June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month.
For years I’ve heard that blueberries are good for brain health. Which is great, because I love blueberries and try to work them into my diet several times a week.
And there is some evidence to support the connection between blueberries and the human brain.
Most blueberry studies to date have been performed on animals, but more recent studies—funded in part by … read on
For years one of my family members has had to have multiple skin cancers—basal cell and squamous—removed from his face.
He heard that the supplement niacinamide might help prevent these skin cancers, so I volunteered to do a little research into the research. 😄
First I had to educate myself about the multiple and confusing names in this group of supplements!
Vitamin B3 is … read on
I love eggs, but I’m never quite sure if they’re really good for me or not.
Eggs seem to be one of those foods that go in and out of favor, depending on what the most recent research shows.
So I thought I’d spend a little time doing my own research and determine what are, if any, the health benefits of eggs.
First the … read on
Even better, don’t use them at all unless your doctor tells you to.
You’ll save money, and you’ll probably be healthier.
I posted a few years ago that Healthy adults don’t need multivitamins. Earlier this month a new study was published that showed not only do we (healthy adults) not need supplemental vitamins and minerals, some may actually cause harm.
The study was funded by … read on
Noise and sleep—help!A friend recently asked me about white noise machines, and if I knew whether they helped with sleep or not.
I’ve never used one, and honestly didn’t know anything about them.
In theory, white noise masks more irritating noises, such as traffic, airplanes, barking dogs, talking, television and random household sounds.
For sensitive individuals, or shift workers or partners of snorers, noise can be a major sleep … read on
Tanning beds are dangerous to your healthIt’s mid-winter, and that’s when tanning beds are most popular.
Either people want a little artificial sunshine to help them cope with the weather, or they’re heading off on a tropical holiday and want a bit of color before they go.
But be warned: Tanning beds not only increase your risk of melanoma, they also increase the likelihood of a recurrence.
For years … read on
Save your money on omega-3 supplementsThis isn’t a new topic for me; I’ve written twice about fish oil supplements and omega 3-enriched foods. In both posts, I presented evidence that the heart health benefits (little to none) aren’t worth the price.
A new review from Cochrane last week confirms this.
The researchers conclude:
… read onThe review provides good evidence that taking long-chain omega 3 (fish oil, EPA or DHA)
Mahjongg for stress reliefFor more than five years, one of my best friends has been battling ovarian cancer. A fierce fighter (and fabulous friend), she has endured surgeries and several rounds of chemotherapy to keep this grim disease at bay. Her oncologist monitors her condition with the blood test CA-125.
Early last summer, her CA-125 began creeping up into the “let’s watch it but not get too excited—yet” territory. … read on
More and more scientists are taking advantage of the power of the internet, or the “crowd,” to help gather and process huge amounts of data.
A Citizen Scientist can be anyone. You just have to have an interest in science (and a computer).
I’m taking part in Cochrane Crowd.
The Cochrane Library has been the go-to … read on
I just read about a recent study by the Endocrine Society that—again—suggests a link between the use of some essential oils and breast development (gynecomastia) in young boys.
Lavender and tea tree oil, especially, are considered endocrine-disrupting chemicals. I wrote about this a few years ago , and wanted to re-post this information. Be informed and use essential oils with caution! FN
This post was originally published … read on