Health research

Aged garlic ‘effective and tolerable’ for blood pressure benefits

Daily supplements containing aged garlic extracts may reduce blood pressure in people with uncontrollable hypertension, says a new study from Australia.

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Aged-garlic-effective-and-tolerable-for-blood-pressure-benefits

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Flaxseed shows blood pressure-lowering potential: Study

Daily consumption of flaxseed-fortified bakery products may reduce blood pressure levels in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), suggests new data presented at the November American Heart Association 2012 Scientific Sessions.

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Flaxseed-shows-blood-pressure-lowering-potential-Study

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CLA shows anti-inflammatory potential for Crohn’s patients

Daily supplements of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may benefit intestinal health, suggests new data from a study with Crohn’s disease.

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/CLA-shows-anti-inflammatory-potential-for-Crohn-s-patients

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‘Evidence is strong’ for omega-3’s heart health benefits: Linus Pauling review

The evidence supporting the heart health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids is strong, despite ‘less conclusive’ recent studies, says a new review from the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Evidence-is-strong-for-omega-3-s-heart-health-benefits-Linus-Pauling-review

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Vitamin D may slow pre-cancer growths, find researchers

Vitamin D may help to battle cancers by blocking cell growth and slowing the progression of pre-malignant to malignant states, say researchers.

http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Vitamin-D-may-slow-pre-cancer-growths-find-researchers

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Calcium supplements safe for heart health: Harvard study

Supplements of calcium do not increase the risk of arterial hardening, says a new study that used state-of-the-art CT scans of over 1,200 men and women.

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Calcium-supplements-safe-for-heart-health-Harvard-study

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Low vitamin D status linked to higher risk of diabetes

Deficiency in vitamin D may be associated with an increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes, according to new research.

http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Low-vitamin-D-status-linked-to-higher-risk-of-diabetes

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Protein supplements effective for muscle mass boosts in young and old: Meta-analysis

A meta-analysis of 22 clinical trials shows that protein supplements are effective for boosting muscle mass and strength gains during resistance exercise in both younger and older subjects.

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Protein-supplements-effective-for-muscle-mass-boosts-in-young-and-old-Meta-analysis

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Omega-3 backed for postpartum depression

Increasing the levels of omega-3 fatty acids could help to battle postpartum depression, according to a new review.

http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Omega-3-backed-for-postpartum-depression

Coffee

I think quite a lot of people believe coffee is unhealthy, however, it is actually quite the opposite. I started drinking coffee last spring since I learned how many benefits it actually has and how it can lower the risk for a list of diseases. We talked often about coffee on the herb course I took (did I ever mention I finished - and passed it about a month ago by the way?) and looked at many interesting research articles that showed how good coffee actually is. It can be dangerous to drink too much but 3-5 coffee cups per day is a good dose for preventing a lot of diseases. Here are a few benifits:

• To put it simple - Coffee is good for the digestion. Coffee stimulates the production of gastrin and CCK which are digestive hormones. Gastrin stimulates the production of gastric acid (which stimulates production of other digestive hormones as well that has other benefits) which stimulates growth of the mucous membrane of the stomach, small intestine and colon. CCK will help the gallbladder to release bile (so that it can release toxins from the liver as well as digest fat) and it makes the intestines motility work better. 
• Coffee intake is associated with lower rates of liver disease progression in chronic hepatitis C
• An increased consumption of coffee may reduce the risk of liver cancer
• Coffee contains a lot of antioxidants (reduces oxidative stress etc.)
• Lower risk for heart disease, respiratory disease, stroke, diabetes and infections (N Engl J Med. 2012 Jul 19:367(3):285)

If you don't have a gallbladder then coffee is not that good to drink because of the increased production and release of bile.

Health research

Many interesting articles this time!

Should we revise how calories are measured?

The current method of measuring the calorie content of foods could be flawed, says Professor Martin Wickham of Leatherhead Food Research.

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Science-Nutrition/Should-we-revise-how-calories-are-measured

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Vitamin D backed to boost diabetic heart disease risk

Low levels of vitamin D may be responsible for the increased risk of heart disease among diabetic people developing clogged up arteries, according to new research.

http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Vitamin-D-backed-to-boost-diabetic-heart-disease-risk 

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Green tea extract shows potential sperm benefits: Lab study

Extracts from green tea may boost the quality of sperm, says a new study from Italy, but there too much of the extract may confer a negative effect.

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Green-tea-extract-shows-potential-sperm-benefits-Lab-study

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Do organic beat conventional vegetables for immune system support?

Organically grown carrots may stimulate the immune system, with ‘more’ organic carrots have more of an effect, says a new study that adds to the debate on the health benefits of organic produce.

http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Science/Do-organic-beat-conventional-vegetables-for-immune-system-support

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'Our probiotic science will lead to an EFSA health claims approval': DuPont VP of marketing

Recent studies using DuPont’s HOWARU strain combination, combined with a better understanding of ‘the rules of the game’, will lead to positive health claims in Europe, DuPont’s Scott Bush has confidently predicted.

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Our-probiotic-science-will-lead-to-an-EFSA-health-claims-approval-DuPont-VP-of-marketing

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Probiotics may help cut body fat levels: RCT data

Daily probiotic yogurt consumption may improve energy metabolism and reduce body fat levels by up to 4%, say results of a placebo-controlled, double-blind cross-over clinical trial in Canada.

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Probiotics-may-help-cut-body-fat-levels-RCT-data

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Pycnogenol shows benefits for asthmatics: Study

Daily supplements of the French Maritime Pine bark extract Pynogenol may improve symptoms of asthma, according to results of a clinical trial. 

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Pycnogenol-shows-benefits-for-asthmatics-Study

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Probiotics may ease eczema for children: RCT data

Daily supplements of the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum CJLP133 may improve eczema in children, says a new study from South Korea.

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Probiotics-may-ease-eczema-for-children-RCT-data

Jame Oliver talks about the importance of eating healthy

I don't remember if I've posted this video before but if I have, it's worth posting again.

Best start of a Swedish November ever!

November in Sweden is known for being a month that we'd rather just skip.. It's when we are starting to wonder if "summer" is an illusion, the sun ignores us and it's already in the beginning of the month completely dark outside at around 4 pm (with another 1½ months left when it's getting darker and darker for every day).

BUT! I am actually thankful for November, and the rest of the winter. Sure, we have long, dark winters but I don't know anyone that appriciates the spring and the summer better than Scandinavians. And the darkness is really nice too in it's own way. I mean, who would want to have Lucia in the sun?

Our course finished last week and we got a few days off before our next course that starts today. I think we wrote about 11 different papers on the last course, plus a bunch of other stuff, so it has been intense. Writing has always been my weak point so I'm glad I got to practice it. From today, we are going to learn about accounting and calculations which I am super excited about! It has been (VERY) nice to have a few days off but I can't go too many days off without missing school and all it's crazyness. Something that makes it even more fun is that I finally have lights on my bike! :D

Our church had our annual youth conference this weekend and one of my very good friends from Iceland came with his youth group. I went to bible school with him 6 years ago so I haven't seen him in 5 years so it was very emotional to see him again!

The application to an exchange year in America is almost done now as well.. Only half that applies gets to go so I don't know if I'll be able to go but I think I have a good chance. My first "dream" choice has, for two years now, been University of Texas in Austin. I looked through all the american Universities I can apply to and this one was also the one with the best nutrition courses! So we'll see hopefully in a few weeks what happens with that.

Hopefully I get to write more about nutrition very soon here :)

372,6 left

Updates

Six weeks of the business administration course is over. As of the end of next week, my phyto course will be over and I will officially be a phyto therapist and get a certificate for it. It's been crazy having both these things going on at the same time along with some other things, however, it's great to feel again that I'm at the University and not kindergarten as the last spring semester felt like sometimes.

As for the coming spring, I'm (hopefully) going to study physiology, anatomy and english for international healthcare. They are distance courses, which means that I can do them wherever! I'm therefore currently looking into the possiblity to go abroad somewhere for a part or the whole spring semester. I have a few thoughts about it, but nothing is decided yet. I'm super (!!) excited about the coming spring! Physiology interests me a lot and I'm so happy that I will be studying that again! That is, if I get in, which I don't think will be a problem.

Since last time I wrote, I have turned 26 years old, written an exam, 4 papers, 6 or 7 group papers, read around 8-9 books and started a book study with two other girls. We are going through John Pipers book "Desiring God" and it has been amazing this far! Even though it has been a really busy and crazy time, God has really strengthened me and taught me a lot.

I also have a few links that I want to share. The first one made me happy as I'm currently on my 2nd cold since school started again and I'm hoping that the probiotic that I have at home will help! And also, don't forget that you can't get any vitamin D from the sun now (in Sweden) and there's not enough in the food. There's one link about magnesium, and to be able to absorb magnesium, you need to have enough vitamin D. Just so you know...

Probiotics can battle stressed student colds: Study

A blend of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp lactis (BB-12) reduced the duration of common colds among typically stressed out students, US researchers have found.

http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Probiotics-can-battle-stressed-student-colds-Study
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Review calls for research on mood modifying effects of cocoa

Daily intake of flavanol-rich cocoa products could have benefits for mood and heart healt however there is a great need for detailed research into the mood modifying effects of such ingredients, according to a research.

http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Review-calls-for-research-on-mood-modifying-effects-of-cocoa
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Magnesium may reduce colon cancer risk: Meta-analysis

Increased intakes of magnesium may reduce the risk of developing colon cancer, says a new meta-analysis of data from 338,979 people.

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Magnesium-may-reduce-colon-cancer-risk-Meta-analysis
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Vitamin K may slash diabetes risk: Study

Increased intakes of vitamin K1 may lower the risk of developing type-2 diabetes in elderly people with a high risk of cardiovascular disease, says a new study.

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Vitamin-K-may-slash-diabetes-risk-Study