BBC NEWS | Health | Early man 'couldn't stomach milk'

BBC NEWS | Health | Early man 'couldn't stomach milk':

"Analysis of Neolithic remains, in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests no European adults could digest the drink at that time....

But intolerance to milk remains common in modern times, say nutritionists."

In order to digest milk, adult humans need to have a gene which produces an enzyme called lactase to break down lactose, one of the main sugars it contains."

BBC NEWS | Health | Vitamins 'could shorten lifespan'

BBC NEWS | Health | Vitamins 'could shorten lifespan':

"Taking certain vitamin supplements may adversely affect people's lifespan, researchers have suggested.

Millions worldwide use antioxidant supplements such as vitamins A and E, and beta-carotene.

Looking at dozens of previous research studies, Copenhagen University researchers suggested these appeared to raise, not lower, the risk of death."

and later:

""Our advice is to eat a wide range of foods in a balanced diet which can provide all of the nutrients the body needs to protect itself and combat diseases."

BBC NEWS | Health | Garlic 'does not cut cholesterol'

BBC NEWS | Health | Garlic 'does not cut cholesterol':

"Eating garlic - either raw or as a supplement - does not lower cholesterol levels, a US study has found.

There has been a belief that garlic could help, supported by positive lab and animal studies.

But a comparison of raw garlic and two garlic supplements in Archives of Internal Medicine found none of the three had any effect.

British experts said a healthy diet combined with plenty of exercise was the best way to prevent heart disease."

Painkillers linked to greater risk of heart attacks | Special reports | Guardian Unlimited

Painkillers linked to greater risk of heart attacks | Special reports | Guardian Unlimited:

"Dr Gary Curhan, who also worked on the study, said men who were advised by a doctor to take an aspirin a day to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke should continue to take them. 'The benefit outweighs the risk,' he said."

Tahlequah Daily Press - Unrequited love

Tahlequah Daily Press - Unrequited love: "...nationally recognized day - Peanut Butter Lovers Day - Thursday, March 1."

How the World Works - Salon.com

Thought provoking article on food and its impact on the environment.

How the World Works - Salon.com:

"Some conclusions seem obvious, upon reflection. Locally grown isn't always the best answer. Tomatoes grown organically in a greenhouse next door to you may consume more fossil fuel energy than tomatoes shipped from hundreds of miles of away, if you take into account the energy used to produce the aluminum and glass that the greenhouse is built from. Organically grown tomatoes cut down on pesticide use, but may also require more land and water than 'conventional' tomatoes, depending on where they are grown.

Some observations are somewhat more subtle. Worried about the global warming impact of the fossil fuel consumed by the trucks that bring your tomatoes from hundreds of miles away to your local supermarket? In a life-cycle analysis, the couple of miles that you drive in your car to get to the supermarket and back does proportionally signficantly greater damage. This raises the possibility that it might be better for the world if you biked to the supermarket to pick up tomatoes grown far away, than drive to the nearest farmer's market to get tomatoes grown on the other side of the hill."

So shop locally! ;)

Aspirin in the news

From News-medical net

"According to new guidelines released by the American Heart
Association, almost all women are at risk of heart disease and doctors
should consider prescribing a daily aspirin for them."

Some Types Of Cocoa Could Improve Brain Function

Some Types Of Cocoa Could Improve Brain Function:

"A number of scientific studies suggest that some types of cocoa contain substances that could enhance blood flow in the brain and improve brain function.

An international panel of scientists presented their findings yesterday at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

The session was titled 'The Neurobiology of Chocolate: A Mind- Altering Experience?' It was sponsored by Mars Incorporated. The company has been sponsoring research on the nutritional and medical potential of cocoa's naturally occurring flavanols for the last 15 years"

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Health :: Pregnant moms who eat fish have smarter kids: report

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Health :: Pregnant moms who eat fish have smarter kids: report: "

"Women who eat seafood while pregnant may be boosting their kids' IQ in the process, according to new research in the Lancet.

The results were surprising, say the authors, and contradict American and British recommendations that pregnant women should limit seafood and fish consumption to avoid potentially high levels of mercury."

BBC NEWS | Health | No sleep means no new brain cells

BBC NEWS | Health | No sleep means no new brain cells: "Missing out on sleep may cause the brain to stop producing new cells, a study has suggested."

Study: Napping Regularly Fights Heart Disease - washingtonpost.com

Study: Napping Regularly Fights Heart Disease - washingtonpost.com: "A large new study has found that people who regularly took a siesta were significantly less likely to die from heart disease"

Do your body a favor with these incredible edibles

Do your body a favor with these incredible edibles:

"...put these 10 readily available foods on your grocery list today -- but do keep in mind that it takes more than 10 foods (even 10 terrific foods!) to make a healthy diet. Experts are quick to point out that variety is the spice of life

Good stuff! a top ten list of foods you should be eating!