Coffee Health Benefits : Coffee may protect against disease

It’s surprising when something that was once considered questionable for your health turns out to have health benefits, usually with the proviso to use it “in moderation.” That happened with chocolate and alcohol, and now it is coffee’s turn, reports the February issue of the Harvard Health Letter. Here’s some of the mostly good news about coffee:

Blood pressure. Results from long-term studies are showing that coffee may not increase the risk for high blood pressure over time, as previously thought. Study findings for other cardiovascular effects are a mixed bag.

Cancer. Coffee might have anti-cancer properties. Last year, researchers found that coffee drinkers were 50% less likely to get liver cancer than nondrinkers. A few studies have found ties to lower rates of colon, breast, and rectal cancers.

Cholesterol. Two substances in coffee — kahweol and cafestol — raise cholesterol levels. Paper filters capture these substances, but that doesn’t help the many people who now drink non-filtered coffee drinks, such as lattes. Researchers have also found a link between cholesterol increases and decaffeinated coffee, possibly because of the type of bean used to make certain decaffeinated coffees.

Diabetes. Heavy coffee drinkers may be half as likely to get diabetes as light drinkers or nondrinkers. Coffee may contain chemicals that lower blood sugar. A coffee habit may also increase your resting metabolism rate, which could help keep diabetes at bay.

Parkinson’s disease. Coffee seems to protect men, but not women, against Parkinson’s disease. One possible explanation for the sex difference may be that estrogen and caffeine need the same enzymes to be metabolized, and estrogen captures those enzymes.

Also in this issue of the Harvard Health Letter

• By the way, doctor: Will quitting aspirin help get rid of these splotches on my arms?
• By the way, doctor: Could this skin condition be caused by stress?
• In brief: Sudden sweat may signal a heart attack
• Watch your K rations
• H. pylori: Does it have a silver lining?
• Should you worry about high triglycerides?
• Stopping hiccups
• Re-javanation: That cuppa joe might have some health benefits
• In brief: Could melatonin calm irritable bowels?

Because of your interest in this article, you might find the following information helpful:

Beating Heart Disease: Strategies for a healthy heart

If you follow the news about heart disease closely, it’s easy to be overwhelmed or confused about what puts you at risk and how you can protect yourself. This report helps you identify the risk factors you can control, which range from medical conditions such as high blood pressure to lifestyle choices such as an unhealthy diet or lack of exercise. Learn more »

More Harvard Health News »

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About Harvard Health Publications

Harvard Health Publications publishes five monthly newsletters--Harvard Health Letter, Harvard Women's Health Watch, Harvard Men's Health Watch, Harvard Mental Health Letter, and Harvard Heart Letter--as well as more than 50 special health reports and books drawing on the expertise of the 8,000 faculty physicians at Harvard Medical School and its world-famous affiliated hospitals.

Is Celiac disease the result of antibiotic use?

From www.celiac.com

RECENT STUDY: DO ANTIBIOTICS CONTRIBUTE TO CROHN'S DISEASE?
Monday, September 8, 2008
Swedish flat Earlier this year, a team of researchers in Sweden attempted to answer the question of whether antibiotic use in children aged 0 to 5 increased the odds of having Crohn's disease later in life.

In recent weeks, the Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology published their study titled Early-life exposures associated with antibiotic use and risk of subsequent Crohn's disease.
The researchers' thought process went as follows:

* Disrupted gut flora contributes to Crohn's disease
* Antibiotics disrupt gut flora
* Do people who have antibiotics at an early age, and thus disrupted gut flora, have an increased chance of having Crohn's disease?

The study's conclusion: Yes, having antibiotics between ages 0 to 5 years is associated with a significantly increased chance of having Crohn's disease later in life.

To arrive at their conclusion, the researchers examined the medical records of 1,098 Crohn's suffers born between 1975 and 1997 who received a diagnosis before age 25.

For each of the 1,098 records of people with Crohn's, the researchers also examined the records of at least 5 "controls"--individuals with the same birth unit, year of birth, and sex. These 6,550 controls did not have Crohn's. In regards to antibiotics, children were only considered to have been given antibiotics if they were administered during a hospital stay--usually for pneumonia.

Of the Crohn's patients, 590 received a diagnosis prior to age 16 (matched with 3,527 controls) and 508 patients were diagnosed between ages 16 and 24 (matched with 3,023 controls).

As the authors write:
Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that antibiotic treatment during the first five years of life (but not in later years) increases the risk of Crohn's disease through the disruption of bowel colonization.

They also note another potential explanation--that early pneumonia is a marker of underlying immune dysregulation or a more direct causal role in causing Crohn's.

Although not conclusive, the idea of antibiotics contributing to Crohn's is logical given our current knowledge. If antibiotics are known to cause colitis (not ulcerative colitis), why wouldn't they contribute to more severe forms of bowel disease?

Health Benefits of Black Currants

Black currants are very rich in many phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, essential fatty acids and minerals

In particular, black currants are renowned for their high content in Vitamin C (a powerful antioxidant), GLA (Gamma-Linoleic Acid, a very rare Omega-6 essential fatty acid) and potassium. They have been shown to have twice the potassium of bananas, four times the vitamin C of oranges, and twice the antioxidants of blueberries.

Black currants contain anthocyanins, which are compounds naturally found in berries. They are very potent antioxidants and are responsible for the color of blackcurrants. Around 300 different types of anthocyanins have been discovered.

Anthocyanins inhibit the enzymes Cyclo-oxygenase 1 and 2, and reduce inflammation and the effects of arthritis in the body. The effect is similar to aspirin or ibuprofen, so many middle-aged and old people are choosing the healthier blackcurrant juice over these drugs.

Anthocyanins have been found to be heat and light sensitive, so the processing of blackcurrants is controlled very carefully to ensure they keep their nutritional properties

The fruit juice of black currant contains proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins and a polysaccharide-rich substance, cassis polysaccharide (CAPS), and has macrophage-stimulating activity. Its interleukin (IL)-1beta-inducing activity is very high, compared with other fruit juices. CAPS was found to consist of mannose, galactose, xylose, rhamnose, xylose, arabinose, and glucose. This substance has been proven to be very toxic against tumor cells, so studies are being performed to determine the anti-cancer properties of black currants

In addition, black currant seed oil contains 47% linoleic (18:2n6),14% alpha-linolenic (18:3n3), 12% gamma-linolenic (18:3n6), and 2.7% stearidonic (18:4n3) acids. Of these, gamma-linoleic is rarely found in any other natural resource, and both alpha and gamma-linoleic are essential fatty acids, which means our body cannot produce them on its own.

Overall, black currants have been proven to have health benefits including:

* Anti-Inflammatory Action
* Powerful Anti-oxidant Action
* Maybe help prevent cancer
* Reduces the effects of arthritis

Your superfoods shopping list

So what's a superfood? Any food that maximizes the benefits of your meals by helping you burn more calories and curb cravings. Another perk? They multitask by helping clear your skin, improve your hair, even relieve stress. No matter which you choose, these superfoods are sure to help you look, feel and be your best self!

Here's your handy superfoods list, so head to the store and be sure to add these items to your cart!


Check your pantry first—foods marked with a * are ones you might already have!
Superfoods for weight loss

Almond butter*
Avocado
Blueberries
Buckwheat pasta
Chiles
Eggs*
Goji berries
Kale
Lentils
Oats*
Olive oil*
Parmesan*
Pomegranates
Quinoa
Sardines
Steak*
Tarragon
Wild salmon
Yogurt*

Stress-fighting superfoods

Chocolate*
Fish
Oatmeal*
Oranges*
Spinach*

Superfood upgrades

The types of these foods you choose or the way you prepare them can supplement their powers.

Apples*
Broccoli*
Dark chocolate with almonds*
Lemons
Squash
Tea*
Seasonal superfoods

Apples*
Bartlett pears
Beets
Brussels sprouts
Butternut squash
Cranberry beans
Kale

Sunflower lecithin, the new alternative to soy lecithin

(NaturalNews) Last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status to sunflower lecithin, opening up the market to an option other than soy lecithin. This year, sunflower lecithin is showing up in all sorts of health foods including food bars, breads, green powders and crackers.

Lecithin is used as an emulsifying agent in many foods to keep them at the proper consistency and texture. Since the only source of lecithin available in the U.S. up until this point has been from soy, it has been difficult to determine whether or not the lecithin contained in many foods has been genetically engineered (GE).

The problem with deriving lecithin from soy is that more than 90 percent of the U.S. soy crop is GE. Back when the USDA first drafted its organic standards for food, it made an exception for soy lecithin which, at the time, was not readily available from non-GE sources. As a result, many organic foods, unless specifically labeled as containing non-GMO (genetically modified organism) soy lecithin, can legally contain GMO soy lecithin and still be labeled organic.

Some manufacturers have made a point of obtaining non-GMO soy lecithin for their products, but many do not specify one way or the other. For several years, the Cornucopia Institute has attempted to put pressure on the USDA to update its organic guidelines to mandate that only non-GMO soy lecithin be used in organic products. Since non-GMO soy lecithin became commercially available in 2004, there is no reason for any organic producers to continue using GMO soy lecithin in their products.

Following a petition given to the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), the board agreed to remove liquid soy lecithin from its list but voted against removing the dry version. Because dry lecithin is derived using an acetone solvent, and nobody has found a non-chemical alternative, the board caved to corporate pressures to keep dry GMO lecithin on the organic exemption list.

Besides the GMO element, soy is an ingredient that increasing numbers of people are trying to avoid anyway. Whether to address people's allergy concerns or simply to attract consumers that wish to avoid soy's phytoestrogen characteristics, "soy free" is becoming a popular label on many natural and organic products. With the introduction of sunflower lecithin, manufacturers now have a viable emulsification alternative.

The amazing thing about sunflower lecithin is that, unlike soy lecithin, it can be extracted without harsh chemical solvents like hexane and acetone. Using a cold pressing system similar to what is used to obtain things like olive oil, sunflower lecithin is the only kind of lecithin that can be obtained raw and chemical-free. It is rich in phosphatidylcholine (choline) and essential fatty acids like phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylethanolamine.

Some health brands that have begun using sunflower lecithin include Greens Plus, Betty Lou's, Source Naturals, Happy Baby, Divine Chocolate, Panda, Ciao Bella, and Natural Factors.

Some companies continue to use non-GMO soy lecithin and they indicate it on their ingredient lists. Particularly in the case of companies that produce green powders, some actually highlight the fact that their products contain no lecithin "fillers". Whatever the case, it is important to be informed about the various types of lecithin in use and to encourage your favorite brands to use the best forms if they choose to use it in their products.

The Natural News Store also carries raw sunflower lecithin butter that helps to digest fat and is suitable for vegans.

Portobella Mushroom Buger with Avocados

If you like veggie burgers or mushroom burgers, try this vegetarian burger recipe with portobella mushrooms and topped with an avocado sauce. Portabella mushrooms make for a healthy veggie burger recipe for a vegetarian barbecue or cookout. For a vegan portabella burger, use a soy yogurt instead of dairy. Mushroom veggie burger recipe and photo courtesy of Avocados from Mexico

Ingredients:

• 4 medium portabella mushrooms, stems removed
• 1 medium onion, cut into 1/2 inch slices
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3/4 tsp salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 2 tbsp low-fat yogurt
• 1/2 tsp minced garlic
• 4 hamburger buns, lightly toasted
• 4 roasted red peppers, from a jar

Preparation:

Brush mushrooms and onion slices with oil; sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper.

Heat large skillet or grill pan over medium heat until hot. Add mushrooms; cook until tender, 8 to 10 minutes, turning once. Transfer mushrooms to plate, cavity side up; cover to keep warm.

In same skillet, cook onion slices until golden, about 8 minutes, turning occasionally.

Meanwhile, combine in small bowl, 1/2 of the avocado, yogurt, garlic and remaining 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper; mash until smooth.

Spoon onions and roasted peppers into mushroom cavities, divided equally. Spread smooth Avocado mixture on bottom of each bun; top each with stuffed mushrooms.

Top with remaining sliced avocado. Cover with tops of buns.

Makes 4 vegetarian portabella mushroom burgers.

Nutritional information:
Each portabella burger provides:
338 calories, 10 grams protein, 19 grams fat, 36 grams carbohydrate

From www.about.com

Research Shows Massage Therapy Helps Full-Term Infants with Weight Gain

Numerous studies have indicated massage therapy's benefits to premature infants. New research shows massage also assists full-term infants with weight gain.

Researchers in Chile recently sent out to evaluate the effects of massage on infant weight gain and exclusive maternal breast-feeding, with an intervention that involved teaching mothers to massage their full-term infants.

The sample included 100 healthy newborn infants who were receiving primary health care at three health centers in a low-income neighborhood of Santiago, Chile, according to a report published on www.pubmed.gov. The control group included 65 infants and the massage group included 35 infants.

During their second well-child clinic visit, clinic nurses provided instruction to massage-group mothers about how to massage their infants, based on the methods of the Baby's First Massage program (www.babysfirstmassage.com).

Mothers were encouraged to massage their infants for 10 to 15 minutes at least once a day, starting when their infants were 15 days old.

There was no difference in the mean weights of the infants between the massage and control groups at baseline, but at age 2 months, massage group infants weighed significantly more than control-group infants, the report noted. There were no weight differences between the two groups at age 4 months. There were no differences between the two groups on the incidence of exclusive maternal breast-feeding at age 2 or 4 months.

"The findings suggest that teaching mothers to massage their newborn infants may have a beneficial effect on the infant's early weight gain," the researchers noted. "There is a need for additional studies to evaluate the effect of maternal massage on other health and welfare outcomes for both mothers and infants."

The research is published in the Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing.

From Massage Magazine