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

I’ve tried Yo-Plait, but I don’t remember having seen Yo-Plus in our local grocer yet. Sounds like it’s one notch healthier:
Yo-Plus and is the only yogurt available that contains Optibalance™, a blend of special probiotic cultures and a natural fiber. Yo-Plus is a good source of calcium, fiber, Vitamin A and Vitamin D. When compared with Dannon™’s Activia™, only Yo-Plus has the added benefit of dietary fiber for added digestive health benefits, plus vitamins A and D.
Have you tried Yo-Plus yet? No? You can print some coupons for some discount.

Once there was fresh cow’s milk. Which was then pasteurized before being sold. Then came the UHT and sterilized versions. Then the came the reconstituted, homogenized, and powdered types. When they were done exploring the different ways one can process milk, they then went to try and alter milk’s composition. We saw milk with varying fat content in the market, from full cream to low-fat and non-fat/skim milk. After they mastered removing “unwanted” components, manufacturers started adding desirable components. Exhibit A: a snapshot of a fridge at a grocer’s:

This cooler contains probiotic milk, milk with omega-3, lactose free milk, lactose …read more

Most kids do, but how about YOU drink milk?
As milk the primary source of calcium, we would all benefit in drinking milk (and eating dairy products) well into adulthood. If you are vegetarian, lactose-intolerant, milk allergic, or simply do not like the taste of milk,  you need to make sure you’re getting enough calcium from other calcium-rich food sources or calcium supplements to keep your bones healthy as you age.
According to a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, healthy men and women supplemented with 1,200 mg of calcium per day (amount equivalent to four glasses of …read more

In a review of existing scientific literature, scientists say that, among its other impacts on bone health and possibly reducing cancer risks, vitamin D also plays an important in brain development and function.
McCann & Ames point out that evidence for vitamin D’s involvement in brain function includes the wide distribution of vitamin D receptors throughout the brain. They also discuss vitamin D’s ability to affect proteins in the brain known to be directly involved in learning and memory, motor control, and possibly even maternal and social behavior. The review also discusses studies in both humans and animals that present suggestive …read more

In an animal study, it has been demonstrated that consumption of blueberries may help reduce the incidence of post-menopausal osteoporosis.
As reported in the study published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry:
“The findings of the present study indicate that blueberry protected against the ovariectomised -induced bone loss as it prevented the loss of whole-body BMD and had an intermediary effect on tibial and femoral BMD,” wrote the researchers.
“This effect may be due to the components of blueberry which function as free radical scavengers. This observation is supported by a report which ranks the blueberry extract to have the highest antioxidant capacity …read more

Avoiding eggs because of their bad rep as having high cholesterol content? You don’t have to, according to Mark’s Daily Apple, citing a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association which found no such link between egg consumption and increased risks for cardiovascular disease. In fact, they suggested that egg consumption may actually prevent blood clots, stroke and heart attack.
Aside from that, egg consumption also offer a roster of other health benefits. They are an excellent source of choline (important in fetal brain development but well, maybe it’s never too late), selenium (prevents cancer), lutein and zeaxanthin …read more

Here’s a candy that’s sure to be a hit with kids (and their parents): a lollipop that fights tooth decay! It’s sugar-free, and contains an extract of licorice root (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) which kills the primary bacteria responsible for tooth decay (Streptococccus mutans).

[Professor Wenyuan Shi] determined that an extract of licorice root (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) is effective against tooth-decaying bacteria, providing the scientific basis for the ancient practice of chewing licorice root. “This was particularly charming because in both Chinese and in Western cultures, people have been chewing it maybe for the taste, but it also has a lot of good …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.

This is the fourth of a series of blog posts on healthy breakfast ideas from Elizabeth Ward, who already shared with us easy solutions to squeeze in breakfast. Elizabeth Ward, M.S., RD is a multi-published nutrition consultant. Her latest book is The Pocket Idiot’s Guide to the New Food Pyramids (Alpha Books, 2006).
Breakfast Idea #4: Waffle Sandwich. Toast two frozen whole grain waffles and spread with 1 tablespoon peanut butter; add a glass of 100 percent orange juice.

Health Benefits:

Choose whole grain waffles fortified with calcium for an extra dose of this bone-building nutrient.
Use protein-packed peanut butter, which is a good …read more