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 March issue of HealthWatch features the following article: Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D? Click here for more information.

August 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 August issue of HealthWatch features the following articles:Keeping Kids Healthy, Eating Right, Get Moving, Fruit Intake During Childhood May Help Curb Cancer Later In Life, Bone Health Impacted by Fruits at any Age. Click here for more information.

Keeping Kids Healthy

Less than 25% of kids eat the daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables and few get regular physical activity. While moms and caregivers are aware of the importance of healthy eating and physical activity habits, they struggle with the best way to incorporate them into daily family life. With obesity rates rising among children and adults, it's important for parents to find useful information and realistic tips for making and sustaining healthy choices for kids. This month's issue of HealthWatch is devoted to helping parents and kids in their pursuit of balanced nutrition and physical activity for the mind and body.

Eating Right

Plain and simple, fast food can affect your game plan. Youngsters have been consuming more fast food since the 1970's and, coincidently, there's been a rise in teenage obesity and diabetes. Not fun! Fast foods are high in unhealthy fats (saturated and trans fats), sugar, high fructose corn syrup, chemical flavor enhancers and fake color. Also in highly processed foods, the vitamins and minerals typically get destroyed. Check your local fast food restaurant for fresh, healthy options such as healthy chicken and fish dishes, salads, vegetable soups, fruit plates and low-sugar drinks. When eating at home, it's best to favor low-fat meats, healthy dairy products, whole grains, vegetable dishes, fruit and nuts. If it's hard to eat nine servings of fruits and vegetables every day, a good quality multivitamin can help - it provides "insurance" when it comes to getting a wide spectrum of nutrients each day. Check out Healthcorps.org for additional information.

Fruit Intake During Childhood May Help Curb Cancer Later In Life

According to a long term study involving almost 4,000 people in the United Kingdom, it appears that a childhood diet rich in fruit may protect against the development of certain cancers. The findings, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, are based on a 60 year follow-up with a group of individuals who completed a food inventory checklist sometime in the 1930's. The researchers successfully traced almost all of the men and women who had been children in the 1930's and were able to assess their death and cancer records to arrive at their conclusions. Further prospective studies, with individual measures of diet are required to fully explain the researchers' conclusions. For more information go to the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, Volume 57, 2003.

Diet Helps Reduce Cardiac Disease in Women

At the conclusion of a recently published research article, scientists stated that a diet resembling The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet was significantly associated with lower risk of coronary
heart disease (CHD) and stroke in women. The DASH eating plan consists of a high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, moderated intake of legumes, nuts, and low-fat dairy products, and low intake of red and
processed meats and sodium. For the details surrounding this study go to the Archives of Internal Medicine, Volume 168, No. 7, April 2008.

Nutrients and the Body's Defenses

In order for the immune system to function at its best it must have access to nutrients. For this reason, individuals who are malnourished develop more infections than individuals who are well-nourished. Some of the effects of malnutrition on the body's immune system are a thinning of the skin with less connective tissue, weakness, poor wound healing, and a lack of defense against disease. So, an important key to health and longevity is a nutritionally well balanced diet and supplementation when necessary.

Here is a smal sampling of nutrients and their relationship to a healthy functioning immune system:

Vitamin A helps support immunity by playing a role in the development of helper cells.
Vitamin A maintains healthy epithelial tissues to fight infection by preventing the invasion of bacteria and viruses.
Vitamin C strengthens our resistance to infection.
Vitamin E protects white and red blood cells, thus participating in the body's defenses against foreign material and disease.
Iron helps fight infection.
Magnesium supports normal functioning of the immune system.
Manganese is a facilitator, with enzymes, of many cell processes.

Source: Understanding Nutrition, 7th Edition

Healthful Bacteria Plus Vitamins and Minerals May Help Common Cold

Researchers recently conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to investigate whether the consumption of a dietary supplement containing probiotic bacteria plus vitamins and minerals over a period of at least three months during winter and spring affects the length, frequency, and severity of symptoms of common cold infections as well as cellular immune parameters. The trial involved 477 healthy men and women who did not receive flu vaccines. The participants were randomly assigned to either the supplement group or a placebo group for three months. The final trial data showed that the intake of a dietary supplement containing probiotic bacteria plus vitamins and minerals during a period of at least three months during cold season may reduce the incidence and severity of common cold symptoms in otherwise healthy adults. For more information go to the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, July 2005.

Obesity Rates Rise to Epidemic Proportions and the Consequences are Serious - What Can We Do?

Despite the flood of information available to Americans on the risks of being overweight, obesity has risen to epidemic proportions in the last 20 years. Obesity is defined as having a high amount of body fat with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more. With the trend of obesity elevating to this extent, it threatens to overtake tobacco as the No. 1 preventable cause of death.

One of the main concerns surrounding obesity can be expressed by this fact: an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 deaths per year may be attributed to obesity. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, being even moderately overweight (10 to 20 pounds for a person of average height) increases the risk of death, particularly among adults between the ages of 30 to 64 years. People who fall into the obese category have a 50 to 100% increased risk of an early death from all causes, compared to people with a healthy weight.

The number of specific diseases associated with being overweight and obese is vast. Being obese raises one’s chances of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, and elevated triglycerides (blood fat) while lowering HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol).

In adults, a mere 11 to 18 pound increase in weight increases a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Also, type 2 diabetes, previously known as adult-onset diabetes, has dramatically increased in children because of the rising weight levels in our younger population. Other diseases that are impacted by weight are some types of cancer (such as endometrial, breast, prostate and colon), asthma, and arthritis.

The good news is that in most cases, diagnosing and combating being overweight and obese is simple and the rewards are great. It does not require extensive medical tests, repeated doctor visits, and strange treatment modalities. Even losing just 10% of your body weight can have a positive impact on your health.

References: U.S. Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

What is body mass index (BMI)?

Body mass index, or BMI, is a new term to most people. However, it is the measurement of choice for many physicians and researchers studying obesity. BMI uses a mathematical formula that takes into account both a person’s weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. (BMI+kg/m2).

How can one determine their own BMI?

Visit the Centers for Disease Control website to use their BMI calculator.

Calcium Important During Weight Loss

In a study conducted at Rutgers University, researchers studied 73 women who were either on a weight loss diet or a weight maintenance diet, with either normal or high intakes of calcium. The study lasted a total of 6 weeks. Out of the 57 women who finished the study, those on the weight loss diet taking only normal amounts of calcium exhibited inadequate absorption of the nutrient, which has the possibility of impacting bone mass. The researchers suggested that weight loss programs may be associated with increased calcium requirements to help maintain bone mass. More research is needed to support their suggestion. For more information go to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 80, August 2004.

Magnesium Intake Essential For Good Cardiometabolic Health

In a recent study published in the journal Obesity researchers wrote about the intake of dietary magnesium and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among U.S. adults. They stated that their research showed an inverse association between dietary magnesium intake and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome adding to the evidence that adequate magnesium intake or a diet rich in the mineral may be important for good cardio-metabolic health. Metabolic syndrome describes cardiometabolic risk. Cardiometabolic risk factors are primarily overweight, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. For more information go to the journal Obesity, Volume 15, May 2007.

Research Says Americans Have Terrible Diets

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture dietary guidelines, Americans should consume at least two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables each day as a part of a healthy diet because adequate fruit and vegetable consumption may decrease the risk for chronic disease. Research scientists from Johns Hopkins University recently reported that despite the promotion of these guidelines a significant number of Americans are not meeting these minimum levels. The researchers arrived at their conclusion after reviewing the data from two national health surveys. The first survey included 15,000 U.S. adults from 1988 to 1994 and the second survey included 9,000 adults from 1999 to 2002. For details surrounding the Johns Hopkins review go to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Volume 32, April 2007. Read More.

Magnesium Intake Essential For Good Cardiometabolic Health

In a recent study published in the journal Obesity researchers wrote about the intake of dietary magnesium and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among U.S. adults. They stated that their research showed an inverse association between dietary magnesium intake and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome adding to the evidence that adequate magnesium intake or a diet rich in the mineral may be important for good cardiometabolic health. Metabolic syndrome describes cardiometabolic risk. Cardiometabolic risk factors are primarily overweight, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. For more information go to the journal Obesity, Volume 15, May 2007. Click here for more information.

Fruits and Vegetables Have Cancer Fighting Ability

A group of new studies presented at the recent annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research determined that vegetables and fruits help reduce the risks associated with getting head and neck, breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancers. According to nutrition education adviser for the institute, Melanie Polk, “These studies give lots more ammo to what we’ve been saying – eating a large variety of plant-based foods is one of the best things you can do for your health in terms of cancer prevention.” For more information, click here.

Compounds Found in Fruit and Vegetables Help Support Heart Health

In a recent Norwegian-US study, it was found that a diet rich in flavonoids could slash the risk associated with cardiovascular disease. Flavonoids are a class of nutritionally rich water-soluble pigments found in fruit, vegetables, coffee, tea and chocolate. The prospective cohort study, involving 34,489 postmenopausal women, reports that a high dietary intake of several classes of flavonoids can reduce the risk of death from coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease by between 10 and 22 per cent. This study adds to the mounting body of science that supports the benefits of plant based nutrition. For more information go to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 85, March 2007.

Tomato and Broccoli Combo May Help Reduce Prostate Cancer

Researchers from the University of Illinois recently reported that in lab rats implanted with prostate cancer cells, the tumors shrank significantly more in those whose diet contained 10% broccoli powder and 10% tomato powder, than in those whose diet included only tomato or broccoli powder, or lycopene (the red carotinoid pigment found in tomatoes and some fruits) alone. The study showed that the 10:10 broccoli/tomato combination resulted in a 52% reduction in tumor weight. Tomatoes and broccoli are each known for their anti-cancer benefits and when put together may have powerful anti-prostate cancer effects. If the results from this study can be replicated in human subjects, eating both daily may increase their effects on prostate cancer in men. More research on a 10:10 broccoli/tomato combination is needed to confirm their value for prostate cancer. For more information, go to Cancer Research, January 15, 2007.

Supplementing the Diet With Fruit, Vegetables, and Green Tea Can Prevent Oxidative Stress

A recent study where participants were asked to consume additional daily portions of fruit, vegetables, and 2-3 glasses of green tea concluded that an adequate supplement of antioxidants can prevent oxidative stress and correlated pathologies. For more information go to the journal Clinica Terapeutica, Volume 157, November 2006.

Eating Veggies Linked to Cognitive Health

A study published in Neurology had concluded that high amounts of vegetable consumption may be associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline in older people. The Rush Institute on Healthy Aging reported that eating three portions of leafy green, yellow, and cruciferous vegetables can slow the loss of mental function as people age, possibly by as much as 40 percent. Fruits were a part of the study, but had little to no effect on cognitive decline. Researchers theorize that is due to vegetables having a higher vitamin E content than fruit. Read More.

Cola May Weaken Bones

Cola soft drinks are associated with low bone mineral density (BMD), according to a new study out of Boston. Cola drinks contain phosphoric acid, which may adversely affect bone; and caffeine is suspected to lower BMD as well. Other non-cola carbonated drinks did not show the same bond-damaging results. Researchers suggested more research is needed to confirm the findings. Read about the study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, October 2006, Volume 84, Number 4. Read More.

Nutrient Intake Can Reduce Risk of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

The National Cancer Institute recently released a study confirming that, “Higher intakes of vegetables, lutein and zeaxanthin, and zinc area associated with lower NHL [non-Hodgkin lymphoma] risk.” The study’s objective was to evaluate NHL risk with the intake of nutrients involved in antioxidant activity. A higher number of weekly servings of vegetables was related to a lower risk of NHL. For more information go to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, June 2006, Vol. 83. Read More

Nutrition Levels in Fruits & Veggies Worries Scientist

In a talk given at a recent meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), biochemist Donald Davis expressed concern over the nutrient content in several foods. Modern methods of growing, processing, and preparing food are robbing fruits, vegetables, and other food crops of their nutritional value, Davis said. Agricultural changes in pesticide use, plant growth regulators, fertilizer composition, and other factors have played a role in the reduction of nutrients — a reduction of 5 to 35% of normal levels of some vitamins, minerals, and protein. "High-yield crops grow bigger or faster," said Davis, "but are not necessarily able to make or uptake sufficient nutrients to maintain their nutritional value." For more information go to The American Association for the Advancement of Science. Read More.

Bone Health Impacted by Fruits at any Age

It’s no surprise or secret that regular intake of fresh fruits and vegetables can have a healthy impact on the bones of older people. But researchers in Cambridge, United Kingdom, recently studied the impact of fruits and vegetables on young people’s bones as well. Fruit seemed to play a bigger role in bone health than vegetables, with "significant positive associations" between fruit intake and bone health in adolescent boys, girl, and older women. The study concluded, "Higher fruit and vegetable intakes may have positive effects on bone mineral status in both younger and older age groups." For more information go to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, June 2006, Vol. 83. Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, June 2006, Vol. 83. Read More.

Cholesterol Lowering Foods as Effective as Statins

Researchers from St. Michael's Hospital and the University of Toronto recently reviewed the effectiveness of consuming a combination of cholesterol-lowering foods (dietary portfolio) under real-world conditions. As part of the study, 66 hyperlipidemic participants were prescribed diets high in plant sterols, soy protein, viscous fibers and almonds. After one year of observation, more than 30% of motivated participants who ate the prescribed dietary portfolio were able to lower LDL- cholesterol concentrations by 20 percent. This was the same impact as a first-generation statin. Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 83, March 2006. Read More.

Phytoestrogen Decreases Risk of Prostate Cancer

In a recent Swedish study, phytoestrogen was shown to decrease the risk of prostate cancer. The study compared questionnaire data from 1,499 people with prostate cancer and 1,130 cancer-free individuals. The results concluded that foods high in phytoestrogen such as soy, sunflower seeds, berries and peanuts, are associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer. Source: Cancer Causes & Control Volume 17, Number 2, March 2006. Read More.

Pomegranate Juice May Help With Coronary Heart Disease

A recent randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study investigated whether daily consumption of pomegranate juice for 3 months would affect myocardial perfusion in 45 patients who had ischemic coronary heart disease and myocardial ischemia. The study concluded that daily consumption of pomegranate juice may improve stress-induced myocardial ischemia in patients who have coronary heart disease. Additional research would help to confirm these findings. For more information, go to the American Journal of Cardiology, Volume 96, September 2005. Source: American Journal of Cardiology, Volume 96, September 2005. Read More.

Study Concludes Fruit/Blueberry Consumption May Prevent Cardiovascular Disease

A November 2005 study released by Appalachian State University’s 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. Read More.

Pomegranate Shows Promise As An Antibacterial

A recent scientific research study conducted in Brazil, where pomegranate is widely used as a phytotherapeutic agent, showed that the fruit inhibits Staphylococcus aureus growth and subsequent enterotoxin production. Further research is needed to confirm the antibacterial properties of pomegranate. For more information, go to the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, January 2005, Volume 96. Source: the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, January 2005, Volume 96. Read More.

Study Results Show That High Intake of Carotenoid-Rich Fruit and Vegetables Reduces C-Reactive Protein in Healthy Non-Smoking Men

A recent study conducted in Germany investigated the effects of low, medium, and high intakes of fruit and vegetables on markers of immune functions which included nonspecific markers of inflammation. The randomized controlled trial lasted eight weeks and involved nonsmoking men. For the first four weeks of the trial all the men consumed a diet including less than 2 servings of fruit and vegetables per day. Then, the participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups to intake 2 servings per day, 5 servings per day, or 8 servings per day of carotenoid-rich vegetables and fruit for and additional four week period. Blood plasma concentrations of vitamins C and E and carotenoids were measured. The assessment of immunologic and inflammatory markers included the number and activity of natural killer cells, secretion of cytokines, lymphocyte proliferation, and plasma C-reactive protein concentrations. Based on the results of their assessment, researchers determined that in healthy, well-nourished, nonsmoking men, 4 weeks of low or high intakes of carotenoid-rich fruit and vegetables did not affect markers of immune function. However, a high intake of fruit and vegetables may reduce inflammatory processes, as indicated by the reduction of plasma C-reactive protein. C-reactive protein is a protein found in blood that is a marker for inflammation and heart disease risk. More research in this area would help to support the findings of this study. Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 82, November 2005. Read More.

Fruit and Vegetable Intake Boosts Bone Strength During Teenage Years

Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns recently unveiled a child-friendly version of the new MyPyramid Food Guidance System called MyPyramid For Kids. This new system provides age-appropriate information about the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the MyPyramid Food Guidance System released in the early part of 2005. It is specifically designed for 6 to 11-year-old children, with the hope that sound dietary advice combined with an interactive computer game featuring a rocket ship will help combat the growing obesity epidemic among children. The key messages of MyPyramid For Kids are to be physically active every day and to choose a wide variety of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, good sources of fat, and some dairy and lean meats. Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Read More.

USDA Unveils Food Pyramid for Kids

Source: United States Department of Agriculture

Diet Rich in Soy, Fruits and Vegetables May Reduce Lung Cancer Risk

According to a recent scientific research study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, especially those containing soy foods, appears to reduce the risk of developing lung cancer. Researchers say that although these findings are important, confirmation is still required in large-scale, hypothesis-driven, prospective studies.

Source: The Journal of the American Medical Association, September 28, 2005

Following a Mediterranean Diet Is Associated with Total Antioxidant Capacity in Healthy Adults

According to a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, plant sterol consumption significantly reduced the LDL-cholesterol concentrations in both nondiabetic and diabetic subjects. There was also a decrease in absolute non-HDL-cholesterol concentrations after treatment in both groups. Plant sterols are plant extracts that are found in certain plants.

They are present naturally in small quantities in many fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, and other plant foods containing fats and oils. Additional research in this area is needed to confirm these findings.

Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, September 2005

Tumeric Compound May Inhibit Skin Cancer

Researchers from the University of Texas recently concluded an in vitro (laboratory dish) study which determined that curcumin, a compound found in tumeric, has potent antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects on melanoma cells. These effects were associated with the suppression of NF-ΚB and IKK activities but were independent of the B-Raf/MEK/ERK and Akt pathways. Melanoma is skin cancer that begins in the cells that produce skin coloring (melanocytes).

Source: Cancer, Volume, July 2005

Plant Sterols Effective in Lowering Cholesterol

Source: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 81, June 2005

Consumption of Fruit and Vegetables May Reduce the Risk of Cataracts

A food-frequency questionnaire containing information about the fruit and vegetable intake of almost 40,000 female health professionals along with their health information over time was evaluated for the incidence of cataracts. A review of the data suggests that a high intake of fruit and vegetables may have a modest protective effect on the development of the eye disease. A cataract is the development of opacity within the lens or capsule of the eye, causing impairment of vision or blindness. More studies are needed to confirm the findings of this study.

Source: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 81, June 2005

Cardiovascular Health Improved by the Use of Grape Polyphenols

In a recent randomized, crossover study, researchers from the University of Connecticut determined that supplementation with grape polyphenols lowered risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease. Polyphenols are a class of plant chemicals/antioxidants that are found in a variety of plants. Ongoing research is being done on natural polyphenols to confirm these findings. Read More.

Oils From Vegetables, Flaxseed And Nuts Reduce Heart Disease Risk In Women

At a recent session of the American Heart Association researchers reported that the intake of vegetable oils found in green leafy vegetables, flaxseed and nuts have the potential of reducing a women's risk of dying from heart disease. The scientists came to their conclusion after studying women participating in the Nurses Health Study; a study in which 76,000 women have been having the details of their health status and lifestyles monitored since 1984. One of the things they looked at was the alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA, present in women's diets and the relationship it had to their health. ALA can be found in vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds. It was determined that the women with high ALA consumption had a significantly lower risk of dying from sudden cardiac death or coronary heart disease. ALA is sometimes referred to as the "universal" antioxidant because it neutralizes free radicals in both the fatty and watery regions of cells, in contrast to vitamin C (which is water soluble) and vitamin E (which is fat soluble). Further studies are needed before making a recommendation that women should consume a particular level of ALA in their diets.

Source: American Heart Association

Fruit And Vegetable Intake May Reduce The Risk Of Pancreatic Cancer

According to a Canadian research study, individuals who eat an abundant amount of fruits and vegetables daily may reduce their risk of pancreatic cancer. Published in a recent issue of the International Journal of Cancer, the study looked at the dietary patterns of 585 pancreatic cancer patients and 4,800 control participants with the disease. Men with the highest fruit and vegetable intakes were about half as likely to develop pancreatic cancer as those with the lowest intakes. The researchers were unable to explain why there was no clear association between diet and pancreatic cancer risk in women. Further studies are needed to clarify these findings.

Source: International Journal of Cancer, Volume 114, 2005

Obesity Widens Out To All Income Levels

A study has recently been released by the American Heart Association showing that the rate of obesity among Americans earning more than $60,000 a year is growing three times faster than the rate among the poor. Researchers attribute this to sedentary lifestyles and the increased intake of processed foods.

Source: American Heart Association

New US Food Guide Pyramid Revealed

Concerned about the steady increase in obesity, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently discarded its original food pyramid, which was released in 1992, and came up with a new pyramid concept to help Americans make healthy food choices and to be active every day. This new concept - now called the Food Guidance System - took the old pyramid and flipped it on its side. The new pyramid sports colorful stripes for each food group from the tip to the base, rather than horizontal sections of the old version. In addition to that, it adds a staircase along one side as a reminder that physical activity is key to burning calories and staying fit. Overall, the new program stresses whole grains, dark green vegetables, lean meats and poultry, low-fat or fat-free dairy, healthy oils, and a variety of fruits.

Source: US Department of Agriculture

Low-Fat Diet Rich In Vegetables and Fruit Helps Lower Bad Cholesterol

Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine recently completed a study which evaluated and compared the effect of a low-fat diet rich in vegetables and fruits verses a conventional low-fat diet as it relates to plasma lipid responses in the body. What they found is that the low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables had twice the LDL cholesterol-lowering power of a conventional low-fat diet diet. LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, refers to a class and range of lipoprotein particles which carry cholesterol in the blood and around the body for use by various cells. It is commonly referred to as "bad cholesterol" due to the link between high LDL levels and cardiovascular disease. This new finding emphasizes the importance of nutrient-dense plant-based foods, consistent with recently revised US national dietary guidelines. Note that the two diet groups evaluated did not differ significantly in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and triglyceride levels.

Source: Annals of Internal Medicine, Volume 142, Issue 9, May 2005

Healthy Diet May Help Women Prevent Urinary Tract Infections

A recent study involving a group of women showed that frequent consumption of fresh juices, especially berry juices, and fermented milk products containing probiotic bacteria was associated with a decreased risk of recurrence of urinary tract infections (UTIs). The researchers of the study concluded that dietary habits seem to be an important risk factor for UTI recurrence in fertile women. They also concluded that dietary guidance could be a first step toward prevention. More research needs to be done to confirm these findings.

Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 77, March 2003

Fruit And Vegetable Consumption May Reduce The Risk Of Kidney Cancer

Recently scientists from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden completed a study that suggests women who are fond of fruit, salad and root vegetables are less likely to develop kidney cancer. The researchers came to their conclusion after analyzing dietary information from 61,000 women aged 40-76 and followed the group for 13 years.

Source: International Journal of Cancer, Volume 113, Issue 3

Fruit And Vegetable Intake May Lower Risk Of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

According to a study presented at the recent American Association for Cancer Research Third Annual International Conference, fruits and vegetables may lower the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a form of cancer, sometimes called lymphoma, that starts in lymphoid tissue (also called lymphatic tissue), which is part of the lymphatic system. The findings were especially strong for one or more servings of green leafy vegetables per day and one half or more servings of vegetables from the broccoli and cabbage family per day. Lower risks for the disease were also found, to a lesser degree, with higher intakes of whole fruits, red/orange/yellow vegetables and tomato products such as tomato sauce and juice. In this particular study, the researchers found no strong link to increased intakes of the individual vitamins A, C, or E, or individual carotenoids or retinol. Read More.

Nurses And Health Workers Lower Heart Disease With The Intake Of Fruits And Vegetables

According to a Harvard School of Public Health study involving 120,000 nurses or health workers, those who had a very high intake of fruits and vegetables had the lowest risk for heart disease. It was determined that for every additional serving of fruits and vegetables eaten regularly, a person lowers their risk for heart disease by 4%.

Source: Journal of the American Medical Association, Volume 282, October 6, 1999.

Nine Servings Of Fruits And Vegetables A Day For Men Touted By The National Cancer Institute

The national Cancer Institute (NCI) has recently launched a publicity campaign telling men to dramatically boost their fruit and vegetable intake. NCI says that past campaigns have promoted the need for five servings a day but that health experts now say that five is the bare minimum. They also say that the U.S. Dietary guidelines have always called for nine servings a day but a recent NCI survey found that 97% of men had no idea that nine is the official number.

Source: http://5aday.gov/9aday/

Increased Fruit And Vegetable Consumption Boosts Antioxidant Capacity Of The Blood

A recent research study set out to investigate whether or not a diet rich in fruits and vegetables would affect the antioxidant capacity of human plasma. Antioxidant capacity of human plasma refers to the bloods ability to fight free radicals. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that can cause negative effects in the body. Blood samples of participants assigned to one of two controlled diets high in fruits and vegetables were taken and analyzed by a method called oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). ORAC is an analytical tool that measures the ability of blood plasma, foods and just about any substance to subdue oxygen free radicals in the test tube. Based on the tests conducted by researchers before and during the trial, findings showed that the baseline plasma ORAC of the participants was significantly correlated with their daily estimated intake of total antioxidants from fruit and vegetables during the previous year, and that plasma ORAC can be significantly increased by making fruit and vegetables more available in the diet.

Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 68, 1998.

Diet Rich In Polyphenols May Reduce The Risk Of Chronic Disease

According to researchers at Sookmyung Women's University in Seoul, Korea a diet rich in a class of bioflavonoids called polyphenols (active compounds responsible for the colors found in fruits and vegetables) may reduce the risk of chronic disease by reducing oxidative stress. Oxidative stress refers to the excessive generation of free radicals, which are unstable oxygen molecules that can cause negative effects in the body. Nineteen healthy female non-smokers ages 19-21 participated in the study. Two dietary interventions were given, polyphenol-rich and depleted, lasting six days each, separated by a three-day break. Blood and urine samples were collected at baseline, day three and day six and were analyzed for a variety of indicators. The results of their analyses led them to conclude that polyphenol-rich diets may decrease the risk of chronic diseases by reducing oxidative stress.

Source: Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Volume 22, 2003

Fruit And Vegetable Intake Contributes To Heart Health

A recent study involving 125,000 participants found that just one additional daily serving of fruit or vegetables lowers the risk of heart disease by 4%. Fruits and vegetables contain a wide variety of plant compounds that have previously been linked to overall improved health. Other studies have validated the positive connection between plant nutrients such as potassium, folate and antioxidants and lower heart disease risk.

Source: Archives of Internal Medicine, Volume 134, Number 12

Diet Lacking In Fruits, Vegetables And Whole Foods Linked To Colon Cancer

According to a recent research study, it was found that women who regularly eat foods high in red meat, sugar, french fries and refined grains have a greater risk of colon cancer than those who consume much fewer of these foods. Dietary information from more than 75,000 adult women without a history of cancer was collected. During 12 years of follow up after the data collection, the researchers observed a roughly 50 percent increase in risk for colon cancer in the women who had the less wholesome eating patterns.

Source: Archives of Internal Medicine, February 10, 2003

Fruit Intake During Childhood May Help Curb Cancer Later In Life

According to a long term study involving almost 4,000 people in the United Kingdom, it appears that a childhood diet rich in fruit may protect against the development of certain cancers. The findings, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, are based on a 60 year follow-up with a group of individuals who completed a food inventory checklist sometime in the 1930’s. The researchers successfully traced almost all of the men and women who had been children in the 1930’s and were able to assess their death and cancer records to arrive at their conclusions. Further prospective studies, with individual measures of diet are required to fully explain the researchers conclusions.

Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 2003, Volume 57

Junk Food Diet Brings Scurvy Into The 21st Century

According to researcher Barbara Hermreck of the Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Kansas, a young man recently developed scurvy even though he was eating plenty of calories and had no deficiencies in most other vitamins and minerals. Scurvy is a vitamin C deficiency that causes a breakdown of protein collagen in the body, which is necessary for the health of connective tissue, bones and teeth. It struck the crew of Magellan's around the world journey in 1519-22 and a British report in 1600 indicated that in the previous 20 years the disease had destroyed some 10,000 mariners. Symptoms of scurvy can be weakness, joint pain, loose teeth and bleeding gums. The student who developed the deficiency confessed to doctors that he ate no fruit and vegetables. The only types of food he ate were cheeses, crackers, soda pop, cookies, chocolate and water. After only four days of taking a multivitamin and a vitamin C supplement, his symptoms began to disappear.

Source: www.laurushealth.com

Adulthood Obesity Associated With A Reduction In Life Expectancy

According to a new study involving participants between the ages of 30-49, being obese during adulthood can result in losing three years of life. Obesity is defined as having a Body-Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above. This index is determined by the relationship between a persons weight and height. A healthy BMI is considered to be below 25. Based on this study, it was determined that the risks associated with obesity are now similar to the risks associated with smoking. According to researchers, because obesity is on the rise, public health organizations need to make prevention and treatment option information available as their highest priority.

Source: Archives of Internal Medicine, January 7, 2003.

Cancer Experts Encouraged By New Research On Vegetables In The Garlic And Onion Family

Experts at the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) recently welcomed new findings from a study on the benefits of eating vegetables in the garlic and onion family. The study, conducted by the National Cancer Institute in Shanghai, China, compared the diets of individuals with early or advanced prostate cancer to the diets of healthy individuals. Those individuals who reported eating the most garlic, onions, leeks and such, were found to have nearly 50 percent lower cancer risk than those who ate the least. This reduced risk of prostate cancer was independent of body size, total caloric consumption and intake of other foods and was more pronounced for men with localized than with advanced prostate cancer. According to AICR, this study adds to the mounting evidence involving similar vegetables and cancer in general.

Source: Journal Of The National Cancer Institute, Vol.94, No.21, 2002.

Study Shows Fruits And Veggies Lower Blood Pressure

In a recent scientific investigation conducted at the University of Oxford in the UK, 700 adults participated in a research study to see if fruit and vegetable intake had an effect on nutrient levels in the body. Individuals in the group were assigned to two groups: those who follow their regular diet and those that were told to eat at least five servings of fruit and vegetables daily. Over the next 6 months, levels of vitamin C, lutein, potassium and beta-carotene increased in the group of adults encouraged to eat more fruits and vegetables in their diet. In addition to the increased elevation of these nutrients, there were also no changes in body weight or cholesterol levels. There was, however, a decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. For more information go to

Source: The Lancet, May 28, 2002.

Bone Mineral Density May Get Boost From Fruit Consumption

Recently, researchers in the United Kingdom set out to study the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and fruit and vegetable consumption during the adolescence years. Several groups of boys and girls were measured for BMD and interviewed for their history of fruit and vegetable consumption. After an analysis of the gathered information was made, scientists concluded that high intakes of fruit may be important for bone health in girls. They also concluded that fruit's alkaline-forming properties mediate the body's acid-base balance. To confirm the findings from this observational study, researchers state that intervention studies are required.

Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 80, October 2004

Fruit Consumption May Reduce Smokers' Risk of Bladder Cancer

According to a 2005 study completed by the Department of General Practice, Comprehensive Cancer Institute Limburg, fruit consumption may decrease the risk of bladder cancer in long-time smokers. The Belgian study followed 200 cases of long-time smokers and incorporated 385 controls to increase accuracy. It evaluated the interaction between fruit and vegetable intake and bladder cancer risk in its subjects. The study revealed no significant correlation between vegetable consumption and decreased bladder cancer risk. What it did uncover was a significant correlation between fruit intake and decreased bladder cancer risk. By increasing smokers’ daily fruit intake they were able to lower their risk of developing bladder cancer. The study concluded that antioxidants found in fruit may protect smokers from free radicals in cigarette smoke. Additional studies are needed to confirm these findings. Source: International Journal of Cancer, December 2005. Read More.

Anthocyanins and Polyphenolics May Have Protective Effect

Because of the growing interest both from consumers and researchers in the role that berries play in human health, a research study was conducted to find out if anthocyanins and other phenolics present in black current and other dark fruits are effective in protecting cells against the oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide. Results showed that the compounds do have a protective effect in cultured neuronal cells. More research in this area would help to confirm these findings. For more information go to the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, published online January 2006. Source: Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. Read More.

Study Results Encouraging for Açaí

In a recent University of Florida (UF) research study, extracts from Açaí berries triggered a self-destruct response in up to 86 percent of leukemia cells tested. According to researcher Stephen Talcott, "Açaí berries are already considered one of the richest fruit sources of antioxidants." "This study was an important step toward learning what people may gain from using beverages, dietary supplements or other products made with the berries." He cautioned that this study was not intended, however, to prove that compounds found in Açaí could prevent leukemia in humans because this was only a cell-culture model. Findings are encouraging, however, and more research is needed for confirmation. Another UF study, to finish in 2006, will look at the effects of Açaí’s antioxidants on healthy humans. For more information, go to the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Web Release Date: January 12, 2006. Read More.