Monthly Archives: November 2012

Tissue Distribution of Vitamin D

The importance of vitamin D to health has been highlighted in recent years in a growing body of research. The accepted clinical marker of vitamin D status is 25-hydroxyvitamin D[25(OH)D], a bioactive metabolite produced in the liver. Low plasma levels … Continue reading

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The Okinawan Diet

A number of traditional diets have been identified and researched because they may protect from chronic disease. Of these, the Mediterranean diet is perhaps the most well known. Generally, traditional diets are high in plant based foods such as whole … Continue reading

Posted in Antioxidant, Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Docosahexaenoic Acid, Eicosanoids, Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Essential Fatty Acids, Fibre, Fish Oils, Fruit, Mediterranean Diet, Metabolic Syndrome, Obesity, Okinawan Diet, Vegetables | Comments Off on The Okinawan Diet

Systemic Inflammation and Diet

Recent evidence suggests that obesity is associated with low level chronic inflammation. This may deplete antioxidant defences through the generation of systemic oxidative stress, and result in the formation of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. An inverse … Continue reading

Posted in Alpha Linolenic Acid, Antioxidant, Arachidonic Acid, Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Essential Fatty Acids, Inflammation, Linoleic Acid, Obesity, Oxidative Stress, Rosavins / Salidrosides | Comments Off on Systemic Inflammation and Diet

The Glycaemic Index

The effect that a particular carbohydrate food has on the postprandial plasma blood glucose concentration can be assessed and quantified using the glycaemic index (GI). Foods that elicit a low postprandial rise in blood sugar levels can be said to … Continue reading

Posted in Cancer, Carbohydrate, Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Gastric Inhibitory Peptide (GIP), Glucagon-like Peptide 1, Glucose, Glycaemic Index, Glycaemic load, Metabolic Syndrome | Comments Off on The Glycaemic Index

Vitamin K and Metabolic Syndrome

Vitamin K is found in the diet in two biologically active forms, phylloquinone (vitamin K1) and menaquinone (vitamin K2). Phylloquinone is found in green leafy plants and some oils and is the predominate form in the human diet, whereas the … Continue reading

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More on Calcium, Dairy and Weight Loss

Dairy product consumption is inversely associated with obesity in epidemiological studies, and clinical trials report weight loss occurring with increased dairy consumption. The weight loss effects of calcium have also been investigated and may explain some or all of the … Continue reading

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Detrimental Effects of Very Low Calorie Diets on Bone Health

The very low Calorie diet (VLCD) is popular as a treatment for obesity amongst mainstream medical professionals. However, there are problems associated with the use of the VLCD which precludes it as useful tools as part of a health lifestyle. … Continue reading

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Effects of Green Tea Sports Drink

The effects of post-exercise sports drinks on physical performance have been extensively studied. Generally, high carbohydrate and high protein drinks following exercise accelerate recovery of liver and muscle glycogen stores and stimulate protein synthesis in skeletal muscle. Addition of other … Continue reading

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More on Pulses

Pulses are the edible seeds of legumes and can include beans, peas, chickpeas and lentils. Epidemiology suggests that diets high in pulses are associated with a lower risk of obesity and weight gain. Epidemiology also suggests that fibre is inversely … Continue reading

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The Chemistry of Milk Thistle

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is plant revered by ancient Chinese medicine for its effectiveness as a liver tonic. Based on these claims, the herb milk thistle has been extensively researched with regard possible hepataprotective effects. Animal experiments show the ability … Continue reading

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