Higher Magnesium Intake Can Help Reduce Risk of Dementia
More magnesium in our daily diet leads to better brain health as we age, according to scientists from the Neuroimaging and Brain Lab at The Australian National University (ANU). The study included 6,001 participants, aged 40 to 73 years, who were cognitively healthy. Dietary magnesium was measured using a self-report patient questionnaire to estimate daily […]
Cold Weather May Pose Challenges to Treating High Blood Pressure
Researchers have observed a potential link between winter months and blood pressure control. Examining records from 60,676 patients with hypertension, researchers found that systolic blood pressure increased by up to 1.7mmHg in December through February, compared to July to September. Additionally, blood pressure control rates fell by up to five percent during the winter. This […]
Different Types of Toothbrushes—There’s so Many!
Manual Toothbrushes Standard Bristle—A traditional toothbrush with handle and bristles. It’s available in various bristle types (soft, medium, and hard) catering to different preferences and sensitivities. Angled Bristle—Designed with bristles set at an angle. These toothbrushes can reach difficult-to-access areas. Charcoal-infused Bristle—Touted as having natural antibacterial properties and potential teeth-whitening benefits. Electric Toothbrushes Rotary Electric—Features […]
Researchers Find that Adding a Banana to Fruit Smoothies Decreases Flavanol Absorption in the Body
A study, published in August 2023 in the Royal Society of Chemistry’s journal Food and Function, evaluated how levels of polyphenol oxidase, an enzyme in many fruits and vegetables, affects absorption levels of flavanols in the body. Flavanols, naturally found in apples, pears, blueberries, blackberries, grapes, and cocoa, are a group of bioactive compounds known […]
New Research Shows Healthy Lifestyle Can Help Prevent Depression
Researchers have discovered a connection between seven healthy lifestyle factors and decreased risk of depression, according to a study form Nature Mental Health. Sleeping between 7 to 9 hours per night was the most impactful lifestyle factor, reducing the risk of depression by 22 percent. Never smoking reduced depression risk by 20 percent. Frequent social […]
Cerebellar Post-stroke Deep Brain Stimulation Appears Safe and Feasible in a Small Trial
The results of an early-stage clinical trial indicate that deep brain stimulation (DBS) applied to the cerebellum may help recovery of upper limb function following stroke. The findings, published in Nature Medicine, support the design of larger, blinded clinical trials to fully assess the benefit of such a treatment. This trial, which was conducted at […]
The Mouth and Its Functions
The mouth, or oral cavity, is part of both the digestive and respiratory systems. It is composed of various parts that work together to help with functions such as chewing (mastication) and speaking.1,2 The parts of the mouth include: Lips: Two structures that transition from skin to mucous membrane; they are the entrance to […]
Superfood Spotlight—Cherries
Cherries are not only delicious but also offer several health benefits due to their unique nutritional profile and natural compounds. Here are nine ways cherries can be beneficial to human health: Antioxidant-rich Cherries are packed with antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins and quercetin, which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. Free radicals can damage cells […]
Tips on Freezing Summer Garden Vegetables
Freezing fresh summer vegetables is a great way to store them for winter consumption. You can enjoy the taste and nutrition of your favorite veggies even when they are out of season. Here are some steps to follow to freeze your fresh summer vegetables: Wash your vegetables thoroughly and remove any dirt, stems, […]
Biologics for Skin Conditions
What are Biologics? In dermatology, biological treatments, or biologics, refer to monoclonal antibodies— laboratory-created proteins that target foreign substances to evoke an immune response, known as antigens. Monoclonal antibodies are exact copies of one antibody, so they can only bind to a specific antigen.1,2 Since biologics only target one part of the immune system, instead […]
Blue Food— A Sustainable Source of Diverse, Nutrient-Rich Foods
What is blue food? According to the United Nations Committee on World Food Security, we must move the current global food systems “…from a singular focus on increasing the global food supply through specialized production and export, to making fundamental changes that diversify food systems, empower vulnerable and marginalized groups, and promote sustainability across all […]
Know Your Nutrients—Vitamin A
What is Vitamin A? Vitamin A is one of the four fat-soluble vitamins. The terms vitamin A and pre-formed vitamin A are used to refer to the retinoids—retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid. Provitamin A is a term that refers to certain red, orange, and yellow plant pigments called carotenoids. Of the 400 or more carotenoids […]
