In this issue...
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the May 2009 issue of True North's Tune-Up. We continue to emphasize "up stream" strategies for health in the areas of nutrition, mind-body, and lifestyle. Studies are, with rare exceptions, from peer-reviewed scientific journals. Archived prior issues of the Tune-Up may be found at www.truenorthhealthcenter.org/tune_up_archives.asp.
To your health,
B. Joseph Semmes, MD
Director of Research, True North
Diplomate, American Boards of Internal Medicine, Critical Care Medicine (ABIM) and Emergency Medicine
bjsemmes@truenorthhealthcenter.org
Red and processed meat intake increases death risk from heart disease and cancer
In this study of half a million Americans ages 50-70, those in the highest quintiles (the top 1/5th compared to the bottom 1/5th) of red meat intake were at 30% increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease and 20% increased risk of cancer death. Processed meat intake was associated with half the risk of red meat intake.
Read study linking meat intake with heart disease and cancer risk
Quantum physicists demonstrate "spooky" non-local interactions
Two photons can become "entangled", meaning that they communicate over great distance at least a thousand times faster than the speed of light. Some investigators hypothesize that such physically demonstrable events open the door for explanations of mystical and spiritual phenomena.
Learn more about quantum physics discoveries
Foods which may protect from skin cancers
Using an animal model for the initiation and promotion of skin cancer, University of Texas scientists see promise in the anti-cancer actions of plant chemicals contained in such foods as red grapes, peanuts, mulberries (resveratrol), walnuts, strawberries, raspberries (ellagic acid), rosemary (ursolic acid), tomatoes and watermelon (lycopene).
Read on to see how these foods may protect from skin cancers
Ellagic acid from berries prevents wrinkles in mice
A related animal study shows the antioxidant ellagic acid -- prevalent in raspberries, strawberries, cranberries and pomegranates -- protects the skin from UV damage.
Twelve mice were exposed to increasing ultraviolet radiation three times weekly for eight weeks. Half were given daily 10 microM topical applications of ellagic acid on their skin surface.
The study, conducted at Hallym University in the Republic of Korea, shows mice exposed to the radiation without the antioxidant developed wrinkles and thickening of the skin. The mice that received ellagic acid showed reduced wrinkle formation and inflammatory response due to protection from the degradation of collagen.
Ellagic acid is found in berries as well as other fruits, vegetables and nuts. It protects against UV damage by blocking the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes that break down the collagen of damaged skin cells.
SOURCE: Presented at the Experimental Biology meeting in New Orleans, April 21, 2009 (not published in a peer-reviewed journal)
Read more about this study about ellagic acid and skin wrinkle prevention
New gene tests may have limited value in predicting disease
Two commentaries in a recent New England Journal of Medicine comment on new genetic profile chips that are marketed to doctors and direct to consumers. They suggest that data from these tests add little to family history when it comes to predicting risk of disease. They suggest that the interactions of multiple genes is more complicated than investigators suspected when it comes to common chronic diseases. The commentaries are not yet free for non-subscribers.
Read article abstract: "Genetic Risk Prediction-Are We There Yet?"
Read article abstract: "Common Genetic Variation and Human Traits"
STAY TUNED!
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Disclaimer:
Information provided in the True North Tune-Up is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The information and links in this e-publication are intended to provide general education on the topics listed, but you should not use the information or links to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare practitioner. True North advises you to always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health practitioner prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
