“In conclusion, based on in vivo data showing reduced excretion of lipid peroxidation products, namely isoprostanes, after polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and our data on ROS (reactive oxygen species) production and direct superoxide scavenging by (long chain) PUFAs, notably those of the omega-3 series, we propose that this series of fatty acids might indirectly act as anti- rather than pro-oxidant in vascular endothelial cells, hence diminishing inflammation and, in turn, the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.”

As mentioned above, it is important to note that the antioxidant effect was not associated with a direct oxidation of the omega fatty acids, indicating that alterations in cellular signaling (and thus indirect antioxidant mechanisms) might be responsible for the observed antioxidant activity in vitro.

As the situation usually is more complex in vivo, the authors point out that additional research is required to determine whether the same effect(s) occur in animals and/or humans, too.

The manuscript has been published online in Pharmacological Research on March 18.

Post from: Blisstree

Omega Fatty Acids Lower Levels of Oxidative and Nitrosative Stress

Using a variety of established analytical techniques, aortic plaque was evaluated to determine the effectiveness in decreasing plaque that is associated with atherosclerosis.

According to the research, “This study demonstrates that processing apples and purple grapes into juice modifies the protective effect of their phenolics against diet induced oxidative stress and early atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic hamsters.”

Researchers also noted, “These results show for the first time that long-term consumption of antioxidants supplied by apples and purple grapes, especially phenolic compounds, prevents the development of atherosclerosis in hamsters, and that the processing can have a major impact on the potential health effects of a product.”

Yay– apples and apple juice is a mainstay in our pantry and grocery list! We love the cloudy variety of apple juice in particular. How about you?

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Apples and Apple Juice Prevent Early Atherosclerosis

A new study however indicates that alcohol treatment further enhanced these free-radical scavenging capacities. Thus the title of this news release: Strawberry daiquiris — the extra-healthy cocktail?

Hm, I don’t think so. Just how much real strawberry juice do you think is there in a glass of daiquiri?!?

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Alcohol Increases Antioxidant Capacity of Strawberries

“We discovered that triphala fed orally to mice with human pancreatic tumors was an extremely effective inhibitor of the cancer process, inducing apoptosis in cancer cells,” said Sanjay K. Srivastava, Ph.D., lead investigator and assistant professor, department of pharmacology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. “Triphala triggered the cancerous cells to die off and significantly reduced the size of the tumors without causing any toxicside effects.”

Triphala is made up of dried extracts from the Indian herbal fruits harada, amla, and behada, which are believed to improve appetite and aid in the body’s natural cleansing processes.

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Triphala May Be Effective Against Pancreatic Cancer

In their findings, the researchers report that participants who ate six servings of fruit and vegetables per day per 1000 calories had 29 percent less risk for head and neck cancer than did participants who consumed one and a half servings per 1000 calories per day.

What does one serving mean? A serving is equivalent to any of these:

• one medium sized fresh fruit
• one half cup of cut fruit
• six ounces fruit juice
• one cup leafy vegetables
• one half cup of other vegetables

See, it shouldn’t be so difficult to incorporate six servings of fruit and veggies in your daily diet. And you get loads of benefit from it!

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Fruit and Vegetables Reduce Risk of Head and Neck Cancer

With that in mind, I just wanted to share this lovely image from Eating Well, which joins the campaign by encouraging all of us to include fruits and veggies into our diet to reduce of heart disease risks. Isn’t that photo cute?

If you could cut your risk for heart disease by almost 25 percent simply by adding a banana at breakfast, an apple at lunch and a salad at dinner, would you do it?

You should.

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Heart Health Month

Autumn. Leaves fall, and so do fruits. For the b5media Science & Health Channel Theme Day, I’m listing down my 10 favorite fruits to nibble on during autumn. They’re rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and since they are in season, they’re good for the budget, too!

1. Apples: I see an abundance in our region this year!
2. Plums:The red varieties make great preserves!
3. Blackberries: Good for jams, too. Just a pain, literally, to collect!
4. Peaches: Although I prefer their smooth-skinned Nectarines
5. Grapes: fresh and seedless, or as a good Riesling
6. Pears: My preference: Forelle or the crisp Asian varieties
7. Persimmon / Kaki: I just discovered this fruit a few months ago, and I love it!
8. Avocado: Great for guacamoles, but I love it best scooped out, and mixed with sugar and milk. Quite a calorie bomb, I know, but hey, I need to store energy for the coming winter! (How’s that for an alibi?)
9. Cherries: A rich source of Vitamin C!
10. Banana: Ok, technically not an autumn fruit as this is available all year long. But for me, this is a staple anyway!

What’s your favorite fruit this time of the year?

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My Ten Favorite Autumn Fruits