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Healthwise 79 October 2006
Healthwise is a regular column written especially for laterlife.com members and visitors by Helen Franks, journalist and author. Welcome to healthwise 79. For previous articles in the healthwise series visit 'more healthwise'
Following on from findings about exercising three times a week to avoid Alzheimer’s disease, new research from the American Journal of Medicine reveals that another protection is to drink at least three glasses of fruit or vegetable juices a week. This, researchers say, reduces risk of Alzheimer’s by a dramatic 76%. The trial in Japan and the US followed almost 2000 volunteers over 10 years, with results as above. The reason for the protection could be that juices contain polyphenols, powerful antioxidants, that might curtail biological deterioration in the brain. Curcumin, the chemical found in the curry spice turmeric, could both boost brain power and help prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease, says the American Journal of Epidemiology. A study tested the brain power of more than 1000 Asian people aged between 60 and 93, using a standard test called the Mini Mental State Examination. Those who ate curry even just once every six months had better results than those who said they "never or rarely" ate it. Previous research has suggested that curcumin
inhibits the build-up of the harmful protein deposits called
amyloid plaques that occur in the brains of Alzheimer's
patients. Curcumin is also reputed to have antioxidant,
anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties that are still
being investigated. The Bristol Cancer Help Centre has transformed attitudes to cancer, providing a combination of emotional, physical and spiritual support for people with cancer and those supporting them. Relaxation, meditation, imagery, nutritional advice, along with residential courses are provided by this unique service. There’s a new starter pack containing a DVD on The Bristol Approach to Living with Cancer and a new CD, An Introduction to Self HelpTechniques, plus free healthy eating guidelines and advice on supplements. Price is ?12.50 plus ?2.50 for postage and packing. Go to the
helpline, which is open weekdays from 9.30am – 5pm, or email for a 24-hour
service at:
helpline@bristolcancerhelp.org . The website is:
www.bristolcancerhelp.org .
New research undertaken by scientists at the University of California has shown that drinking pomegranate juice daily can affect the blood levels of PSA – a protein produced by prostate cancer growth -- which could help slow down the development of prostate cancer, extending the life expectancy of many cancer sufferers Consuming just one glass of pomegranate juice a day was found to significantly slow the rate at which PSA levels increased, with the doubling time extended from an average of 15 months to 54 months. If you don’t want the hassle of dealing with pomegranate seeds, a new supplement from Canadian-based company AOR could provide a solution. Each capsule of AOR Pomegranate, delivers 150mg of ellargic acid, a compound derived from pomegranate as well as from raspberries, strawberries and blueberries. Early studies seem to indicate that ellargic acid acts as a “scavenger”, binding with potentially harmful chemicals in the body and rendering them inactive. Each pot of AOR Pomegranate contains 90 (one month supply) and retails at ?14.25, and is available in the UK from independent health food stores (tel: 0800 169 1231 ) or on-line from various sites.
Highly stressed, driven people (known as ‘type A’ personalities) can breathe easy. They won’t shorten their lives by being hyper, as previously thought, says a ten-year study in the Public Library of Science. A team followed over 6000 closely-related
people to investigate any links between personality and health.
Early results reveal that heightis 80% genetic, cholesterol
around 40%, and behaviour traits 20%. And type A
characteristics, said to contribute to heart disease, strokes,
cancer? No links noted. Info on 5 fruit and veg a day:
www.5aday.nhs.uk
IN THE PREVIOUS EDITIONIn edition 78:- Taking exercise can cut Alzheimer's & dementia Light exercise three times a week helps say scientists Studies suggest some benefits Eating certain vegetables can guard against AMD NICE approves psoriasis treatments Backing given for two biological treatments. New complementary treatment for psoriasis Exorex helps control this condition Taking fish oils along with exercise has benefits has been licensed for certain adults Some useful health websites
The complete family health guide
This work provides detailed instructions, illustrations and sample exercises that show the reader how to build a system of personalized frameworks for storing and recalling information on demand. |
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