Asides
Nitric Oxide and Heart Disease
Nitric oxide (NO) deficiency is a major risk factor for heart disease. NO acts at the inner lining of blood vessels, or endothelium, to increase blood flow, prevent fatty deposits from sticking to blood vessel walls, keep walls from getting too thick and stiff, and prevent the arteries from narrowing. All of the major [...]
Chocolate Constituent Prevents Tooth Decay
Theobromine, a substance found in raw cocoa, is more effective than fluoride at strengthening tooth enamel. However, don’t expect to get this benefit simply by eating chocolate. The high sugar content of processed chocolate contributes to cavities. Research and development is underway to produce a toothpaste containing theobromine. Arman Sadeghpour, PhD, [...]
Omega-3 DHA Lowers Risk of Ulcerative Colitis
A diet rich in a type of omega-6 fatty acid called linoleic acid was associated with an increased risk of ulcerative colitis. This study found that people who ate the most linoleic acid were 2.5 times more likely to develop ulcerative colitis than those who ate the least amount. In contrast, a high intake of [...]
Aerobic Fitness Boosts IQ
Yet another study confirms that exercise can boost brainpower. Specifically, the study found that improved aerobic fitness is associated with higher intelligence. The study also found that environmental factors accounted for more than 80% of this association, suggesting that regardless of genetic makeup, the lifestyle that you choose largely determines both physical and [...]
Health Revolution Petition
Health care reform is underway, but will it bring real reform to the very foundation of health care, or simply expand coverage for the unsustainable sick care system that we have now? We need to look beyond the limits of disease treatment and work to keep people healthy in the first place. Wellness [...]
AAP Report on Obesity Prevention
It appears that Australia has now surpassed the US in percentage of population who are overweight or obese. A report from the Australian Associated Press acknowledges that a healthy lifestyle and prevention, not pharmaceuticals, are key to winning the battle against obesity. Genes likely play a very small role in the epidemic weight [...]
Portman vs Palin
Natalie Portman has followed a vegetarian diet since childhood. In an article from The Huffington Post she writes, “The human cost of factory farming — both the compromised welfare of slaughterhouse workers and, even more, the environmental effects of the mass production of animals — is staggering.” She also claims, “Factory farming of [...]
