There is a credible link between drinking hot beverages such as tea and coffee and the risk of oesophageal cancer. For the first time, researchers have been able to answer the question of just how hot, is too hot?Cancer of the oesophagus kills over 500,000 people worldwide each year with most of these deaths in Asia, Africa and South America. In Australia, it claims over … [Read more...] about How hot is too hot for a drink?
Gut microbes predict blood glucose response to food
The research field of the gut microbiome continues to advance rapidly. Now researchers have found that using an algorithm based on a person's gut microbiome can more accurately predict their spike in blood glucose after a meal compared to a model based on the kilojoule or carbohydrate content of the food.Elevated blood glucose levels are linked with a higher risk of … [Read more...] about Gut microbes predict blood glucose response to food
Diet changes improve depression outlook
A review of diet study trials finds that positive dietary changes can reduce symptoms of depression, but less of a benefit is seen in addressing symptoms of anxiety.A healthy diet is a common factor linked to a positive mental outlook. The problem with most of the observational research in this field though is that it is hard to tease out which one comes first. Are people … [Read more...] about Diet changes improve depression outlook
Why antioxidant supplements are best avoided during cancer treatment
Women with breast cancer who take antioxidant supplements during their chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment have been found to have higher rates of mortality and cancer recurrence.At least when it comes to reducing the risk of cancer, diets high in fruits and vegetables (which are also high in antioxidants) can be protective. The question of if high-dose antioxidant … [Read more...] about Why antioxidant supplements are best avoided during cancer treatment
Probiotics show promise in protecting bones
A clinical trial in older women finds that taking a daily probiotic supplement slows bone loss.Probiotics are live microorganisms that may offer a health benefit when taken in adequate amounts. Be it from fermented foods such as yoghurt or from a commercial supplement, there is a lot of consumer interest in them.The clinical evidence for probiotics places treatment of … [Read more...] about Probiotics show promise in protecting bones
Fast eating a health hazard
Eating food slowly seems like good advice. But why could it better for you to slow down at the dinner table? Maybe because new research finds that fast eaters are at greater risk of weight gain and metabolic disease.The advice seems credible: eat slowly so that you have a chance to feel full before you can overeat. Eating less can then mean less chance of gaining weight. So … [Read more...] about Fast eating a health hazard