Stay up-to-date on the latest health and nutrition information with Virtual Health Info's monthly HealthWatch bulletin, America's premier source for health information. The July issue of HealthWatch features the following articles:Nature's Pharmacy Anthocyanins, National Cancer Institute Encourages Eating Blue and Purple Fruits and Vegetables, Study Concludes Fruit/ Blueberry Consumption May Prevent Cardiovascular Disease. Click here for more information.

Nature's Pharmacy ANTHOCYANINS

Mother Nature provides a full spectrum of beautifully colored fruits and vegetables. Walking into a farmer's market is like walking into an artist's studio where color pallets display bursting bright reds, greens, oranges, yellows, blues, and even purples. It's a feast for the eyes. Scientists are now gathering evidence that the rainbow of color pigments in fruits and vegetables may do more than simply attract attention or please the eye; they in fact possess a wide array of health-promoting properties. Studies to date suggest that certain of these phytochemicals, or plant chemical pigments, appear to defend and enhance health. They do so by boosting our bodies' support mechanisms - helping reduce inflammation, pulling toxins out of the system, and fighting free radicals before they have a chance to wreak havoc on our cells. Click here for more information.

National Cancer Institute Encourages Eating Blue and Purple Fruits and Vegetables

The National Cancer Institute (NCI), the national health authority that encourages all Americans to eat 5 to 9 servings of vegetables and fruit a day to promote health and reduce risk of cancer and other chronic diseases, is strongly urging all Americans to eat blue and purple fruits and vegetables. This is because fruits such as blueberries, acai, and pomegranate contain disease-fighting phytochemicals such as anthocyanins and phenolics. NCI states that anthocyanins and phenolics are powerful antioxidants that help reduce the risk of such diseases as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's. They may even help to slow the aging process. NCI also encourages eating a wide variety of other colorful foods in order to take advantage of other types of healthful phytonutrients they contain. Click here for more information

Study Concludes Fruit/ Blueberry Consumption May Prevent Cardiovascular Disease

A November 2005 study released by Appalachian State University Department of Health, Leisure, and Exercise Science found that daily fruit consumption significantly reduces oxidative stress in chronic smokers. The results were obtained by observing twenty chronic smokers over a three week period. The subjects were divided into three groups: the first group consumed 250g of blueberries daily, the second group consumed 250g of blueberries right before the final blood testing and the third was a control group and did nothing. The subjects' blood was drawn at the beginning and end of the study. The study concluded that acute ingestion of fruit had no affect on oxidative stress levels in the blood while daily fruit consumption significantly reduced this oxidation. The study states that fruit consumption plays a role in preventing cardiovascular disease. For more information, go to Free Radical Research, November 2005. Source: Taylor & Francis, Volume 39, Number 11, November 2005.

June 2008 HealthWatch

Stay up-to-date on the latest health and nutrition information with Virtual Health Info's monthly HealthWatch bulletin, America's premier source for health information. The June issue of HealthWatch features the following articles: Mens Health, National Men's Health Week, Action Plan For Lowering Blood Pressure, Antioxidant Rich Green Tea May Reduce Prostate Cancer Risk. Click here for more information.

Mens Health

While the life-expectancy gap between men and women has narrowed in recent years, it's no secret that men still need to pay more attention to their health. There are several reasons for this. Men are more likely to engage in unhealthy behavior than women are, and are less likely than women to adopt preventative healthcare measures. Also, some men define themselves by their work, which can add to high stress levels; stress is one of the factors that weakens optimal health. Click here for more information.

National Men's Health Week

National Men's Health Week (NMHW) was signed into law on May 31, 1994. The purpose of NMHW is to raise national awareness among men and young boys of the importance of preventive health behavior in the early detection and treatment of health problems affecting men. This special observance is held the week leading up to and including Father's Day, June 9 -15, 2008. By having NMHW during this period, men will receive the greatest attention and focus in our society, thereby enabling the message to reach the greatest number of men and their families.

Action Plan For Lowering Blood Pressure

Experts agree that eating affects ones chances of developing high blood pressure (hypertension), and research shows it can be prevented. A healthful diet, therefore, combined with a balanced exercise program and other lifestyle changes can have significant benefits. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan, which includes eating less salt and sodium, promotes healthful eating and regular exercise; it's a simple and effective roadmap to success. Click here for more information.

Antioxidant Rich Green Tea May Reduce Prostate Cancer Risk

According to a recent study conducted by researchers at Japan's National Cancer Center in Tokyo, drinking green tea may reduce the risk of advanced prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer, other than skin cancer, among men in the United States. According to the details of the report, men who drank five or more cups of the antioxidant rich beverage might halve the risk of developing advanced prostate cancer compared with those who drank less than one cup a day. The study compiled data from 50,000 men aged 40-69, over a period of up to 14 years from 1990. Although the data is promising, more research is needed to confirm these findings. For more information go to the American Journal of Epidemiology, January 2008.

May 2008 HealthWatch

Stay up-to-date on the latest health and nutrition information with Virtual Health Info's monthly HealthWatch bulletin, America's premier source for health information. The May issue of HealthWatch features the following articles: Women and Heart Health, Women's Health, Green Tea Breast Cancer, Diet Helps Reduce Cardiac Disease in Women, National Women's Health Week.Click here for more information.