A preliminary study indicates that Vitamin D not only reduce the risk of developing colon and rectal cancer, vitamin D consumption is also linked to survival.
The results showed that individuals with the vitamin D levels in the highest quartile were 48 percent less likely to die (from any cause, including colon cancer) than those with the lowest vitamin D measurements. The odds of dying from colon cancer specifically were 39 percent lower, the scientists found.
“Our data suggest that higher prediagnosis plasma levels of [vitamin D] after a diagnosis of colorectal cancer may significantly improve overall survival,” the authors wrote. “Future …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

Turmeric is a spice that features a lot in Asian, particularly Indian, cuisine. But aside from its use in flavoring food, it is also widely sold as a dietary supplement supposedly to treat a wide variety of ailments, including arthiritis.
However, nobody knows whether they are really effective, and what dosage is necessary.
Researchers from the University of Arizona set out to determine whether (and how) turmeric works as an anti-arthritic using animal models.
Dr. Funk and her colleagues then tested in animal models a whole extract of turmeric root, only the essential oils, and an oil-depleted extract containing the three …read more

When I hear products being brandished as anti-aging, I can’t help but shake my head. As if it’s possible to stop time and remain young forever. As if there’s a magic elixir that will keep you living forever and ever. “The age-defying benefits help you to look and feel your best”. Yeah, right.
Well, wrong. A two-year clinical study demonstrated that a dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a compound popularly sold as an antiaging supplement over the past several years, just doesn’t work.

A group of scientists found out that silkworms fed with CLA-coated mulberry leaves accummulated conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) into their lipids.
You might remember my entry on milk CLA as a potential diabetes therapy. It’s pretty much the same thing. Silkworm powder is already being marketed in Asia (Korea and Japan) as a nutritional supplement to lower blood sugar.
To each his own, I guess. I think I’d rather have milk, thank you.
[Photo Credit: Michael Cook]