Research involving a potent antioxidant, described on September 19, 2017 in Scientific Reports, suggests that the compound could help protect cells in several conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and cell transplants. In their report, a team from the University of Edinburgh observe that the flavonoids quercetin and myricetin are among the most potent dietary antioxidants. Structural modification of myricetin has resulted in the development a new compound known as Proxison. In the current research, Proxison demonstrated 10 times the ability to protect against oxidative stress induced by the compound tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP) in neuroblastoma cells compared to quercetin, while several other antioxidants […]
Managing one’s lifestyle factors including smoking, hypertension and depression could prevent one-third of the world’s dementia cases, a study said. The findings showed that better management of nine risk factors in early, mid and late life could reduce the increased likelihood of developing dementia in about 35 percent cases, health news reported. ‘The potential magnitude of the effect on dementia of reducing these risk factors is larger than we could ever imagine the effect that current, experimental medications could have,’ said Lon Schneider, Professor at the University of Southern California. ‘Mitigating risk factors provides us a powerful way to reduce the global […]
In an article published on September 14, 2017 in Nature Communications, Temple University researchers reveal an explanation for the life extending effect of calorie restriction. Jean-Pierre J. Isaa, MD, and colleagues discovered that restricting the amount of calories consumed slows the aging-related rate of change of the epigenome, which consists of proteins and other compounds that can attach to DNA and control its action. The team is also the first to demonstrate that the rate of epigenomic change is associated with lifespan. “Our study shows that epigenetic drift, which is characterized by gains and losses in DNA methylation in the genome over […]
An article appearing August 21, 2017 in Nature Medicine reveals a potential role for senolytic compounds, including quercetin and the drug dasatinib, in the targeting of senescent cells to help maintain bone. “While we know from previous work that the accumulation of senescent cells causes tissue dysfunction, the role of cell senescence in osteoporosis up to this point has been unclear,” noted researcher Sundeep Khosla, MD, of the Mayo Clinic’s Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging. “The novelty of this work for the bone field lies in the fact that, rather than targeting a bone-specific pathway, as is the case for all current […]
An article appearing on August 21, 2017 in Nature describes research conducted at the University
A study reported on July 18, 2017 in the journal PLOS ONE found positive effects for supplementation with whey protein in combination with calcium, creatine, omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin D in the muscles of older men. The gradual loss of muscle that occurs with aging known as sarcopenia is associated with frailty, falls and disability in late life. “Older people who do little to prevent the progression of sarcopenia drift toward a state where they find activities of daily living, like rising from a chair or ascending stairs very difficult or maybe impossible,” observed lead researcher Stuart Phillips, who is a […]
Too often, we neglect our brains when we think about our overall physical health. You may be trying to eat healthily or exercise more – but when was the last time you thought about the health of your brain? That’s what we thought! But the health of your brain is absolutely critical to your overall well-being. So read on, and see 5 of the simplest ways you can ensure that your brain is happy and healthy. These tips may help reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia later in life, and aid you in maintaining a healthier mind and […]
The Food and Drug Administration has failed to act on dangerous hair straighteners that contain unsafe levels of formaldehyde and pose a significant health hazard to consumers and salon workers, the Environmental Working Group and Women’s Voices for the Earth allege in a motion filed July 28 in federal district court. The motion is part of the groups’ lawsuit against the FDA for its failure to act on a six-year-old petition requesting an investigation into popular hair smoothing treatments that are still sold in stores and salons. These straighteners – often known as keratin treatments or by the name of one prominent brand, Brazilian Blowout – contain formaldehyde, […]
The delicious culinary herb thyme is a staple in most kitchens and one of the most popular herbs today, but there may be health benefits to using it medicinally as well. Thyme, or Thymus vulgaris, is a perennial shrub with small grey-green leaves native to the Mediterranean. Culinarily, thyme is used in a variety of seasonings from poultry and other meats to vegetables, dressings, sauce, soups and stews. But thyme is also used medicinally for: Lung issues (cough, bronchitis) Gastrointestinal troubles like gastritis, colic, diarrhea Stimulating appetite Sore throats Skin disorders Thyme oil and extract is used topically and in […]
How many of us give much, if any, thought to keeping our brains in working order? Think about it: Our brain and our heart are our two most vital organs. If they stop working…we stop living. But, while we’re inundated with information and advice about how to keep our cardiovascular systems purring, the gray matter inside our skulls is usually ignored — unless something goes horribly wrong. Well, we thought, why wait until there’s a brain problem? Instead, let’s think ahead. So, we asked a few Palm Beach County health experts for tips on maximizing brain health… BRAIN-BOOSTING FOODS Load up on […]