September 2008 Natural Health Newsletter « FeelGood Natural Health Food Stores

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Can goji juice make your day?
In a small randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial on 35 healthy adults, drinking 120 mL/day of goji berry juice significantly improved energy level, athletic performance, quality of sleep, ease of awakening, ability to focus on activities, mental acuity, calmness, regularity of gastrointestinal functions and feelings of health, contentment and happiness, and significantly reduced fatigue and [...]
Can good food help with good grades?
What our children eat affects more than their health, it impacts their future. New research conducted by Paul Veugelers, professor at the University of Alberta’s School of Public Health, has shown that overall diet quality affects academic performance. A study shows that healthy eating is good for kids’ bodies and brains. In 2003, Veugelers and [...]
Eat oily fish to protect eyes, brain in old age
Two recent studies point to the benefits of DHA and EPA essential fatty acids from fish, particularly for older people. In one study, British researchers found that eating oily fish once a week may reduce age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which is the major cause of blindness and poor vision in adults in western countries. There [...]
Aromatherapy for moms and babies
Having trouble getting your baby to sleep? Try a lavender-scented bath! In a recent study, young infants were given a bath with or without lavender-scented bath oil. The researchers noted that the mothers in the lavender bath oil group were more relaxed, smiled and touched their infants more during the bath. Their infants looked at [...]
Artichoke for cholesterol
Researchers at the University of Reading have found that artichoke leaf extract can help lower cholesterol in otherwise healthy people with moderately raised levels. Once plasma cholesterol reaches a certain level, drugs such as statins are often prescribed to help reduce it. Intervention before concentrations reaches these levels may help reduce the risk of developing [...]
Herbicide link to prostate cancer
Vietnam War veterans exposed to the pesticide known as Agent Orange (tetrachlorodibenzo-para-dioxin, or TCDD) have greatly increased risks of prostate cancer and even greater risks of getting the most aggressive form of the disease, compared to those who were not exposed. The findings are the first to reliably link the herbicide with this form of [...]
Joint Benefits – Ease arthritis naturally
Arthritis is one of the most common causes of physical disability among adults. The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis, affects 1 in 10 Canadians, while rheumatoid arthritis affects 1 in 100. Osteoarthritis is caused by the breakdown of cartilage that covers and protects the ends of bones within our joints. Osteoarthritis can affect any [...]
Lycopene beats out drugs in cutting artery plaque
Chinese researchers report that supplementing with lycopene, the carotenoid that give tomatoes their red colour, may be as effective as statin drugs in reducing plaque formation in the arteries. If the results of the animal study can be repeated in humans, they will add to the body of research supporting the potential heart health benefits [...]
Mom’s vitamin D vital for child’s dental health
Vitamin D, also known as the "sunshine vitamin" because the body manufactures the vitamin after being exposed to sunshine, has a long list of health benefits. Recent research at the University of Manitoba suggests that vitamin D may provide protection from osteoporosis, hypertension (high blood pressure), cancer and several autoimmune diseases. But its primary function [...]
Non-fish DHA just as good
Looking for a plant source of DHA with all the benefits of fish oil DHA? Algal oil (DHA oil from algae) may be just the thing. In a recent study involving 32 healthy men and women who took 600 mg DHA/day from algal oil capsules, researchers found the DHA to be as bioavailable as that [...]
Not just an apple a day…
Drinking a cup of black tea each day may cut the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease by as much as 71%, according to a new study conducted by researchers from the National Neuroscience Institute in Singapore.
Vitamin C effective in cancer tests
High-dose injections of vitamin C reduced tumour weight and growth rate by about 50 percent in mouse models of brain, ovarian and pancreatic cancers, report researchers from the National Institutes of Health. The researchers traced vitamin C’s anticancer effect to the formation of hydrogen peroxide in the extracellular fluid surrounding the tumours. Normal cells were [...]
Vitamin C key to avoiding diabetes
While researchers warn that increasing diabetes rates point to an "epidemic," a long-term study indicates that getting enough vitamin C can dramatically lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. Researchers at Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the University of Cambridge in England looked at 21,831 healthy, non-diabetic participants. Vitamin C levels were measured in plasma, and food [...]

Can good food help with good grades?

What our children eat affects more than their health, it impacts their future. New research conducted by Paul Veugelers, professor at the University of Alberta’s School of Public Health, has shown that overall diet quality affects academic performance.

A study shows that healthy eating is good for kids’ bodies and brains.

In 2003, Veugelers and his team conducted the large-scale Children’s Lifestyle and School-performance Study (CLASS) involving 4,589 fifth-graders in Nova Scotia. The researchers investigated the associations between diet quality, socio-economic determinants and academic performance. Veugelers found that students who ate an adequate and varied amount of fruit, vegetables, protein, fibre and other components of a healthy diet were significantly more likely to perform well on literacy tests. In an article published in the Journal of School Health, authors concluded that "This study extends current knowledge in this area by demonstrating the independent importance of overall diet quality to academic performance."

Shortly after the CLASS survey, the province conducted a standardized Elementary Literacy Assessment. When CLASS researchers linked the literacy test results with the nutrition questionnaires, they found that "students with decreased overall diet quality were significantly more likely to perform poorly on the assessment. Girls performed better than boys as did children from socioeconomically advantaged families. Children attending better schools and living in wealthy neighborhoods also performed better."

Preventing childhood overweight and obesity while improving academic performance can be addressed through school-based programs that promote healthy eating and physical activity. "In light of the current childhood overweight epidemic and underlying poor dietary habits, prevention is a public health priority," said Veugelers.

Source: University of Alberta School of Public Health, Jun 2, 2008

What our children eat affects more than their health, it impacts their future. New research conducted by Paul Veugelers, professor at the University of Alberta's School of Public Health, has shown that overall diet quality affects academic performance.

A study shows that healthy eating is good for kids' bodies and brains.

In 2003, Veugelers and his team conducted the large-scale Children's Lifestyle and School-performance Study (CLASS) involving 4,589 fifth-graders in Nova Scotia. The researchers investigated the associations between diet quality, socio-economic determinants and academic performance. Veugelers found that students who ate an adequate and varied amount of fruit, vegetables, protein, fibre and other components of a healthy diet were significantly more likely to perform well on literacy tests. In an article published in the Journal of School Health, authors concluded that "This study extends current knowledge in this area by demonstrating the independent importance of overall diet quality to academic performance."

Shortly after the CLASS survey, the province conducted a standardized Elementary Literacy Assessment. When CLASS researchers linked the literacy test results with the nutrition questionnaires, they found that "students with decreased overall diet quality were significantly more likely to perform poorly on the assessment. Girls performed better than boys as did children from socioeconomically advantaged families. Children attending better schools and living in wealthy neighborhoods also performed better."

Preventing childhood overweight and obesity while improving academic performance can be addressed through school-based programs that promote healthy eating and physical activity. "In light of the current childhood overweight epidemic and underlying poor dietary habits, prevention is a public health priority," said Veugelers.

Source: University of Alberta School of Public Health, Jun 2, 2008

Tags: Children, Fibre, Food, Weight

Eat oily fish to protect eyes, brain in old age

Just one serving of fish per week can help!

Two 3oz servings a week of oily fish, such as salmon, tuna or mackerel, provides about 500 mg of DHA and EPA per day.

Meanwhile, Finnish researchers found that eating tuna and other types of oily fish may help lower the risk of cognitive decline and stroke in healthy older adults. For the study, 3,660 people age 65 and older underwent brain scans to detect small lesions in the brain that can cause loss of thinking skills, stroke or dementia. Scans were performed again five years later. Data revealed that people who ate broiled or baked tuna and other fish high in omega-3 fatty acids three times or more per week had a nearly 26% lower risk of having the silent brain lesions that can cause dementia and stroke compared to people who did not eat fish regularly. Eating just one serving of this type of fish per week led to a 13% lower risk.

Sources: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Aug 8, 2008; American Academy of Neurology, Aug 4, 2008

Two recent studies point to the benefits of DHA and EPA essential fatty acids from fish, particularly for older people. In one study, British researchers found that eating oily fish once a week may reduce age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which is the major cause of blindness and poor vision in adults in western countries. There are two types of AMD, wet and dry. Of the two, wet AMD is the main cause of vision loss. The findings show that people who habitually consume oily fish at least once a week compared with less than once a week are 50% less likely to have wet AMD. There was no benefit from consumption of non oily white fish. People who took in the most DHA and EPA (300 mg per day and above) were 70% less likely to have wet AMD.

Just one serving of fish per week can help!

Two 3oz servings a week of oily fish, such as salmon, tuna or mackerel, provides about 500 mg of DHA and EPA per day.

Meanwhile, Finnish researchers found that eating tuna and other types of oily fish may help lower the risk of cognitive decline and stroke in healthy older adults. For the study, 3,660 people age 65 and older underwent brain scans to detect small lesions in the brain that can cause loss of thinking skills, stroke or dementia. Scans were performed again five years later. Data revealed that people who ate broiled or baked tuna and other fish high in omega-3 fatty acids three times or more per week had a nearly 26% lower risk of having the silent brain lesions that can cause dementia and stroke compared to people who did not eat fish regularly. Eating just one serving of this type of fish per week led to a 13% lower risk.

Sources: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Aug 8, 2008; American Academy of Neurology, Aug 4, 2008

Tags: Eyes, Gain, Macular degeneration, Vision

Joint Benefits – Ease arthritis naturally

The antioxidant supplement reduced all symptoms by nearly 60%.

Fortunately, there is a growing acceptance in the health care community and the general public that natural therapies for arthritis pain and stiffness are available, and are effective. Here are a few recent developments in natural health research on arthritis.

Cod liver oil
Taking cod liver oil to relieve arthritis and joint pain is a well known folk remedy, but one that may have some scientific merit, according to Scottish researchers. They report that cod liver oil can help reduce the need for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications in those with rheumatoid arthritis. In the study, people taking NSAIDs received either 10 grams (10 capsules) of a cod liver oil/fish oil blend or placebo capsules. The researchers found that after 9 months, 19 out of 49 people in the cod liver oil group were able to decrease their daily NSAID dose by more than 30%, compared with only 5 out 48 people in the placebo group. They also noted a significant improvement in pain scores in the cod liver oil group compared with the placebo group.

"Fish oil supplementation should be considered in rheumatoid arthritis patients to help them reduce their NSAID intake in order to attenuate the risks of gastrointestinal and cardiovascular adverse events associated with these drugs," said researcher Dr. Bernat Galarraga.

Boswellia
This gum resin is a relative of frankincense and has been shown to relieve pain and inflammation in both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Studies indicate that boswellia blocks leukotrienes, substances in the body that promote inflammation. In a recent study, an enriched extract of boswellia was proven to reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis in as little as seven days. Boswellia has been used for thousands of years in the Indian system of traditional medicine known as Ayurveda. This study is the first to prove that an enriched extract of the plant can be used as a successful treatment.

The same authors have previously tested the safety of their remedy in animal experiments. They say that, "In this study, the compound was shown to have no major adverse effects in our osteoarthritis patients. It is safe for human consumption and even for long-term use."

Pycnogenol (Pine bark)
A study published last April shows Pycnogenol, an antioxidant plant extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, can reduce all osteoarthritis symptoms by 56%. Moreover, patients required dramatically less standard pain medication, which greatly improved the gastrointestinal complications resulting from the pain medication by 63%.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study sampled 156 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Patients were administered 100 mg of Pycnogenol or placebo, daily for three months. After three months, scores for pain dropped significantly for the Pycnogenol treatment group and no significant effects were recorded for the placebo group. Scores for stiffness were reduced by 53% while scores for physical function were reduced by 57% in the Pycnogenol group and improvement under placebo was not significant. Overall well-being of patients (emotional function) was significantly enhanced with the Pycnogenol group, by 64% and 15% for the placebo group.

In addition, edema decreased in 79% of the Pycnogenol patients and only one percent in placebo-treated patients.

Sources: Rheumatology 2008;447:6659; BioMed Central, July 29, 2008; Phytotherapy Research 2008;22(4):518-23

Arthritis is one of the most common causes of physical disability among adults. The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis, affects 1 in 10 Canadians, while rheumatoid arthritis affects 1 in 100. Osteoarthritis is caused by the breakdown of cartilage that covers and protects the ends of bones within our joints. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint but usually affects hips, knees, hands and spine. Rheumatoid arthritis is considered an immune system disorder in which the body's defense system mistakenly attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation.

The antioxidant supplement reduced all symptoms by nearly 60%.

Fortunately, there is a growing acceptance in the health care community and the general public that natural therapies for arthritis pain and stiffness are available, and are effective. Here are a few recent developments in natural health research on arthritis.

Cod liver oil
Taking cod liver oil to relieve arthritis and joint pain is a well known folk remedy, but one that may have some scientific merit, according to Scottish researchers. They report that cod liver oil can help reduce the need for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications in those with rheumatoid arthritis. In the study, people taking NSAIDs received either 10 grams (10 capsules) of a cod liver oil/fish oil blend or placebo capsules. The researchers found that after 9 months, 19 out of 49 people in the cod liver oil group were able to decrease their daily NSAID dose by more than 30%, compared with only 5 out 48 people in the placebo group. They also noted a significant improvement in pain scores in the cod liver oil group compared with the placebo group.

"Fish oil supplementation should be considered in rheumatoid arthritis patients to help them reduce their NSAID intake in order to attenuate the risks of gastrointestinal and cardiovascular adverse events associated with these drugs," said researcher Dr. Bernat Galarraga.

Boswellia
This gum resin is a relative of frankincense and has been shown to relieve pain and inflammation in both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Studies indicate that boswellia blocks leukotrienes, substances in the body that promote inflammation. In a recent study, an enriched extract of boswellia was proven to reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis in as little as seven days. Boswellia has been used for thousands of years in the Indian system of traditional medicine known as Ayurveda. This study is the first to prove that an enriched extract of the plant can be used as a successful treatment.

The same authors have previously tested the safety of their remedy in animal experiments. They say that, "In this study, the compound was shown to have no major adverse effects in our osteoarthritis patients. It is safe for human consumption and even for long-term use."

Pycnogenol (Pine bark)
A study published last April shows Pycnogenol, an antioxidant plant extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, can reduce all osteoarthritis symptoms by 56%. Moreover, patients required dramatically less standard pain medication, which greatly improved the gastrointestinal complications resulting from the pain medication by 63%.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study sampled 156 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Patients were administered 100 mg of Pycnogenol or placebo, daily for three months. After three months, scores for pain dropped significantly for the Pycnogenol treatment group and no significant effects were recorded for the placebo group. Scores for stiffness were reduced by 53% while scores for physical function were reduced by 57% in the Pycnogenol group and improvement under placebo was not significant. Overall well-being of patients (emotional function) was significantly enhanced with the Pycnogenol group, by 64% and 15% for the placebo group.

In addition, edema decreased in 79% of the Pycnogenol patients and only one percent in placebo-treated patients.

Sources: Rheumatology 2008;447:6659; BioMed Central, July 29, 2008; Phytotherapy Research 2008;22(4):518-23

Tags: Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Arthritis, Body, Cardiovascular, Gas, Immune, Immune system, Joint pain, Liver, Pain, Rheumatoid arthritis

Lycopene beats out drugs in cutting artery plaque

Lycopene, found in tomatoes, may have a role in heart health.

Researchers from Central South University in Changsha, China divided 40 male adult rabbits into five equal groups to consume a standard diet; a high-fat diet; a high-fat diet plus 4 or 12mg/kg of lycopene; or the high-fat diet plus 10mg/kg of fluvastatin. The animals consumed the test diets for eight weeks.

They found that the animals fed only the high-fat diet had higher levels of total and LDL cholesterol, triacylglycerols and oxidised LDL than animals fed the standard diet. However, animals fed the high-fat diet and supplemented with lycopene or fluvastatin had improved levels of these biomarkers. In each case, the lycopene worked better than the statin drug.

"Lycopene intervention reduced the increase in ox-LDL levels in rabbits on the high-fat diet, whereas fluvastatin did not show such an effect. The cause of this difference is at present not known, although the result speaks in favour of lycopene," the researchers reported.

"These findings provide a theoretical rationale for the use of lycopene as a preventive in atherosclerosis," they concluded.

Source: Nutrition, Jun 30, 2008 (doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2008.05.006)

Chinese researchers report that supplementing with lycopene, the carotenoid that give tomatoes their red colour, may be as effective as statin drugs in reducing plaque formation in the arteries. If the results of the animal study can be repeated in humans, they will add to the body of research supporting the potential heart health benefits of lycopene, best known for benefits in prostate health.

Lycopene, found in tomatoes, may have a role in heart health.

Researchers from Central South University in Changsha, China divided 40 male adult rabbits into five equal groups to consume a standard diet; a high-fat diet; a high-fat diet plus 4 or 12mg/kg of lycopene; or the high-fat diet plus 10mg/kg of fluvastatin. The animals consumed the test diets for eight weeks.

They found that the animals fed only the high-fat diet had higher levels of total and LDL cholesterol, triacylglycerols and oxidised LDL than animals fed the standard diet. However, animals fed the high-fat diet and supplemented with lycopene or fluvastatin had improved levels of these biomarkers. In each case, the lycopene worked better than the statin drug.

"Lycopene intervention reduced the increase in ox-LDL levels in rabbits on the high-fat diet, whereas fluvastatin did not show such an effect. The cause of this difference is at present not known, although the result speaks in favour of lycopene," the researchers reported.

"These findings provide a theoretical rationale for the use of lycopene as a preventive in atherosclerosis," they concluded.

Source: Nutrition, Jun 30, 2008 (doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2008.05.006)

Tags: Atherosclerosis, Body, Cholesterol, Flu, Heart, prostate

Mom’s vitamin D vital for child’s dental health

Teeth begin to develop in the womb.
For their study, Canadian researchers at the University of Manitoba and in Victoria measured the vitamin D levels of 206 women in their second trimester of pregnancy. Dr. Robert Schroth, lead researcher, explained that the second trimester of pregnancy is when primary teeth begin to develop and calcify. They found only 21 (10.5%) of the women to have adequate levels of the vitamin. These levels were consistent with the women’s intake of milk and prenatal vitamins.

Researchers then examined the children born to the women in the study for dental health at about 16 months. They found 22% had enamel defects and 34% showed signs of tooth decay. Enamel defects during infancy significantly increase the likelihood of tooth decay developing during early childhood.

The mothers of the children with signs of early tooth decay did have significantly lower levels of vitamin D during pregnancy than the mothers of children who did not have cavities.

The study is thought to be the first to document a link between a mother’s vitamin D intake during pregnancy and her child’s dental health.

Source: University of Manitoba, Jul 28, 2008

Vitamin D, also known as the "sunshine vitamin" because the body manufactures the vitamin after being exposed to sunshine, has a long list of health benefits. Recent research at the University of Manitoba suggests that vitamin D may provide protection from osteoporosis, hypertension (high blood pressure), cancer and several autoimmune diseases. But its primary function is to promote the body's absorption of calcium, which is essential to the development of healthy bones and teeth. And new findings show vitamin D to be equally important to a baby's teeth, even before they are born.

Teeth begin to develop in the womb.
For their study, Canadian researchers at the University of Manitoba and in Victoria measured the vitamin D levels of 206 women in their second trimester of pregnancy. Dr. Robert Schroth, lead researcher, explained that the second trimester of pregnancy is when primary teeth begin to develop and calcify. They found only 21 (10.5%) of the women to have adequate levels of the vitamin. These levels were consistent with the women's intake of milk and prenatal vitamins.

Researchers then examined the children born to the women in the study for dental health at about 16 months. They found 22% had enamel defects and 34% showed signs of tooth decay. Enamel defects during infancy significantly increase the likelihood of tooth decay developing during early childhood.

The mothers of the children with signs of early tooth decay did have significantly lower levels of vitamin D during pregnancy than the mothers of children who did not have cavities.

The study is thought to be the first to document a link between a mother's vitamin D intake during pregnancy and her child's dental health.

Source: University of Manitoba, Jul 28, 2008

Tags: Body, Calcium, Cancer, Children, high blood pressure, hypertension, Immune, Osteoporosis, pregnancy, Tension, Vitamins, Women

Vitamin C key to avoiding diabetes

People who took in the most vitamin C dramatically lowered their risk.

After careful analysis, scientists discovered a strong protective effect of high vitamin C levels against diabetes. They found that those in the top 20% of plasma vitamin C had a 62% lower adjusted risk of developing diabetes compared with those in the lowest intake group. Those with the highest fruit and vegetable intake also had a 22% lower diabetes risk than subjects whose intake was lowest.

The study is thought to be the first to examine the association of plasma vitamin C and the development of diabetes. The findings suggest that suboptimal levels of vitamin C are present before the onset of the disease.

"The strong independent association observed in this prospective study, together with biological plausibility, provides persuasive evidence of a beneficial effect of vitamin C and fruit and vegetable intake on diabetes risk," the authors conclude. "Because fruit and vegetables are the main sources of vitamin C, the findings suggest that eating even a small quantity of fruit and vegetables may be beneficial and that the protection against diabetes increases progressively with the quantity of fruit and vegetables consumed."

Source: Archives of Internal Medicine, July 28, 2008

While researchers warn that increasing diabetes rates point to an "epidemic," a long-term study indicates that getting enough vitamin C can dramatically lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. Researchers at Addenbrooke's Hospital and the University of Cambridge in England looked at 21,831 healthy, non-diabetic participants. Vitamin C levels were measured in plasma, and food frequency questionnaires were administered upon enrollment between 1993 and 1997. Over a 12-year follow-up period, 423 men and 312 women developed diabetes.

People who took in the most vitamin C dramatically lowered their risk.

After careful analysis, scientists discovered a strong protective effect of high vitamin C levels against diabetes. They found that those in the top 20% of plasma vitamin C had a 62% lower adjusted risk of developing diabetes compared with those in the lowest intake group. Those with the highest fruit and vegetable intake also had a 22% lower diabetes risk than subjects whose intake was lowest.

The study is thought to be the first to examine the association of plasma vitamin C and the development of diabetes. The findings suggest that suboptimal levels of vitamin C are present before the onset of the disease.

"The strong independent association observed in this prospective study, together with biological plausibility, provides persuasive evidence of a beneficial effect of vitamin C and fruit and vegetable intake on diabetes risk," the authors conclude. "Because fruit and vegetables are the main sources of vitamin C, the findings suggest that eating even a small quantity of fruit and vegetables may be beneficial and that the protection against diabetes increases progressively with the quantity of fruit and vegetables consumed."

Source: Archives of Internal Medicine, July 28, 2008

Tags: Diabetes, Food, Gain, Women


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SEPTEMBER 2008 NATURAL HEALTH NEWSLETTER