ODS

Fortifying Foods Found To Reduce Birth Defects

Fortifying foods like flour, pasta and cornmeal with folic acid markedly reduces the number of infants born with neural tube defects like spina bifida, say researchers according to a new study. //Thus researchers advice pregnant women to take folic acid supplements in early pregnancy when the neural tube is forming. But women also need to maintain adequate levels of folic acid prior to pr...

Irregular Periods Linked to Diabetes

Women who have irregular or very long menstrual cycles have a higher risk of developing diabetes. Women with such menstrual abnormalities needn't panic because the risk can be reduced markedly by lifestyle measures, most notably regular exercise and weight control. // Menstrual cycles 40 days or longer or irregular cycles appear to be markers for some sort of underlying metabolic abno...

New methods to prevent injury of patients

According to researchers at the Hopkins University, Dallas, new ways should be adopted for patients' safety in hospitals. You can get injured in hospital, just as you can on the road and it may be that some of the more recent approaches to road safety can help people in hospital too.// Doctors at the Hopkins University suggest that what's needed is an approach which concentrates on the co...

Osteoporosis could be caused by irregular periods

According to researchers, at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), young women who experience irregular menstrual periods may be at high risk for developing osteoporosis in the future. There has been a way in which they studied nearly 40 women under age 45 with a condition called premature ovarian failure. //This occurs when the ovaries stop producing eggs...

Functional foods reduce cholesterol

According to a new research, a daily dose of a soybean nutrient in ground beef can lower total cholesterol and the "bad", or LDL, cholesterol levels in young men. Functional foods are foods that have a health benefit beyond just supplying essential nutrients. //There has been a trend of adding value to foods that we already eat to make us healthier. For example, Benecol Spread is a margar...

Methods to have a flat stomach

Doctors at the University of Texas, offer provide some valuable tips on how to keep off a bulging tummy. Even if you are not overweight, you might find it hard to maintain a flat stomach. Some people just have a genetic tendency to accumulate// fat in the abdominal area. Or, if you have lost height as you've got older, a rounded stomach might become more apparent. Don't depend on doin...

Bioengineering production strains - Microbia develops new methods

The recently published issue of Nature Biotechnology outlines a new method developed by Microbia Ltd.'s scientists for rapidly identifying genes required for the production of industrial molecules produced in microbes. This is an advancement in the company's ability to improve the properties// of microbial cells for biomanufacturing pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. This new technology...

Easier Methods Required to Screen Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is a major medical problem often leading to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Being overweight greatly increases the odds someone will be insulin //resistant, but not all overweight or obese people are afflicted. The insulin suppression test used to identify insulin resistance, however, it is too difficult to administer to large numbers of people. Researchers have...

Easier Methods Required to Screen Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is a major medical problem often leading to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Being overweight greatly increases the odds someone will be insulin // resistant, but not all overweight or obese people are afflicted. The insulin suppression test used to identify insulin resistance, however, it is too difficult to administer to large numbers of people. Researchers hav...

Accuracy of Some Natural Family Planning Methods Questioned .

Women who use menstrual cycle monitors to detect their fertile times of the month should research their choices carefully because some methods are much more reliable than others.// German researchers estimate 10 percent to 15 percent of women of reproductive age in Europe use variations of natural family planning methods and an estimated 30 percent to 40 percent rely on some type of men...

Foods Rich In Flavonoids Effective In Prevention Of Cough

A new study shows a diet high in fiber from fruit and soy foods may reduce the incidence of chronic respiratory symptoms -- especially cough with phlegm.// Researchers studied more than 570 patients who experienced cough with phlegm and more than 44,000 patients without the respiratory problem. Participants were given a food frequency questionnaire to determine if certain foods were ass...

Adopting Easier Methods To Screen Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is a major medical problem often leading to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Being overweight greatly increases the odds // someone will be insulin resistant, but not all overweight or obese people are afflicted. The insulin suppression test used to identify insulin resistance, however, it is too difficult to administer to large numbers of people. Researchers have...

Mother’s Milk Stored For Long Periods Found To Have Less Antioxidant

New research shows not only is breast feeding one’s newborn beneficial, but making sure the milk is fresh is also crucial. // According to a recent study , breast milk that has been refrigerated or frozen for more than 48 hours begins to lose significant levels of antioxidants. Researchers sampled milk from mothers who had delivered to full term or who had delivered premature babies, as...

Soluble Ingredient Can Make Fatty Fast Foods Healthier

Researchers at U.S. Department of Agriculture had found out a soluble ingredient which when added to fatty fast foods, //slows down the absorption of the fat at a healthier level. Another property of this ingredient, which is a form of soluble cellulose, reduces the probability of developing insulin resistance. The ingredient identified as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) is quite...

Lights can lighten your moods

Many of the mood swings including clinical conditions like seasonal affective disorder (SAD) may be cured by light //therapy, says the scientists of University of North Carolina. Researchers had studied adults of age 18 to 65 yrs who had met the mood disorder diagnosis. Treatment was based on dawn stimulation for SAD, bright light treatment for non-seasonal depressions and convention...

Eating wrong foods may cause heartburns at night

Heartburns during the night or nocturnal gastro esophageal reflux may be due// to wrong eating habits, like consumption of carbonated drinks. Nocturnal heartburns often lead to disturbed sleep and excessive feelings of daytime sleepiness, apart from being cause of other disease. Nocturnal gastro esophageal reflux or heartburn is often linked with severe form of gastro esophageal reflux...

New birth control to limit women's periods

New birth control to limit women's periods Seasonale, a new drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration on Friday, would reduce the number of women's periods to four a year by taking the hormones generally found in conventional birth control pills, but for longer spans of time.// Seasonale would be another alternative for women seeking birth control. "For women who...

Plant – based Foods More Effective In Lowering Cholesterol

After comparing people on two different types of low fat, low cholesterol diets researchers say they have found that people who consumed a traditional diet consisting of lean meats and other low fat foods lowered // their LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, by about 4.6 percent. However, those who consumed a diet rich in plant-based foods like vegetables, beans, and whole grains did about twice as...

Plant – based Foods More Effective In Lowering Cholestero

After comparing people on two different types of low fat, low cholesterol diets researchers say they have found that people who consumed a traditional diet consisting of lean meats and other low fat foods lowered // their LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, by about 4.6 percent. However, those who consumed a diet rich in plant-based foods like vegetables, beans, and whole grains did about twice as...

Epidemic Fear In Mumbai Mounting Post-Floods

The death toll in Mumbai following the water borne diseases crossed 55 even as the government played down fears of an epidemic. Most of the 55 dead were from the densely populated city suburbs that were worst affected by // last month's floods. Over 1,000 patients had been admitted to various Mumbai hospitals with complications arising from leptospirosis, dengue, typhoid and hepatitis....

Health Authorities Claim Some Relief likely from Post floods diseases in Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 15.The health authorities and the state administration of Maharastra who have been under severe criticism for their inadequate handling of the Mumbai floods are now under defensive and are controlling the damage already done to their image//. The health authorities have reported fewer admissions of new patients Monday as the outbreak of deadly post-floods diseases such as l...

Need For Awareness Of Allergenic Foods

Till date, avoidance is the only way to prevent food allergy, with no cure on the anvil for such allergic reactions. Although an individual could be allergic to any food, such as fruits, vegetables, and meats, the following // eight foods i.e. cow’s milk, egg, peanut, tree nut (walnut, cashew, etc.), fish, shellfish, legumes (peanut and soy), cereals (wheat, barley and rye) are responsibl...

Use Of Ibuprofen Safe For Short Periods

The painkiller Ibuprofen will not raise the chances of a heart attack if it were used only for a short duration. This has been revealed by Madrid based// researchers who studied the use of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) in 4,975 patients who had had heart attacks, and 20,000 healthy individuals. They found that taking NSAIDs for less than a year does not increase the r...

The weight loss reality check – Do Fad diets and short-cut methods actually work

There are absolutely no short cuts to effective weight loss apart from diet and exercise. Despite ample studies and research to prove this point, several myths abound // . Let’s throw some light on how one can effectively shed the extra weight, and dispel famous myths to reveal underlying truths! Body weight is equated as input versus output. Weight gain happens when calorie intake exceed...

Whole Grain Foods Result In Health Benefits

The metabolic syndrome which results in a higher risk of cardiovascular disease or diabetes can be reduced by consuming whole grain foods, according to a research conducted by Nadine Sahyoun of the University of Maryland. //The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has published the results of the study. The study has revealed that elders who ate three whole grain food servings a day, ha...

MP3s And iPods Can Damage Hearing

Scientists have warned that the improper usage of MP3 and iPods, like listening to music at high decibels can contribute towards affecting the hearing capabilities of a person. // The University of Michigan’s Director of Audiology Paul R. Kileny revealed that such devices are not inherently unhealthy and will inflict damage only if not used in the proper manner. Most people find them irre...

Foods produced organically have better health value

Latest research shows that foods grown organically have better health value. Besides being zero in the harmful chemicals of pesticides and insecticides they increase the nutritional value of food.// The study is in the infancy. Around the globe research is being done in this field. Pesticides and insecticides leave harmful chemicals over food surface and cause health problem...

Come September, Schools Will be better off Sans Junk foods

There is a likely shut out for junk foods in schools from September onwards - confectionery, crisps and fizzy drinks, according to the recommendations// by the School Food trust. The trust, which was initiated by Ruth Kelly, education secretary, has enforced new standards on food provided in schools – that includes vending machines, tuck shops and cafeterias. According to Dame...

Women With Fewer Periods Have Low Risk Of Gynecological Cancer

Scientists have now found that women who skip their menstrual cycle through contraceptive pills or other methods are less likely to develop cancers// related to the female reproductive system such as cervical cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer. Though the common perception is that regular menses means 'a good cleanout' but too much menstruation could cause several diseases including...

Reconsider Health Benefits of Organic Baby Foods, advices new study

In a recent study, organic baby foods seemed to score less in nutrition value because of high sugar and lower levels of essential nutrients, // like iron and protein. Sales of organic baby food, is on the high, since three out of four babies are growing up on daily helpings of these foods. Regulations that mandated appropriate labeling of baby food , came into force last year. Yet it...

Try a consortia of cholesterol-lowering foods for best results

A new University of Toronto study by Professor David Jenkins encourages people to take a combination of cholesterol-lowering foods as soy protein, almonds, plant sterol margarines, oats and barley. //Since these may reduce cholesterol levels more effectively than being eaten in isolation. The study is published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Another finding of the study was...

Choose Foods That Keep Bad Cholesterol at Bay

Diet plays a major role in reducing the bad cholesterol. For example food like oat bran is known to lower bad cholesterol//. Canadian researchers said that by combining these food substances one can get the maximum benefit. People should go in for such diet as they are at a higher risk of getting a heart attack or a stroke. These diets reduce the bad cholesterol (LDL) as effectively as a...

Fat fighters’: Whole-grain foods’: under the microscoe

It is a well known fact that whole-grain foods keep triglycerides in their limits and keep a check on them.Advancing a step further, a study by Agricultural Research// Service scientists in California provides the know-how as to how whole grains do that. According to ARS chemist Nancy L. Keim, "Lipoproteins are the body's means of moving lipids to muscles, where they're used for energy...

Americans Avoiding Risky Foods

According to research surveys its being noted that fewer Americans are eating 'risky' foods that could carry infections//. The foods Americans consume each day are becoming far safer now than ever before, researchers report. The survey on food borne illness, released at the International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases in Atlanta, led researchers to conclude that media repor...

US Thinks About The Alternative Methods To Combat Bird Flu

Bird flu and the spread of it as a pandemic illness have created concerns among the US health authorities. Hence to prevent close contact among people// and thereby facilitating the spread of the disease they have announced the closure of the schools, cancellation of big gatherings such as sports events and concerts. But the US research team has said that these measures are of no use to...

Women Affected With VWD is one of the Reason for Heavy Periods

Von Willebrand's Disease (VWD) is an inherited condition affecting about 1% of the female population. Women with heavy periods could be affected by this bleeding// disorder which goes undetected. Only about 5,000 women have been diagnosed in the UK. A survey of 600 women aged 16-45 for the Haemophilia Society says that about only 70% approach their GP with this problem. Von Willebrand'...

Researchers Opts For Better Screening Methods For Detecting Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer claims more deaths than any other cancer in females and approximately 20,000 new cases are expected in US this year, says the National Cancer Institute. // Unlike the breast cancer, where mammograms are used for screening, the option is narrowly limited, as only pelvic examination can detect ovarian cancer, that too only if the disease is in the advanced stage....

Fat Content In McDonald’s & KFC's Foods Varies From Country To Countr

According to a new study, it has been found that the fries and chicken nuggets served at McDonald’s and KFC restaurants contains trans fat, which is never the // same and varies from country to country. The study, published by Steen Stender and colleagues in the April 13 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine found that "the content of trans fatty acids varied from less than 1 gr...

Superfoods make super healthy humans??

After superman having enthralled the audience world over it is the turn of super foods. Foods with special nutrients or high level of nutrients are ruling the roost these days.// Tesco has marketed a super tomato which has high levels of Lycopene. The catch is that they are a little expensive if you say that for around Euro 3 for four or five. Likewise there are many ot...

Around 20 Percent Take-Out Foods Are Unhygienic

The British Food Standards Agency (FSA) has said that one in five take-out meals are unhealthy and unhygienic. This is bad news for over 1.3 million Britons// who thrive on take-out meals. The government watchdog expressed concern since many fast-food restaurants were found to have staff who did not wash hands properly before packing the food. Also infestations of mice, rats, and cockr...