SEPTEMBER 14 2019 LISTENER 37
G
ET
TY(^) IM
AG
ES
suffered from constipation for
an average of 5.8 days, a dose of
powdered rhubarb produced a
much-needed bowel movement
within 1.8 days.
However, you’re probably not
going to be prescribed a rhubarb-
root supplement for constipation
any time soon. That’s because,
A MATTER OF RUST
Rust may be used to create sustainable electric-
ity, according to chemistry professor Franz
Geiger from Northwestern University in Illinois.
Saltwater running over thin nanolayers of rust
can generate a current, by using an electroki-
netic effect. Geiger and his team estimate 100 x
10m² sheets of the nanolayer metal will gener-
ate enough power each hour to run a standard
home. However, the team is initially working
towards creating rust-covered buoys to power
desalination and water-treatment plants.
SUGAR RUSH
Elite athletes have higher rates of oral disease
than non-athletes. University College London
researchers found that despite reportedly
brushing their teeth more frequently than aver-
age, 49.1% of 352 competitors studied since the
2012 London Olympics have tooth decay. More
than 50% showed signs of gum inflammation
and 32% reported that their oral health had an
effect on their training. The researchers believe
this is due to regular use of sports drinks, gels
and energy bars, which are all high in sugar.
FORCE OF NATURE
The mystery of what happened to Amelia
Earhart after she disappeared in 1937 may have
been solved. Researchers working for the Inter-
national Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery
believe that after landing on the Kiribati
atoll Nikumaroro, Earhart and her naviga-
tor, Fred Noonan, died and were eaten by
huge coconut crabs. The researchers tested
their hypothesis by placing a pig’s carcass
on the island and monitoring the crabs.
They swarmed the carcass and cleaned it
in two weeks. Afterwards, some of
the bones were found strewn
18m away from their original
position. Not all the bones
could be accounted
for and it is believed
the crabs took them
into their burrows.
The researchers
suggest the same
thing happened to
Earhart.
The number of new
long-tailed bat
populations found
near Gisborne.
2
during research into
its laxative effect
in animals, Chinese
researchers found that some of
its compounds can be toxic to the
kidneys and that long-term use can
produce adverse effects.
Nevertheless, the rhubarb stalk
is full of nutritious goodies. Along
with the fibre, a 100g serving
of stewed rhubarb also provides
8mg of vitamin C, anthocyanin
compounds and antioxidant
effects.
T
o aid digestion and remain
regular, green kiwifruit is also
a good option. In addition to
the helpful 3g of fibre per 100g,
and 85mg of vitamin C, it also
contains actinidin – a natural
enzyme that breaks down a range
of food proteins faster than our
own digestive enzymes.
Kiwifruit fibre also has a mixture
of insoluble and soluble fibres that
help to create a larger, softer stool
that moves more quickly through
the gut.
Clinical trials have found that
green kiwifruit significantly
improves digestive health,
increasing frequency and ease of
bowel movements in healthy
adults and those with
constipation, including
adults who have the
condition as a result of
irritable bowel syndrome.
It’s amazing how natural
wholefoods can benefit
our gut health, and
all while tasting
delicious,
too. l
Email your
nutrition
questions to
nutrition@
listener.co.nz
It is not rhubarb’s
dietary fibre that
is credited with
promoting bowel
movements.