Beta-alanine is a dietary supplement that benefits not only athletes and body builders but also helps boost the muscle endurance among the elderly, according to a study published recently in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
Before (pre) and after (post) the supplementation period, participants performed a discontinuous cycle ergometry test to determine the PWCFT [physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold (PWCFT)]. Results: Significant increases in PWCFT (28.6%) from pre- to post-supplementation were found for the BA treatment group (p<0.05), but no change was observed with PL treatment. These findings suggest that ninety days of BA supplementation …read more

In a study involving seniors (age 60-80 years), vitamin K1 supplementation has been noted to help reduce the development of insulin resistance, and subsequently, diabetes, in men. Such supplementation benefits were not seen among the elderly women included in the study.
These observations build on previously published reports that vitamin K may have an effect on diabetes development via the vitamin K-dependant protein osteocalcin:
By “knocking out” these genes in mice so that they could not function, the animals lacking a functional osteocalcin gene gained fat, showing that osteocalcin helps regulate the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas and release it …read more

Consumption of oily fish has already been demonstrated to confer a wide range of health benefits– as a brain food, in preventing asthma, in heart health, etc. Here’s another one to add to the list: eating oily fish once a week may reduce your risk of becoming blind in your sunset years due to (wet) age-related macular degeneration.
A team of researchers across seven European countries and co-ordinated by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine sought to investigate the association between fish intake and omega 3 fatty acids with wet AMD, comparing people with wet AMD with controls. Participants …read more

I came across this article on the impact of certain foods on health. Dr. Mark Liponis, author of Ultra-Longevity and medical director of Canyon Ranch spas gives thumbs-up for coffee, chocolate, eggs and fish, and qualifies the health benefits of artificial sweeteners, oatmeal, and pizza with some caveat.
Check it out!

In the past, I have written about reports on the benefits of zeaxanthin and lutein supplements on eye health such as reducing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration risks. But to date, it has remained unclear how these compounds confer their protective benefits.
A new study published in the Journal of Lipid Research, however, provides clues as to how the compounds move from the blood stream to the eye. Apparently, a protein called SR-B1, or scavenger receptor class B, type 1, is responsible for transporting nutrients to the eye.
These study provides supporting evidence on the potential of zeaxanthin and lutein in preventing …read more

Although I’ve written several entries on the health benefits of wine consumption because of its resveratrol content, I hope the posts did not come across as promoting excessive alcohol consumption. I’d like to take this opportunity that while there are scientific evidence supporting the so-called French paradox, most suggest that moderate regular wine consumption is most beneficial. What does moderate mean? One glass? Two glasses? How big a glass?
And what about for those who are watching their alcohol consumption? The Consumer Federation of America (CFA) has published Alcohol Facts, a side-by-side comparison of the alcohol, calorie and carbohydrate content per …read more

Previous studies have already demonstrated in animal trials that resveratrol improves health and longevity. New data confirms that resveratrol does improve health and possibly the quality of life, particularly in obese test animals.
In addition to cardiovascular function, the scientists found resveratrol to have a variety of positive effects on other age-related problems in mice:

Treated mice tended to have better bone health, as measured by thickness, volume, mineral content and density, and bending stiffness compared to the non-treated control group.
At 30 months of age, resveratrol-treated mice were found to have reduced cataract formation, a condition found to increase with age in …read more

Would you drink one glass of olive oil for a chance to live to 120 years old? Apparently, that’s one of Mariam Amash’s secrets to longevity. While applying for a new Israeli identity card, Mariam said she was born 120 years ago. If confirmed, that would make her the oldest person in the Guinness Book of world records.
A granddaughter-in-law, Hamda Amash, 40, said Mariam is a “healthy, active woman. She walks each day and makes sure she drinks at least one glass of olive oil.”
What I find to be the real feat in this is not the age itself, but …read more

Here’s another report touting the health benefits of olive oil.
After analysing samples from 15 olive oil mills, researchers have demonstrated that olive oil is very rich in polyphenols. According to Professors Alberto Fernández and Antonio Segura, “as preventive substances, polyphenols help to combat any oxidative disease associated with the degenerative process.”
The polyphenols found in olive oils are powerful antioxidants and is thus highly beneficial for the prevention of cell aging and osteoporosis.

Yet another study backing the merits of the so called Mediterranean diet, which is characterized by a high consumption of fruit and vegetables, bread, wheat and other cereals, olive oil, fish, and red wine. It is low in saturated fat and high in monounsaturated fat and dietary fiber.
According to a study involving around 400,000 people, keeping to a Mediterranean Diet may reduce the risk of dying from cancer and cardiovascular disease by 22 and 17 per cent in men, and 12 per cent for women.
“Conformity with the Mediterranean dietary pattern is associated with high antioxidant capacity and low concentrations …read more