CRACK A WALNUT FOR GOOD HEART HEALTH
Nutrition specialists say walnuts are a good source of polyunsaturated essential omega-3 fatty acids, thought to promote heart health. The type of omega-3s found in walnuts and other plant sources, such as flaxseed and dark leafy field greens, are different from the type found in fish but have similar benefits, says Penny Kris-Etherton, a professor at Penn State University. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least two times a week, but the National Marine Fisheries Service reports most Americans consume only about one serving per week. Walnuts and other plant food can be used to make up the difference, says Frank Hu, associate professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard School of Public Health.
DRAMA MAY SPELL BRIEF RELIEF FOR ALZHEIMER'S PATIENTS
Some Alzheimer's patients who take part in drama therapy respond to the make-believe activities by becoming more alert, a study suggests. Older people in mid to late stages of Alzheimer's sometimes become cognizant and "with it" during the therapy, although they then may become "lost" again, says Sally Baily, drama therapist at Kansas State University. She says those who respond can tell the difference between reality and imagination. "We don't know why, and the phenomenon has not been much studied, but people can become crystal clear," she says.
RESEARCHERS STUDY SOY BENEFITS
Researchers say soybeans may carry health benefits, and they are conducting studies to find out just how much. The scientists at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston say one study centers on the potential of chemicals called isoflavones, found in the soy plant, to reduce hypertension in menopausal women. Another two-year study is examining the effect of the isoflavones on osteoporosis or bone loss in menopausal women. "There doesn't appear to be any downside to soy," says Dr. Addison Taylor, professor of medicine. "We should have some idea at the end of the study on how much soy isoflavones lower blood pressure and also on the ways in which this effect occurs."
COMPOUND MAY HELP PREVENT DIABETES
Animal research suggests a compound, if added to fast food, may help prevent diabetes. Agriculture Department chemists have identified a form of soluble cellulose that, if added to high-fat food, appears to slow down fat absorption and reduce the likelihood of developing insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes, they reported at a meeting of the American Chemical Society. HPMC (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose) is used as an additive in many foods and drugs, mostly to provide texture. Adding it to hamburgers, pizza, hot dogs and other high-fat foods might serve as a novel line of defense against diabetes, the researchers say.
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(Editors: For more information about WALNUTS, contact Jennifer Plant at 415-956-1791 or [email protected]. For ALZHEIMER'S, Sally Bailey at 785-532-6780 or [email protected]. For SOY, [email protected]. For DIABETES, Michael Bernstein at 619-525-6402.)
