Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Planting herbs = keep fit

This is the beginning of the gardening season. In addition to providing much better tomatoes and herbs for dinner, gardening help to stay in shape, especially among the elderly. Researchers in horticulture from the University of Kansas wanted to determine if the yard could be a physical cause. People from 63 to 86 years participated in their study. They have planted and maintained garden with their care during a season of gardening, and yes, the hours spent digging, pulling weeds and move the pots were kept in shape. And they took time: 33 hours per week in May and 15 hours per week for two months. Exercises commissioned by the gardening help including the flexibility and endurance, concluded the study published recently in the journal of the American Society of Horticulture. The same group is now the effects of gardening among young obese.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Dark chocolate thins the blood, improves the lipid profile and reduces inflammation

Dark chocolate with a prescription and reimbursed by social security? Without going so far (and that's a shame!) Cocoa beans were used for therapeutic purposes for centuries. These are two studies that will be honored today The first study comes from Johns Hopkins University, Department of Medicine and Research Center thrombosis. It was published in the Southern Medical Journal and was presented as part of a larger study at the Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association 2007. The dark chocolate is one of the richest in flavonoids, the antioxidants also found in some fruits red or in red wine. This study focuses on 28 volunteers who agreed to eat dark chocolate for a week. The objective was to administer 700 mg of flavonoids per day. Some study protocols are still more tolerable than others ... The first objective of this study was to measure the impact of chocolate consumption on reactivity of blood platelets, then the inflammatory parameters of the body and finally on the lipid profile (good and bad cholesterol). After a week, the bad (LDL) cholesterol fell by 6%, the good cholesterol increased 9%. The activity of platelets fell significantly (effect in the case of heart disease for example to avoid the occurrence of strokes). The inflammatory condition of the body (C-reactive protein) also fell but this result is significant that in women. The authors concluded from this study that regular consumption of dark chocolate for a week has improved the lipid profile and decreased platelet aggregation. In women it has also demonstrated a decrease in the inflammatory condition of the body. It would therefore be a protector of the cardiovascular system. The second study comes this time from Europe, specifically Italy, Laboratory of Genetic and Environmental Epidemiology at the Catholic University of Campobasso. It was published in the Journal of Nutrition, the official organ of the American Society for Nutrition. This study focuses on more than 2,100 subjects who said they regularly or occasionally eating chocolate for the last year. It showed that consumption of dark chocolate helps reduce inflammation in the body. Nevertheless it is a curve J. It means that the ideal dose was 20 grams every 3 days. Below or beyond the markers of inflammation increased. This second study has shown that regular, small doses of dark chocolate can reduce general inflammation in the body. The dark chocolate is not part of the essential elements of the Mediterranean diet, is perhaps what gives it its part so important! As we reiterated Elodie Cauvin, the dietician, not prohibited in a plan. A little fun from time to time provided that it is just casual.

Broccoli sprouts to prevent stomach cancer

According to a new Japanese study, the daily consumption of 70 grams of broccoli sprouts provides protection against bacteria scientist on behalf of Helicobacter pylori responsible for ulcers and gastric cancers. The study was published in Cancer Prevention Research, one of the newspapers of the prestigious American Association for Cancer Research. Broccoli sprouts are very rich in sulforaphane, an antibiotic on behalf barbaric attacks the bacteria. Jed Fahey, nutritional biochemist at the Johns Hopkins University said "that [they] have identified a food that, consumed daily, had the potential to solve many problems of gastric and perhaps finally to prevent the good occurrence of gastric cancer. The fact that this antibiotic food can overcome this bacterium is not new. For against, according to Jed Fahey, "what is, is that broccoli sprouts contain much more than broccoli wall. In this study, the investigators administered to 24 Japanese patients infected by Helicobacter pylori 70 grams of broccoli sprouts for 2 months. By way of comparison, 24 other Japanese were contaminated alfalfa sprouts, a plant that does not contain sulforaphane. The study showed in patients consuming broccoli sprouts lower markers of the presence of Helicobacter pylori and a decrease in markers of gastric inflammation. Markers returned to their original condition 2 months after discontinuation of the scheme. The World Health Organization has classified as carcinogenic Helicobacter pylori, ie as an agent may cause cancer. To date, it is estimated that nearly half the world population is infected by this bacterium, responsible for most stomach ulcers.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Soybeans could have a protective effect against breast cancer

Japanese women who regularly consume products soy run less risk of being affected with breast cancer than others. This is the conclusion of the National Cancer Center Tokyo who led a study of more than 24 000 Japanese women aged 40 to 69 years. Researchers analyzed the diet of the participants and their level of genistein in the blood, the most abundant isoflavone in soybeans. According to the results, women who rate the highest genistein were 65% lower risk of suffering from breast cancer than those who had a low rate. Participants completed a food questionnaire in which they were to show, inter alia, their consumption of soy: miso soup, seeds, tofu, natto (dish of fermented soy beans), etc.. Women who had the highest blood levels of genistein consumed on average 100 g of tofu per day, researchers show. However, a too high intake of soy in the form of supplements for example, may instead increase the risk of breast cancer, say the authors of the study.

Cholesterol and cardiac risk: would be the wrong culprit?

A new index to replace the bad cholesterol blood to assess the risk that a person suffers a heart attack or stroke (stroke). So far, the blood of "bad" cholesterol (LDL or low density lipoproteins) to measure the risk of suffering a cardiovascular disorder. However, two major U.S. agencies, the American Diabetes Association and the American College of Cardiology, cardiologists say that could save more lives by monitoring the presence of another protein, apolipoprotein B (apo B) 1. Apo B is a particle of greater or lesser size that transports LDL, allowing it to accumulate in blood vessels. To better quantify drugs The recommendations of the two organizations aimed at changing practices of diagnosis, but the therapeutic approach remains the same. Thus, drugs of the family of statins continue to be widely prescribed to lower cholesterol for people at risk. The fact that the target apo B cholesterol rather than allow an adjustment of the dosage of statins, says on. Canadian health authorities have not issued similar recommendations. But in Quebec, the Royal Victoria Hospital and Laval have already adopted this new approach and several hospitals in the province would be equipped to measure apo B.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Lobster lovers, do not eat too much

Not all fans who appreciate the lobster lobster tomalli, but those who eat should limit their consumption, Health Canada recommends. The tomalli, this green substance that is found in the cavity of the lobster, shall assume the functions of the liver and pancreas. As it serves as a natural filter for contaminants, it may contain a toxin called Marine PSP. To avoid poisoning, the daily consumption of tomalli for an adult should be limited to the amount contained in two lobsters and a lobster for a child, said Health Canada. This restriction does not apply to canned tomalli, subject to strict control. The toxin is not detectable either in the lobster meat. Consumed in large quantities, the PSP can affect the human nervous system. The first signs of intoxication resulting in tingling or numbness of the lips that gradually invades the face and neck. Other symptoms may appear in the case of poisoning most important: a tingling sensation in extremities, headaches, dizziness and nausea. In rare cases, there is a paralysis of the breathing muscles which can be fatal. In the presence of one or more of these symptoms, Health Canada recommends it without delay a health professional.

Urinary tract infections: cranberry to the prevention

The cranberry juice would have a preventive effect in women prone to urinary tract infections (cystitis) in repetition, a study confirms britannique1-2. This efficiency has not been demonstrated in the elderly and children. The data do not determine whether the cranberry may help to treat cystitis, stress researchers have analyzed the results of ten clinical trials with more than 1 000 subjects. Preliminary results indicate that cranberry juice may reduce the symptoms of a urinary tract infection, but it will conduct further tests to measure the magnitude of its therapeutic effects. To benefit from the preventive effects of cranberry, it is recommended to drink 60 ml to 170 ml of juice per day. As for cranberry cocktails, they contain 26% to 33% juice (the remainder consists of water, sugar or fructose). It is therefore necessary to drink more (from 250 ml to 500 ml). Those who dislike the taste of cranberry capsules may contain from 300 mg to 400 mg of cranberry extract twice a day.

Prostate cancer: useful screening?

A program of screening for prostate cancer, established in Austria, would have reduced the number of deaths attributed to cancer, says a recent étude1. Over 85% of men aged 45 to 75 years in the State of Tyrol have undergone at least one screening test for prostate cancer between 1993 and 2005. This test is a blood test to measure the rate of prostate specific antigen (PSA). The PSA is an indicator of the presence of prostate cancer. In 2005, among men under 80 years, the mortality rate due to prostate cancer in the state of Tyrol was 54% lower than deaths estimated by the researchers. This proportion was 29% in the rest of Austria where the screening was not available. The researchers estimated deaths, based on mortality rates from 1986 to 1990. Reducing the number of deaths can be explained by the early detection of prostate cancer, which improves the success rate of treatment, note the authors of the study. A different story Routine screening for prostate cancer is not unanimity among the doctors. In Canada, medical authorities do not recommend proceeding to screening for prostate cancer since the ability of tests to improve the chances of survival and extend life is not demonstrated. Le Collège des médecins du Quebec and the Urological Association of Quebec suggest a discussion with a doctor before undergoing a screening test to its benefits and disadvantages. Prostate cancer affects one in eight men before the age of 80 and 1 in 27 will mourra.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Eating tomato paste offers a slight protection against sun

When you eat tomatoes, as well as enjoy its benefits on health, you get a slight protection against sunburn and premature aging of the skin, according to a British study. This protective effect is due to lycopene, an antioxidant contained in large quantities in tomato. However, being a diligent consumer of tomatoes to take advantage of this natural protection. The study asked participants to ten randomly selected to take daily 55 g (5 tbsp) tomato paste, traditional, combined with 10 gd'huile olive. Meanwhile, we asked ten subjects to take as olive oil. The experiment lasted 12 weeks.
To evaluate the protective effects on skin, participants were exposed to a UV lamp at the beginning and the end of the study. According to the results, people who had consumed tomato paste were getting additional protection of 33% against sunburn. According to the researchers, this protection is equivalent to a sunscreen with an index of 1.3 fps. It is therefore not advisable to trade its sunscreen for the tomato paste ... The concentration of lycopene would be maximized when the tomatoes are cooked, add the researchers. German researchers have obtained similar results in a study made in 2005. This is the tomato juice which had shown the most effective protection. Carrot juice and tomato paste had also provided a protective effect intéressant2. Furthermore, according to the results of this study, consumers of tomato paste had a higher rate of procollagen, a molecule used for the production of collagen which gives skin its structure. The deterioration of collagen fibers with age is a cause of skin aging and loss of elasticity.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Too feminine, the speech about being overweight?

Men seem to feel less concerned than women in the discourse surrounding the growing problem of overweight in the population. How nutritionists and public health officials can better address the concerns men?, Asked Joost van der Mast, nutrition researcher at the University of Montreal. "According to scientists, humans have a positive view of his health. Paradoxically, it is less convinced that the woman he can influence health through its actions. Which may explain its lack of interest in them, "he says. The MA student will conduct a study of 40 overweight subjects, aged 18 to 50 years to better define the factors of health and well-being of men towards their poids. The male model body carried by our company can also explain the problem of identifying men at ambient speech on weight, says Mathieu Roy, a doctoral candidate in Public Health, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Montreal. According to him, the company promotes a man is very muscular and imposing, while the public health message has a body profile more associated with women. Nutritionist Hélène Baribeau is not surprised that the speech affects health less men than women who are overweight. "In my experience with men, I do not use the same language as for women. In general, I give men concrete explanations with images of the effect of their food choices on the mechanics of their bodies. While women who consult me above all practical advice. "

Monday, June 1, 2009

Cancer: antibiotics increase the risk slightly

The consumption of antibiotics could be associated with a slight increased risk of suffering from certain cancers, according to researchers at the National Public Health Institute of Finland. Observation1 The study was conducted among a large cohort of more than three million reports of which none had suffered from cancer and for which data were available on their use of antibiotics between 1995 and 1997. During the period 1998 to 2004, approximately 4.5% of subjects were diagnosed with cancer. Statistical analysis of data indicates that the use of antibiotics is associated with a slight elevation, but significant relative risk of suffering from various forms of cancer, including breast, prostate, lung and colon. These results indicate that antibiotics are a direct cause of cancer, stress the authors. They prefer, for now, talk about a potential indicator of future risk of suffering from cancer. The act of taking regular antibiotics may indicate that a person suffers from a weak immune system or that its body is often the victim of inflammation, which can help to trigger a cancer, explain the authors of the study. Without calling into question the usefulness of antibiotics to combat bacterial infections, the Finnish researchers pointed out that some antibiotics affect the intestinal flora plays an important immune. These drugs could also disrupt the metabolism of estrogen and thus facilitate the development of cancer hormone, they say.