Nutrition

Whole Grains

Women with diabetes can cut their risk of death from a heart attack by eating more whole grains.

A study published in the journal Circulation discusses how women who are a diet rich in whole grains and wheat bran were 16-31% less likely to die over a 26 year period compared to women who did not eat those foods.   When researchers considered mortality risks specifically associated with cardiovascular problems, those who ate a whole-grain and bran healthy diet were 28-35% less likely to die of heart related causes during the study’s duration.
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Another round of beef recalls due to potential E. coli contamination has made the news today.  Over 14,000 pounds of contaminated ground beef may sit on supermarket shelves in 10 states.

The meat is available under various brand names in Arizona, California, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Washington.

E. coli related infections can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and, in severe cases, kidney failure and most seriously affects the very young, the very old, and those with compromised immune systems.  Source: WebMD
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Free radicals might be a good thing?

At Natural Eye Care, we extol the benefits of antioxidants because they fight the free radicals that lead to oxidation, which in turn cause aging: skin changes such as the appearance wrinkles, and ocular changes, including the development of cataracts and macular degeneration.

Your eyes love antioxidants like those found in bilberry (a close relative to the blueberry) and in high quality supplements.

And yet, a new study published in The Journal of Physiology (online 28 February 2011) describes how free radicals are actually essential to the healthy functioning of the heart.
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A healthy diet is essential to maintaining your vision.  Plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are key to the health of the eyes and the body as a whole.  Generally, we do not believe that eating some meat is detrimental to health, but we support the many who people will choose to follow vegetarian and vegan diets.

A new study focuses on how people who follow vegan diets are likely to be deficient in both omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12.  They should take supplements of both to ward off heart disease, researchers publishing in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Vegans can potentially run a higher risk of developing blood clots and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which can lead to heart attacks and stroke.
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A new study further supports the benefits of eating eggs.

Michigan State University researchers sought to determine how eggs might be part of a healthy diet and also determine the impact egg consumption may have on cholesterol.  Egg eaters showed higher levels of such vital nutrients as vitamins B12, A, E, and C.  The study does remind us to enjoy eggs in moderation – four eggs per week is optimal.  Eating more than four eggs per week can lead to increased cholesterol.

Source: maculardegenerationassociation.org

Eating eggs can also help prevent a number of eye conditions including macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma.
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Here’s another reason to include fatty acids in your diet: they may help relieve premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

A study published in the journal Reproductive Health showed that, compared to placebo, women who took one to two grams of fatty acids per day reported an alleviation of PMS symptoms.  Researchers note that taking a daily dose of fatty acids did not increase cholesterol levels.

Source: nutraceuticalsworld.com
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