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A U.S. study in genetically altered mice finds that a preparation of cocoa extract prevents the protein β-amyloid (Aβ) from forming the sticky clumps in the brain that damage nerve cells in Alzheimer’s patients. The mice, which were genetically altered to mimic Alzheimer’s disease, were fed lavado cocoa, which is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables. The researchers said that their findings suggest that adequate quantities of specific cocoa polyphenols in the human diet over time may prevent the clustering of Aβ into oligomers that damage the brain, thus possibly preventing the onset of Alzheimer's.
"Cocoa Extracts Reduce Oligomerization of Amyloid-β: Implications for Cognitive Improvement in Alzheimer's Disease. ", J Alzheimers Dis, June 23, 2014
Scientists in the U.K. may have settled the question of whether soy protein supplements, which contain hormones chemically similar to female estrogens, reduce male hormone levels. The question is important because studies have shown that men with type 2 diabetes and heart problems benefit from soy protein supplements. The new research, however, found that soy protein and phytoestrogen supplementation is safe for diabetic men with low testosterone levels to take to improve diabetes control and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
"Soy supplements appear to be safe, beneficial in diabetic men", News release, study presented at a meeting of the International Society of Endocrinology and the Endocrine Society, June 23, 2014
Children in eight European countries who ate more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and fish – the basic components of the Mediterranean diet – tended to be less overweight or obese than their counterparts who ate a more Western style diet. Parents of the children completed questionnaires and were interviewed by Swedish researchers to determine dietary habits, especially regarding 43 foods. Children were scored by level of intake of foods typical of the Mediterranean diet, as well as for low intakes of foods such as dairy and meats. Children with high adherence to the Mediterranean diet were 10-15 percent less likely to experience major increases in BMI, waist circumference and body fat.
"Children consuming a Mediterranean diet are 15% less likely to be overweight, study finds", News release, study presented at the European Congress on Obesity, June 19, 2014
Celiac disease patients – who have a severe allergic reaction to the protein gluten found in wheat, barley and rye – benefit both physically and mentally from a gluten-free diet, an Australian study reports. Participants who avoided gluten not only experienced intestinal healing, they experienced improvements in cognition. Celiac patients often report a condition called “brain fog” in addition to the severe intestinal discomfort from eating gluten. “Cognitive performance improves with adherence to the gluten-free diet in parallel to mucosal healing,” the authors concluded.
"Cognitive impairment in coeliac disease improves on a gluten-free diet and correlates with histological and serological indices of disease severity. ", Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, June 16, 2014
Improving your diet – eating more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and less sugar and saturated fat – reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a U.S. study. The researchers stressed that diet is associated with diabetes independent of weight loss and physical activity, though lifestyle improvements do reduce diabetes risk even further. Eating a healthy diet reduced the risk for type 2 diabetes by about 20 percent, compared to those who made no changes to their diets. Dietary quality was measured using the 110-point Alternate Healthy Eating Index 2010.
"Improving Diet Quality Reduces Risk for Type 2 Diabetes", News release, study presented at the American Diabetes Association's scientific sessions, June 14, 2014
A new Finnish study suggests for the first time that there may be a non-dietary therapy for celiac disease sufferers. Half of the participants in the study were given a dose of the gluten-specific enzyme ALV003 each time a small amount of gluten – a protein found in wheat, barley and rye – was eaten. It is very difficult for celiac sufferers to completely avoid gluten because of cross-contamination in food processing. The enzyme decreased gluten-induced intestinal injury without adverse side effects. The control group experienced gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and abdominal pain. The researchers have launched a 500-patient clinical trial to further test the benefits of ALV003.
"Glutenase ALV003 Attenuates Gluten-Induced Mucosal Injury in Patients With Celiac Disease. ", Gastroenterology, June 12, 2014
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Science Daily, June 11, 2014
Nutrition Journal, June 04, 2014
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