J Nutrition Oct, 2007
There is just so much exciting news in nutrition research, but it is getting more complicated as it explores finer points of specific nutrients within foods. So this month I am trying a new format, summarizing findings as accurately as possible in my own words – for instance, I write “phytonutrient” instead of what the article states, “chlorogenic acid compound”. The references are linked (ref), instead of stating the entire title and citation for the reference, which again will save space. Again, this month there are more than 14 articles that are exciting, but just the titles would fill a few pages, and quotes will fill a few more. Again, click the reference link and it will take you right to the actual article abstract on line. IF YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS ON THIS CHANGE, POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE, PLEASE LET ME KNOW. And please remember I am not a doctor – my comments are only suggestions to discuss with your physician. Thanks
High vitamin C may be important – The lead article this month is New Developments and Novel Therapeutic Perspectives for Vitamin C. Research indicates that high levels of vitamin C in serum may provide “clinical and scientific evidence on the effects of this vitamin on cancer and CVD[cardiovascular disease]”.
How vegetables may aid longterm health – Another article reinforces how cruciferous vegetables may help control heart disease (ref). Other phytochemicals, flavones, are shown to block inflammatory processes (ref), which are connected with cancer and CVD. Soy phytochemicals appears to help men at high risk for prostate cancer (ref), and also to reduce everyone’s risk for CVD (ref). Garlic studies were reviewed, and evidence was persuasive that it helps reduce the risk for colorectal cancer (ref). And berries are shown to kill intestinal cancer cells (ref).
Obesity notes – ” This study examined relationships between changes in dietary calcium intake, energy intake, and body weight following a weight loss diet. One hundred three overweight or obese women lost weight over 22 wk… Dietary calcium may oppose weight regain, reducing the effect of greater energy intake. ” A mixture of four compounds, two from coffee and soy, and two harder to find aside from supplements, carnitine and arginine, appear to be useful controlling obesity (ref).
Alcohol, this time sparkling wine, again shown to reduce risk of heart disease (ref).
How important is getting this email column to your health? More than 3,000 women were trained to eat a healthy diet with more fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and fiber, and to reduce fat intake. A study shows that in one group that received regular reminders, via telephone counselling, they were 66% more successful after 1 year and 40% more at 4 years (ref). REGULAR REMINDERS OF ATTENTION TO DIET ARE EXTREMELY VALUABLE. If you have friends you want to help, consider telling them to get on the email list for Nutrition Investigator.
Eating meat is harmful to our planet – Here’s a policy perspective that is of interest. National Public Radio stated that people eating meat is actually the primary cause of global warming (confirmed by Chemistry faculty at Beloit College). Yet our US foreign aid is used to promote eating meat, on the premise that this will reduce malnutrition. Now a study published this month (ref) shows that this policy may not be effective – though it does support meat exports.
Be happy. Have a peaceful October.
