HEALTH IN THE NEWS
Drink green, black, or white tea?
Science is catching up with tradition. “Study after study with tea extract proves that it has many healing properties,” says Milton Schiffenbauer, Ph.D. at Pace University. His studies show that white tea extract (WTE) has anti-viral, anti-fungal, and antimicrobial properties. Toothpaste containing WTE could improve oral hygiene.
Downside of anti-oxidants?
“Most people believe that both selenium and the selenium containing enzyme Glutathione-peroxidase are good for health by protecting cells and tissues from oxidation. However, this study suggests that they are a double-edged sword,” says Lei. “Antioxidants can be harmful by neutralizing too many free radicals and interfering with insulin signaling, which results in promoting obesity, insulin resistance and possibly diabetes.” Interference with insulin signaling could result in development of type 2 diabetes. (Cornell study published by Xin Gen Lei, James McClung and colleagues.)
Want to make fewer bathroom stops?
Decrease your consumption of diet soft drinks if you find yourself urinating more than eight times per day. Dr. Mikio Nihira, assistant professor of urogynecology and pelvic reconstructive surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas says, “Caffeine, carbonation and sugar substitutes can irritate the bladder and make some women feel like they need to urinate or, worse, like they are having trouble holding it.”
Good carb, bad carb, high carb, low carb
Individuals on low carbohydrate diets should remember that there are important, good carbs such as fiber. Adding fiber to your diet can be as easy as including fresh fruits such as figs, peaches, plums and prunes. (lowcarb-resource.com/lowcarbfruits.html)
COMPILED BY MARGARET ARTHUR, M.D.
 |
|
 |
|
|
|