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Magnesium reduces chances for, probiotics help manage, type 2 diabetes Magnesium preventive effects Magnesium is a mineral that plays a role in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body including glucose control. In this study, doctors reviewed 26 articles reporting on long-term magnesium studies covering 1.2 million men and women. Participants did not have diabetes at entry, but some were more likely to develop it. Doctors followed up for an average of 11 years, measuring mag

Understanding blood pressure The two numbers in a blood pressure (BP) test measure the pressure against artery walls first when the heart contracts to pump blood (systolic), then when the heart relaxes between contractions (diastolic). Normal BP is less than 120/80 mmHg, and high BP, or hypertension, begins at 130/80. Phytosterols help control BP Phytosterols are plant-based antioxidants that previous studies revealed had circulatory benefits. In this review of 19 placebo-con

Soy isoflavones improve cognition Many studies support the beneficial effect of soy isoflavones on cognition. Here, doctors reviewed 16 soy isoflavone placebo-controlled trials covering 1,386 participants, average age 60. Overall, compared to placebo, those taking soy isoflavones saw a 19 percent improvement in overall cognitive function, and a 15 percent improvement in memory. Doctors concluded soy isoflavones may improve cognitive function in adults. Reference: Nutrition Re

New research shows echinacea may have anti-anxiety effects. In this study, 64 adults with scores over 45 on a standard anxiety scale, took a placebo or 40 mg of echinacea twice per day. After seven days, anxiety scores decreased by 11 points, or 24 percent, for echinacea and 3 points for placebo. The anti-anxiety benefits continued through three weeks later for those who had taken echinacea, and were greatest in those who began the study with the highest anxiety scores. Docto

Early-Stage Discoveries: Vitamin D, Citrus Flavonoids, Resveratrol Good results in the lab can lead to larger human trials. Here are some of the most promising recent findings. Vitamin D slows aggressive cancer Low levels of vitamin D lead to worse outcomes in melanoma, a type of cancer in cells containing pigment, but doctors didn’t know why. In the lab, doctors discovered human melanoma tumors had low levels of vitamin D receptors on their cell surfaces, reducing the activi

Quercetin lowered BP and improved lipids Earlier clinical trials examining the effects of quercetin on heart and circulation have been inconsistent. Here, doctors reviewed 17 recent placebo-controlled trials examining the effects of quercetin on blood pressure (BP) and lipids in 896 men and women. Overall combined results showed quercetin was linked to an average decrease in systolic blood pressure of 3.09 mmHg, and an average decrease of 2.86 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure

EPA improved cognition in ADHD A new study finds the omega-3 EPA may be as, or more, beneficial than drugs for treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in kids with low EPA levels. In this study, 92 participants, aged six to 18, with a diagnosis of ADHD, took a placebo or 1,200 mg of EPA per day. After 12 weeks, those in the EPA group who began with the lowest blood levels of EPA saw significant improvements in the ability to focus attention and remain vigilan