Rob Lutz, Founder & Editorial Director
Carotenoid Combo Enhances Eye-Hand Coordination
Lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin are antioxidant carotenoids best known for their powerful eye-protective benefits. Now researchers believe this synergistic combo also helps improve eye-hand coordination after visual display terminal (VDT) use, according to a randomized, placebo-controlled study in the journal Nutrients. VDT operation can impair eye-hand coordination and smooth-pursuit eyeRead
Link Between Gut Bacteria, Estradiol, and Depression Discovered
A potential new cause of depression in premenopausal women has been uncovered. According to a study in the journal Cell Metabolism, women struggling with depression during their reproductive years have lower levels of estradiol — and the microbiome appears to play a significant role in this connection. Previous research showsRead
Selenium Nanoparticles Destroy Ovarian Cancer Cells
In-vitro studies have shown that high doses of selenium have powerful anti-cancer properties. But until recently, scientists have been unable to test this treatment in humans, as excessive amounts of selenium are toxic. Now a study in Redox Biology shows a promising workaround — selenium nanoparticles. Study Details Using modelsRead
Physical Activity Anytime During Adulthood Protects Cognition
Numerous studies show that regular physical activity helps ward off dementia and other neurological problems. Now a study in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry adds more nuance to the topic, showing that any regular leisure-time physical activity at any period in an adult’s life confers sharper memory and cognitiveRead
Omega-3s Protect Against Severe Covid
People who consume more omega-3 fatty acids — particularly EPA and DHA — are less likely to suffer from severe Covid and/or require hospitalization from it, according to a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. They also have a reduced risk of testing positive for Covid, as wellRead
Nitrates from Water May Raise Prostate Cancer Risk
Nitrates from tap and bottled water may play a role in prostate cancer, says a new study in Environmental Health Perspectives. Spanish researchers studied men with and without prostate cancer to determine the connection between waterborne nitrates and prostate cancer odds. Nitrates contaminate certain water supplies via agricultural fertilizers andRead
Vitamin E Alleviates Postmenopausal Insomnia
According to a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in Nutrients, vitamin E was shown to help alleviate chronic insomnia disorder and enhance sleep quality in postmenopausal women. Insomnia is one of the most common conditions during and after menopause. For this study, scientists wanted to know if vitamin E supplements could beRead
Bacillus Probiotic Helps Eliminate Staph in the Gut
One particular probiotic strain found in supplements — Bacillus subtilis — was shown to dramatically reduce Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in the gut without killing off friendly bacteria, according to a study in Lancet Microbe. S. aureus is a bacterium commonly associated with skin infections. But if it enters theRead
To Help Patients Stop Smoking, Think CBD
For patients who struggle to quit smoking, there is a promising new natural solution — CBD. According to a study in Chemical Research in Toxicology, CBD helps block a key enzyme involved in nicotine metabolism. Study Details Researchers from Washington State University examined the impact of CBD and its chiefRead
New Active Compounds in Lion’s Mane Enhance Brain Health & Memory
Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) has been prized for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for its brain- and health-boosting properties. Now researchers from The University of Queensland have taken a big step in better understanding it, thanks to the discovery of bioactive compounds that increase nerve growth and improve memory. TheseRead
