigarette smoking. “When blood vessels are exposed to cigarette smoke it causes the vessels to behave like a rigid pipe rather than a...
Ginseng improves memory in stroke-related dementia patients
A recent study showed that a ginseng compound improved memory scores of people suffering from stroke-induced dementia, Chinese researchers reported. Memory loss, or dementia, may occur after stroke and is a growing problem in China, says lead researcher Jinzhou Tian,...
Cholesterol Clues: Study finds plant sterols cut levels
Phytosterols are naturally occurring plant compounds found in vegetables and legumes. They have a chemical structure similar to cholesterol, but inhibit the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine. Many studies have found that esterified phytosterols added to...
Exposure to second-hand smoke cuts vitamin levels
Past research has shown that smoking lowers vitamin C levels in smokers themselves. However, scientists wanted to know if children exposed to second-hand smoke would also show lower vitamin C levels. Researchers from the University of Puerto Rico gathered a study...
Prostate Protection: Good diet, exercise can kill cancer cells
UCLA scientists report that 11 days of daily exercise and a low-fat, high-fibre diet cause prostate cancer cells to die. The research is the first to show that diet and exercise can kill prostate cancer cells. "You can make changes in a short period of time that have...
Plant Power: Omega-6 oils increase heart benefit from fish oils
Combined fish (omega 3) and plant (omega 6) derived fatty acids are more effective for combating heart disease in women than fish oils alone, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (77, 1:37-42,2003). The study was carried out...
News for Diabetics: Vitamin C helps control blood pressure
Diabetics are at an elevated risk for many other diseases, including heart disease. Therefore, the maintenance of normal blood pressure is an important factor in avoiding poor cardiovascular health. According to a recent clinical trial, diabetics may lower their risk...