Here you can find a selection of the latest research news stories and medical breakthroughs. Take a look below to learn more!
Turmeric May Effectively Reduce Stomach Acid, Treat Indigestion
Study finds that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is as effective as omeprazole at resolving dyspepsia.
Although both curcumin and omeprazole proved equally effective at reducing dyspepsia, the combination of the two offered no added benefit and was the same as either alone.
The use of turmeric dates back nearly 4000 years, and it has been used as an antacid for much of that time.
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Ultra-processed Foods, Especially Artificial Sweeteners, may Increase Depression Risk
A recent study of 2,122 participants found that consuming ultra-processed foods may increase the risk of depression.
The researchers found that participants who had the highest consumption of ultra-processed foods had the highest risk for depression compared to participants who had the lowest consumption of ultra-processed foods.
Furthermore, depression risk may be particularly high based on higher consumption of ultra-processed foods containing artificial sweeteners and artificially sweetened beverages.
These study results add to growing evidence about the health benefits of limiting ultra-processed food consumption.
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Ginger Supplements May be Helpful in Treating Autoimmune Diseases
New research reveals that ginger supplements may offer a promising approach to managing inflammation in individuals with autoimmune conditions.
The study highlights ginger’s ability to influence neutrophils, making them less susceptible to NETosis—a process linked to inflammation and various autoimmune diseases.
During a clinical trial, researchers observed that when healthy participants took a ginger supplement daily for a week, there was an increase in a chemical called cAMP within the neutrophil. Elevated levels of cAMP subsequently hindered NETosis when exposed to triggers associated with certain diseases.
The researchers hope to build further evidence on ginger’s advantages hoping this will prompt medical professionals and patients to consider the merits of incorporating ginger supplements into their therapeutic strategies.
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What Lifestyle Habits Could Help You Live to 100?
In 2016, National Geographic Fellow Dan Buettner and his team published a study on what they found to be the secrets to longevity.
Dubbed the Blue Zones there are five specific areas of the world where people consistently live over 100 years of age. These areas are:
- Sardinia, Italy
- Ikaria, Greece
- Nicoya, Costa Rica
- Loma Linda, California
- Okinawa, Japan
Some of the 9 common practices that helped people slow their aging include having a purpose, reducing stress, favouring a plant-based diet and belonging to a community.
Loneliness was actually noted as one of the top risk factors to shortening life! Furthermore, studies suggest that being optimistic is associated with a person living 11-15% longer.
To learn more about these blue zones and what lifestyle habits are improving their longevity, read the full article below:
Could Drinking Tea Every Day Reduce Diabetes Risk?
A new study suggests that regular tea drinking may help to control blood sugar and reduce diabetes risk.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to regulate blood sugar levels, usually because the body stops responding correctly to insulin. If uncontrolled, type 2 diabetes can lead to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, vision loss, and kidney damage.
An observational study from China including over 1900 people suggests that people who drink tea regularly, particularly dark tea, may improve their blood glucose levels and decrease insulin resistance, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
They found that people who drank tea every day excreted more glucose in their urine and had reduced insulin resistance. They also had a 15% lower risk for prediabetes, and a 28% reduced risk for type 2 diabetes compared with those who never drank tea.
Read more about the study here:
20-25 Minutes of Daily Exercise May Offset Death Risk from Prolonged Sitting
Around 22 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity a day can eliminate the increased risk of death associated with a sedentary lifestyle, a new study indicates.
The study tracked over 11,000 participants to assess the effect of sedentary time and physical activity on mortality risk. The study findings show that daily exercise can be carried out all at once or in exercise “snacks” throughout the day.
Findings suggest that individuals doing more than 22 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day had no increased risk of death with more sedentary time.
A sedentary lifestyle weakens the heart muscle and has been associated with cardiometabolic disease. On the other hand, exercise improves sleep and mental health, reducing anxiety and depression.
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Caffeine May Delay REM Sleep and Alter Blood Flow to the Brain
Researchers from UCLA have found further evidence that caffeine affects sleep patterns and brain blood flow via a mouse model.
Mice that had consumed caffeine had a reduction in brain blood flow while they were awake and a significant boost in brain blood flow during sleep.
Although caffeine can have positive impacts such as increasing alertness, it also has the potential to negatively impact sleep. A study published in June found that caffeine consumption reduces a person’s total sleep time by 45 minutes and sleep efficiency by 7%.
As much as half of the global population currently has trouble sleeping; however, proper sleep is vital for good overall health.
Physicians therefore suggest only consuming caffeine in the mornings, 12 hours before going to bed.
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