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An active component of grape seed extract induces cell death in prostate cancer cells, in a laboratory model. Previously, a number of studies have suggested that grape seed extract may have anti-cancer effects. Chapla Agarwal, from the University of Colorado Cancer Center (Colorado, USA), and colleagues studied the effects of the most active component of …
An extract of the palm acaà berry (Euterpe oleraceae Mart.) inhibits beta-amyloid protein aggregation, in a lab model. The South American palm acaà berry (Euterpe oleraceae Mart.) is abundant in polyphenols and other antioxidants. Daphne Wong, from the University of Adelaide (Australia), and colleagues employed a laboratory model of Alzheimer’s Disease, in which cells were …
Polyphenols in coffee may improve the function of the cells lining blood vessels, among healthy men. The cells that line blood vessels, known as the endothelium, perform many functions including to maintain elasticity of blood vessels and regulate the activity of immune cells. Endothelial function is measured by detecting transient increases in blood flow, a …
The North American cranberry reduces the ability of pathogenic bacteria to adhere to cells of the human body. Most widely known for its effects in reducing the risk of urinary tract infections, the North American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is a rich source of polyphenols – a potent type of antioxidant. Jeffrey Blumberg, from Tufts University …
Two cups of wild blueberries a day may help to improve the markers of Metabolic Syndrome, extrapolate researchers from an animal model. Wild blueberries are a rich source of phytochemicals called polyphenols, which have been reported by a growing number of studies to exert a wide array of protective health benefits. Dorothy Klimis-Zacas , from …
An antioxidant compound found abundantly in tomatoes, lycopene is shown to significantly reduce blood pressure, among people with hypertension. Elevated blood pressure (hypertension) is a leading contributor to cardiovascular disease, which is the #1 cause of death in the United States. Xinli Li, from the Medical College of Soochow University (China), and colleagues completed a …
Daily consumption of a mulberry leaf extract may lower post-meal blood sugar spikes. A staple remedy of folk medicine, mulberry leaf extract is found to contain the compound 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) – found to inhibit the activity of the enzyme involved in carbohydrate digestion. Hye In Chung, from Ewha Womans University (South Korea), and colleagues enrolled …
Polluted foods, individually and in-combination, may wreak havoc with the body’s metabolic functioning, suggests a lab animal model. The French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM; France) warns that ingested foods may contain low levels of thousands of chemicals; and that these polluted foods, individually and in-combination, may wreak havoc with the body’s …
Greater consumption of whole fruits – notably blueberries, grapes, and apples, may help to lower a person’s type-2 diabetes risk. Whole fruits are an abundant source of fiber, antioxidants, and other phytochemicals that may help to promote overall health. Qi Sun, from Harvard School of Public Health (Massachusetts, USA), and colleagues analyzed data collected on …
Older women who consume milk, yogurt, and cheeses may be at less risk of falls and fall-related fractures. Dairy foods are an abundant source of high quality proteins and calcium, for which previous studies suggest a beneficial effect on muscle mass. Simone Radavelli-Bagatini, from Sir Charles Gardner Hospital (Australia), and colleagues studied 1,456 women, ages …