HLife | Healthy Living Redefined

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Breast Cancer: Turmeric and pepper could help prevent breast cancer, a study revealed.  Compounds in these spices may limit the growth of stem cells, the small number of cells that fuel a tumor’s growth, according to researcher published online in the journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment. Another study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that although there is a concern regarding the safety of soy food consumption among breast cancer survivors because of a chemical in soy that mimics estrogen, women in China who had breast cancer and a higher intake of soy food had a lower risk of death and breast cancer recurrence.  “Patients with breast cancer can be assured that enjoying a soy latte or indulging in pad thai with tofu causes no harm and, when consumed in plentiful amounts, may reduce risk of disease recurrence,” said the researchers. Finally, research from a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences established, for the first time, that isolation and stress could be a factor in human breast cancer risk. Fortunately, all of these are factors we can influence through diet and lifestyle choices.

Dental: Looks like you may not need to get all that silvery-colored stuff out of your teeth after all. A new study on mercury-based cavity fillings, used to repair teeth for over a century, suggests that the surface forms of mercury may be less toxic than previously thought.  Though the scientists caution that exposure to mercury is still of concern, aged fillings contain a type of mercury called beta-mercuric sulfide, which is unlikely to be toxic to the body. The study was published online in ACS’ journal Chemical Research in Toxicology.

Alcohol: The myth about the sobering powers of coffee has just been debunked. According to research reported in the journal Behavioral Neuroscience, the alcohol-caffeine combo may be worse: Not only will a cup of coffee not sober you up; instead, it may make it harder to realize you’re drunk and put you in dangerous situations you think you can handle but really can’t, like driving while intoxicated. The same goes for other caffeine drinks.  “The alcohol-energy drink combinations have skyrocketed in popularity,” said study author Thomas Gould, PhD. “The bottom line is that, despite the appeal of being able to stay up all night and drink, all evidence points to serious risks associated with caffeine-alcohol consumption.”  By the way, under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, a substance added intentionally to food (such as caffeine in alcoholic beverages) is deemed unsafe and against the law.

Parenting: The good news – parents are more involved in their grown children’s lives than ever. The bad news – they’re still playing favorites.  According to a study published in this month’s Journal of Marriage and Family, help like financial assistance, helping with tasks, giving advice, emotional support, listening and participating in social activities has increased compared to 20 years ago.  The researchers said that this was probably due to the current professional and relational landscape, where a lot of skill and training is required to be successful (compared to decades ago,) and where many young adults find it more difficult to find life partners and postpone marriage until they are older.  Parents help with money and support, but, surprisingly, they tend to help the most successful child, not the youngest or the most disadvantaged. This may be because these children’s achievements are a reflection on the parent.

Psychology: Thinking about giving money as a gift to your employees for the holidays? Think again.  A study to be published in the upcoming issue of Psychological Science shows that people’s idea of what’s fair distribution of resources is particularly tricky when it comes to money.  Gifts that have their own intrinsic value – like food or vacation days – people consider as fair. But something that is only valuable when it is exchanged – such as money or credit card reward points – people tend to feel they should receive according to what they have contributed. Maybe a day off would be a better present than that gift certificate.

Lungs: Pistachio lovers be happy. According to data presented at the American Association for Cancer research Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research Conference, a daily dose of pistachios may help reduce risk of lung and other cancers. The green guys are known to provide heart-healthy benefits by producing a cholesterol-lowering effect as well as antioxidants typically found in plant foods. Now, researchers have found that pistachios are a good source of gamma-tocopherol, a chemical that protects agains some cancers. The same goes for peanuts, pecans, walnuts and soybeans – but remember that these foods also have fat (good fat, but still,) so eat in moderation. The researchers said 2 ounces per day would be beneficial without adding significant changes in body mass index.  We’ll take it!