healthbriefs
Lower Breast Cancer Risk by Eating Colorful Veggies R
esearch published in the British Journal of Nutrition discovered that the risk of breast cancer decreases with increased consumption of specifi c dietary carotenoids, the pigments in some vegetables and fruits. The research was based on fi ve years of tracking 1,122
women in Guangdong, China; half of them had been diagnosed with breast cancer and the other half were healthy. Dietary intake information was collected through face-to-face interviews. The women that consumed more beta-carotene in their diet showed a 46 percent lower risk of breast
cancer, while those that consumed more alpha-carotene had a 39 percent reduced incidence. The individuals that consumed more foods containing beta-cryptoxanthin had a 62 percent reduced risk; those with diets higher in luteins and zeaxanthins had a 51 percent reduction in breast cancer risk. The scientists found the protective element of increased carotenoid consumption more evident among pre-menopausal women and those exposed to secondhand smoke. Dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach and dandelion greens top the list of sources rich in luteins and zeaxanthins, which also includes watercress, basil, parsley, arugula and peas. The highest levels of beta-carotene are found in sweet potatoes, grape leaves, carrots, kale, spinach, collard and other leafy greens. Carrots, red peppers, pumpkin, winter squash, green beans and leafy greens contain alpha-carotene. Red peppers, butternut squash, pumpkin, persimmons and tangerines are high in beta-cryptoxanthin.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution designating October 6 to 12 as Naturopathic Medicine Week.
R
ACUPUNCTURE LOWERS METH WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS
esearch from China published earlier
this year in the journal Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion suggests that electro- acupuncture and
auricular acupuncture— also called ear acupuncture—can alleviate symptoms of withdrawal from methamphetamine addiction. For four weeks, 90 patients attempting to withdraw from methamphetamine use received either electro-acupuncture, ear acupuncture or no treatment. Compared with the no-treatment group, those given electro-acupuncture and ear acupuncture treatments showed signifi cant reductions in anxiety, depression and withdrawal symptoms. Between the two acupuncture treatments, the electro-acupuncture group did better during withdrawals than the auricular group.
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YOGA PRACTICE PUMPS UP DETOXIFYING ANTIOXIDANTS
ndian researchers recruited 64 physically-fi t males from the Indian Air Force Academy for a three- month study of yoga’s effect on detoxifi cation. For three months, 34 of the volunteers practiced hatha yoga with pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation. The other 30 volunteers underwent physical training exercises. At the end of the study, blood tests found signifi cantly higher levels of antioxidants, including vitamin C and vitamin E, among subjects in the yoga group. These participants also showed lower levels of oxidized glutathione and increased levels of two important antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase, all indicating better detoxifi cation. Meanwhile, the exercise-only group showed no changes in these parameters.
14 Central Florida natural awakenings
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