Diabetes/Metabolic Syndrome
Diabetes is a condition characterised by elevated levels sugar in the bloodstream, derived primarily from sugars and starches in the diet. One obvious approach to this condition would be, then, to cut back on carbohydrate intake. I have known many, many diabetics take this approach and reap the reward in terms of better blood sugar […]
Brain and Behaviour
Many individuals would like to live to a ripe old age, but at the same time dread the thought of losing their mental capabilities as they do this. One nutritional strategy that may well have some merit in preserving the function of the ageing brain is to ensure a good intake of omega-3 fats, especially […]
Diabetes/Metabolic Syndrome
A year ago I reported on some research which had found a link between elevated levels of a substance called C-reactive protein (CRP) and worse outcomes for women with breast cancer. CRP levels tend to be higher in individuals with insulin resistance (where insulin levels tend to be high but the tissues in the body […]
Healthy Eating
I came across a report yesterday regarding a study (as yet unpublished, as far as I can make out) which assessed the effects of eating chocolate on subsequent appetite. What this study appears to have shown is that dark chocolate, gram for gram (and pretty much calorie for calorie) is most satisfying than milk chocolate. […]
Healthy Eating
The British Medical Journal has a reputation for publishing serious science, but its Christmas edition is traditionally a lighter-hearted affair, comprising articles and studies that would generally be considered too frivolous to make it into regular editions of the journal. One of this year’s offerings comes from Rachel Vreeman and Aaron Carroll, assistant professor and […]
Diabetes/Metabolic Syndrome
Diabetes is condition characterised by higher-than-normal levels of sugar in the bloodstream. It’s a problem caused by either not enough insulin and/or insulin not doing its job. Either way, the result is generally raised levels of sugar. One effect of this is a greater tendency to combine with protein in tissues (called ‘glycation’) which can […]
Brain and Behaviour
I was talking to a husband and wife yesterday about what they might do to tidy up their diets a bit in order to improve general levels of energy and vitality. One of the most important things here, I think, is for individuals to ensure that they maintain relatively stable levels of blood sugar throughout […]
Diabetes/Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a term used to describe a constellation of supposed risk factors for disease including excess weight around the midriff (abdominal obesity), raised blood pressure, raised levels of blood fats known as triglycerides and raised blood sugar. The condition is associated with an enhanced risk of cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) as […]
Diabetes/Metabolic Syndrome
Accumulated weight around the mid-riff (abdominal fat) is associated with an increased risk of chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. One of the mechanisms that may cause the build-up of fat around the middle concerns secretion of the hormone insulin, which is produced principally in response to rising levels of sugar in […]
Healthy Eating
The focus that the medical and scientific establishments put on cholesterol as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart disease and stroke) can means that other risk factors may not the attention they might deserve. For example, blood fats known as triglycerides have been linked with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Just a couple of weeks […]