Some studies suggest a link between fat and sugar on cognitive function and behavior, and are suggesting that such problems may be linked to alteration of the microbiome. A study was done and team observed that both a high-fat and high-sugar diet, compared to a normal diet caused changes in gut bacteria that appear related to a significant loss of “cognitive flexibility” or the power to adapt and adjust to changing situations.
While it is well known that a diet with adequate fiber assists in keeping people “regular,” eating the right amount of fiber also helps to avoid disease and disability into old age. Increased dietary fiber may also reduce the risk of developing type-2 diabetes and has been shown to lower blood pressure. Researchers explored the relationship between carbohydrate nutrition and healthy aging, examining total carbohydrate intake, total fiber intake, glycemic index and sugar intake. Fiber made the greatest difference in “successful aging.”
Taking vitamin D supplements can help to increase muscle strength and reduce the loss of muscle mass in women long after menopause. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted over a nine-month period. Research showed that women receiving supplements exhibited a significant increase in muscle strength compared to those not receiving supplements.
According to new research, regularly drinking chamomile tea may help to keep the thyroid gland healthy and reduce the risk of thyroid cancer. It was found that participants in the study who drank chamomile tea 2 to 6 times a week were 70% less likely to develop thyroid abnormalities, while 30 years of regular consumption reduced the risk by about 80%. This adds to the growing body of evidence pointing to the potential health benefits of the Mediterranean diet.
Coffee contains many compounds that studies suggest exert beneficial effects for metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. When enjoyed after a meal, it may increase levels of an appetite-regulating hormone, improve blood sugar levels, and boost endothelial function. Researchers enrolled 19 healthy men in a study where each subject was given a test meal with a polyphenol-rich coffee drink, or placebo drink. Testing 3 hours after the mark revealed that the coffee beverage lowered glucose significantly, and increased flow-mediated dilation (FMD) – a marker of blood flow and vascular health.
Metabolic Syndrome is a condition involving a large waistline, a risk factor for diabetes and heart disease. It seems smoothies made with blueberry powder may improve endothelial function among men and women with Metabolic Syndrome. In a recent study, 44 adults with Metabolic Syndrome were randomly assigned to receive either two blueberry smoothies per day, or a smoothie without blueberry powder (placebo) over a six-week period. Among the subjects consuming the blueberry smoothies, researchers observed a significant improvement in endothelial function.
Taking iron and zinc supplements may improve cognitive skills and improve mood, especially for women who lack these minerals. Iron is vital to the creation of hemoglobin and myoglobin which transports oxygen in muscles, while zinc is an essential element in enzymes that are involved in key biological functions. Researchers have uncovered the role that iron and zinc play in maintaining both physical and psychological health among women, stating that iron supplementation appears to enhance memory and intellectual ability. Findings may also suggest a positive effect of zinc levels on better cognitive and emotional functioning
Stroke is currently the second leading cause of death, most commonly caused by blockages preventing blood from reaching the brain. A new study has found that certain types of gut bacteria are able to leverage the immune system to reduce the severity of a stroke. Researchers treated mice with antibiotics and observed an approximate 60 percent smaller stroke as compared to mice that received no antibiotics. Authors explain that the microbial environment in the gut told immune cells to defend the brain, therefore protecting it from the stroke’s full force. Findings also open up the possibility that changing the gut’s macrobiotic properties by altering nutrition, could serve as a new way to prevent stroke in the future.
Past research has revealed a number of benefits that chocolate has on a person’s health. Recent studies have further examined whether eating chocolate is linked to lower risk of ischaemic heart disease. Approximately 67,640 healthy men and women participated in the Swedish study. Researchers found that three or more servings of chocolate a week reduced the threat of myocardial infarction as compared to participants who ate no chocolate. Results suggest that chocolate may be related to a lower risk for heart attacks and heart disease.
Those with knee osteoarthritis often experience pain and difficulty with mobility. Recent studies suggest that dietary intake of glucosamine with chondroitin sulfate may reduce pain, relieve stiffness, and improve function. As part of the study, researchers also evaluated the effectiveness of this supplement compared to an anti-inflammatory drug typically prescribed for the condition called celecoxib. Results after 6 months showed that the glucosamine-chondrotin supplement had comparable effectiveness in treating pain and stiffness while benefiting function for patients with knee osteoarthritis.
