Mediterranean Diet Helps Prevent Diabetes

SWEDEN —A recent study conducted at the University of Sweden found that when diabetics skip breakfast and consume the Mediterranean Diet they receive more health benefits.

The study included 21 participants. They were split up into 3 groups based on what they were told to consume: low-fat diet, low-carbohydrate diet, and a Mediterranean diet. The researchers measured the effects these diets had on the subjects’ blood glucose, blood lipids, and different hormones after eating the meals. Blood tests were collected 6 times per day.

The team found that the low-carbohydrate diet increased the levels of triglycerides, and the low-fat diet increased blood glucose levels, while the Mediterranean without breakfast had the lowest blood glucose levels.

According to Professor Fredrik Nystrom:

“This suggests that it is favorable to have a large meal instead of several smaller meals when you have diabetes.

According to Mayoclinic, the Mediterranean diet consists of: olive oil, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and fish.

If you are interested in preventing or controlling your diabetes, you might want to consider consuming a Mediterranean diet while skipping or having a small breakfast.


Have a great day.

Can Pineapples Damage Tooth Enamel?

The California Fruit Growers Association says that pineapples are considered an acidic food. According to an article on the website Divine Caroline and previous studies, acidic foods could soften tooth enamel over time, which could lead to tooth decay.

Matt Messina, D.D.S., consumer adviser for the American Dental Association and a dentist is quoted in the Huffington Post as saying exposing your teeth to acidic foods for long periods of time can cause tooth decay.. This is because when protective tooth enamel is damaged, your teeth become more prone to damage and decay.

According to an article published in ToothDecay.com, the most common symptom of enamel erosion is tooth pain or severe sensitivity when eating or drinking hot or cold foods and beverages.

However, the article also noted that it’s okay to consume pineapple and other acidic foods in moderation. In order to reduce your risk of damaging your teeth, researchers recommend to brush your teeth or chewing a piece of sugarless gum to help remove extra acid from your teeth.



Have a great day.

Southern Food Increases Heart Disease Risk

ALABAMA—A recent study conducted at the University of Alabama and published in Circulation found that following a southern-style diet could increase your risk of heart disease.


The study analyzed 17,000 participants who completed food frequency questionnaires, and physical exams. The researchers followed up with each participant every 6 months for nearly 6 years. The researchers grouped the foods regularly eaten into the following 5 categories:


1.      Convenience: Pasta, pizza, Mexican and Chinese Food

2.      Plant-based: vegetables, fruits, cereal, beans, fish, chicken and yogurt

3.      Sweets: sugar, desserts, chocolate, candy

4.      Alcohol/Salads: beer, wine, liquor, green leafy veggies, tomatoes, and salad dressing

5.      Southern: fried food, eggs, organ means, processed meats, added fats and sugar-sweetened drinks


The team found that those who mostly followed a southern diet had a 56 percent higher risk of heart disease, compared to those who did not eat southern food and followed any of the other diets above.


According to lead researcher, James M. Shikany:


"Try cutting down the number of times you eat fried foods or processed meats from every day to 3 days a week as a start, and try substituting baked or grilled chicken or vegetable-based foods."


If you are interested in reducing your risk of heart disease, you might want to consider eliminating “southern” food from your daily diet.

Have a great day.

Foods That Improves Insulin Creation

FRANCE —A recent study conducted at the National Center for Scientific research and published in the journal Cell found that fiber could help prevent diabetes and obesity.

The study analyzed a group of mice, it is noted that their bodily functions are very similar to humans. They received either a diet high in fiber or a control diet with no fiber.

The team found that the mice that consumed the diet rich in fiber gained significantly less weight, compared to the mice that consumed the control diet. In addition, they found the mice that ate high fiber improved their insulin creation, which helps prevent diabetes.

According to Mayoclinic.com, foods that are high in fiber include:

·         Fruits (raspberries, bananas, apples, oranges, strawberries)

·         Whole wheat spaghetti

·         Oat bran muffin

·         Oatmeal

·         Nuts (almonds, pecans)

·         Vegetables (broccoli, green peas, raw carrots)

If you are interested in preventing diabetes or obesity, you might want to consider adding fiber to your daily diet.


Have a great day.

Diet That Helps Reduce Weight.

CALIFORNIA —A recent study conducted at the University of California and published in Cell Metablism found that a low-fat diet has more health benefits compared to a low-card diet.

The study included 20 participants who were split into two groups. One group was told to restrict the amount of carbs they consumed and the other group was told to consume a low-fat diet. The researchers analyzed the heath benefits associated with both diets, focusing on total body fat loss.

The team found that even though more fat was burned when participants followed a low-carb diet, significantly more body fat was lost when a low-fat diet was consumed.

According to WebMD, the following foods are considered low in fat:

-          Whole grain products

-          Fruits and vegetables

-          Lean meats (limit to 5-7 ounces)

-          Beans and peas

-          Low-fat yogurt and cheese

If you are interested losing body fat you might want to consider following a low-fat diet.


Have a great day.

Parsely Has Great Benefits

There was actually a study released today at Harvard University and presented in Medical News Today that discussed the health benefits of parsley.  I think this one will be of great interest to anyone like you that is worried about cancer and bone health.  

The study included a group of participants who were told to add parsley to their daily diets. The researchers analyzed the health benefits received from this addition to their diets.

The team found several health benefits, however, the three most significant include:

1.      Cancer prevention: Myricetin, which is a compound found in parsley has been shown to have chemo-preventive effects on cancer, especially skin cancer. In addition, another natural compound found in parsley known as apigenin has been found to help decrease cancerous tumors, such as in breast cancer.

2.      Diabetes prevention: Myricetin has also been shown in previous studies to help lower blood sugar levels as well as improve insulin development.

3.      Improving bone health: Parsley is rich in vitamin K, which helps improve bone health by improving calcium absorption.

The researchers noted that parsley could easily be added to your daily diet by adding the spice to any dish to add great flavor, which also will not add any sodium.

If you are interested in any of these health benefits, you might want to consider adding parsley to your daily diet.

Have a great day.

Try To Avoid Trans Fat

PENNSYLVANIA—A recent study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania and published in The BMJ found that trans fats are associated with an increased risk of death and heart disease risk.


The study pooled data together from 72 previous studies that analyzed the associations of saturated fats and trans fats with the risk of death, heart disease, stroke, and type-2 diabetes.


The team found that trans fat consumption, which are produced industrially from plant oils (margarine, pre-packaged baked goods, and snack foods) were associated with a 34 percent increased risk of death and a 21 percent increased risk of heart disease. It is noted that they could not find any clear associations with consuming saturated fats, which typically come from animal products (meat, egg yolks, butter, and salmon).


The researchers noted that the current dietary guidelines recommend limiting saturated fat consumption to less than 10 percent of daily intake, and limiting trans fat consumption to less than 1% of your daily intake.


According to webMD, the following are healthier alternatives to trans fat:


·         Small amounts of butter, or olive oil is the best alternative

·         Coconut oil

·         Fruits and vegetables


If you are interested in reducing your risk of heart disease and other health problems, you might want to consider eliminating trans fat from your daily diet.


Have a great day.

Like Eggs?

CAMBRIDGE , MASSACHUSETTS —A recent study conducted at Harvard University and featured in Medical News Today found several health benefits associated with consuming eggs.

The study analyzed several previous studies that focused on the benefits associated with eggs. The team found that eggs are one of the best sources of protein available and have dozens of vitamins and nutrients found within them.

According to the researchers, the following are some of the nutrients and health benefits associated with eggs:

·         Vitamin A: Boosts immune system, and helps improve vision

·         Vitamin D: Keeps bones and teeth healthy

·         Vitamin E: Helps keep muscles healthy

·         Biotin: Helps increase metabolism and immune system

In addition to the health benefits associated with the nutrients found within eggs, the researchers also found that eggs help strengthen your muscles, and lower your risk of heart disease.

If you are interested in receiving some of these health benefits, you might want to consider adding eggs to your daily diet.


Have a great day.

Can Mediterranean Diet Prevent Stroke?

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS —A recent study conducted at Tufts University and published in the journal Diabetes Care found that consuming a Mediterranean diet lowers your risk of stroke.

The study included about 7000 participants, they were told to consume either a Mediterranean diet or a low-fat diet. The researchers analyzed the effects both diets had on the risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.

The team found that those who consumed a Mediterranean diet saw a significant reduction in their risk of stroke, compared to those who followed a low-fat diet

According to lead study author, Dr. Jose Ordovas:

“Being on the Mediterranean diet reduced the number of strokes in people with two copies of the variant… the food they ate appeared to eliminate any increased stroke susceptibility”

According to Mayo Clinic, the following foods are part of the Mediterranean diet:

·         Fruits and vegetables

·         Whole grains

·         Plant-based foods

·         Replacing butter with healthy fats (olive oil)

If you are interested in reducing your risk of stroke, you might want to consider following the Mediterranean diet.


Have a great day.

Sunlight And Your Overall Health

SAN DIEGO —A recent study conducted at the University of California and published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that sunlight and vitamin D is a necessity to your health.

The study analyzed a large group of participants who took park in a consensus developed by GrassrootsHealth, a nonprofit public health research organization. They analyzed the health benefits received from natural sunlight and vitamin D absorption.

The team found that natural sun exposure saw significant health benefits related to mental and physical health, especially stress levels. It is noted that these benefits were seen substantially more as compared to taking vitamin D supplements.

According to the executive director of GrassrootsHealth and co-author of this research:

"These benefits far outweigh those derived from vitamin D intake by supplements, and therefore sun avoidance being recommended by the US Surgeon General and others is unnecessarily putting Americans at risk."

According to WebMD, you should limit the amount of sun to no more than 1-2 hours per day.

If you are interested in receiving mental and physical health benefits, you might want to consider adding an hour or two of sun to your daily routine.


Have a great day.

Standing Provides Several Health Benefits

AUSTRALIA —A recent study conducted at the University of Queensland and published in the European Heart Journal found that sitting for prolonged periods of time could be hazardous to your health.

The study included 782 participants who took part in the Australian Diabetes, Obesity, and Lifestyle Study. They were given monitors to wear 24/7 that kept track of how long each participant spent sitting, lying, standing, walking and running. In addition, the subjects provided blood samples, measurements of their blood pressure, waist circumference, and height and weight.

The researchers found that an extra two hours per day of standing instead of sitting was associated with a 2 percent improvement in blood sugar levels and an 11 percent lower average triglycerides (fat in the blood). In addition, they found that more standing time was directly associated with an increase in HDL (good) cholesterol levels and a decrease in LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

According to lead author Genevieve Healy:

"More time spent standing rather than sitting could improve your blood sugar, fats in the blood and cholesterol levels, while replacing time spent sitting with time walking could have additional benefits for your waistline and body mass index."

If you are interested in receiving any of these health benefits, you might want to consider standing instead of sitting for long periods of time.


Have a great day.

Can Just 2 Cups Of Coffee Help?

ITALY—A recent study conducted at the University of Bari Aldo Moro in Italy and published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that consuming coffee could lower the risk of cognitive impairment.


The study included a large group of participants who were followed for an average of 3.5 years. The researchers monitored their coffee consumption habits and compared that to their memory and thinking abilities.


The team found that those who consistently drank a moderate amount of coffee, which is one to two cups per day, saw a significant decreased risk of MCI. It is noted that MCI is the decline in cognitive abilities, including memory and thinking skills.


According to the researchers:


“Moderate and regular coffee consumption may have neuroprotective effects also against MCI, confirming previous studies on the long-term protective effects of coffee, tea, or caffeine consumption and plasma levels of caffeine against cognitive decline and dementia."


If you are interested in lowering your risk of Alzheimer’s disease, you might want to consider adding a cup of coffee to your daily routine.


Have a great day.

These Foods Help Lower Cholesterol

NORTH CAROLINA —A recent study conducted at Wake Forest School of Medicine and reported by Medical News Today found that consuming soy could improve heart health.

It is noted that in the US , heart disease is one of the leading causes of death.

The study analyzed a group of monkeys; the researchers noted that their bodily functions are very similar to humans. They split the monkeys into 2 groups; one group consuming a soy-rich diet, while the other group consumed a protein-rich diet.

The team found that the group that consumed a soy-rich diet saw significant improvements in their cholesterol levels, compared to the group that consumed a protein-rich diet.

According to Livestrong.com, the following foods are rich in soy:

·         Soybeans (edamame)

·         Tofu

·         Soy milk and soy yogurt

·         Soy nuts (roasted)

If you are interested in improving your heart health, you might want to consider adding soy-rich food to your daily diet.

Have a great day.

Alzheimer’s Disease? Exercise

DENMARK —A recent study conducted at the Danish Dementia Research Center in Copenhagen , Denmark and presented at this year’s Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Washington DC found that physical exercise could improve symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

The study included 200 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. They were assigned to either a group taking part in a supervised exercise program or a control group for 16 weeks.

The team found that the group that followed the exercise program experienced significantly less symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, compared to the control group. Specifically, they found that exercise helps reduce levels of tau tangles, which is what causes brain lesions that destroy vital brain cells. They noted that higher levels of tau in the brain are associated with Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline.

According to chief science officer of the Alzheimer’s Association, Maria Carrillo:

"Based on the results we heard reported today at AAIC 2015, exercise or regular physical activity might play a role in both protecting your brain from Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, and also living better with the disease if you have it.”

If you are interested in preventing or reducing the chance of experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer’s, you might want to consider adding physical activity to your daily routine.


Have a great day.