A 10-year study by the University of California at Davis found that organic tomatoes have higher levels of key nutrients than their conventionally grown counterparts.
The study, published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry on June 23, 2007, found higher levels of flavonoids - substances that stimulate health-protective antioxidant activity in the body - in tomatoes grown organically. The study found that the flavonoids quecetin and kaempferol were on average 79 and 97 percent higher, respectively.
Lowered pesticide exposure, reduced soil erosion, healthier ecosystems and better nutrition - buying organic is among the best purchasing decisions you can make.
Looking for Healthy Tomato Recipes?
The Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging online guide has dozens, from skewers and soups to salsas and pastas. Sign up for a free trial today.
Fight Hot Flashes with FlaxseedWomen suffering from menopausal hot flashes who don’t want to take hormone replacement therapy may get some relief from flaxseeds. Researchers at the Mayo clinic recruited 29 women with bothersome hot flashes for a pilot study to test whether adding 40 grams of crushed flaxseeds to their daily diets would help. Only 21 of the women completed the six-week study. Afterward, researchers determined that the frequency and severity of hot flashes among the women using flaxseed had declined by 57 percent. The participants also reported improvements in mood as well as less joint or muscle pain, chills and sweating. The investigators said that flaxseeds may not provide relief to all women with hot flashes, but explained that the reason it can help is because it is a source of phytoestrogen (plant-based estrogen). Although they interact with estrogen receptors, these phytoestrogens produce effects believed to reduce the risk of breast cancer. The Mayo researchers described their findings as preliminary but said they hope to launch a larger clinical trial in 2008 to test flaxseeds against a placebo for treatment of hot flashes. The pilot study was published in the summer 2007 issue of the
Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology. Supplements for Women
Black cohosh, vitamin E, B-vitamins and evening primrose oil may all benefit women in menopause…learn more about the women’s formulas, including the Menopause Support Formula, at Dr. Weil’s Vitamin Advisor.
Soy Supplement May Cut Women’s Heart Disease The supplement in question is soy isoflavone known as genistein, which Italian researchers combined with calcium and vitamin D. The mixture was then used to assess its effects on the risk of heart disease among postmenopausal women with bone loss. The combination supplement contained 54 mg of purified genistein plus 500 mg of calcium carbonate and 400 IU of vitamin D. The researchers, at the University of Messina, recruited nearly 400 women (average age about 54) and randomly assigned them to take either the genistein supplement or a placebo that contained the calcium and vitamin D but no genistein. All of the women followed a low-fat diet for the two-year duration of the study. In addition to lowering the women’s risk of coronary artery disease, the genistein also seemed to have a positive effect on blood sugar, leading researchers to suggest that it may also help prevent diabetes. However, they said further studies are needed to confirm their findings. The study was published in the August, 2007 issue of
TheJournal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. Heart Health
Dr. Weil’s My Optimum Health Plan has eating guides, exercise information and more, for a healthy heart, body and mind. Join today!
Spaghetti Squash CasseroleSpaghetti squash may look funny, but it's chock full of vitamins and minerals, especially carotenes - so don't
be afraid to try it. This vegetarian casserole is low in calories and fat, and very satisfying as a main dish. Add a mixed green salad and some whole grain bread and you've got a great meal.View RecipeHealthy Aging TipCourtesy of Dr. Weil on Healthy AgingNatural Ways to Treat the Blues: Exercise. Aerobic exercise is the most effective treatment Dr. Weil recommends for mild to moderate depression. Aim for a brisk 45-minute daily walk.
Featured Discussion“Do animals have souls?” asks susangh.I don't understand what having a soul or not having a soul means. Any time doctor-assisted suicide is discussed I mention 'we put animals down so they don't suffer'… some people (say) that is okay because (animals) don't have a soul. I am not a religious person so I am confused.
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WHERE IS DR. WEIL?
Healthy Aging at Miraval ResortDec. 2 - 5, 2007, Tucson, Ariz.
Developed and hosted by Dr. Weil, Miraval’s Director of Health & Healing, these unique four-day workshops feature seminars by Dr. Weil and Program in Integrative Medicine faculty, including Drs. Maizes, Low Dog and Horwitz. For information o n reservations, rates and availability, please visit the Miraval Web site:
www.miravalresort.com or call (800) 232-3969.
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Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health ~ Online Education from the Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona
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