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]
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]
Grapes Part of a Healthy Diet
October 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A new study shows that grape consumption correlates with the overall quality of a person’s diet. Along with higher levels of vitamins and minerals, grape consumers took in less fat. In a new observational study presented today at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference and Exposition (FNCE) in Philadelphia, PA, researchers… [Continue Reading]
Eating Apples Reduces Bad Cholesterol Levels
October 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment
True to tradition, more evidence is building for the health benefits of eating apples. A new study has found that eating an apple a day for a month has a major impact on cholesterol levels. Eating an apple a day might in fact help keep the cardiologist away, new research suggests. In a study of… [Continue Reading]
Cherries Can Ward Off Gout
September 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Consuming cherries or cherry extract can reduce the risk of gout, a painful disease of the joints. A study examining the diet of gout patients indicates that eating the fruit often is linked to eased symptoms. A new study found that patients with gout who consumed cherries over a two-day period showed a 35% lower… [Continue Reading]
Processed Coconut Oil Can Prevent Tooth Decay
September 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Treating coconut oil with enzymes creates a product that prevents tooth decay, researchers have found. The work suggests that the natural product could provide a low-cost alternative to improve dental health around the world. Digested coconut oil is able to attack the bacteria that cause tooth decay. It is a natural antibiotic that could be… [Continue Reading]
Grapefruit Juice Boosts Effectiveness of Chemotherapy
August 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Grapefruit juice can change the way some drugs, like antibiotics, are metabolized in the body. Researchers have discovered that the fruit also changes the way anti-cancer drugs are treated in the body. Because grapefruit slows the breakdown of the drug, a much lower dose has the same effect of a more toxic higher dose, the… [Continue Reading]
Strawberry Extract May Protect Against DNA Damage from UV
August 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Researchers have shown that strawberry extract can protect skin cells from UV-induced DNA damage in the laboratory. The work suggests that compounds in the extract could be useful for developing new sunscreens based on natural ingredients. An experiment has shown that strawberry extract added to skin cell cultures acts as a protector against ultraviolet radiation… [Continue Reading]
Red Wine Extract May Boost Exercise Performance
June 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Resveratrol, the compound found in red wine and other foods that has been linked to heart health, may also improve exercise performance, new research suggests. A newly published report has found that taking the supplement improves performance during physical activity, as well as heart and muscle function. A natural compound found in some fruits, nuts… [Continue Reading]
Red Wine Compound Changes Metabolism of Fat Cells
April 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Red wine has been touted for the health properties of one of its compounds, resveratrol. Another compound found in grapes, however, may also have a significant impact on the body. The molecule, called piceatannol, when tested in the lab, changes the way fat cells grow and develop. A compound found in red wine, grapes and… [Continue Reading]