High-fiber diet can promote heart health

Not a health secret, high-fiber can promote digestive health. Surprisingly, now an expert says that high-fiber diet can promote heart health.                                                                                    

According to Jody Gilchrist, a practicing nurse at the Heart and Vascular Clinic, University of Alabama, dietary bulk or fiber from dietary sources such as vegetables, whole grains and fresh fruits can reduce the blood cholesterol levels. It is now clear that the dietary fiber particularly the soluble fiber from dietary sources is promoting heart health directly.

Soluble fiber adds bulk to the diet and makes us feel full quickly after food intake. Soluble fiber helps us to keep control on the amount of food intake. Several research studies reported that soluble fiber lowers LDL-cholesterol levels in blood by disturbing the intestinal absorption of LDL-cholesterol from fatty foods. 

In a balanced diet, a normal adult needs at least 25gm of dietary fiber. The American Heart Association recommends us to take approximately 14 gm of dietary fiber including 10 gm of soluble fiber for every 1, 000 calories consumption, Jody said.

Apple pulp, oat bran, oatmeal, strawberries, bran, oranges, unpolished rice, beans, barley are the richest source of soluble fiber. 

Insoluble fiber is also good for digestive health and prevents constipation. Cabbage, whole-wheat breads, whole grains, turnips and carrots are the richest source of insoluble fiber. 

Make sure to check the nutrition labels carefully if you’re buying waffles and muffins. The manufacturers of these products often list the ingredients like oat and/or wheat bran. Actually, these products contain meagre levels of bran but high levels of fat, calories (sugar) and sodium. 

You can gradually increase the dietary fiber intake by adding fiber supplements in soups, beverages and yogurts. Make sure to drink plenty of water while you’re taking high fiber diet to achieve full benefits.

Progesterone-only contraceptives increase the risk of sexually transmitted disease

Surprising but shocking news to women who are using contraceptive pills, a recent research study conducted by Australian scientists reported that the progesterone-only contraceptivesincrease the risk of sexually-transmitted disease. The pills are found to increase the risk of Chlamydia infection.

According to scientists, progesterone-only pills inhibit the synthesis of Interferon Epsilon, an infection-combating protein present in female reproductive tract. The production of the protein is regulated by hormonal levels such as estrogen and progesterone.

Increased levels of progesterone deleteriously lower levels of the protective protein. However, higher levels of estrogen increase the level of interferon protein. Contrary to the risks in mini-pills, no such adverse events are associated in combined pills that contain estrogen and progesterone.

A research study was conducted by Dr. Paul Hertzog and his associates from Monash Institute of Medical Research, and the effect of mini-pills on Interferon Epsilon was assessed. The study found that increased levels of progesterone lowers the levels of Interferon Epsilon by ten folds and increases the risk of Chlamydia infection. 

The researchers are studying the association of mini-pills intake and risk of other sexually-transmitted diseases such as Herpes infections, HIV, HPV etc. 

It is possible to develop a progesterone-only contraceptive pill with Interferon Epsilon to prevent such complications, the researchers wrote in the publication.

The study results were published in Science, a high-impact factor academic journal.

Edible berries can prevent mouth cancer

A scientific study reported in the journal Food Chemistry has suggested that some color-giving compounds present in edible berries can prevent mouth cancer and promote health benefits.

In a study conducted by Ohio State University researchers, extracts of several types of edible berries were tested in human salivary secretion. The tests were conducted to study the ability of the beneficial compounds that persists even after chemical reactions and degradation in saliva.

The study found two important compounds which are broadly called as anthocyanins are more susceptible for chemical degradation in mouth. However, four other compounds persisted even after chemical reactions in mouth.

The scientists exposed anthocyanins extracted from black raspberries, blueberries, red grape fruits, chokeberries and strawberries, and the anthocyanins were then exposed to salivary samples collected from 14 persons.

The researchers are further studying the nature of breakdown and to ascertain whether oral micro-organisms are responsible for breakdown or by the chemical reaction of compounds with the saliva. They are also trying to determine which is the beneficial for health – degraded compound or the naturally-occurring compounds in berries.

The present study reported the anthocyanins present in raspberry are found to be high and effective against salivary bacteria and cancer cells in the oral cavity.

The research can help the scientific community to develop an ingredient of chewing gums and confectioneries to prevent the oral diseases including gum infections and oral cancers.

Several published studies reported the anti-cancer properties of black raspberries, particularly against cancers of the stomach and mouth. The studies reported high levels of anthocyanins and believed to the cause of anti-cancer property.

All the edible berries are beneficial and unique for their health benefits such as promotion of oral health or intestinal health, said the study guide.