An increasing consumption of fructose has been singled out as a contributing factor to weight gain and obesity, but a new study suggests that it may simply be a too-high total calorie intake to blame. Is fructose being unfairly blamed for the obesity epidemic? Or do we just eat and drink too many calories? Researchers… [Continue Reading]
Fructose May Not Deserve Bad Reputation in Weight Gain and Obesity
February 21, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Nanoparticles Contaminating Food May Pose Health Risk
February 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Polystyrene nanoparticles are approved for use in food and medication, but new research suggests they may pose a significant health risk. A study in one of science’s top journals demonstrates that exposure to the particles interfere with nutrient uptake, and can change the structure of the cells that make up the intestine. Billions of engineered… [Continue Reading]
Organic Brown Rice May Contain Harmful Levels of Arsenic
February 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Organic foods have a reputation for being healthy, but a new study suggests organic brown rice may contain harmful toxins. Products made from organic brown rice, such as syrup are increasingly used in other foods as well, and a new study has found that certain sources contain high levels of arsenic. As people seek healthier… [Continue Reading]
Replacing Soft Drinks Has Major Impact on Weight Loss
February 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Switching calorie- and sugar-laden soft drinks with lower calorie options can strongly boost weight loss, researchers say. A new study examined different groups of people trying to lose weight, who were advised to switch their usual beverage. Those who switched to water showed the greatest improvement in weight and health, while switching to diet soda… [Continue Reading]
Turmeric Compound Helps Extend Life in Animal Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
February 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment
In a model of Alzheimer’s disease using fruit flies as a model, researchers have found that the compound curcumin, a component of the spice turmeric, can extend lifespan and mobility. While scientists saw no reduction in protein plaques in the brain, thought to be a significant cause of symptoms, they reduced the quantities of a… [Continue Reading]
Soy Isoflavones Do Not Decrease Breast Cancer Cell Growth
February 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment
While eating whole soy has been touted as one way to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer, taking supplements with compounds isolated from soy do not have the same effect. The new study assigned women to take soy isoflavone supplements or a placebo pill, and found no difference in breast cancer cell growth. In… [Continue Reading]
Coffee Linked to Reduced Risk of Fibrosis in Liver Disease Patients
February 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A new study confirms a healthy benefit of drinking coffee: researchers have found that patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease drinking coffee have a reduced risk of liver fibrosis. Previous work suggests the key ingredient is caffeine. Caffeine consumption has long been associated with decreased risk of liver disease and reduced fibrosis in patients with… [Continue Reading]
Binge Drinking Link to Coronary Disease Not Clear
February 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Although previous studies have found that binge drinking is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, a recent study has called this conclusion into question. A large scale study of over 25,000 individuals failed to find a difference between those binge drinking and drinking moderately, in terms of the incidence of ischemic heart disease…. [Continue Reading]
Purple Potatoes Help Reduce Hypertension in Patients
February 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A variety of potatoes with a purple skin has the potential to help lower blood pressure, a new study reports. Researchers studied hypertension patients asked to eat purple potatoes twice daily for a month, and found a significant reduction in blood pressure, enough to potentially protect individuals from some cardiovascular health problems. The first study… [Continue Reading]
Daily Soft Drinks Have Harmful Consequences for Cardiovascular Health
January 31, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Daily consumption of soft drinks is linked to poorer cardiovascular health, new research indicates. While no link was observed with less frequent consumption, a daily soda is associated with an increased likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease, and suffering from strokes and heart attacks. Individuals who drink diet soft drinks on a daily basis may be… [Continue Reading]