Fitness Factoids: Volume 25
Toxin Found in US
Rice Causes Genetic Damage
Rice is a dietary staple in a number of cultures throughout the world, and the bodybuilding sub-culture is certainly no exception. However, a recent study conducted by the University of Manchester and the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology has released information that might make you want to reconsider the amount of rice in your diet. In the study researchers tracked 400 people in the West Bengal region of India. The team took urine samples and examined urinary tract cells, which are normally found in urine, and tested for specific micronuclei known to cause genetic damage. Chemical analysis revealed dangerous levels of the highly toxic substance arsenic, a carcinogen known to cause malignancy in the lungs and bladder. This study validates recent concerns voiced to the FDA by the Consumers Union concerning toxic levels of arsenic in our food supply, particularly rice, and apple juice products coming from China as well.
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/crux/?p=3361
Curcumin Delays Development of Type-2 Diabetes
A new study has found that curcumin extract is effective for delaying the d
evelopment of type 2 diabetes in prediabetic individuals. Curcumin is one of the primary components of the spice turmeric and has been associated with a number of health benefits for centuries. Over the course of a 9 month, double blind placebo controlled study, 240 subjects were given either a curcumin supplement or a placebo. Following the conclusion of the study researchers assessed both groups and found that the group that had received the curcumin supplement had improved insulin sensitivity, higher levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine adiponectin, and better overall function of beta cells. Adding curcumin to your daily supplement regimen may help to improve insulin sensitivity and possibly help to increase lean body mass.
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/35/11/2121.full
Blocking Sugar Int
ake May Reduce Cancer Risk And Slow Progression
A new study conducted by researchers at Iachn School of Medicine found that by blocking the absorption of dietary sugar they were able to reduce tumor size. As we know, muscle cells store glucose in the form of glycogen, but when a cell becomes insulin resistant it becomes less efficient and absorbing the glucose from the blood, and can lead to metabolic diseases such diabetes. Cancerous tumor growth can be fed by excessive amounts of glucose in the blood due to insulin resistance within the body. For this study scientists engineered fruit flies to have increase expression of two specific genes known to cause cancer, and then they were fed a high sugar diet. This caused the flies to develop a number of small tumors on top of their heads. After administering three target drugs; two designed to target the expression of cancer causing genes, and one of which blocked sugar intake by the tumor, they were able to reduce tumor size and slow cancer progression.
Watermelon Juice Reliev
es Muscle Soreness Post-Exercise
According to a new report in the Journal of Agriculture and Medicine watermelon juice may turn out to be the next big thing in post-workout nutrition. Researchers are reporting that the amino acid l-citrulline, naturally found in watermelon juice, and watermelon’s antioxidant properties have the ability to reduce post-exercise soreness. In the study researchers split volunteers into two groups and gave them natural watermelon juice an hour before exercise. Group one received a natural watermelon juice drink that was enhanced with additional l-citrulline; while group two received a natural watermelon juice without the additional amino acid contents. Both groups reported a reduction in muscle soreness, and scientists attribute this effect to the high bioavailability of amino acids and antioxidants from ingesting the watermelon juice in its natural form.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/264866.php
Drinking Too Much Coffee Endangers Health
The old saying “You can’t ha
ve too much of a good thing” apparently doesn’t apply to coffee. According to a new study released by The Mayo Clinic Proceedings, individuals under 55 years old who consume more than 28 cups of coffee per week, or more than four cups per day, have an increased risk for mortality, cardiovascular disease, and decreased insulin sensitivity. Researchers found that those who did in fact consume more than 28 cups of coffee per week had a 21% increased mortality rate in all age groups, and those under age 55 who consumed more than 28 cups of coffee per week had an astonishingly high 50% greater risk of mortality. It may be wise to downgrade a cup size or two on your next trip to Starbucks.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/08/130815133455.htm
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