The research was conducted by researchers from Auckland University in New Zealand and published in the magazine Intelligence.
Scientists analyzed the nutritional consumption and intelligence results of kids born in the mid-1990s.
“We discovered a number of dietary factors to be considerably associated with intelligence measures, the particular scientists said. “The connection between margarine intake and IQ scores was the most consistent and novel finding.
After adjusting with regard to other reasons which might influence IQ, such as socio-economic level, the researchers discovered that children who ate margarine daily obtained three points lower on IQ assessments by the age of three-and-a-half compared to kids with reduced margarine consumption.
By the age of seven, the typical IQ scores of some margarine eaters were six points below those of their peers. This happened only in children who had been born underweight, suggesting that disadvantaged brains may be far more vulnerable to diet-induced problems.
Because the study was correlational, scientists have been unable to determine what precisely triggered the IQ difference between the two groupings of children. They suspect, however, that the reason may be transfats, also known as partially hydrogenated fats.
Created by introducing hydrogen atoms to unsaturated vegetable fats, transfats have a lengthier shelf life and are more solid at room temperatures compared to natural vegetable oils. In the mid-1990s, margarines had been produced with up to 17 percent transfats. In recent years, however, researchers discovered that not only do transfats have no dietary value, they additionally significantly boost the danger of coronary heart attack and death in individuals who consume them.
The majority of margarines now comprise around 1 percent transfats.
Sian Porter associated with the British Dietetic Association noted that whilst margarine appears to be more healthy compared to butter, dietary consumption of both should be minimised.
Sources for this story include: www.dailymail.co.uk.
Posted 4 months, 3 weeks ago at 12:43 pm. Add a comment
Although more men may be saved from dying of prostate cancer due to advances in screening and treatment, a new study suggests that emotional stress (which causes an increase of metabolic acid in the blood and then tissues) from being diagnosed with the disease carries deadly risks. A study of more than four million Swedish men over the age of 30 found that the diagnosis of prostate cancer, which occurred in more than 168,000 of them during the study period, amplified the risk of fatal heart problems and suicide.
In men who were diagnosed before 1987, the risk of a fatal heart attack during the week following diagnosis increased 11-fold, and the risk of suicide increased 800 percent. After 1987, the risks of suffering a non-fatal heart attack during the first week of diagnosis fell to 300 percent. But the risk of suicide, although small, held steady. During the year following diagnosis, the risk of both heart attacks and suicide diminished but did not disappear.
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Posted 7 months, 1 week ago at 10:44 am. Add a comment
We have been advocating the consumption of broccoli sprouts for years because of its Sulforaphane content – so at last the medical and scientific world is catching up at last. Most people can’t be bothered with growing their own sprouted seeds so elect to buy supplements containing (or purporting to contain) broccoli sprout extract but that’s not always easy to see beyond the marketing and understand what you’re seeing on the label.
This article appeared in the Express on Saturday 5 September 2009 and guess what sold out in most supermarkets – broccoli – not that the broccoli they bought will do much good. It just shows how eager people are to be healthy. In the coming weeks we’ll do some articles about broccoli sprouts and where they are being used to great effect. We will also make our recommendations about which brands of supplements are worth using and how to grow broccoli sprouts for yourself.
EATING broccoli could help prevent heart attacks and strokes, research has revealed.
The superfood is rich in a chemical that boosts a natural defence mechanism that protects arteries from disease.
Scientists say they are closer than ever to understanding just why the vegetable, already thought to protect against cancer, is so good for us.
And they believe that broccoli and other brassicas, such as cabbage and Brussels sprouts, could actually slow the progression of existing disease. The research at Imperial College London, funded by the British Heart Foundation, discovered the effect of sulforaphane, which is also present in kale, cauliflower, bok choy and rocket.
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Posted 10 months, 4 weeks ago at 4:47 pm. Add a comment
We all know we should be drinking at least 6-8 glasses of water a day. How are you doing? If you aren’t there yet, set a concrete goal for yourself to add a few more glasses. We have found it helpful to make it really clear (example: 3 glasses by noon, 3 by 6 pm). Also, drink a glass first thing in the morning your body will thank you for it. Here are some essential water facts:
About 71% of the earth’s surface is covered by water. With all this water out there, why are most people not drinking as much as they should? Water is vitally important in order for humans to function properly, since every system of the body depends upon this sustaining substance. In fact, about 50-65% of your body is made up of water.
A person can only survive for about 3 days if they don’t drink any fluids. Drinking soda, coffee, or juice will keep you alive, but you need pure water if you want to be as healthy as you can be.
Reduces the Risk of a Heart Attack
A study at Loma Linda University discovered that people who drink 5+ glasses of water daily were less likely to die from heart disease than people who drank less than 2 glasses a day.
Helps with Weight Loss
Water helps your metabolism to work properly. One of the main jobs of the liver is to convert the fat your body stores into energy. If the kidneys aren’t getting enough water, then the liver has to do their work along with it’s own and the result is that it can’t metabolize fat as efficiently. Water also gives you the energy and hydration needed for exercise. If your muscles have the proper amount of water, they will contract more easily which means your workout will be more effective and beneficial. It’s also true that many people think they’re hungry when their body is actually thirsty for water!
It’s Good For Your Body and Brain
Your body is constantly using up water. Even minor dehydration can result in headaches, fatigue, lack of concentration, and irritability. Drinking water can wash these symptoms away!
Keeps Your Skin Healthy
Water is important for preventing dry skin and acne. It flushes impurities out of your skin. As a result, your complexion is clear and your skin is healthy.
Keeps your Muscles and Joints in Good Shape
Your joints and muscles are mainly lubricated and cushioned by water. You can prevent fatigue and muscle cramps by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after hard work or exercise.
Cuts down on Disease and Infection
Drinking water can help you to avoid kidney stones and reduce your risk of getting urinary tract infections.
Helps Maintain Proper Digestion
If you don’t drink enough water, the pancreas doesn’t work efficiently, acids in the stomach are not properly neutralized, and intestine functions are hindered. This can lead to constipation, false appendicitis pain, colitis pain, and hiatus hernia. Drinking a glass of water, at least a half an hour before mealtime will greatly help the digestion process. Also, proper water intake can prevent heartburn.
Posted 12 months ago at 4:01 pm. 4 comments
