* Love, Chocolate Good For The Heart Says Cardiologist: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213153957.htm * Fish Oil May Help Prevent Psychiatric Disorders http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/241484.php * Overeating Linked To Memory Loss http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/241589.php * Vitamin D deficiency High Among Trauma Patients http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207133748.htm * Regular Use Of Vitamin And Mineral Supplements Could Reduce The Risk Of Colon Cancer http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203141509.htm Posted by Ani Richardson

  The Cambridgeshire Lupus Group Newsletter has been published, I contributed by writing about diet/lifestyle considerations in lupus “Lupus, Diet and Lifestyle – Is There Any Evidence?”.  If you would like to read the article please download the newsletter: CLG.Christmas 2011 EM The newsletter is full of other news including the fabulous information day that was held at Fitzwilliam College and how Cambridge went that extra mile for lupus!   Posted by: Ani Richardson

Vegetables and fruits contain abundant amounts of phytochemicals, bioactive plant nutrients, which are thought to be vital to the body for many reasons and linked to a reduced risk of all kinds of conditions from heart disease and cancer to dementia and bone loss. The recommendations to eat plenty of these plant-based foods are certainly valid and very important. A high intake of phytochemical compounds has been shown to be important for optimal health and prevention of disease.   A study (1) last year linked high intakes of phytochemicals with reduced adiposity, fat tissue, as well as reduced oxidative stress, a kind of stress that occurs in the cells of our bodies when they are under attack by molecules known as ‘free radicals’. In the body antioxidant defences are important to prevent damage by these free radical molecules which can cause inflammation and are linked to many diseases. Many phytochemicals act as antioxidants in the body.   The authors of this study(1) used a simple ‘phytochemical index’ to determine the levels of these plant chemicals consumed by 54 people aged between 18-30 years. Participants were ordered into normal weight and overweight groups. Dietary records and blood samples were collected. The phytochemical index was a way of comparing the number of calories consumed from plant-based foods with the overall number of daily calories.   The adults in the two groups consumed about the same amount of calories. However overweight-obese adults consumed fewer plant-based foods and subsequently fewer protective trace minerals and….

Study finds different key skills are needed to lose weight and keep the weight off A new study (1) has found that individuals may well need a distinct set of skills for weight loss and for weight loss maintenance.  The authors of the study report that the components of weight-loss interventions that lead to weight loss are fairly well understood but less is known about the components that lead to successful weight maintenance.  The study took place in America and involved around 100 people.  Weight loss was measured as a loss of at least 10% body weight over the past year and maintenance was measured as at least 10% weight lost and maintained for at least one year. The research found that the practices associated with successful weight loss only were: – Participate in a weight-loss program – Look for information about weight loss, nutrition or exercise – Eat healthy snacks – Limit the amount of sugar you eat or drink – Plan what you’ll eat ahead of time – Avoid skipping a meal, including breakfast -Write down what you eat and drink each day – Do different kinds of exercise – Do exercise that you enjoy – Think about how much better you feel when you are thinner   The practices significantly associated with successful maintenance only were: – Eat plenty of low-fat sources of protein – Follow a consistent exercise routine – Reward yourself for sticking to your diet or exercise plan – Remind yourself why you need….