Mediterranean diet and healthy lifestyle add years to life

A Mediterranean diet is one rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, whole grains, and fats such as olive oil. The diet is moderate in red meat and dairy products. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association investigated the single and combined effect of Mediterranean diet, being physically active, moderate alcohol use, and nonsmoking on causes of death in elderly European men and women. During a ten-year follow-up, deaths from coronary heart disease, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and overall mortality were analyzed. In this study, the combination of healthy diet and lifestyle led to a 65% reduction in the overall death rate and more than 50% reductions in deaths caused by coronary heart disease, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Adherence to a Mediterranean style diet, coupled with a few healthy lifestyle habits, can add years of life even among individuals aged 70 to 90 years.

Broccoli compound inhibits breast cancer growth

In the September 2004 issue of the Journal of Nutrition, researchers report that sulforaphane (SUL), a compound found in broccoli and other vegetables from the cruciferous family, has the ability to disrupt cell growth in late stage human breast cancer cells in cell culture studies. Previous research has also shown a positive benefit in reducing colon cancer growth.

This is the first report to show how the naturally occurring plant chemical sulforaphane can inhibit late stages of the cancer process by disrupting components of the cell called microtubules.

In the United States, breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women. It is also the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women, accounting for nearly one in every three cancers diagnosed. The results of this study may prove helpful in developing new breast cancer prevention and treatment strategies.

Low vitamin B12 levels increase birth defect risk

A recent study published in the July issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology investigated B vitamins and homocysteine as risk factors for children born with spina bifida, a defect in the formation of the spinal cord. Researchers compared the vitamin B12 blood levels of 45 mothers and their children with spina bifida with those of 83 mothers and their healthy children. The researchers found that the levels of B12 in mothers whose children had spina bifida was significantly lower (21%) than the mothers with healthy children. These findings suggest that low maternal vitamin B12 status increases the risk of birth defects and that women in their childbearing years may benefit from vitamin B12 supplementation.

Vitamin D may prevent tooth loss

Periodontal disease is a common chronic inflammatory disease and a major risk factor for tooth loss. A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition demonstrates a link between low blood levels of Vitamin D and the incidence of gum disease. The study group included over 11,000 adults over the age of twenty. Eighty percent of those studied had inadequate vitamin D levels, and the lower their vitamin D serum levels, the greater the risk of tooth loss. Among the men and women aged 50 and older, those with the lowest vitamin D levels had 25 to 27 percent more tooth loss than those in the highest range. The researchers suspect that vitamin D may cut down on the inflammatory response that leads to periodontal disease. Given the high prevalence of periodontal disease and vitamin D deficiency, these findings suggest important oral health implications related to vitamin D intake.