The June 2015 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published findings from researchers at the University of Copenhagen of a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death in association with increases in plasma vitamin C and fruit and vegetable intake. The investigators analyzed data from 87,030 men and women enrolled in the Copenhagen General Population Study and 10,173 participants in the Copenhagen City Heart Study. Plasma vitamin C levels were measured in 3,512 newly recruited subjects and dietary intake data was available for 83,256 subjects. Ischemic heart disease was documented in 10,123 individuals and there were 8,477 deaths over the studies’ […]
Researchers may have found a way to slow down or prevent memory problems that arise in old age and which can become devastating in patients with dementia. The fresh hope comes from a series of studies in humans and mice that identified a protein which causes memory impairment when it builds up in the blood and brain with age. Scientists found that injections of the protein made young animals’ memories worse and reduced the growth of new neurons in their brains. Further studies showed that blocking the protein prevented memory loss in older animals, making them smarter than untreated animals […]
At this point in the year I start to lose my enthusiasm for my New Year’s resolutions. My energy fades. Fortunately, there are foods I can turn to that will help me. What a relief! And I’m not just talking about caffeinated beverages. They will boost my energy for a short time, but I’m looking for a long-term solution. I want foods that will stimulate my metabolism, help me build muscle, and help me grow new red blood cells. The catechins in green and black tea can raise your metabolism, so even if you drink decaf tea, you will get […]
For my patients who are at high risk for a heart attack or stroke, I’ve sometimes recommended a simple daily aspirin for prevention. But, recently, it was learned that over half of U.S. seniors are taking daily aspirin on their own without their doctors recommendation. If you’re one of those seniors, here’s what you should know about using aspirin for prevention. Daily Aspirin as Prevention: Pros and Cons A recent national survey was conducted by Oregon State University regarding aspirin use amongst seniors. They found that an overwhelming majority of seniors – 81% – take aspirin as a preventative measure. […]
Like many people, you may get acid indigestion at times. The first thing you do is reach for your favorite over-the-counter antacid to get relief. But, what if I told you that every time you use that antacid, you increase your risk of a life-threatening fracture? It’s true. Here’s why. Your Favorite Antacid Is Damaging Your Bones If you’re over 50, your risk for osteoporosis and a debilitating, life-changing fracture is much greater. Hormonal decreases in both older men and women can create mineral insufficiencies and weaken your bones. It can put you at higher risk for debilitating fractures of […]
Despite it being known as the “blood-clotting” vitamin, research shows vitamin K has anti-aging, anti-cancer, and even bone-building effects. Within the last couple of years, it has garnered even more attention for its potential role in preventing heart disease. Impressively, a recent study found that one of its sub-fractions, vitamin MK-7, improved arterial health. The results were published in the journal,Thromobosis and Haemostasis. Vitamin K2 Reduces Arterial Stiffness and Improves Elasticity A fundamental role of vitamin K is to keep calcium out of arteries and into bones. With aging, the reverse is frequently seen, which could explain why older people are stricken with […]
Now that you’re older, you may be having a hard time tolerating summer heat, especially when the humidity is high. A new study shows that supplementing with a certain vitamin may be what you need to feel better in summer heat. Folic Acid Helps Older People Tolerate Summer Heat When you were a kid you could probably handle summer heat pretty well. You stayed out playing all day with your friends without a second thought. But, after age 50, you may have noticed that you don’t tolerate summer heat, especially high humidity, the way you used to. In addition, summer […]
Anyone remember the 1994 exposé of movie theater popcorn? This cinema staple, known for its delicious taste and aroma, had been consumed for years by a public blissfully unaware of the fact that it was loaded with demonized saturated fat. Movie theatre popcorn was (gasp) popped in coconut oil, an “evil” tropical fat that had no place in a healthy diet. As a result, concession stand popcorn sales dropped by half and many venues scrambled for an alternative. Fast forward twenty years, and coconuts, which never went out of favor in their native countries, are now touted for their health benefits. […]
Over the centuries, the root-like stem of the Curcuma longa plant has been used to make yellow dyes and spike food with some tasty zing. But an ever-growing mountain of evidence shows that boldly colored turmeric with its earthy, bitter-gingery taste may offer a plethora of potential health benefits. Multiple studies — most originating in India, Europe and Australia — show that turmeric, and especially its color-rich constituent of curcumin, can help prevent or treat a wide spectrum of cancers, inflammatory conditions, autoimmune problems, neurological ailments including Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and diabetes neuropathy, among other metabolic diseases. Interest in turmeric and curcumin began […]
Are you religious in your workouts? Do you find your bland, post workout re-fuels to be lacking in satisfaction? Well, I’ve got some real, science-backed news for you that I’m betting you’re going to love… Leave The Sports Drink, Take The Fast Food! Does this sound like you? You finish work at your job, or your home, you want to make it to the gym before the 6 o’clock crowd comes in, so you put off dinner. You spend over an hour doing cardio and weight training, drinking only sports water to keep you going. And when you’re finally done, […]