Mushrooms may protect against prostate cancer

A study published by the International Journal of Cancer showed a possible connection between regular mushroom consumption and a lower risk of prostate cancer.

The researchers recruited more than 36,000 men ages 40 to 79 and found that men who consumed mushrooms once or twice a week — an average of about 3 ounces per serving — had an 8% lower risk of prostate cancer compared with those who ate no mushrooms. And among men who ate mushrooms three or more times per week, risk was 17% lower. The link held regardless of the men's intake of other vegetables and fruit or how much meat and dairy they consumed.

The findings cannot prove cause and effect, but suggest that mushrooms' high levels of ergothioneine, an antioxidant and potential cancer preventive, may play a factor. For information, shiitake, oyster, maitake and king oyster mushrooms have the highest concentrations of ergothioneine.

Eating More Vegetables Did Not Affect Prostate Cancer Progression

Men with early stage prostate cancer are often advised to increase their intake of vegetables to lower the risk for progression to more serious disease. But now a randomized trial has found that vegetables, whatever other health benefits they may confer, have no discernible effect on prostate cancer progression. In fact, men with early stage prostate cancer did not show benefits from a vegetable-rich diet.

In a two-year study published in JAMA, researchers randomly divided 478 patients with early stage prostate cancer into two groups. Men in the first group were encouraged them to eat at least seven daily servings of fruits and vegetables. They also ate less red meat and less fat. The second group was the control group. But there was no difference between the groups in time to progression to higher grade tumors as measured by increases in prostate specific antigen levels or by repeated biopsy.

The lead author, Dr. J. Kellogg Parsons, a professor of urology at the University of California, San Diego, said that improved diet has been shown to be helpful in previous epidemiological studies, but “unfortunately that is not the case, probably because cancer is a very complex disease and the answer is not as simple as eating more vegetables.”

“The study does not give license for folks to not eat a healthy diet,” he added. “Lots of other research in prostate and other cancers has shown that men who are more robust and healthier in general tolerate their treatment much better.

Childhood obesity

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally, over 340 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 were overweight or obese in 2016.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents aged 5-19 has risen dramatically from just 4% in 1975 to just over 18% in 2016. The rise has occurred similarly among both boys and girls: in 2016 18% of girls and 19% of boys were overweight.
In England, a £400million Government initiative to slash childhood obesity levels by 2020 has failed miserably, campaigners say.

The 2008 Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives strategy had pledged to reduce the number of overweight and obese children in England. But official figures now show that the rates of morbid obesity have almost doubled among Year 6 pupils since the scheme was launched. Fewer than 14,000 10 to 11-year-olds fell under the category when the project began in 2007. Now, the figure rose to 26,158 in 2018/19. 

Ministers brought in compulsory cooking classes in school as part of the pledge and encouraged healthier food choices and physical exercise.

The fundamental cause of obesity and overweight is an energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended. Globally, there has been:   

• An increased intake of energy-dense foods that are high in fat; 
• An increase in physical inactivity due to the increasingly sedentary nature of many forms of work, changing modes of transportation, and increasing urbanization.

Changes in dietary and physical activity patterns are often the result of environmental and societal changes associated with development and lack of supportive policies in sectors such as health, agriculture, transport, urban planning, environment, food processing, distribution, marketing, and education.

While children in low- and middle-income countries are more vulnerable to inadequate pre-natal, infant, and young child nutrition, these children are also exposed to high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt, energy-dense and micronutrient-poor foods, which tend to be lower in cost but also lower in nutrient quality. These dietary patterns, in conjunction with lower levels of physical activity, result in sharp increases in childhood obesity while undernutrition issues remain unsolved.

Childhood obesity is associated with a higher chance of obesity, premature death and disability in adulthood. But in addition to increased future risks, obese children experience breathing difficulties, increased risk of fractures, hypertension, early markers of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and psychological effects.

Simple change in diet can keep eyes healthy

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most common causes of vision impairment among the elderly. The major symptom involves the gradual blurring of central sight, triggered by the multifactorial degeneration of retinal cells. As the disease progresses, certain patients with atrophic AMD (dry-form) might develop macular neovascularization (wet-form), causing rapid loss of vision. 

A study to find out the cure of AMD was conducted in Hong Kong. It enrolled 99 patients with neovascular AMD and 198 age-and-gender-matched healthy control.

It was found that deficient in fatty fish (omega-3 fatty acid) and dark green vegetables (carotenoids) while excessive in red meat (omega-6 fatty acid) in the diet can increase the risk of developing AMD. The poor dietary habits were also associated with the generation of fatty acid oxygenated products. 

“Increase in omega-6 and decrease in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid oxidation elevates the risk of exudative AMD development in adults,” the report says. 

Thus regular intake of high omega-3 fatty acids food such as salmon and flaxseed with rich carotenoid foods like spinach, kale and tomatoes can prevent AMD.

Facts on Mental Health

Good mental health is related to mental and psychological well-being. The following are the facts on mental health:

• The global economy loses about US$ 1 trillion per year in productivity due to depression and anxiety.
• Mental, neurological and substance use disorders make up 10% of the global burden of disease and 30% of non-fatal disease burden.
• Around 1 in 5 of the world's children and adolescents have a mental disorder.
• Depression is one of the leading causes of disability, affecting 264 million people.
• About half of mental disorders begin before the age of 14.
• Almost 800 000 people die by suicide every year; 1 person dies from suicide every 40 seconds. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in individuals aged 15-29 years.
• Around 1 in 9 people in settings affected by conflict have a moderate or severe mental disorder.
• People with severe mental disorders die 10 to 20 years earlier than the general population.
• Rates of mental health workers vary from below 2 per 100 000 population in low-income countries to over 70 per 100 000 in high-income countries.
• Less than half of the 139 countries that have mental health policies and plans report having these aligned with human rights conventions.

Source: The World Health Organization

Air pollution and Bone health

Past studies have found associations between air pollution and conditions such as lung cancer, acute lower respiratory infections, strokes, heart disease and other chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. But less is known about the potential effects on bone health, according to the authors of the paper published in the journal JAMA Network Open.

The study involved 3,717 people aged 35 on average, living in 28 villages near the southern Indian city of Hyderabad. They were recruited for the research project between 2009 and 2012. On average, the participants were annually exposed to 32.8 μg/m3 of particulate matter measuring up to 2.5 micrometers in diameter—which is more than the safe level of 10 μg/m3 set by the World Health Organisation.

Researchers then invited participants to a clinic where they had special x-ray scans to detail their bone mineral content and density.The team found a negative association between air pollution exposure and bone mineral content and bone mineral density.

The team believes breathing in combustion particles could trigger an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body, known as oxidative stress, as well as inflammation. If the air is contaminated, the accumulation of pollutants could trigger immune responses, Otavio T. Ranzani, the first author of the study explained.

"This chronic status of inflammation can damage our bone health," he said. Ranzani said people should keep up habits good for the bones such as exercising, eating enough calcium and maintaining vitamin D levels.

China Pneumonia Outbreak

Cases of pneumonia were detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province of China since December 2019. Preliminary tests indicated the illness may be caused by a new coronavirus. 

According to information provided by the Mainland health authorities, symptoms of the cases were mainly fever with a few patients having difficulty in breathing and chest radiographs showing invasive lesions of both lungs. While only one fatal case has been recorded so far, some cases were in serious condition.

According to the authorities, some patients were operating dealers or vendors in the Huanan Seafood market in Wuhan. Thus this cluster of pneumonia could indicate an exposure link to animals.The Mainland's investigation has not identified any evidence of definite human-to-human transmission and no healthcare workers have been infected. National authorities report that all patients are isolated and receiving treatment in Wuhan medical institutions. 

Cases of fever have been reported in Hong Kong and Taiwan by travelers who recently visited Wuhan, although there is no confirmation that the illnesses are linked.There is no vaccine for this infectious disease at the moment.

The World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend any specific measures for travellers. In case of symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness either during or after travel, travellers are encouraged to seek medical attention and share travel history with their healthcare provider. WHO advises against the application of any travel or trade restrictions on China based on the current information available on this event.
In any case, to prevent pneumonia and respiratory tract infection, it is necessary to maintain good personal hygiene at all times and keep both hands clean. In addition, avoid travelling to places with pneumonia outbreaks, avoid visiting wet markets, live poultry markets or farms. If it is unavoidable, do not touch animals or eat game meat.

Wuhan city, with a population of 19 million, is the capital city of Hubei province, with a population of 58 million people.

Health benefits of Chocolate

Chocolate is a source of nutrients. Both milk and dark chocolate deliver protein, potassium, calcium as well as other goodness:

Milk Chocolate Per 25g

• 1.91 g protein
• 14.85 g carbohydrates
• 0.59 mg iron
• 52 mg phosphorus
• 93 mg potassium
• 47 mg calcium

Milk chocolate also contains 134 calories and 7.42 grams of fat per serving.

Dark Chocolate (70-85% cacao solids) per 25g

• 1.95 g protein
• 11.47 g carbohydrates
• 2.98 mg iron
• 57 mg magnesium
• 77 mg phosphorus
• 179 mg potassium
• 18 mg calcium

Dark chocolate with 70-85% cacao solids also contains 150 calories and 10.66 grams of fat.

According to one study, chocolate contains more antioxidant flavonoids and polyphenols than fruit juice. Polyphenols are particularly good at promoting the neutralization of free radicals within the body, which can lead to damage like oxidization and potential health concerns if left unchecked.

Health benefits of chocolate:

Supports Heart Health

Studies have shown that the antioxidants found within chocolate may help support the protection of the arteries from free radical damage and oxidization. Furthermore, the antioxidant flavonoids within chocolate may support healthy levels of lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation.

Boosts Brain Function

One study found that individuals given high-flavonol cocoa for a period of five days exhibited signs of increased blood flow to the brain. Further studies on the effect of chocolate on the brain showed cognitive-boosting benefits for elderly chocolate consumers. One, in particular, found that chocolate consumption boosted cognitive function in adults from the ages of 70-74.

In addition, as chocolate is filled with energy-enhancing stimulants. These stimulants include caffeine and theobromine, which play a role in promoting improved brain function in the short term, while also boosting a healthy mood.

Promotes Healthy Blood Pressure Already Within the Normal Range

One 8-week study reported that individuals taking high polyphenol dark chocolate showed that it significantly promoted healthy blood pressure levels vs. the same 25 g dose of white chocolate.

Another study took a close look at the polyphenol activity in chocolate and found that it has been shown to have an inhibitory effect on enzymes that can lead to supporting healthy blood pressure.

A third study reported that the flavonoid content may play a role in supporting cellular function within the arteries, leading to support for healthy blood pressure within the normal range.

Promotes Healthy Cholesterol Levels Already within the Normal Range

Some studies have shown that the plant sterols and cocoa flavonoids in dark chocolate were effective in supporting healthy levels of  low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.

Beauty-Boosting Benefits of Chocolate

Since health and beauty often go hand-in-hand, thus chocolate may also enhance our appearance:

Offers Antioxidant Protection

Antioxidants help protect against oxidative damage caused by harmful free radicals and environmental factors while helping fight signs of skin aging.

Supports Skin Hydration

Chocolate is a source of vitamins and minerals that impart some skin-boosting benefits and it may also help support skin hydration. 

Chocolate supplementation can potentially boost collagen health as well as skin elasticity and hydration.

Offers Stress Relief

The effects of daily stress can impact our appearance and our health in general. Whether it is puffy skin under our eyes, poor digestion or the many other ways stress can affect how we look and feel, chocolate may have a role in helping fight stress. It can help promote a decrease in stress levels by supporting the inhibition of stress hormones. Plus, the magnesium content within chocolate is also helpful since magnesium is a well-known mood booster with stress-fighting benefits of its own.

Promotes Healthy Hair and Scalp

Dark chocolate also supports the health of our hair, making it look shiny and voluminous because there are many minerals within chocolate that are excellent for nourishing hair health, each in their own unique way.

Take, for example, iron, which is vital to promoting oxygen transport to our cells. In some studies, iron deficiency has been linked to hair loss.

Zinc, meanwhile, is essential for supporting tissue growth and repair. Proper zinc intake, according to studies, may boost hair growth and overall health.

A healthy lifestyle

      To ensure a healthy lifestyle, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends eating lots of fruits and vegetables, reducing fat, sugar and salt intake and exercising.  Here are 12 steps to healthy lifestyle:

1. Eat a nutritious diet based on a variety of foods originating mainly from plants, rather than animals.
2. Eat bread, whole grains, pasta, rice or potatoes several times per day.
3. Eat a variety of vegetables and fruits, preferably fresh and local, several times per day (at least 400g per day).
4. Maintain body weight between the recommended limits (a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 18.5–25) by taking moderate to vigorous levels of physical activity, preferably daily.
5. Control fat intake (not more than 30% of daily energy) and replace most saturated fats with unsaturated fats.
6. Replace fatty meat and meat products with beans, legumes, lentils, fish, poultry or lean meat.Use milk and dairy products (kefir, sour milk, yoghurt and cheese) that are low in both fat and salt.
7. Select foods that are low in sugar, and eat free sugars sparingly, limiting the frequency of sugary drinks and sweets.
8. Choose a low-salt diet. Total salt intake should not be more than one teaspoon (5g) per day, including the salt in bread and processed, cured and preserved foods. (Salt iodization should be universal where iodine deficiency is a problem).
9. There is evidence showing the ideal solution for health is not to drink alcohol at all, and so less is better.
10. Prepare food in a safe and hygienic way. 
11. Steam, bake, boil or microwave to help reduce the amount of added fat.
12. Promote exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months and the introduction of safe and adequate complementary foods from the age of about 6 months. Promote the continuation of breastfeeding during the first 2 years of life.