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]
Compound Isolated from Chinese Mushrooms May Complement Chemotherapy
October 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Researchers have isolated a compound from a type of poisonous mushroom that increases the effectiveness of certain anti-cancer treatments, a new study reports. The compound has been tested in mouse models of cancer, where adding a low dose of the compound helps sensitize cells to the conventional drugs. Scientists are continuing to study the mechanisms… [Continue Reading]
Diet Has Distinct Effects on Different Kinds of Colorectal Cancer
September 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Fruits and vegetables have differing effects on the risk of developing different kinds of colorectal cancers, researchers have found. In work that may explain previous contradictory findings on the link between diet and these types of cancer, a large study has found that while cruciferous veggies (such as broccoli and cabbage) are linked to a… [Continue Reading]
White Fruits and Vegetables Reduce Stroke Risk
September 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Consuming fruits and vegetables is essential for cardiovascular health, but those colored white may be particularly important, according to a recent study. Researchers asked thousands of people to report their food choices, and then tracked their risk of strokes over time. Those who consumed plenty of white fruits and veggies, mainly apples and pears, had… [Continue Reading]
Spicy Companions to Broccoli Boost Absorption of Healthy Compounds
September 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Broccoli has always been part of a healthy diet, but pairing it with certain spicy add-ons like mustard increase the absorption of the veggie’s healthful compounds, researchers say. The combination has an increased health benefit than either food alone, and boosts the levels of a healthy enzyme called myrosinase. Teaming fresh broccoli with a spicy… [Continue Reading]
Hot Pepper Extract Can Help Clear Sinus Inflammation
August 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The compound in spicy peppers that provides the heat also has health benefits, new research reports. For those with chronic sinus inflammation, a nasal spray containing the compound, called capsaicin, provided significant and fast relief. Hot chili peppers are known to make people “tear up,” but a new study led by University of Cincinnati allergy… [Continue Reading]
Eating Gazpacho Fresh Boosts Its Antioxidant Content
August 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The cold soup gazpacho is made from raw vegetables that contain plenty of vitamin C and antioxidants, but these degrade with time, experts say. Nutrition researchers have found lower antioxidant levels in the soup than the ingredients, and suggest eating the dish as close as possible to preparation to maximize its health benefits. In summer,… [Continue Reading]
Mushroom Compound Supresses Prostate Cancer in Mice
May 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment
New research studying a particular mushroom used in traditional medicine shows that compounds isolated from the fungi can reduce tumor development in mouse models of prostate cancer. The authors of the study suggest the effect is by interfering with cancer stem cells, and find no side effects of the compound. A mushroom used in Asia… [Continue Reading]
Spicy Red Pepper May Help Curb Appetite
April 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Increasing the amount of chili peppers in your diet may help keep appetite under control and increase the number of calories you burn, new research suggests. In the study, people consuming a higher amount of hot peppers reported fewer cravings, and had an increased body temperature which boosted resting metabolism. Spicing up your daily diet… [Continue Reading]
Potatoes Rich in Nutrients and Form a Healthy Part of the Diet
April 11, 2011 By 1 Comment
Potatoes often get a bad rap in popular diets, but new research shows that the common veggie can form a healthy part of the diet, without displacing other nutrient-rich vegetables. The study finds that rather than children loading up on potatoes to the exclusion of other healthy foods, kids that eat a lot of potatoes… [Continue Reading]