Genistein supplement shows prostate cancer potential
Supplementation with the soy isoflavone genistein could reduce tissue biomarkers of prostate cancer after just a few weeks, according to new research. The study reports that supplementation with 30 mg of genistein daily resulted in a 7.8% decrease in levels of blood serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) in a matter of weeks. The researchers added […]
Sat-fat reductions not as effective for cholesterol reduction, suggests study
A diet that combines cholesterol-lowering foods may results in greater decreases in low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels than a low-saturated fat diet, according to new research. The study investigated whether consuming a diet consisting of foods recognized to lower cholesterol achieved significantly greater percentage decreases in LDL -cholesterol levels compared with a low-sat fat […]
Antioxidants: Opposite effects on fertility in the two sexes?
30-80% of cases of male infertility are linked to damage caused by oxidative stress on sperm, and supplementation with antioxidants may improve sperm quality by reducing such stress. The authors considered 34 controlled clinical trials performed on a total 2876 couples who had undergone artificial insemination due to problems of male infertility linked to the […]
Genetic differences may affect vitamin E – cancer relationship
The effects of vitamin E status on the risk of prostate cancer may be modulated by genetic differences in enzymes that control oxidative stress, according to new research. Researchers investigated the associations between serum vitamin E (alpha- and gamma- tocopherols), their effect on oxidative stress regulation, and the risk of prostate cancer. The researchers found that patients with […]
Vitamin E may reduce risk of motor neurone disease
Long-term use of vitamin E supplements may be associated with a reduced risk of the motor neurone disease ALS, according to new research. The study analysed data from over one million people from five longitudinal cohort studies, and suggested an inverse association between dietary vitamin E intake and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) which «warrants further […]
Lutein may protect eyes from effects of strong light
The eye health benefits of lutein supplements may extend to protection against the damaging effects of strong light, suggest new findings from a Japanese study with mice. According to new findings, lutein may protect the DNA of photoreceptive cells in the retina from the harmful effects of strong light. Researchers also report that visual […]
Vitamin E supplements may reduce lung disease ris
Daily supplementation with vitamin E may reduce the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by about 10 per cent in women over 45. The potential beneficial effects were observed in both smokers and non-smokers. COPD can cause coughing taht produces large amounts of mucus (a slimy substance), wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and […]
Phytosterols stable in functional foods
The stability of plant sterols in functional foods for cholesterol reduction is high, says a new study from Spain which adds to the safety data surrounding phytosterols. Tests with eight commercially available plant sterol-containing ingredients showed that, under oxidizing conditions, only a very small quantity of oxidation products were produced, report researchers. «From the results […]
Cholesterol reduction: A look at the evidence
Improved heart health relates to reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), coronary heart disease (CHD), and stroke. The major risk factors for these diseases are numerous, but include smoking habits, body weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and physical exercise levels. Cholesterol is a steroid metabolite, and an essential structural component of mammalian cell […]
Phytosterols show benefits as part of Western diet
Daily supplements of phytosterols were associated with a 20 percent reduction in LDL cholesterol levels in metabolic syndrome patients on a Westernized type diet. A daily 4 gram dose of plant sterols in an enriched yogurt was associated with a 20 percent drop in LDL cholesterol, 16 percent drop in total cholesterol, and a 19 […]
