An experimental study, released today, looks into whether apple cider vinegar could be effective for weight loss, reduce blood glucose levels and reduce blood lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides).
A double-blinded, randomized, clinical trial in a group of overweight and obese young people aged from 12–25 years suggest it could reduce all three—but it might not be as simple as downing an apple cider vinegar drink a day.
The participants were instructed to consume either 5, 10 or 15ml of apple cider vinegar diluted into 250ml of water each morning before they ate anything for 12 weeks. A control group consumed an inactive drink (a placebo) made (from lactic acid added to water) to look and taste the same.
After a period of three months apple cider vinegar consumption was linked with significant falls in body weight and body mass index (BMI). On average, those who drank apple cider vinegar during that period lost 6–8kg in weight and reduced their BMI by 2.7–3 points, depending on the dose. They also showed significant decreases in the waist and hip circumference.
The authors also report significant decreases in levels of blood glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol in the apple cider groups.
While the study appears promising, there are also reasons for caution. The study participants were aged from 12 to 25, so we can't say whether the results could apply to everyone.
Food Additive in Pizza, Pancakes Linked to Lower Sperm Counts
University of Kentucky, March 11, 2024
An ingredient commonly found in many baked goods and processed foods — including school lunches — may cause oxidative stress, DNA damage and decreased testosterone levels and sperm counts in male mammals.
Sodium aluminum phosphate is an additive used in food products as an emulsifying agent, leavening acid and stabilizer. It is a white, odorless solid slightly soluble in water. The widespread use of sodium aluminum phosphate in everyday food products and commercially baked goods such as cakes, muffins and biscuits, and self-rising flours and baking powders. It is also used in processed cheeses to improve texture and melting properties.
A peer-reviewed scientific literature on aluminum reproductive toxicity by Robert A. Yokel, Ph.D., published in Critical Reviews in Toxicology found aluminum exposure can lead to adverse reproductive outcomes in male and female mammals.
Yokel’s analysis revealed that “male reproductive endpoints were significantly affected after exposure to lower levels of Al [aluminum] than females.” In both male and female mice and rats, increased aluminum intake resulted in higher concentrations of the metal in the fetus, placenta and testes.
Ramadan fasting may protect patients with heart problems, say researchers
University of Sharjah (United Arab Emirates) & University of Utah, March 13, 2024
Those observing Ramadan may have their cholesterol, other lipids, and inflammatory markers in their blood reduced. This is the conclusion of a group of scientists examining the model of Ramadan Intermittent Fasting (RIF) in overweight and obese people.
"RIF is associated with improvements in plasma sphingosine, sphinganine sphingomyelin, and dihydrosphingomyelin lipid species," the scientists write in their study published in Scientific Reports.
RIF is a special type of intermittent fasting during which fasting Muslims refrain from eating, drinking (including water), smoking, or engaging in sexual activities from pre-dawn to sunset.
The fasting duration differs depending on geographical location, but it is generally estimated to last between 12-17 hours a day. The daily average fasting duration for Muslims worldwide is reported to be approximately 15 hours per day, depending on location.
An investigation into the potential association between nutrition and Alzheimer’s disease
Capital Medical University (China) (Frontiers)
Malnutrition is the most common nutritional issue in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients, but there is still a lack of a comprehensive evaluation of the nutritional status in AD patients. This study aimed to determine the potential association of various nutritional indices with AD at different stages.
Lower levels of total protein, albumin, globulin, and apolipoprotein A1 were associated with AD (all p < 0.05). Total protein and albumin levels had the greatest ability to distinguish AD from non-AD. Albumin level had the greatest ability to distinguish NC from AD-MCI
Nutritional status of AD patients is significantly compromised compared with normal controls, and tends to be worsened with AD progresses. Early identification and intervention of individuals with nutritional risk or malnutrition may be significantly beneficial for reducing the risk, development, and progression of AD.
Breakthrough Discovery Shows That Resonant Frequencies Can Kill Cancer Cells
Skidmore College, March 4, 2024
An important breakthrough may prevent people from suffering from cancer or the aggressive radiation and chemotherapy treatments used to kill cancer cells.
Anthony Holland at Skidmore College in New York and his fellow researchers discovered that, by creating custom digital electronic signals, they can destroy cancer cells and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSRA). In their laboratory experiments, the team used Oscillating Pulsed Electric Fields (OPEF) to induce sympathetic resonant vibrations which in a short amount of time shattered targeted cells from pancreatic cancer, leukemia, ovarian cancer, and the dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacterium MSRA.
Just as various sound frequencies can shatter different types of crystal and glass, shattering microscopic organisms is possible because they have many similar properties of liquid crystals.
Holland’s research showed that not only can one change the vibration of a biological living microorganism with an electronic signal, but also that different frequencies of this electronic signal can be used to target different types of microorganisms.
Study finds interactions with dogs can increase brainwaves associated with stress relief and heightened concentration
Konkuk University (South Korea), March 13, 2024
Spending quality time with dogs reduces stress and increases the power of brain waves associated with relaxation and concentration, according to a study published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE from Konkuk University, South Korea.
Studies of the potential benefits of animal interactions often take a holistic approach, comparing people's mood or hormone levels before and after spending time with a service animal. But this approach doesn't differentiate between types of interactions, like grooming, feeding, or playing with an animal, limiting our understanding of how each specific interaction impacts a person's health and well-being.
To better understand how such animal-related activities affect mood, Yoo and colleagues recruited a small sample of 30 adult participants to each perform eight different activities with a well-trained dog, such as playing with a hand-held toy, giving her treats, and taking pictures with her.
The relative strength of alpha-band oscillations in the brain increased while participants played with and walked the dog, reflecting a state of relaxed wakefulness. When grooming, gently massaging, or playing with the dog, relative beta-band oscillation strength increased, a boost typically linked to heightened concentration. Participants also reported feeling significantly less fatigued, depressed, and stressed after all dog-related activities.
