healthbriefs
Wondrous Watermelon O
n a hot summer day, a cool, juicy slice of watermelon offers enticing refreshment. The treat offers surprising health benefits, too—it may help keep weight off and arteries clear, according to a recent study involving mice with high cholesterol by University of Kentucky researchers. One group sipped watermelon juice; the control group, water. After eight weeks, the mice that imbibed the juice had a lower body weight due to a decrease in fat mass; lean muscle mass was unaffected. These same mice also experi- enced reduced atherosclerotic lesions—associated with hard- ening of the arteries—and lower concentrations of cholesterol in their blood.
“This pilot study has found… interesting health benefits in the mouse model of atherosclerosis,” says lead investigator Dr. Sibu Saha, a cardiothoracic surgeon. “Our ultimate goal is to identify bioactive compounds that would improve human health.”
To Stay Sharp, Keep Moving
A
erobic exercise not only gets the heart pumping, it is also good for brain health. According to a study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, aerobic workouts can reduce the risk of dementia and slow
its progression if it starts, because they deliver oxygen to the brain and generate nutritional factors that improve brain functioning. Exercise also facilitates neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.
Beat the Heat Naturally
W
e may think that the only way to cool off in the summer is to turn down the air conditioner, but a trip to the garden or local farmers’ market can also do the trick naturally. According to Becky Thoroughgood, owner of Wellpoint Acupuncture, in Harrisburg, watermelon is a tasty, natural diuretic that cools and drains our system of summer heat. Mung beans, used in Thai and Indian cuisine, are another cooling food. Cucumber and zucchini are also refreshing and help generate fluids that quell summer heat. She lists spic- es like mint, basil, dill and cilantro as other summer-friendly additions, and bitter greens like dandelion, arugula and watercress help bring our energy down and thus clear heat. Summer is a good time to substitute warming foods such as meats and hot peppers with more cooling options like fish and fresh vegetables.
“The key is to shift to eating foods that are cooling in their nature during the summer months,” notes Thoroughgood. “This will be far more effective than relying on foods that are icy cold, like ice cream and chilled drinks.”
Location: 2837 N. Front St., Ste. 101, Harrisburg. For info, call 717-303-8579 or visit
WellpointAcupucture.com. See ad, page 24.
12 South Central PA
NaturalCentralPA.com
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