Findings that were presented during the American Academy of Neurology’s 62nd Annual Meeting indicated that individuals who follow a Mediterranean diet may be at a lower risk for brain damage and thinking problems.

Researchers examined 712 patients and their diets over the course of six years. They gave the participants MRI scans that revealed that 238 of these individuals had some form of brain damage.

The study claims that people who followed a Mediterranean diet were 36 percent less likely to suffer from cognitive problems. Individuals who moderately followed the plan were 21 percent less likely to have brain issues. Scientists noticed a pattern between these findings and high blood pressure.

“The relationship between this type of brain damage and the Mediterranean diet was comparable with that of high blood pressure,” said study author Dr. Nikolaos Scarmeas. “In this study, not eating a Mediterranean-like diet had about the same effect on the brain as having high blood pressure.”

Although many people know the health risks that come with obesity, new research finds that it may increase the risk of cancer.

According to a study published in the journal Cell, obesity can lead to an increased risk of liver cancer. Researchers believe if they could curb obesity, they may be able to reduce cancer deaths by as many as 90,000 a year.

The study reveals that obese people have a 4.5-fold greater risk for developing liver cancer and a 1.5-fold greater risk of overall cancers.

Researchers believe that physicians spend too much time focusing on other obesity risks such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

“Doctors always worry about our weight, but the focus is often on cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, both of which can be managed pretty well with existing drugs,” said researcher Michael Karin. “However, we should also worry about elevated cancer risk.”

For people who are worried about their extra pounds, adopting an alkaline diet of fruits, vegetables and whole grains may help control weight gain.

Also, many people in the world eat a poverty vegetarian diet that is mostly starch and salt—clearly not healthy.

A desirable vegetarian diet would consist of healthy carbohydrates, fats, and protein packages, along with plenty of vegetables and fruits. Healthy carbohydrates mean whole grains and few refined starches and sugars.

Healthy fats include almost all of the vegetable oils that have not been partially hydrogenated (meaning they won’t contain trans fats); palm oil and coconut oil in modest amounts are also OK. Of course, the protein package most distinguishes vegetarian diets, and not including red meat will make the diet healthier as this is related to higher risks of heart disease, diabetes, and probably some cancers.

Alternative vegetarian sources of protein would include a combination of nuts, beans, and soy products; these are not only lower in saturated fat and don’t contain cholesterol, but they also are great sources of micronutrients, healthy fats, and fiber.

Some versions of a vegetarian diet also include eggs, fish, or dairy products. Considerable evidence links high dairy-product consumption to an elevated risk of fatal prostate cancer, so I think limiting these foods to not more than one to two servings a day makes sense. The advice about elevated need for calcium is simply wrong.

The World Health Organization’s recommended adequate intake for calcium is 500 mg per day, which is easily obtained with a diet containing less than one serving of dairy a day. Also, all the large prospective studies consistently show no relation between intake of milk and risk of fracture.

If you do decide to follow a strict vegan diet, meaning no animal products at all, vitamin B12 deficiency is likely to develop. This can result in seizures, neurologic degeneration, and death. Therefore, everyone on this type of diet should be taking a vitamin B12 supplement or using foods fortified with vitamin B12.

Hollywood’s A-listers are doing their bit for the environment and keeping their insides healthy at the same time. You can too — just walk by that bursting battery chicken and opt for the organic variety instead.

What does organic mean?
Organic means that no artificial chemical fertilisers, pesticides or growth hormones, and no genetically-engineered substances, have been used in producing the end product. In essence, you get fruit, vegetables and meat that have been naturally produced.

Organic farmers use crop rotation instead of synthetic fertilisers to keep the soil healthy. They also use natural pest-control systems instead of nasty pesticides and give animals more space to live and roam, rather than cramming them into tiny cages — animals from organic farms are given higher welfare standards. All in all, organic means healthier insides, a cleaner environment and more humane conditions for farmed animals.

Why eat organic?
Well, for starters the chemical-free bit is appealing. Eating naturally-grown fresh fruit and vegies straight from the farmer’s market is even more appealing. Need more convincing? Studies have shown that fresh organic produce contains more vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other micro-nutrients than conventional farming produce, which means it’s better for you. A new study by researchers at the University of Washington in the US have now also revealed that children who eat more organic food are exposed to six to nine times fewer toxic pesticides than those kids fed a conventional diet.

What the greenies say
Not only is organic food good for your body, but it’s also good for the environment. Organic farming encourages biodiversity, and without the use of herbicides and pesticides, wildlife is given a new lease of life. Plus, there are no polluting chemicals.

Organic farming also has a lower carbon footprint than conventional farming due to the fact that it doesn’t use insecticides, herbicides, fungicides or artificial fertilisers, which means no fossil fuels.

Who’s doing it?
Who isn’t? The demand for organic produce in Australia is growing at a rate of 20-30 percent per year. Many parents have jumped on the organic bandwagon with 70 percent of the baby food market now organic. Farmers’ markets are also becoming more popular, with many consumers bypassing the supermarket in search of organic fruit and vegies.

The who’s who of Hollywood are lining up for fresh organic food. In fact, according to industry polls, eating organic is one of the latest food trends. Just ask Jennifer Garner who grows her own vegies, or Ellen DeGeneres who has even gone so far as to launch an organic dog food range (which might seem a bit strange, but it’s environmentally friendly, nonetheless).

How much will it set you back?
Unfortunately, going organic is not the wallet-friendly option. This is because organic crops are more vulnerable to pests and disease, which means more expense for the farmer and ultimately, more expense for the consumer. Organic farming is also more labour intensive, while organic feed is more expensive, again hitting consumers’ hip pockets.

But regardless of the hefty price tag, many health-conscious consumers are still willing to pay the price for superior produce — and to support organic farming techniques that are better for the environment.

Raw green vegetables like spinach and lettuces become particularly valuable because they contain folic acid and iron, but remember to wash them well.

Essentials:

There are a few critical nutrients that play particularly important roles in foetal development. Those important nutrients are:

• Calories: Proper weight gain on your part is needed to make sure your newborn is delivered at a healthy weight. Add 200 to 300 calories per day for the last two thirds of pregnancy.
• Protein: Protein provides materials for the growing tissues, including the placenta, the mother’s blood and the baby. Get three good servings a day from beans, chicken, fish, or eggs.
• Calcium: This mineral is needed for proper bone formation in the baby and to help preserve the mother’s bone strength. Drink a glass of milk a day to keep levels topped up.
• Iron: An iron supplement is recommended during pregnancy since it is so difficult to get enough in your diet. You will need this extra iron to replenish red blood supply.
• Folic Acid: This is a B vitamin needed for proper cell division. Folic acid taken while trying to conceive and in early pregnancy can help prevent certain birth defects of the brain and spine. Studies show a reduced risk of spina bifida by about 50 percent. This is important from the very beginning of your pregnancy, try to include foods like orange juice and spinach in your diet.
• Fluids: You need extra fluid to feed your increased blood volume and for amniotic fluid. Drink at least six to eight glasses of liquid a day.

Things to avoid:

• Alcohol: As no one really knows how much vino is safe to drink when pregnant it is best to avoid it. Alcohol can cause birth defects in the baby. It can also, in larger quantities, cause miscarriage.
• Unsupervised use of vitamins: If you are thinking of taking any food supplements it’s best to read-up or ask a professional about which ones can benefit you in your pregnancy. Large doses of vitamin A are particularly harmful to a developing foetus, which is why you should also avoid liver.
• Food you are allergic to: If you are sensitive or allergic to certain foods it is best to avoid them in pregnancy because your baby may also be sensitive or affected by your reaction to those foods. Also avoid unpasteurised soft cheeses and pates, they may be carrying the listeria bacterium which is a danger to the baby.
• Smoking: Babies born to smokers may be smaller than other babies, premature or more prone to infections. Cigarette smoke has been recognised as one of the causes of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (also called Cot Death). Asthma, throat and ear infections are common amongst children whose parents smoke. If you would like help to stop smoking you can contact Quitline on 0800 00 22 00.
• Medicine: Avoid all medicines that are not essential. Consult your doctor to check the drugs you may be taking are safe during pregnancy.
• X-rays: Avoid X-rays including dental X-rays.
• Important checks: Are you immune to German Measles (Rubella)? See your doctor about this.
• Some STIs can affect your fertility or be passed on to your baby.
  If you or your partner think that you might be at risk from an STI (including HIV) go to your local sexual health clinic.

Go green

Eating healthily may seem like the obvious thing to do when you’re eating for two, but looking out for hidden dangers in certain foods is also important. Why not try eating organic food? On average, organic food contains higher levels of vitamin C and essential minerals, such as calcium and iron, as well as cancer-fighting antioxidants. You can also be sure of avoiding any potentially harmful pesticide residues.

Although some organic food is a bit more expensive, it can often be much tastier and the added nutrients will have benefits for both you and your baby. Research has shown that children and foetuses are in a higher risk group if they are exposed to chemicals found in pesticides. These chemicals are now thought to be linked to cancer, so eating organic can reduce these risks and give you peace of mind.

Yes, we’re all getting older but that doesn’t mean you have to look old, too, and there’s an easy way to keep your skin looking young and feeling soft.

First, watch what you eat. Go for good, healthy food, mountains of crunchy vegetables, crates of juicy fruits and maybe some vegetarian options, too, but stay away from the processed, ready-made meals, junk food and take-aways that you know are not good for you.
Second, drink plenty of water and, I know its painful, but ease off the beer and coffee and have a glass of water instead or drink some of the water as green tea. Green tea is a bit of an acquired taste but it is vital to healthy and young-looking skin. It also contains less caffeine than regular tea and far more good things to help you stay fit and looking good all round.

Third, keep your skin clean. Men generally have oilier skin so make sure you clean your skin well every day to get rid of all the dirt that blocks the pores. Go for natural ingredients in your soap or gel and try to stay away from too many chemicals. A good scrub removes dead cells and encourages new cell formation to make your skin look young and feel smooth.

Lastly, find out about sunblock and use a good one when you are outside. Remember, sunshine is not your friend and will make your skin look prematurely old if you let it.

Try this over the Winter and start the holiday season next year with a new, smoother and better looking skin.

But now it seems it is not just down to the fact that fruit and vegetables contain fewer calories.

Tomatoes are rich in the compound lycopene, which scientists believe may help to make people feel more full by lowering appetite hormones.

Researchers from the University of Reading made their discovery by testing the effects of bread enriched with vegetables on a ground of 17 normal weight women aged 18 to 35.

The volunteers were given sandwiches either filled with cream cheese or made with bread enriched with carrot or tomato and asked to record how full they were.

The researchers had expected the additional fibre in the carrot bread to promote the most feelings of satiety or fullness, but instead they found the tomato bread was actually the most filling.

“It was a small study, and we can’t yet say what the crucial tomato ingredient is, but the results were statistically significant,” Dr Julie Lovegrove, a specialist in nutritional metabolism who is leading the project, said.

The lycopene found in tomatoes makes them red and is a key component of the Mediterranean diet which is credited with lowering rates of heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and some forms of cancer.

Dr Lovegrove believes it may too be the reason why the volunteers felt more full.