Archive for the ‘fruits & vegetables’ Category

Fruits and Vegetables May Help Cut Lung Cancer Risk

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

Breathing in carcinogens, like tobacco smoke, radon gas, and asbestos, heightens the risk of lung cancer, especially smoking. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 90% of lung cancer deaths in men are a result of smoking and smoking causes 80% of lung cancer deaths in women.

And while not smoking is the foremost way to reduce the risk of lung cancer, better habits, like eating more fruits and vegetables, may also help cut your risk of lung cancer.

Published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a new study found smokers eating a lot of fruits and vegetables had a lower risk of getting lung cancer.

For the study, the researchers analyzed data on 450,000 adults from 10 European countries, asking participants to fill out questionnaires about their eating habits and lifestyle; including occupation, medical history, exercise, smoking, and drinking alcohol.

During a nine year period, 1,613 of the individuals were diagnosed with lung cancer, but among smokers, those who ate the greatest variety of fruits and vegetables were 27% less likely to develop squamous cell lung cancer.

Squamous cell lung cancer is a very common form of the disease that usually manifests in the bronchial tubes in the lungs.

The scientists point out that eating a variety of fruits and vegetables is key. Foods like spinach, kale, berries, melons, cabbage, cauliflower, and eggplant.

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Obesity Fuels Esophageal Cancer Increase

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

The American Cancer Society estimated that in 2007, 15,560 new cases of esophageal cancer were diagnosed in the United States. But world wide research shows countries like China, Iran, Iceland, India, Japan, and the United Kingdom have the highest rates of esophageal cancer.

Esophageal cancer is a very deadly form of the disease and manifests when cancer cells presents at the junction of the esophagus and stomach.

Common causes of esophageal cancer include tobacco smoking, acid reflux, and drinking alcohol.

And a new study claims obesity and poor diet, especially high consumption of saturated fats, may be a major factor in the steep rise of esophageal cancer in the U.K. An expert from the Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry say Anglo Saxon males have the highest risk, while the black population has a lower risk.

The scientists recommend people change their diets and eat more fruits and vegetables to cut obesity and reduce risk of esophageal cancer. Other studies have shown taking aspirin and drinking coffee also decrease risk.

In July, a report showed one-quarter of the adults in the U.K. are obese, compared to 16% in 1994.

Image credit: Kyle May

Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Cancer Risk

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

Our skin transforms ultraviolet light from the sun into vitamin D, and vitamin D helps our bodies absorb calcium.

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to rickets, osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and a new study adds cancer and autoimmune disease to the list.

Published in the journal Genome Research, experts mapped out more than 200 genes directly influenced by vitamin D and found vitamin D deficiency is linked to autoimmune diseases like type-1 diabetes and Crohn’s disease, and cancers such as leukemia and colon cancer.

The researchers say vitamin D is essential in triggering the immune system’s T cells, which fight infections in the body. So a vitamin D deficiency leaves the body more vulnerable to sickness and disease.

While the optimal dose of vitamin D is still unclear, the scientists recommend people get at least 25 to 50 micrograms each day.

Food sources of vitamin D include fatty fish – like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and tuna – eggs, liver, mushrooms, and foods fortified with vitamins and minerals, such as milk, yogurt, bread, margarine, and some breakfast cereal.

Image credit: mommamia

Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Cancer Risk

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

Our skin transforms ultraviolet light from the sun into vitamin D, and vitamin D helps our bodies absorb calcium.

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to rickets, osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and a new study adds cancer and autoimmune disease to the list.

Published in the journal Genome Research, experts mapped out more than 200 genes directly influenced by vitamin D and found vitamin D deficiency is linked to autoimmune diseases like type-1 diabetes and Crohn’s disease, and cancers such as leukemia and colon cancer.

The researchers say vitamin D is essential in triggering the immune system’s T cells, which fight infections in the body. So a vitamin D deficiency leaves the body more vulnerable to sickness and disease.

While the optimal dose of vitamin D is still unclear, the scientists recommend people get at least 25 to 50 micrograms each day.

Food sources of vitamin D include fatty fish – like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and tuna – eggs, liver, mushrooms, and foods fortified with vitamins and minerals, such as milk, yogurt, bread, margarine, and some breakfast cereal.

Image credit: mommamia

Depression and Cholesterol Link Varies Between Gender

Monday, August 2nd, 2010

Cholesterol is an important component of mammalian cell membranes, but high levels of LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol have long been associated with increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.

Food sources of LDL cholesterol are eggs, steak, bacon, butter, and other animal foods. Plant foods do not contain LDL cholesterol.

Depression is another condition linked to cholesterol levels. Some experts contend low cholesterol may be associated with an elevated risk of depression.

And now a new study, published in the journal Biological Psychiatry, found depression in women was linked to low levels of HDL, or “good,” cholesterol, which also raises people’s risk of cardiovascular disease.

Foods that increase HDL cholesterol include water soluble fibers found in fruits and vegetables, like beans, apples, grapes, and citrus fruits, and whole grains, such as oats, oat brain, and brown rice. Omega-3 fatty acids contained in avocados, flaxseed oil, and fish, like salmon and mackerel also raise HDL cholesterol.

The research, which involved elderly people, ages 65 and older, also discovered men were more likely to suffer depression if they had low levels of LDL cholesterol.

So the scientists recommend cholesterol levels be closely monitored among the elderly in order to prevent depression.

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Vitamin E May Help Cut Dementia Risk

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

Losing your marbles when you get older might be a lot of fun. Who wouldn’t want to walk around all day with their pants on their head?

But it might not be fun for your family and friends, which is a big deal, because they’re the ones who will put you in the funny farm.

So then, if you’re not looking to go mental, consider what diet can do. A new study says vitamin E may help protect your brain.

Vitamin E
can be found in foods like avocados, hazelnuts, and eggs.

Writing in the Archives of Neurology, scientists tracked 5,400 Dutch adults, age 55 and older, and found participants with the highest consumption of vitamin E had 25% less risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, over the next ten years than people with low intake of vitamin E.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant and researchers have begun to test whether antioxidants – like vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene – may help stave off the degeneration of brain cells as people age.

Other foods rich in vitamin E include almonds, wheat germ, seeds, milk, whole grains, spinach and other leafy green vegetables.

Image credit: Voxphoto

Coffee May Help Prevent Neck and Head Cancer

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

If you hate getting up in the morning, you need coffee, especially if you’re dragging yourself into work. But is coffee healthy?

It depends on who you ask.

Take cancer, some health experts say coffee raises the risk of cancer, others claim it lowers the risk, but research has shown coffee has little impact either way. It doesn’t increase or decrease cancer risk.

But now, like froth on a cappuccino, another study clouds up coffee’s link to cancer.

Published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, compiled data revealed among coffee drinkers the risk of head and neck cancer was 12% lower in individuals who drank coffee, compared to people who avoid it.

The scientists analyzed results from nine previous studies on coffee and head and neck cancer.

Regular coffee drinkers received the most benefit. People consuming four cups of coffee each day had nearly a third less risk of cancer. Researchers also accounted for other factors, such as smoking.

But whether coffee is a magic elixir or not is still a mystery. Coffee is an excellent source of antioxidants, which are known cancer-fighters.

Other foods rich in antioxidants are fruits and vegetables, like pomegranates and broccoli. Animal foods don’t contain antioxidants.

Image credit: Just Food

“Good” Cholesterol Helps Lower Cancer Risk

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

There are  two kinds of cholesterol: HDL, or “good” cholesterol, and LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol.

It’s the classic story of good versus evil; HDL protects your body, while LDL increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, especially heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure.

You can raise HDL – short for High-density lipoprotein – by eating foods like oats, fruit, beans, lentils, brown, and omega- 3 fatty acids found in fish and olive oil.

And in addition to lowering risk of heart disease, a new study claims HDL cholesterol may also reduce your risk of developing of cancer; such as pancreatic cancer.

Published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, researchers analyzed data from 24 clinical trials on 150,000 generally healthy people, revealing with a ten point increase in participants’ HDL cholesterol cancer risk dropped to a 36% decrease.

In general the scientists say people should keep their HDL cholesterol levels above 60mg/dl, and recommend maintaining a healthy lifestyle, with of plenty exercise and eating a good diet, to help achieve good HDL levels.

And to keep your LDL cholesterol – short for Low-density lipoprotein – low, avoid consuming a lot of animal foods, specifically red meat and bacon.

Image credit: Earn Your Cheat Day

Mediterranean Diet Helps People with Heart Disease

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

The Mediterranean diet has long been associated with better health, especially reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

But now, a new study suggests following the Mediterranean diet – which is rich in fruits, vegetables, wine, whole grains, beans, nuts, fish, and olive oil, and low in meat and dairy – may help your heart even if you already have heart disease.

Writing in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, experts found people who suffered a heart attack were 31% less likely to have another heart attack – or even chest pains – if they consumed a “Mediterranean-style” diet.

Results of the study had a dose effect. The more closely participants followed a Mediterranean diet the more the risk of another cardiac even decreased.

And specific foods had a very positive effect on heart attack risk. People eating nuts and vegetables daily or weekly had a 20% lower risk of having a heart attack two years after their initial hospitalization.

Nuts, despite their infamous high fat content, are known heart protectors. Consuming nuts, like walnuts and almonds, helps reduce LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol concentrations.

So the researchers recommend people incorporate elements of the Mediterranean diet into their eating habits to improve heart health.

Image credit: Starling Fitness

Portuguese Diet Also Good for the Heart

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

The traditional Mediterranean Diet – rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, wine, and fish, and low in meat and dairy – has long been associated with good health, especially for the heart.

But now, a new diet, also from the Mediterranean, but slightly different, may protect the heart too.

Referred to as the Southern European Atlantic Diet, or SEAD, eaten in Portugal and a region in northwest Spain, the SEAD is comprised of fruits, vegetables, fish, and wine with meals, but also includes red meat, pork, dairy products, and more potatoes, unlike its cousin.

Writing in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers claim the Southern European Atlantic Diet contributed to a low rate of heart disease in the regions where it is consumed.

For the study, scientists analyzed data on 820 locals who suffered a heart attack and found those who most closely followed the SEAD had a 33% lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

But the SEAD might need a little tweaking – kicking out the red meat, dairy, and potatoes – because omitting these foods decreased the risk 60%.

Another important factor to consider is the amount of exercise people eating the Mediterranean diet – and probably the SEAD too – are getting. If you eat either way and then go for long walks or work in the fields, your diet is more likely to offer increased benefit.

In other words, no diet is complete without plenty of physical activity.

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