Medical progress – brief information about health advances – Brief Article
Cory SerVaas
The best way to protect yourself from getting a cold is to wash your hands to prevent spread of the virus through contact. New research shows that chicken soup can stop cold symptoms before they start by blocking the action of cells which stimulate mucus production.
Scientists say that pigments in red wine called polyphenols seem to ward off heart disease. In the recent study, polyphenols inhibited production of endothelin 1–a substance that stimulates hardening of the arteries. Four of the six most effective red wines were made from cabernet sauvignon grapes. Polyphenols are not present in white wine or rose and are less potent in grape juice.
A Netherlands study links anti-inflammatory drugs to a low incidence of Alzheimer’s disease. Dutch researchers say that middle-aged and elderly people who took drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen for at least two years were 80 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer’s than those who did not take the medicines. Further studies will determine which anti-inflammatory drugs can best prevent the disease.
New research shows that all people can lower their blood pressure readings by eating more fruits and vegetables and less salt and saturated fat. Previous data from the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) study show that dietary modifications can also reduce levels of LDL cholesterol and the amino acid homocysteine. The DASH diet is rich in magnesium, calcium, potassium, fiber, and protein.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Saturday Evening Post Society
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group
