Fitness Factoids: Volume 13
Low Vitamin D
Levels Linked to Worsening Asthma
Researchers at Kings College in London have linked low serum levels of vitamin D to a worsening of asthma symptoms. The study, which was recently released in Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, found a link between low serum levels of vitamin D and an inflammatory marker known as interleukin-17 (IL-17). Researchers set out to test the effects of vitamin D supplementation on asthma for patients who were unable to control their asthma through the use of prescription steroids. Patients unresponsive to steroid treatments often had IL-17 levels seven times higher than those who were able to successfully treat asthma their asthma. Samples were taken from 28 patients suffering from uncontrollable asthma, and researchers found that by adding vitamin D to the blood they were
able to decrease the systemic inflammatory response of IL-17 which is known to cause inflamed airways to become swollen and narrowed.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-22570859
Beetroot Juice Supplementation Reduces Blood Pressure
A meta-analysis was recently conducted to test the effects of beetroot juice supplementation on blood pressure. Beetroot juices, and other foods rich in inorganic nitrates, have been thought to have blood pressure lower effects due to the ability of nitrates to stimulate nitric oxide release, increasing vasodilatation allowing for increased blood flow. After compiling the data from 16 trials that met controlled research criteria the results determined that beetroot juice supplementation caused a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure. Although findings need to be tested long term to greater assess cardiovascular risk, the findings to give one more reason to try Nitrolyze by Species Nutrition, which gives insane pumps, and also happens to contain beetroot juice. 
http://jn.nutrition.org/content/143/6/818.short?rss=1&utm_source=feedly
Cocoa Raises Serum HDL-Cholesterol
A study recently released by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition set to test the effects of cocoa on HDL-cholesterol. Researchers stated that past evidence had indicated cocoa may possess the ability to elevate HDL or “good cholesterol”, although researchers were unsure if it was the flavonoids or theobromine, both primary constituents of cocoa that played the primary role in elevating HDL. Researchers conducted a two week trial that contained 152 healthy participants. Each participant was randomly selected to consume a drink that contained either; one 200ml drink that contained 150mg theobromine and 325mg flavonoids, 850mg pure theobromine, or a drink that contained 1000mg theobromine and 325mg flavonoids. The result concluded that theobromine was able to independently raise HDL levels and is the primary reason for cocoas ability to positively affect cholesterol.
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/97/6/1201.short?rss=1&utm_source=feedly
People Who Exercise Have Larger Brains Later in Life
If you don’t use it, you lose it. According to re
searchers at The University of Edinburgh in Scotland people who exercise have less brain atrophy later in life. Researchers determined that men and women who exercised had less brain shrinkage and fewer structural signs of cognitive decline. Researchers believe that exercise could be a “neuroprotective factor” on brain.
http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/10/study-people-who-exercise-have-larger-brains-later-in-life/264017/
Asthma Symptoms May Be Treated Effectively With Ginger
A study conducted by the University of Colorad
o has demonstrated that purified ginger extracts can be used effectively to treat asthma. The study, which was recently presented at the American Thoracic Society Conference, demonstrated the isolated and purified ginger extracts 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, and 6-shogaol were able to effectively act as beta-agonists, causing inflamed bronchial tubes to relax. Beta-agonists, such as clenbuterol, stimulate beta-receptors causing inflamed and constricted bronchial tubes to relax. Researchers were able to demonstrate that by using specific isolated and purified ginger extracts they were able to efficiently stimulate beta-receptors without the use of medication. Ginger has been used for centuries by Eastern medicine to combat various ailments and illnesses. It now appears that science is finally beginning to unravel the mysteries behind this ancient herb.
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