Processed and fast foods continue to contain excessive levels of sodium, and the industry isn’t responding to calls to voluntarily decrease these, according to scientists. A recent analysis shows that on average, the quantity of salt in these foods has not changed over nearly a decade. The dangerously high salt levels in processed food and… [Continue Reading]
Imported Rice Contains High Levels of Lead
April 11, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Researchers have found that rice imported from certain countries in Europe and Asia contain high levels of lead, which could be very harmful for the health. Heavy metals in the food supply can have severe consequences, especially for the normal brain development of babies and young children. Rice imported from certain countries contains high levels… [Continue Reading]
Creatine Linked to Hardening of the Arteries
April 8, 2013 By Leave a Comment
The compound creatine, which occurs in red meat and is consumed by many people in the form of supplements has been shown to cause cardiovascular disease. Increased levels of creatine in the body are linked to heart attack, stroke, and higher mortality rates. A compound abundant in red meat and added as a supplement to… [Continue Reading]
Sugar Consumption Increases Risk of Heart Disease: Mechanisms Identified in Animal Model
January 17, 2013 By Leave a Comment
A diet high in sugar (sucrose) is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, and new research has discovered the mechanisms behind this. Scientists using fruit flies as a genetic model have shown the molecular pathway that leads from sugar metabolism to poor heart function, suggesting ways the disease could be prevented in humans…. [Continue Reading]
Sweetened and Diet Drinks Linked to Increased Risk of Depression
January 8, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Consuming sweetened and diet drinks are associated with a higher risk of depression, a new study has found. Scientists examined the drinking habits of over a quarter million individuals and tracked their risk of depression later in life. New research suggests that drinking sweetened beverages, especially diet drinks, is associated with an increased risk of… [Continue Reading]
Grapefruit Discovered to Interact With More and More Drugs
November 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment
More than 85 drugs are affected by consuming grapefruit, and their actions can be dramatically changed, with potentially deadly side effects. Yet many doctors are poorly informed about all of these interactions, which could pose major health risks to patients. The number of prescription drugs that can have serious adverse effects from interactions with grapefruit… [Continue Reading]
Mother’s Mercury Levels Linked to ADHD in Children
October 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment
In light of a new study, researchers are suggesting that maternal mercury consumption may increase the risk of attention-deficit disorder. High levels of mercury can be found in certain types of fish, which pregnant women should pay attention to, experts say. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects approximately ten percent of children worldwide, yet its causes are… [Continue Reading]
High Coffee Intake Linked to Glaucoma
October 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment
While moderate coffee consumption is linked to a lower risk of diabetes and other health benefits, drinking too much could harm your vision, according to a new study. Individuals drinking more than 3 cups of caffeinated coffee per day have a higher risk of glaucoma, scientists have found. A new study suggests caffeinated coffee drinkers… [Continue Reading]
Butter Flavor Compound for Microwave Popcorn Causes Permanent Lung Damage
August 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment
After studies showed that a compound called diacetyl was shown to cause lung disease in workers handling microwave popcorn, many manufacturers switched to a chemical called 2,3-pentanedione. New studies show however, that this new compound may cause just as much lung damage as the previous one. The ingredient 2,3-pentanedione (PD), used to impart the flavor… [Continue Reading]
Fructose Consumption in Obese Patients Linked to Fatty Liver Disease
May 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Researchers have shed light on how consuming fructose can be particularly dangerous for those affected by obesity. New work has found that increasing intake of fructose is linked to fatty liver disease, changing the way the liver is able to properly metabolize sugar. Obese people who consume increased amounts of fructose, a type of sugar… [Continue Reading]