Arthritis: Certain seed has ‘significant' anti-inflammatory properties - study
Arthritis: Certain seed has ‘significant' anti-inflammatory properties - study
Similar to other medical conditions, research has shown that what you eat can have an impact on arthritis. Experts recommend anti-inflammatory foods including fatty fish high in omega-3 and olive oil. Studies have shown one herb in particular that works to fight inflammation.
One paper, published in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology explains the benefits of fenugreek - also known as trigonella foenum-graecum - on the condition.
The leaves of fenugreek are used as a herb and the seeds are used as a spice.
Both are popular in India in foods such as curries, where the herb can be used to treat certain conditions like diarrhoea, diabetes and high cholesterol.
It can also be consumed as a supplement in the form of tablets or powder.
The study by a team from the Institute of Pharmacy in Gujarat, tested the use of fenugreek seed extract on arthritic rats.
It explains: "With 0.5 mL/kg fenugreek seed petroleum ether extract (FSPEE) treatment, there was 37 percent and 85 percent reduction in inflammation of the paw in carrageenan and formaldehyde-induced paw edema."
It concludes: "Thus, petroleum ether extract of fenugreek seeds has significant anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities which are due to the presence of linolenic and linoleic acids.
"Our studies show FSPEE to be rich in linolenic and linolenic acids with significant anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities in all the models tested.
"The results also indicate that the activity resides not only in the mucilage and polar fractions of seeds as reported by other workers but also in the nonpolar fixed oil.
"Thus, the entire seed may be more beneficial in inflammation and arthritis."
A separate study published in the Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica journal, also showed that the fenugreek seed had anti-inflammatory properties when tried on mice.
It says: "Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects were examined in a partially purified fraction of the trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract.
"The results suggest that the water soluble fraction of herbal origin has significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential as reflected by the parameters investigated."
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the UK, affecting nearly nine million people.
Initially it compromises the smooth cartilage lining of the joint, making movement more difficult and leading to pain and stiffness.
It mainly affects joints in the hands, knees, spine and hips.
The second most common type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, which is when the body's immune system targets affected joints, causing pain and swelling.
Symptoms of arthritis will depend on what type you have, but can include:
- Joint pain, tenderness and stiffness
- Inflammation in and around the joints
- Restricted movement of the joints
- Warm red skin over the affected joint
- Weakness and muscle wasting.
Reference:Daily Express: Fiona Callingham -
Are certain fruits healthier than others?
Are certain fruits healthier than others?
In the US, we are fortunate to have a dizzying array of fruits that fill our grocery stores year-round. They come in all sizes, shapes, and colors, and we have all heard about the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. So, what are we eating them for? And how does the nutritional value vary between fruits? Is there any difference between whole fruits versus juice, fresh versus dried? Let's take a look.
Healthy fresh fruit salad in a bowl on a gray background.© Getty
Differences between fruits
Just like other foods, different fruits have different nutrient values. Generally, whole fruits are good sources of fiber while fruit juices are not. And one cup of fruit juice, even 100% fruit juice, has a lot more sugar than one piece or one serving of whole fruit. In addition, whole fruits are more satiating than juices. When meeting the recommended fruit and vegetable intake, it is better to eat them (whole) than drink them (juice). However, one should not completely avoid drinking juice -- if it is 100% juice -- but you should limit consumption to no more than 4 to 8 ounces a day.
The freezer section of the grocery store is often stocked with quite a variety of frozen fruits. These are often peeled and cut already (like mango), which is convenient and often less expensive than fresh fruits. Frozen fruits are usually picked and quick-frozen near the point of harvest, therefore the nutrients are well preserved. Moreover, some seasonal fruits such as blueberries are readily available in frozen form. The key to selection is to choose plain frozen fruits without added sugar.
There are a number of fruits that are available in dried form, such as raisins, apricots, and pineapple -- just to name a few. They also have good nutrient values, keep for a long time, are convenient to carry around, and are high in calories, making them a favorite for hikers and campers. However, some often have sugar added in the drying process, particularly mango and pineapple. Dried cranberries almost always have sugar added, as they are naturally very tart. Even for those without added sugar, the compact volume and sweetness make it quite easy to eat a lot in one sitting, and the calories can add up quickly.
Some dried fruits like raisins and apricots are also treated with sulfur dioxide to preserve freshness and color. For most people that is not a concern; however, some individuals are sensitive, especially those with asthma. Sulfur dioxide treatment is labeled on the package, so it is not difficult to avoid if necessary.
What about buying organic?
We have much choice when it comes to organic and conventionally grown fruits, be they fresh, frozen, or dried. Nutritionally, there is not enough difference to choose one over the other, though consumers might choose one over another based on farming practices and environmental impact. The US has regulations on pesticide use, but some fruits tend to have more residual pesticides than others, and it is always recommended that you wash fruits thoroughly before eating.
Differences in nutritional value
Different fruits are good sources of different nutrients. Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, and other fruits are good sources of nutrients too. A few examples below:
|
Nutrient |
Major functions |
Good fruit sources |
|
potassium |
fluid and electrolyte balance, maintaining healthy blood pressure |
oranges, raspberries, bananas, cherries, pomegranates, honeydew melons, avocados |
|
iron |
formation of red blood cells, brain growth in children |
dried apricots, raisins |
|
vitamin C |
maintaining healthy immune system, wound healing, antioxidant |
citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi |
|
folate |
DNA synthesis, formation of red blood cells, early neural tube development in the fetus |
oranges, mangos, avocados |
|
vitamin A |
night vision, cell growth, immune function |
cantaloupe |
Besides the above nutrients, certain fruits are also high in flavonoids. This is a diverse group of compounds, some of which are potent antioxidants that protect against oxidative damage, and may reduce the risk of certain diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. In particular, citrus fruits are high in the flavanones class of flavonoids, and blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, and cherries are high in the anthocyanidins class of flavonoids.
So, what fruits should we eat?
As you can see, there isn't one fruit that has all the nutrients, so eating a variety is the key to good health. Try something new! Most adults should eat a variety of colors for about 2 cups a day. Prioritize whole fruits over juice. Eat what is in season, as it will be cheaper. And enjoy your fruits: eat mindfully to fully appreciate the smell, texture, and flavor. Bon appetit!
Reference: Harvard Health Publishing: Teresa Fung, MS, RD, ScD
What is brain-eating amoeba and why does it kill
What is brain-eating amoeba and why does it kill
The temporary closure of a beach in southern Iowa last week raised alarm among residents of the state and neighbouring Missouri amid reports of a rare “brain eating amoeba” in one individual.
Primary amebic meningoencephalitis, or PAM, was found in one Missouri individual who had recently travelled to Lake of Three Fires in Taylor County, Iowa, officials said on 8 July.
While it remains unclear if PAM, also known as “brain eating amoeba”, was present in the lake at the time, tests are currently underway and that individual remains hospitalised in intensive care.
Here’s everything you need to know about the case, and the disease.
What is it?
Brain eating amoeba is a microscopic organism that typically lives in warm freshwater and can cause an infection in swimmers, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says.
The amoeba can be fatal upon entering the brain though the nose, where it can then travel the brain, causing an infection. Such cases are relatively rare however, with 154 reports of PAM since 1962.
Typical symptoms include severe frontal headache, fever, nausea and vomiting in the initial stages, before more serious signs of an infection present themselves. Those are a stiff neck, seizures, altered mental status, hallucinations and a coma, according to the CDC.
PAM does not occur by drinking the water, as the amoeba must travel through the nose to the brain to cause a deadly infection. In fact, only five people are known to have survived the disease in the US.
Although those who have surived the infection are few, they have done so following treatment with a combination of drugs, according to the CDC.
What do we know about this case?
Little is known about the Missouri case of brain eating amoeba, which was first announced by officials at the state’s health department on 7 July.
In a statement, the Missouri health department said the individual was in intensive care at a hospital that was unnamed.
Iowa’s health department said on 8 July that it had temporarily closed the beach at Lake of Three Fires in Taylor County for swimming following the Missouri case of PAM because that person had travelled to the beach and swam.
Ther news release did not say when the person went swimming in the lake, which borders Missouri. It was also unclear when that person returned home.
Where else has it been found?
Brain eating amoeba is traditionally found in warm freshwater bodies such as lakes, with a significant majority of cases since 1962 occurring in southern US states (40 in Texas, 36 in Florida, and 10 in California).
According to Missouri’s health department, the only other case identified among a Missouri resident was in 1987.
George Turabelidze, Missouri’s state epidemiologist, said in a press release: “These situations are extremely rare in the United States and in Missouri specifically, but it’s important for people to know that the infection is a possibility so they can seek medical care in a timely manner if related symptoms present”.
Is climate change at fault?
Studies carried out by the CDC on brain eating amoeba suggest climate change could be behind a number of cases in the north of the US.
Julia Haston, a medical epidemiologist with the CDC, told NBC News earlier this week that rising air and water temperatures could be behind an apparent rise in cases in northern US states.
"It’s an amoeba that really likes warm conditions, really likes warm fresh water,” said Ms Haston.”That’s the concern — that climate change can be contributing to these higher air temperatures."
The CDC also found a link with PAM diagnoses and increases in air temperature “in the two weeks before exposures compared with 20-year historic averages,” leading the authors of the study to suggest that "rising temperatures and consequent increases in recreational water use, such as swimming and water sports, could contribute to the changing epidemiology of PAM."
Reference: The Independent: Gino Spocchia
Infected blood scandal: Thousands of victims to receive £100,000 compensation payments
Infected blood scandal: Thousands of victims to receive £100,000 compensation payments
Thousands of victims of the infected blood scandal are to receive compensation of £100,000 each, the government has announced.
NHS patients with haemophilia and other blood disorders contracted hepatitis C and HIV after receiving blood transfusions, which mainly came from the US, from the 1970s-1990s.
Rosemary Calder, whose 25-year-old son Nicky died in 1999 with HIV after being given a contaminated blood product, said that the interim payments are “important” but for parents, the money is not important.
“We just want our children’s lives to be acknowledged,” Ms Calder added.
Reference: The Independent: Holly Patrick
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