High alpha carotene levels may lead to longer life
High alpha-carotene levels associated with longer life – High blood levels of the antioxidant alpha-carotene appear to be associated with a reduced risk of dying over a 14-year period’
Carrots
Soluble fiber boosts immune system and immunity
An apple a day? Study shows soluble fiber boosts immune system – Soluble fiber – found in oats, apples, and nuts, for starters reduces the inflammation associated with obesity-related diseases and strengthens the immune system, revealed by researchers.
FDA should take steps to challenge bogus immunity claims
The US nonprofit nutrition watchdog urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to crack down on that and other deceptive ?structure/function? claims increasingly appearing on food labels. – US Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) urges FDA to crack down on food frauds saying that Kraft, General Mills, Dole, & others ripping off consumers with bogus immunity claims.
Men prefer meat, women prefer fruits and vegetables
Men are more likely to report eating meat and poultry items and women are more likely to report eating fruits and vegetables. – When it comes to what we eat, men and women really are different according to scientific research presented at the 2008 International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases in Atlanta, Georgia. In general, men are more likely to report eating meat and poultry items and women are more likely to report eating fruits and vegetables.
Cholesterol lowering drug may fight staph infection
Cholesterol lowering drug could offer a new direction for therapies against staph infection – a bacterium that’s becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics. – An international team of researchers supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has blocked staph infections in mice using a drug previously tested in clinical trials as a cholesterol-lowering agent. The novel approach, described in the February 14 online edition of Science, could offer a new direction for therapies against a bacterium that’s becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics.
Genetically modified carrots provide more calcium for osteoporosis patients
Genetically modifying carrots to express increased levels of a gene that enables the transport of calcium across membranes of plant cells can make the vegetables a better source of calcium. – A specially developed carrot has been produced to help people absorb more calcium. Researchers studied the calcium intake of humans who ate the carrot and found a net increase in calcium absorption. Adding this carrot to the diet can help prevent such diseases as osteoporosis.