August 27, 2007

SOME FOOD NEWS!

Grapefruit a problem? Could be. People taking drugs to lower cholesterol need to be careful of grapefruit consumption. Grapefruit, especially the concentrated juice, increases the risk of toxic levels of the medicine in the blood. This citrus fruit contains a chemical that inhibits a certain liver enzyme that helps metabolize the blood, sending blood levels of the cholesterol-lowering drug soaring. This potential hazard is not severe for all statin drugs, so check with your doctor or pharmacist. (LifeScript)

BLUEBERRIES A POWERHOUSE! Recent research shows substance in blueberries,called pterostilbene, may lower cholesterol. However, its benefits don’t stop there! It also shows potential for fighting fungal infections and regulating blood sugar, which is of great importance to diabetics. Blueberries are also packed with antioxidants, which protect against a range of diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Add fresh blueberries to cereal or muffins, or just grab a handful any time of the day for a great, healthy snack! (LifeScript)

DAIRY FOODS HELPFUL By eating three servings of fat-free or low-fat dairy products you are doing one of the best things you can do for your bones and belly? And it protects against heart disease and colon cancer too. University of Tennessee researchers suggest that calcium in dairy foods increases the breakdown of fat, especially harmful belly fat, while suppressing fat storage. And if you like yogurt, emerging research suggests that healthy bacteria in fermented dairy products may act as protective, anti-infection agents. Increased yogurt consumption might even help raise your resistance to immune-related diseases.

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