Anti-aging Developments

15 -31 July, 2010

Fish Oil May Slash Breast Cancer Risk

Anti-aging developments, July 30, 2010 -- Following up on a number of studies which suggested that fish oil supplements play a role in preventing chronic disease, Emily White, from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (Washington, USA), led a team which surveyed 35,016 postmenopausal women who did not have a history of breast cancer on their use of non-vitamin, non-mineral "specialty" supplements and tracked the incidence of breast cancer during a six-year follow-up period. The team found that those women who regularly used fish oil supplements, which contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, had a 32% reduced risk of breast cancer, with the risk reduction limited to invasive ductal breast cancer, the most common type of the disease.
(Source: http://www.worldhealth.net)

Cocoa Should Improve Blood Vessel Function

Anti-aging developments, July 26, 2010 -- A study conducted in the US to investigate the role of flavanols in the prevention of coronary artery disease (CAD) and other cardiovascular conditions has had positive results The study was led by Christian Heiss, from University of California/San Francisco (California, USA). Sixteen CAD patients between 61 to 67 years took part in the 30-day study and were randomly assigned a twice-daily beverage containing high flavanoid cocoa, or a low-flavanol drink. Those subjects that consumed the beverage containing high flavanoid cocoa were found to have doubled the number of circulating angiogenic cells (CACs) in the blood, which improved blood vessel function improved by 47%.Earlier studies have shown that CACs have vessel repair and maintenance functions, which can contribute to healthy blood vessels. They have also been associated with a decreased risk of death from cardiovascular diseases.
(Source: http://www.worldhealth.net).

Vitamin E Shown to Prevent Alzheimer's

Anti-aging developments, July 26, 2010 -- Alpha-tocopherol, one of the more common forms of Vitamin E, has been widely studied for potential protective effects against the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease. A team led by Francesca Mangialasche, from the Karolinska Institutet (Sweden), studied 232 dementia-free octenigarians for six years, tracking the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease and measuring blood levels of all eight natural vitamin E components.

Those subjects with higher blood levels of all these components were at a markedly reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease, as compared to subjects with lower levels.

After adjusting for confounding factors, the team reports the risk reduction in those with the higher blood levels of all the vitamin E family forms was 45-54%, depending on the vitamin E component.

The researchers conclude that: “The neuroprotective effect of vitamin E seems to be related to the combination of different forms, rather than to alpha-tocopherol alone.”
(Source: http://www.worldhealth.net).

Garlic and Onion Aid Mineral Absorption

Anti-aging Developments, July 26, 2010 -- Less developed nations often are deficient in iron and zinc, because the bioavailability of both micronutrients is particularly low from plant foods. Krishnapura Srinivasan from the Central Food Technological Research Institute (India), and colleagues added garlic and onion to rice and sorghum cereals, and chickpea and green gram pulses, and found that iron uptake increased by 70% and zinc uptake rose by up to 160%. It is thought that the high sulfur content in garlic and onion, may be integral to this mineral boosting effect, as sulfur-containing amino acids such as cysteine have previously been shown to boost iron and zinc status in lab animals. The team believe that this knowledge could be included in a “ food-based strategy to improve the bioavailability of trace minerals and hence contributes to the human health benefit.”
(Source: http://www.worldhealth.net).

Tai Chi & Qigong Promote Health

Anti-aging developments, July 26, 2010 -- Tai Chi and Qigong, two Chinese wellness practices, have been associated with a variety of physical and mental health benefits. A team led by Linda Larkey, of Arizona State University ( USA ) conducted a meta-analysis of 77 peer-reviewed journal articles reporting on the medical benefits associated with the two disciplines.

Assessing data on the 6,410 men and women involved, the team found that subjects showed a significantly improvement according to devices which measured cardiopulmonary fitness, immune function and bone density, and also reported a better quality of life, as compared to sedentary counterparts. The researchers concluded that the two disciplines appeared to have similar positive health benefits.

Originally developed in China as a martial art, Tai chi — the "supreme ultimate fist"—is practiced primarily as a gentle exercise technique.

Qigong (pronounced "chee-gung,") is an ancient Chinese system of postures, exercises, breathing techniques, and meditations, designed to improve and enhance health and vitality.
(Sources: http://www.worldhealth.net, Wikpedia).

Antioxidant Vitamins Promote Healthy Arteries

Anti-aging developments, July 26, 2010 -- Following up on a number of studies which found that antioxidants have the potential to prevent atherosclerotic damage, a team led by Reuven Zimlichman, from Tel Aviv University (Israel) evaluated the effects of prolonged antioxidant treatment on arterial elasticity, inflammatory and metabolic measures in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors. The team enrolled 70 patients from a hypertension clinic, who were randomized to receive either antioxidants or placebo capsules for six months. Tests at the beginning of the trial, after three months and at the six month mark revealed that the patients in the antioxidant group had more elastic arteries (a measure of increased cardiovascular health) and better blood sugar and cholesterol profiles.
(Source: http://www.worldhealth.net).

Archive

Anti-aging Developments Archive

Top of Anti-aging Developments, 16 - 31 July, 2010
Anti-aging Developments, 1 - 15 July, 2010
Back To Age-well.org