A Mediterranean-style diet, rich in vegetables, fish, and olive oil, has been promoted as a tool for weight control, and researchers have now shown that it might also have cognitive benefits. A study of older people has found that this type of diet correlates with improved memory, thinking, and other mental abilities. A Mediterranean diet… [Continue Reading]
Diet Rich in Olive Oil or Nuts Linked to Reduced Cognitive Decline in Old Age
May 20, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Consuming Fish Oil Could Minimize Harmful Effects of High Fat Diet on the Brain
May 15, 2013 By Leave a Comment
High fat diets are known to hinder the creation of new brain cells, and new research shows that taking in sufficient omega-3 fatty acids, present in fish oils, could minimize that effect. Scientists suggest that the fish oil alters fat and sugar metabolism in the body, which changes their impact on the brain. Data from… [Continue Reading]
Berry-Rich Diets Protect Rats’ Brains from Radiation
April 22, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Berries are known for their health-promoting properties, and new studies show a protective effect of berries on the brain. A new study placed rats on a berry-rich diet, and found that the food protected the rats’ brains from the effects of radiation, which may be due to increased maintenance processes in the brain. Adding more… [Continue Reading]
New Variety of Broccoli Contains Higher Amounts of Healthful Compounds
April 10, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Researchers have developed a new variety of broccoli that could bring extra health benefits. The new type, called Beneforté broccoli, was made by crossing different strains of the vegetable, and has high levels of the compound glucoraphanin, which has been linked to cardiovascular health. Field trials and genetic studies have shown that a new variety… [Continue Reading]
Eating Egg Whites May Have Beneficial Effects On Blood Pressure
April 9, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Researchers have found that a particular protein in egg whites can lower high blood pressure in a rat model of the condition, suggesting that the protein could be used as a treatment in human patients. The rats given the protein saw their blood pressure reduced to about the same degree as as low dose of… [Continue Reading]
Soy Peptides Can Reduce Cancer Cell Growth in the Laboratory
March 20, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Researchers have found that a series of peptides isolated from soy can reduce the growth of several different cancer cell lines in the laboratory. The results still must be tested in animal studies to confirm their validity. Soybean meal is a bi-product following oil extraction from soybean seeds. It is rich in protein, which usually… [Continue Reading]
Green Tea Molecule Prevents Misfolding of Brain Proteins in Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
March 7, 2013 By Leave a Comment
A molecule in green tea called EGCG can prevent brain proteins from misfolding, researchers have reported, a finding that has major implications for research on Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists have found that the compound prevents the formation of protein aggregates, that are thought to contribute to the neurodegenerative disease. Researchers at the University of Michigan have… [Continue Reading]
Natural Forms of Omega-3 Fatty Acids More Active Than Supplement Forms
March 6, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Omega-3 fatty acids from natural sources like fish are significantly more active than the forms found in dietary supplements, new research has found. Researchers trying to understand the molecular mechanisms of the nutrients examined a natural and ester form (found in many supplements) of an omega-3 fatty acid, and found that the supplement form did… [Continue Reading]
Organic Tomatoes Smaller, But Contain More Sugars, Vitamin C and Anti-Oxidants
February 21, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Compared to conventional farm produce, organically-grown tomatoes have quite different nutritional content, a new study reports. Researchers in Brazil have published a study comparing tomatoes grown on organic farms and conventional farms, and have found that the quantities of sugars and some nutrients, like vitamin C and anti-oxidants are higher in organic tomatoes. Tomatoes grown… [Continue Reading]
Fruits and Vegetables Can Ease Chronic Kidney Disease
February 8, 2013 By Leave a Comment
A new study has found that increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables in the diet can improve kidney function in patients with chronic kidney disease. Researchers believe the effect reduces the acidity of the diet, which stresses the kidneys less. Adding fruits and vegetables to the diet may help protect the kidneys of patients… [Continue Reading]