One of the most important areas of scientific research for combating SARS-CoV-2 involves understanding cytokines and mitigating cytokine storm. Cytokines are cell signaling molecules that facilitate immune responses. These molecules communicate between cells to stimulate the movement of immune responsive cells toward sites of inflammation and infection. Israeli scientists have found that yogurt (kefir) can halt … Continue reading Researchers discover that Kefir (fermented yogurt) can halt cytokine storms observed during SARS-CoV-2 infections
Lycopene is a promising nutrient that can prevent gastric diseases associated with H. pylori
Helicobacter pylori is a spiral-shaped bacterium that grows in your digestive tract. An opportunistic pathogen, it is considered to be the most successful colonizer of the human gastrointestinal tract, infecting the stomachs of roughly 60 percent of the world’s adult population. H. pylori often infects the stomach during childhood and is well-known for causing peptic ulcers. These gastric lesions develop as … Continue reading Lycopene is a promising nutrient that can prevent gastric diseases associated with H. pylori
About 50% of lamb mince sold in Australian supermarkets contains a dangerous parasite that may cause brain damage
A recent study concluded that lamb mince sold in Australian supermarkets might be contaminated with parasites. In the report, researchers from Flinders University tested lamb meat sold in supermarkets three times a week for six months. After testing, they found that 34 out of 79 samples were contaminated by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. T. gondii is a parasite found in domesticated cats. … Continue reading About 50% of lamb mince sold in Australian supermarkets contains a dangerous parasite that may cause brain damage
Drought-resistant cactus pear could become a sustainable food and fuel source, new research shows
Cactus pears could become a sustainable source of food and fuel in places in need of these two resources. Those are the findings of a recent study by researchers from the University of Nevada, Reno. Published in the journal GCB Bioenergy, the study covered five years of research. The group had set out to look at how successful different varieties of cactus pear would … Continue reading Drought-resistant cactus pear could become a sustainable food and fuel source, new research shows
Chemical poisoning is more common than you think: BPA levels in humans “dramatically underestimated,” warn scientists
The amount of toxic chemicals that scientists say we are exposed to is incredibly alarming, but it turns out those scary figures that have long been reported are actually wrong – and the real numbers are even higher. This is according to a study published in the journal The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. The researchers in the … Continue reading Chemical poisoning is more common than you think: BPA levels in humans “dramatically underestimated,” warn scientists
Preservative in thousands of children’s food products found to damage immune system
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) published a paper recently that exposes a common food preservative for damaging the immune system. Tertiary butylhydroquinone, or TBHQ, is added to more than 1,250 food products, many of them marketed for children. The latest data shows that it suppresses immunity, which is especially concerning during a global “pandemic.” Published on March … Continue reading Preservative in thousands of children’s food products found to damage immune system
Lycopene found to inhibit pathway involved in Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric cancer
In this study, researchers at Yonsei University in South Korea evaluated the effects of lycopene on hyperproliferation induced by Helicobacter pylori infection. They reported their findings in an article published in the journal Nutrition Research. H. pylori is known to colonize the human stomach and is linked to an increased risk of gastric diseases, including gastric cancer.According to studies, H. pylori increases the … Continue reading Lycopene found to inhibit pathway involved in Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric cancer
Assessing health risks posed by hazardous compounds generated through meat processing
In this study, Spanish researchers reviewed the generation of substances that could harm the health in different types of meat products during processing. Their report was published in the journal Food Science and Human Wellness. Various types of meat processing results in the generation of substances of safety concern in meats. These harmful compounds include: N-nitrosamines, … Continue reading Assessing health risks posed by hazardous compounds generated through meat processing
Investigating the antimicrobial potential of cinnamaldehyde and Punica granatum (pomegranate) extract for food preservation
In this study, a researcher at Pamukkale University in Turkey assessed the potential of antimicrobial films for use in active food packaging. His full report was published in the journal Food Science and Technology. For his experiment, the researchers packaged manti, a tortellini-like Turkish food, with antimicrobial films to extend its storage time at 4 C.Before inoculating manti … Continue reading Investigating the antimicrobial potential of cinnamaldehyde and Punica granatum (pomegranate) extract for food preservation
Here’s another health benefit of flaxseed: Improved gum health
Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is a common but preventable disease caused by a bacterial infection. This infection damages the soft tissue of the gums and, if not treated promptly, can cause teeth to fall out. Practicing good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent periodontitis, although there are several risk factors — such as smoking, … Continue reading Here’s another health benefit of flaxseed: Improved gum health
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 