FISH OIL REDUCES
HARM FROM AIR POLLUTION
Taking fish oil can reduce the inflammation,
harmful blood clotting, elevated levels of stress
hormones, and unhealthy function of blood
vessels caused by air pollution. That’s what a
study by American and Chinese researchers found
when they compared the effects of fish oil and a
placebo in a group of 65 healthy Chinese college
students for 4 months. Researchers measured
effects of exposure to microscopic particulate
matter (PPM 2.5), which comes from vehicle
exhaust and increases risk for heart disease.
The daily dose of fish oil was 2.5 grams.Food Additive Contributes
to Weight Gain and Diabetes
A common food additive disturbs normal metabolism in a way that
increases the risk for weight gain and diabetes, according to new Harvard
University studies on both animals and humans. Called propionate, it’s used
as a preservative to prevent mold from forming in bread and other foods.
Propionate alters hormones involved in the breakdown of starch and
sugar, causing higher levels of blood sugar and insulin after eating foods that
contain the additive. And elevated insulin leads to greater fat storage, higher
blood pressure and cholesterol, and diabetes.
What to look for on food labels: Propionate is typically
listed as “calcium propionate” or “sodium propionate.”
It’s widely used in breads, buns, other baked
goods, some processed meats, desserts, and
some sports drinks and other beverages.Big Coffee Question ANSWERED
Coffee is a significant source of antioxidants in the American diet, and multiple studies have found health benefits from drinking it, including less
incidence of diabetes and cancer, better mental function, and decreased risk for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. But how much is beneficial?
Researchers in Australia looked at the coffee habits and health of more than 347,000 adults between the ages of 37 and 73. They found that up to
5 cups of coffee daily (about 8 ounces per cup) is therapeutic for most people. More than that can lead to increased blood pressure and heightened
risk for heart disease (as a result of too much caffeine). If you feel jittery after drinking a lot of coffee, you’ve exceeded your personal threshold.(^8) • JULY
trendWATC H
13,000+ Lawsuits
Monsanto, the maker of Roundup, the
popular weed killer with glyphosate as its
main ingredient, is facing more than 13,
lawsuits alleging that the chemical caused
cancer. So far, juries have ruled in three
cases, all against the company, with over
$2 billion in damages awarded to plaintiffs.
BN0719_D_Trendwatch_JS.indd 8 5/30/19 2:11 PM