"Vitamin C does nothing to prevent the common cold but may shorten its duration, Australian and Finnish researchers say in their analysis of 55 studies."
Study: Vitamin C fails to prevent colds
This is news, why? Oh well...some of you may be interested. And it gives me the opportunity to ask: if the symptoms are gone, how does one know (s)he is still sick?
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
High iron and cholesterol equals high cancer risk - Yahoo! News
High iron and cholesterol equals high cancer risk - Yahoo! News: "he team reports that elevated iron increased the likelihood of developing cancer by 66 percent, and high VLDL cholesterol increased the risk by 54 percent. Combining elevated iron with elevated VLDL increased the risk of cancer by 168 percent."
Interesting, but I am a tad concerned that the high cholesterol is picking up diet related variables (example heavy meat eating, low vegetable eating). That said it is very interesting for the interaction.
Moreover, high iron levels have now been associated with heart problems as well as cancer.
Interesting, but I am a tad concerned that the high cholesterol is picking up diet related variables (example heavy meat eating, low vegetable eating). That said it is very interesting for the interaction.
Moreover, high iron levels have now been associated with heart problems as well as cancer.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Eating poorly? Some of blame may be due to evolution
Sweet tastes good, we crave salt, and love fat. Why? It might be because of how our ancestors evolved: bitter was seen as poison, sweet as calorie rich.
From NPR: Jonesing for Fries? Blame the Cave Men
I will concede this, but we all need more self-discipline if we can not give in that easily to our urges.
From NPR: Jonesing for Fries? Blame the Cave Men
I will concede this, but we all need more self-discipline if we can not give in that easily to our urges.
NPR : Health Experts Offer Tips for Grocery Shopping
NPR : Health Experts Offer Tips for Grocery Shopping
A very useful audio article on how to grocery shop.
Remember, it is more healthful to eat at home than to go out to eat! Something I have been saying forever!
A very useful audio article on how to grocery shop.
Remember, it is more healthful to eat at home than to go out to eat! Something I have been saying forever!
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Thursday, June 23, 2005
CBS 2 - New York News: National Wire
CBS 2 - New York News: National Wire: "`Physical activity isn't the be-all, end-all. It has to be accompanied by an improvement in diet.''"
Potatoes seem to be getting a raw deal. Sure they are not perfect, but they are much better than many food--candy, pop, sweetened fruit juices come to mind immediately.
Now fried potatoes may be another story...
Potatoes seem to be getting a raw deal. Sure they are not perfect, but they are much better than many food--candy, pop, sweetened fruit juices come to mind immediately.
Now fried potatoes may be another story...
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Little research on effects of diet on young children
Interesting NY Times piece:
Bananas, Maybe. Peas and Kale? Dream On. - New York Times: "The research on the developmental and long-term health effects of poor diet in young children is scant.
'From 1 year of age to about adolescence, there's a dearth of research,' said Dr. Stephanie A. Atkinson, a member of a dietary panel at the Institute of Medicine, an arm of the National Academy of Sciences."
I would suggest that until the research becomes available, to presume roughly the same guidelines that we see for older children and adults: namely to eat fewer processed foods, to watch sodium and sugar intake, and to avoid trans-fat. But of course, that is common sense.
Bananas, Maybe. Peas and Kale? Dream On. - New York Times: "The research on the developmental and long-term health effects of poor diet in young children is scant.
'From 1 year of age to about adolescence, there's a dearth of research,' said Dr. Stephanie A. Atkinson, a member of a dietary panel at the Institute of Medicine, an arm of the National Academy of Sciences."
I would suggest that until the research becomes available, to presume roughly the same guidelines that we see for older children and adults: namely to eat fewer processed foods, to watch sodium and sugar intake, and to avoid trans-fat. But of course, that is common sense.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Study: Extra Folic Acid May Help Memory - Yahoo! News
Another good aspect of all of the fortification of cereals and breads with folic acid!
Study: Extra Folic Acid May Help Memory - Yahoo! News: "Taking 800 micrograms of folic acid a day slowed that brain drain, reported lead researcher Jane Durga of Wageningen University in the Netherlands.
In the study, 818 cognitively healthy people ages 50 to 75 swallowed either folic acid or a dummy pill for three years.
On memory tests, the supplement users had scores comparable to people 5.5 years younger, Durga said. On tests of cognitive speed, the folic acid helped users perform as well as people 1.9 years younger."
Study: Extra Folic Acid May Help Memory - Yahoo! News: "Taking 800 micrograms of folic acid a day slowed that brain drain, reported lead researcher Jane Durga of Wageningen University in the Netherlands.
In the study, 818 cognitively healthy people ages 50 to 75 swallowed either folic acid or a dummy pill for three years.
On memory tests, the supplement users had scores comparable to people 5.5 years younger, Durga said. On tests of cognitive speed, the folic acid helped users perform as well as people 1.9 years younger."
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Children Often Confused About Which Foods Are Healthy, New Study Finds
And often kids (and I would venture many adults as well) cannot tell the difference between foods that claim to be good for you and foods that are in fact good for you.
From ScienceDaily:
TV Confuses Children About Which Foods Are Healthy, New Study Finds: "Foods marketed as aiding weight-loss were particularly problematical for the kids in the study. They equated the words 'diet' and 'fat-free' with being nutritious.
'When they were presented with choices like Diet Coke vs. orange juice and fat-free ice cream vs. cottage cheese, they were more likely to pick the wrong answer -- the diet and fat-free foods -- than when they were presented with choices without these labels, for example, spinach vs. lettuce."
From ScienceDaily:
TV Confuses Children About Which Foods Are Healthy, New Study Finds: "Foods marketed as aiding weight-loss were particularly problematical for the kids in the study. They equated the words 'diet' and 'fat-free' with being nutritious.
'When they were presented with choices like Diet Coke vs. orange juice and fat-free ice cream vs. cottage cheese, they were more likely to pick the wrong answer -- the diet and fat-free foods -- than when they were presented with choices without these labels, for example, spinach vs. lettuce."
Can straws cut tooth decay?
Might straws cut tooth decay? New research says it might. And it definitely makes sense!
From Science Daily:
Saved By A Straw? Sipping Soft Drinks And Other Beverages Reduces Risk Of Decay: "according to a report in the May/June 2005 issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry's (AGD) clinical, peer-reviewed journal, drinking soft drinks and other beverages through a properly positioned straw can help to minimize the risk of cavities"
other point:
"However, even when drinking through a straw, the teeth located in the back of the mouth are still bathed with sugary and acidic liquids. "Try rinsing your mouth with water after drinking and use toothpaste that contains fluoride," advises AGD spokesperson Paula Jones, DDS, FAGD. "Your teeth aren't thirsty, your throat is.""
From Science Daily:
Saved By A Straw? Sipping Soft Drinks And Other Beverages Reduces Risk Of Decay: "according to a report in the May/June 2005 issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry's (AGD) clinical, peer-reviewed journal, drinking soft drinks and other beverages through a properly positioned straw can help to minimize the risk of cavities"
other point:
"However, even when drinking through a straw, the teeth located in the back of the mouth are still bathed with sugary and acidic liquids. "Try rinsing your mouth with water after drinking and use toothpaste that contains fluoride," advises AGD spokesperson Paula Jones, DDS, FAGD. "Your teeth aren't thirsty, your throat is.""
Thursday, June 16, 2005
CNN.com - Red meat fuels bowel cancer risk - Jun 15, 2005
CNN.com - Red meat fuels bowel cancer risk - Jun 15, 2005: "The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) concluded the risk of developing the disease for people who regularly ate more than two portions of red and processed meat a day was a third (35 percent) higher than for those who ate less than one portion a week.
The latest research, published Wednesday in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, used data from a study of the diets of more than half a million people across Europe."
I guess this really is not very surprising.
The latest research, published Wednesday in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, used data from a study of the diets of more than half a million people across Europe."
I guess this really is not very surprising.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Study Challenges Dairy's Weight Loss Claim
More reasons to doubt the validity of many marketing claims:
Study Challenges Dairy's Weight Loss Claim: "'Studies examining the relationship between milk and body fat have been very mixed, but the marketing messages directed at families are clear -- advertisements encourage dairy products such as milk to help promote weight loss, so it is critical we continue to study this area until we have solid answers,' Berkey says"
Study Challenges Dairy's Weight Loss Claim: "'Studies examining the relationship between milk and body fat have been very mixed, but the marketing messages directed at families are clear -- advertisements encourage dairy products such as milk to help promote weight loss, so it is critical we continue to study this area until we have solid answers,' Berkey says"
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Raisins may fight cavities and gum disease - study - Yahoo! News
Well here is a surprise....Riasins may be good for your teeth afterall!
Raisins may fight cavities and gum disease - study - Yahoo! News: "They may be sweet and sticky but raisins contain compounds that suppress bacteria responsible for cavities and gum disease, U.S. researchers said on Wednesday.
While the researchers have not shown that people who eat raisins have healthier mouths, they identified five compounds known as phytochemicals in raisins that can be beneficial for teeth and gums."
Raisins may fight cavities and gum disease - study - Yahoo! News: "They may be sweet and sticky but raisins contain compounds that suppress bacteria responsible for cavities and gum disease, U.S. researchers said on Wednesday.
While the researchers have not shown that people who eat raisins have healthier mouths, they identified five compounds known as phytochemicals in raisins that can be beneficial for teeth and gums."
Sunday, June 05, 2005
Everyday Apples Pack Antioxidant Punch - Yahoo! News
An Apple a day...
More evidence that apples are good for you!
From Yahoo:
Everyday Apples Pack Antioxidant Punch - Yahoo! News: "CONCORD, N.H. - America's most common apple also may be its most potent. Just don't skimp on the skin. A Canadian government study that measured the levels of antioxidants in eight varieties of apples found that Red Delicious contain the highest concentrations of the health enhancing chemicals.
And to get the most bang for your bite, be sure to eat the peel.
The skin of Red Delicious apples — the most common variety grown in the United States — contains over six times more antioxidant activity than the flesh, according to researchers at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada"
Later:
"The study, to be published in the June 29 issue of Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, compared apple varieties popular in Canada, some of which are available only regionally in the United States.
Red Delicious, which account for 27 percent of U.S. apple production, has more than six times the antioxidants as the bottom-ranked Empire variety. Northern Spy was No. 2, followed by Cortland, Ida Red, Golden Delicious, McIntosh and Mutsu.
And in every variety tested, the skins of the apples contained substantially higher levels of antioxidants than the flesh."
More evidence that apples are good for you!
From Yahoo:
Everyday Apples Pack Antioxidant Punch - Yahoo! News: "CONCORD, N.H. - America's most common apple also may be its most potent. Just don't skimp on the skin. A Canadian government study that measured the levels of antioxidants in eight varieties of apples found that Red Delicious contain the highest concentrations of the health enhancing chemicals.
And to get the most bang for your bite, be sure to eat the peel.
The skin of Red Delicious apples — the most common variety grown in the United States — contains over six times more antioxidant activity than the flesh, according to researchers at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada"
Later:
"The study, to be published in the June 29 issue of Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, compared apple varieties popular in Canada, some of which are available only regionally in the United States.
Red Delicious, which account for 27 percent of U.S. apple production, has more than six times the antioxidants as the bottom-ranked Empire variety. Northern Spy was No. 2, followed by Cortland, Ida Red, Golden Delicious, McIntosh and Mutsu.
And in every variety tested, the skins of the apples contained substantially higher levels of antioxidants than the flesh."
Thursday, June 02, 2005
CDC: Smoking Rates Continue to Drop
Good news!!!!
Smoking rates continue to drop!!!
"Smoking continues to drop among U.S. adults, says the CDC. Still, the government wants to see a lot more people kick the cigarette habit -- and the sooner, the better.
A little more than one in five adults smoke, says the CDC. That's 21.6% of American adults, or 45.4 million people. Those numbers are down from 22.5% in 2002 and 22.8% in 2001. "
Interestingly, smoking is still most prevalent among the poor and less educated.
CDC: Smoking Rates Continue to Drop: "Current smoking was most common among adults aged 25-44 years (26%), those living below the poverty level (30%), and those whose highest educational level was a General Educational Development (GED) diploma (44%)."
Smoking rates continue to drop!!!
"Smoking continues to drop among U.S. adults, says the CDC. Still, the government wants to see a lot more people kick the cigarette habit -- and the sooner, the better.
A little more than one in five adults smoke, says the CDC. That's 21.6% of American adults, or 45.4 million people. Those numbers are down from 22.5% in 2002 and 22.8% in 2001. "
Interestingly, smoking is still most prevalent among the poor and less educated.
CDC: Smoking Rates Continue to Drop: "Current smoking was most common among adults aged 25-44 years (26%), those living below the poverty level (30%), and those whose highest educational level was a General Educational Development (GED) diploma (44%)."
Secondhand Smoke Hurts Heart Like Smoking
My long held fears are being confirmed by Joaquin Barnoya MD in the Journal Circulation:
Secondhand Smoke Hurts Heart Like Smoking: "On average, the heart effects of even brief secondhand smoke exposure are about 80% to 90% as large as that from chronic active smoking, they say."
I often wish we did not sell tobacco at all. It is not something that I am proud of.
Secondhand Smoke Hurts Heart Like Smoking: "On average, the heart effects of even brief secondhand smoke exposure are about 80% to 90% as large as that from chronic active smoking, they say."
I often wish we did not sell tobacco at all. It is not something that I am proud of.
You can teach your kids to eat right! :)
Good news!!!
- Forbes.com: "'You can raise a child to enjoy healthy eating and to be selective about food choices. Habits developed in childhood will hopefully last throughout their lives,' study lead author Linda Van Horn, professor of medicine at Northwestern University."
So stick with it...the effort is worth it!
- Forbes.com: "'You can raise a child to enjoy healthy eating and to be selective about food choices. Habits developed in childhood will hopefully last throughout their lives,' study lead author Linda Van Horn, professor of medicine at Northwestern University."
So stick with it...the effort is worth it!
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