Caffeine: how does it really affect our health?

When we wake up in the morning, many of us reach for a coffee to kick-start our day. According to the International Coffee Organization, approximately 1.6 billion cups of coffee are consumed worldwide every day.

Lingonberries halt effects of high-fat diet

Lingonberries almost completely prevented weight gain in mice fed a high-fat diet, a study at Lund University in Sweden has found – whereas the ‘super berry’ açai led to increased weight gain. The Scandinavian berries also produced lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol.

Clasado and University of Oxford demonstrate effect of prebiotics on brain and gut in pre-clinical study

Clasado, the manufacturers and suppliers of the second generation prebiotic Bimuno®, and The Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, have announced the results of pre-clinical research demonstrating prebiotics affect the relationship between the gut and the brain. This collaborative research will complement and serve as a precursor to current human trials.

Central Europeans already digested milk as well as us 1,000 years ago

Back in the Middle Ages, Central Europeans were already capable of digesting milk, yoghurt and cheese just as well as us today. Researchers at the University of Zurich’s Centre for Evolutionary Medicine have discovered that the population of the medieval town of Dalheim had a similar genetic predisposition for milk digestion to present-day Germans and Austrians.

Study questions health benefits of vitamin D supplementation

Various studies have suggested vitamin D supplementation yields certain health benefits. But new research published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology suggests that evidence to back up these claims is lacking and that future studies are unlikely to change this outlook.Vitamin D is important for regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorous in our bones.

Does your spouse have type 2 diabetes? You could also be at risk

Although we learn to share many things when living with a partner, type 2 diabetes is not usually on the list. But new research from McGill University Health Centre in Canada suggests that if a person has type 2 diabetes, their partner is more likely to have or develop it.This is according to a study published in the journal BMC Medicine.

Folic acid linked to breast cancer growth in animal study

Folic acid is a well-known supplement to many women, particularly those who are or plan to be pregnant. But a new study suggests that taking large amounts of folate – a B vitamin – and its synthetic form, folic acid, might actually increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

Alzheimer’s defense: omega-3s linked to larger brain volume

Among the myriad changes that accompany aging, shrinking brain volume can be a worrying one. A normal part of growing older, it can also be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease. But the good news is that a recent study suggests people with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids have larger brain volumes in old age.

Combining health and environment

Healthy food products that are produced in an environmentally-friendly manner will boost the health of the Swiss population while protecting natural resources. The National Research Programme “Healthy Nutrition and Sustainable Food Production” (NRP 69) aims to identify new approaches to food production.

Study of evolution of lactase persistence in Europeans debunks calcium assimilation hypothesis

Ancient DNA from early Iberian farmers shows that the wide-held evolutionary hypothesis of calcium absorption was not the only reason Europeans evolved milk tolerance.Most of us grew up drinking milk. We were told it was the ultimate health drink.

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