Around 1990, two studies here and here suggested that artificial sweeteners had little satiating capacity compared to glucose or sucrose. It raised the question, if they didn’t make you feel full (or keep you feeling full) compared to sugar, how could they help lose weight?
This is the source of the rumor that artificial sweeteners cause weight gain.
A decade later, the controversy was resolved.
In advance of National Mushroom Month came news that a single serving of white button mushrooms – the most commonly sold mushroom – could contain 869% of the daily vitamin D requirement when exposed to five minutes of UV light after being harvested.
Why is this significant?
Diets rich in lutein plus zeaxanthin may protect against intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in healthy women younger than 75 years, according to a study just published in the Archives of Ophthalmology.
The findings are significant because there is no cure for AMD, only limited treatments are available, and there is no established means of prevention. Therefore, any intervention that lowers the risk for AMD is potentially important.
But what are lutein and zeaxanthin, and where can you get them?
Continue reading Sources of lutein and zeaxanthin to help prevent age-related macular degeneration
Chinese cotton growers were among the first farmers to plant genetically modified (GM) cotton to resist bollworms (photo). Now, the substantial profits they reaped for several years by saving on pesticides have eroded.
The reason, according to Cornell University researchers is that other pests are attacking the GM cotton.
CancerBlog reports that Starchild Abraham Cherrix, a 16-year-old cancer patient, will be permitted to avoid a second round of cancer treatment in favor of CAM. The court ruled that a board-certified radiation oncologist of his choice who is interested in alternative treatments must treat him.
The young man is taking the Hoxsey method, an herbal treatment that is illegal in the United States but can be obtained in Mexico.
Abraham got his legal victory. What he really needs is a medical victory. Don’t bet the farm on Hoxsey.
A review published on Medscape makes a strong case for connecting the dots that lead from salt intake to high blood pressure, and then to cardiovascular disease and death.
“There is virtual unanimity within the scientific community regarding the contribution of excessive sodium consumption to cardiovascular disease.”
It’s “unquestioned … that halving sodium levels in packaged and restaurant foods could save about 150,000 lives a year, especially among African Americans … and the elderly. ”
Proponents of this position are absolutely convinced, and they want the U.S. government to start a multipronged approach.
In fact, there is another point of view, as told at the website, JunkScience.com.
Continue reading Reducing our salt intake to lower blood pressure. Does it matter?
What is the value in avoiding dust mites and increasing omega-3 fatty acids in a child’s diet — especially in children at high risk of developing asthma because of a family history? Lots of research has gone on down under to answer this question. It’s part of the CAPS trial (Childhood Asthma Prevention Study).
Here’s what we learned
Continue reading Dust mites, dietary fats, and asthma in children
Exercise and diet can reduce neuropathic pain and help regenerate nerve fibers in overweight patients with impaired glucose tolerance (“Prediabetes”), according to research that was presented at the 2006 American Academy of Neurology 58th Annual Meeting.
Details of the study are reported here, and a review of the topic is presented here.
7/13/06 00:09 JR