healthbriefs
Science Confirms Benefits of Herbal Brews E
njoy your next cup of herbal tea while toasting to better health. U.S. Department of Agriculture-funded researchers have confirmed the science-based health benefits of three of Americans’ favorite herbal teas. Chamomile tea has long been said to
soothe a troubled belly and restless mind. After reviewing scientific literature on the herb’s beneficial bioactivity, the study team published an article in Agricultural Research describ- ing test-tube evidence that the beverage also offers moderate antimicrobial and significant anti-platelet-clumping action. They found that peppermint tea also shows significant antimi- crobial, plus antiviral, antioxidant and anti- tumor actions, and even some antiallergenic potential. After reviewing human clinical trials, the researchers further reported that drinking hibiscus tea lowered blood pressure in a group of pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults.
Calm Work Stress F
EAT BREAKFAST TO SHED POUNDS
Y
es, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, says Heather Leidy,
an assistant professor in the University of Missouri’s department of nutrition and ex- ercise physiology. “Everyone knows that eating breakfast is important, but many people still don’t make it a priority.” Leidy’s research shows that a
eeling psychologically strained or blue at work? A simple, daily B vitamin supplement
may be an answer. Australia’s Centre for Human Psychophar-
macology, at Swinburne University of Technol- ogy, and the National Institute of Complemen- tary Medicine recently partnered in a study assessing the personalities, work demands and mood, anxiety and strain experienced by 60 men and women. Half the group took a nutrient-herb-blend supplement with the full spectrum of B vitamins plus calcium, magne- sium and vitamin C, nutrients known to help with the stress response; and passionflower and oats, which also soothe the nervous sys- tem. The other half received a placebo. At the end of three months, controlling for differences in personality and work demands,
the B-complex treatment group reported significantly lower personal strain. The supplement group also reported decreased feelings of depression/dejection, anger/ hostility and tension/anxiety, as well as less fatigue. The placebo group noticed no such changes. It’s wise to talk with a doctor or other health professional before beginning
any supplementation program; bottled Bs may interact with certain medications and with each other. B vitamins occur naturally in meat and tuna; whole grains; leafy greens like collards, kale and Swiss chard; lentils and beans; broccoli, Brus- sels sprouts and cabbage; and potatoes and oranges.
12 Rockland & Orange Counties
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healthy breakfast, especially one high in protein, increases satiety and reduces hunger throughout the day, making it a valuable strategy to control appetite and regulate food intake. Using func- tional magnetic resonance imaging, she discovered why. Eating a protein-rich breakfast works to reduce the brain signals controlling food motivation and reward-driven eating behavior.
FASTING IS GOOD FOR THE HEART
Intermountain Medical Center, in Utah, suggests that routine, periodic fasting is good for our health and specifically, our heart, because it reduces weight and levels of sugar and triglycerides in the blood. The results expand upon a 2007 Intermountain Healthcare study show- ing a direct association between fasting and a reduced risk of coronary heart failure. The findings were presented at the 2011 annual scientific sessions of the American College of Car- diology, in New Orleans.
N
ew evidence from cardiac re- searchers at the Heart Institute at
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