Natural Health Science News-OLD

Iowa State study finds corn bred to contain beta-carotene is a good source of vitamin A.
A new Iowa State University study has found that corn bred to contain increased levels of beta-carotene is a good source of vitamin A. The discovery gives added support to the promise of biofortified corn being developed through conventional plant breeding as an effective tool to combat vitamin A deficiency in developing countries. 

Grapefruit compound could treat diabetes, lower cholesterol and produce Atkin’s diet benefits without dieting.
Big Pharma has been doggedly searching for drugs that target a group of nuclear receptor proteins in the human body known by the long title of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs, for short). The reason? PPARs regulate the expression of genes that are involved in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, among other functions -- so the theory is that if drugs could control PPARs, the medications would treat diabetes, high cholesterol and even maybe obesity. 

Vitamin D Can Prevent Onset of Diseases.
A recent study conducted at Oxford University has found that Vitamin D can lead to a natural protection against a host of different conditions, including cancers, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, arthritis and dementia, according to The Daily Mail. 

Low pre-natal vitamin D doubles schizophrenia risk.
Newborn babies with low levels of vitamin D have an increased risk of developing schizophrenia later in life, researchers at the Queensland Brain Institute have found. 

First Published Human Study to Link Resveratrol to the French Paradox.
A new study published on the website of Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases represents the first published human study to positively link resveratrol to the physiological effects of the French Paradox and better cardiovascular health. 

Whey proteins show blood pressure lowering powers.
Beverages formulated with whey proteins may offer a dietary approach to reducing blood pressure in people at risk of hypertension, suggests a new study. 

Magic mushroom ingredient eases anxiety in cancer patients.
It's inevitable for some patients with advanced-stage cancer to experience anxiety. But a new study scheduled to appear in the January 2011 print issue of Archives of General Psychiatry suggests that psychedelic drug psilocybin, which is found in many mushrooms, helps improve anxiety and mood of these patients without side effects. 

More Infants Should Receive Iron Supplements, Researchers Urge.
Giving iron supplements to children with marginally low birth weights (2000-2500 grams) dramatically reduces the risk of developing iron deficiency and anemia. This is shown by Umeå researcher Magnus Domellöf and associates in the coming edition of the pediatric scientific journal Pediatrics. 

Wound contraction effects and antibacterial properties of Tualang honey on full-thickness burn wounds in rats in comparison to hydrofibre.
Full-thickness burn wounds require excision and skin grafting. Multiple surgical procedures are inevitable in managing moderate to severe full-thickness burns. Wound bed preparations prior to surgery are necessary in order to prevent wound infection and promote wound healing. Honey can be used to treat burn wounds. However, not all the honey is the same. This study aims to evaluate the wound contraction and antibacterial properties of locally-produced Tualang honey on managing full-thickness burn wounds in vivo. 

The health benefits of Holy Basil.
Holy basil is a peppery herb used in cooking, but also a potent natural medicine used for a variety health conditions. Holy basil is sometimes called "hot basil" because of its taste. The latin name for Holy basil is Ocimum tenuiflorum or Ocimum sanctum.