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]
Turmeric Compound Helps Extend Life in Animal Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
February 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment
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]
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]
Eating Fish During Pregnancy Linked to Positive Cognitive and Motor Abilities in Infants
January 31, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A new study examining diet and infant health suggests that fish forms a healthy part of the diet during pregnancy, and is linked to better results on tests of cognitive and motor function. Scientists found a correlation between quantity of certain healthy fatty acids found in fish, and infant test results. Can pregnant women improve… [Continue Reading]
Milk Intake Linked to Improved Memory and Cognitive Performance
January 30, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Drinking milk has been linked to healthy bones for many years, but a new study suggests it may also be beneficial for thinking and memory. The work tested different aspects of mental ability in hundreds of individuals, and found a correlation between milk consumption and performance, even when taking other diet and lifestyle factors into… [Continue Reading]
New Analysis Suggests Careful Monitoring of Alcohol Consumption for Health Benefits
January 30, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Conflicting reports on the effects of alcohol on our health have been partially clarified by a new study. The work, which analyzed data from multiple research groups, reports that while low consumption of alcohol, on average, is beneficial for cardiovascular health, it increases the risk of certain cancers, and can have harmful effects on those… [Continue Reading]
Grape Seed Extract Kills Cancer Cells in Model Systems
January 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is a widespread type of cancer. Researchers studying the disease have found that compounds in grape seed extract can arrest the growth of cancer cells in the laboratory and in mouse models, suggesting the extract could be used to complement current treatments. Nearly 12,000 people will die of head… [Continue Reading]
Yerba Mate Tea Contains Compounds that Kill Cancer Cells
January 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Yerba mate tea has been used in traditional medicine, and new research has shown that it contains active compounds that could fight cancer. A new study describes the activity of the isolated molecules, and their lethal effect on cancer cells in the laboratory. Could preventing colon cancer be as simple as developing a taste for… [Continue Reading]
Grapes Help Keep Retinas and Eyes Healthy
January 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A study examining the effects of grapes on eye health has found that including the fruit in the diet can have significant effects on vision. The work found that mice with a grape-enriched diet had reduced damage to the retina and a lower rate of blindness. Can eating grapes slow or help prevent the onset… [Continue Reading]