Vitamin K2 hopeful treatment for Parkinson’s
Now there’s new hope for Parkinson’s patients. Vitamin K2, which is produced in our guts by the conversion from Vitamin K1 intake (the component of vitamin K that originates in plants), has been demonstrated to reverse a genetic defect that leads to Parkinson’s.
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Berries for brain health
Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and other berry fruits have been shown to help the brain stay healthy and may even help prevent age-related memory loss.
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Eat dessert for breakfast…and lose weight?
As part of a healthy weight loss diet, desserts have long been taboo. Until now, that is. In a surprising discovery, researchers from Tel Aviv University found that when dessert is incorporated into a 600-calorie breakfast, balanced with proteins and carbohydrates, dieters are able to lose more weight — and keep it off in the long run.
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High level of soft drink consumption associated with asthma and/or COPD
Excessive consumption of soft drinks – such as Coke, lemonade, flavored mineral water, Powerade, and Gatorade – are linked with an increased chance of asthma and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
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Cognitive abilities linked to diet and nutrients
Elderly people who had diets higher in levels of vitamins B, C, D & E and Omega-3 fatty acids did better on mental acuity tests and showed less brain shrinkage than those who ate a diet consisting of junk food, according to research by scientists from the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Ore., and the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.
Brain shrinkage is typical of Alzheimer’s disease. Previous studies hinted at the role that nutrition may play in staving off the disease, but this study, the first of its kind, measured 30 different blood nutrient levels, reflecting a much wider range of nutrients, and adds specificity to the findings.
“This approach clearly shows the biological and neurological activity that’s associated with actual nutrient levels, both good and bad,” said Maret Traber, a principal investigator with the Linus Pauling Institute and co-author on the study.
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Consuming olive oil may prevent strokes
If you, or someone you know, is 65 or older, researchers are now suggesting the inclusion of more olive oil in your diet to help prevent stroke.
In a study by the University of Bordeaux of 7,625 people aged 65 and older, those who regularly used olive for cooking and as a dressing had a 41 percent lower risk of stroke compared with those who never consumed olive oil.
“Our research suggests that a new set of dietary recommendations should be issued to prevent stroke in people 65 and older,” said study author Cécilia Samieri, PhD, with the University of Bordeaux and the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) in Bordeaux, France. “Stroke is so common in older people and olive oil would be an inexpensive and easy way to help prevent it.”
Olive oil is associated with other proven health benefits as well, such as protective effects against diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Apples linked with keeping muscles strong into old age
A component of apple peels just might keep the doctor away. Ursolic acid, a natural compound found in the peel, is believed to correct gene signatures that lead to muscle atrophy, according to findings from the University of Iowa.
When ursolic acid was added to the food of normal mice for a period of weeks, their muscles grew. The animals also became leaner and had lower blood levels of glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides.
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