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VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York - VISN 2
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Spring 2007
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Health Beat - The Latest in Health Research
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Tomato-Broccoli Combo for Men’s Health
Can pizza protect your prostate? If you top it with
broccoli it might, say researchers at the University
of Illinois. A recent study published in the journal Cancer
Research found that together broccoli and tomato
provide more protection against prostate cancer than
either vegetable alone. The
combination also worked
better than a supplemental
dose of lycopene (the pigment
in tomatoes believed
to be a cancer-fighter)
and a drug for treating
enlarged prostates. To get
the same benefits as the
study, researchers suggest
a daily intake of 11/2 cups
of broccoli and 1 cup of
tomato sauce.
Boost Your Brainpower
If you want to keep your mind from slowing down
as you grow older, try folic acid. Two new studies
link the B vitamin to improved brain function in older
adults. In a study published in The Lancet, researchers
followed 818 subjects who were taking either 800 mcg
of folic acid daily or a placebo for four years. At the
end of the study, those taking supplements had better
cognitive functions, such as memory and information
processing speed.
Another study shows folic acid may reduce the risk
of Alzheimer’s disease. Columbia University Medical
Center researchers tracked 956 seniors for six years
and found those who combined dietary and supplement
sources of folic acid had the lowest risk of the disease.
To ensure you get enough folic acid, also known
as folate, eat dark green leafy vegetables, beans, liver,
beets and fortified cereals in addition to taking a supplement.
The recommended daily allowance for adults
is 400 mcg.
For Better Health, Get a Dog
If you’re a pet owner, you’re probably healthier than
your non-pet-owning neighbors. A review of studies
exploring the connection between pets and people shows
dog owners enjoy better health than non-dog owners.
The study, published in the British Journal of Health Psychology,
found strong evidence linking dog ownership
to lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and
fewer health problems.
The study author credits the difference to factors such
as increased physical activity, social contact and the
stress-relieving nature of dog companionship.
For additional health perks, get a pound puppy:
People who rescued pets from an animal shelter also had
fewer colds and headaches.
Two-Minute Trick for Sterilizing Sponges
Worried about illness-causing bacteria in your
kitchen sponges? Scientists at the University
of Florida have discovered a better way to kill germs
on kitchen sponges and scrubbing pads — your microwave.
According to a study published in the Journal of
Environmental Health, researchers soaked sponges and
cleaning pads in raw wastewater that contained viruses
and bacteria, then zapped them in the microwave.
After just two minutes on full power, 99 percent of the
germs were killed.
To try this at home, make sure the sponge or scrubbing
pad is completely wet and does not contain any
metal. The sponge will be very hot when it’s done, so
be careful removing it from the microwave.
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Spring 2007
Quality Health Care |
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| Reviewed/Updated Date: April 19, 2007 |
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