Treelet Health provides the latest health news, disease prevention, nutrition and diet, and other professional health knowledge to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Low-calorie sweeteners and sugar substitutes such as aspartame, saccharin, and xylitol have been used since the early 1900s. Past studies show there may be potential health risks to using sugar substitutes, including cognitive issues. A new study provides more evidence suggesting a correlation between sugar substitute use and cognitive decline.
Beta-blockers are a type of medication used after heart attacks. A recent study suggests that using beta-blockers does not improve certain outcomes after heart attacks where the left ventricular ejection fraction is preserved. Further analysis suggests that beta-blocker use may be harmful for women, especially for those who take beta-blockers at higher doses and for women who have preserved left ventricular ejection fraction.
One way scientists think Alzheimer’s disease may be detected early is through eye health. Specifically, scientists have been looking into the retina and its blood vessels in hopes that they could help identify changes that are also occurring in the brain. Results of a recent mouse study suggest distinct vascular changes in the eyes and brain occur at the same time, and that closer eye examination could ultimately help doctors detect Alzheimer’s and related dementias sooner.
Currently, neurodegenerative conditions, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, are challenging to preempt. A large-scale, innovative new study investigates how hormonal, dietary, metabolic, and digestive issues may help predict these conditions years before they begin. The study identifies several conditions that are associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Importantly, the findings also hint at ways to help reduce the risk of developing these disorders.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world. Colon cancer diagnoses under the age of 50 are on the rise for a number of reasons, including eating a diet high in processed foods. Past studies show that focusing on certain types of foods may help lower a person’s colon cancer risk. A new study says consumption of cruciferous vegetables may help decrease colon cancer risk.
Previous studies have identified specific genetic variants that may increase a person’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease, such as the APOE4 variant. A new study found that following a Mediterranean diet may help lower a person’s risk of developing dementia and decelerate cognitive decline. Scientists discovered that this protective effect was strongest in high risk participants with two copies of the APOE4 gene variant.
About one in every nine adults around the world lives with diabetes, with 90% of them having type 2 diabetes. Past studies show that certain lifestyle factors can help lower a person’s risk for type 2 diabetes, such as exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet like the Mediterranean diet. A new study has found that a combination of following a calorie-restricted Mediterranean-style diet, plus moderate exercise and following a weight-loss program, is a more effective way to lower type 2 diabetes risk compared to only following the Mediterranean diet.
Researchers from Karolinska Institutet studied how dietary patterns influence the development of chronic diseases such as heart disease, dementia, and diabetes in older adults. Older adults who regularly ate healthier diets that included vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats experienced a slower buildup of chronic illnesses. Those who consumed more red meat, processed foods, and sugary beverages were more likely to develop multiple chronic conditions over time.
A recent review gives an overview of coffee’s health benefits, considering the most recent data. For most, moderate coffee intake offers health benefits, including decreased mortality and decreased risk for some diseases like cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. There are still factors to consider, such as caffeine intake during pregnancy, decaffeinated drinks, and more research is needed.
As much as 31% of the world’s population has metabolic syndrome. Past research shows that metabolic syndrome can lead to diseases like Parkinson’s disease. A new study provides further evidence of a correlation between metabolic syndrome and Parkinson’s disease risk. Researchers found that people with metabolic syndrome were about 40% more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than those without the condition.
A person’s oxidative health refers to their body’s ability to keep a good balance of free radicals and antioxidants that when imbalanced, could damage body cells. Oxidative stress can be caused by a number of lifestyle factors, including eating an unhealthy diet. Past studies show that eating certain foods high in antioxidants, like nuts, may help lower a person’s risk for oxidative stress. Now a new study says that eating about 2 ounces of almonds a day may help lower oxidative stress and improve oxidative health, thus prolonging health span.
Type 2 diabetes is a major global health concern — in 2017, around 6.28% of the world’s population lived with the condition, a proportion that is expected to rise to 7% by 2030. There are several treatments for the condition, but the global cost of treating type 2 diabetes is projected to be more than $1 trillion by 2030. A new study has found that turmeric, or its active component curcumin, may help people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes lose weight, potentially reducing their need for costly medications.