Zinc Can Cut Colds Short
Zinc isn’t the cure for the common
cold, but mounting evidence indicates
it can be a big help. An analysis of
three randomised controlled trials
found that 70 per cent of patients who
had taken zinc acetate lozenges (80
to 92 mg per day) within 24 hours
of noticing cold symptoms had
recovered on the fifth day, compared
with 27 per cent of patients who had
received a placebo. While that dosage
is higher than the daily recommended
amount, no serious side effects were
observed. Be sure your zinc lozenge
doesn’t also contain citric acid, which
can make it less effective.Dairy Helps Fight
Early Menopause
Calcium and vitamin D have
long been known to work
together to build strong
bones. Now scientists
have discovered that
they may also play a
role in preventing early
menopause, which is
associated with an increased
risk of osteoporosis,
heart disease and otherNEWS FROM THEWorld of Medicine
health issues. In a study of 116,430
premenopausal women, those who
got the most calcium and vitamin D
from food – especially dairy – had
the lowest risk of early menopause.
Supplements did not have any
beneficial effect, perhaps because
they lack the other vitamins, fats and
hormones (such as progesterone and
oestrogen) found in dairy.Driving Can Lower Your IQ
In a recent study of approximately
500,000 people between ages 37 and
73, researchers found a noticeable
drop-off in brainpower, as measured
by intelligence and memory
tests, among those who
drove for more than two
hours each day. The study
also found that the more
time participants spent
watching TV, which, like
driving, fails to exercise
either the body or the brain- the worse their test scores.
If you must drive long distances
to work, consider adding a
mentally stimulating activity
to your commute, such as
PHOTO: CLAIRE BENOIST listening to language lessons.
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