Research & Lifestyle
Posted on 16 January 2010
A study funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has found that patients with coronary heart disease who practiced Transcendental Meditation (TM) had almost a 50% lower rate of heart attack, stroke, and death compared to a matched group that didn’t meditate
Posted on 9 December 2009
Breast cancer recurrence and overall mortality are lower amoung women who eat soy foods after their initial diagnosis, JAMA reports.
Posted on 23 November 2009
As the vaccine for Swine Flu comes under attack for its possible risks, researchers at the University of Alabama have been looking into another way to reduce the probability of fatality from the virus. They are claiming that the...
Posted on 23 January 2009
A Swedish cohort study of 4921 infants has found that introducing fish into the children's diet before nine months of age decreased their likelihood of developing eczema by 24%. Having a bird in the home also had a protective...
Posted on 24 September 2008
Chinese food has a bad reputation in the UK. The rice-heavy meals and fatty meat dishes are thought to lead straight to obesity and heart disease. But properly prepared, says Chinese food expert Lorraine Clissold, the very...
Posted on 20 July 2008
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Seasonal Eating
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the world is a harmonious and holistic entity where all living beings are viewed in relation to the surrounding environment. Since ancient times, the Chinese have tried to explain different complicated phenomena by creating yin yang or the five element/Phase theories. Man is part of the holistic entity, and takes his cue from nature. He is influenced directly and indirectly by changes in weather and needs to make corresponding physiological and pathological responses. For example, a change of season causes the rate, rhythm, volume and tension of the pulse to vary. The pulse tends to be taut in spring, full in summer, floating in autumn, and sunken in winter. TCM physicians will take this into account when distinguishing the abnormal pulse from the normal. The occurrence, development and change in the pattern of many diseases are seasonal.
Posted on 11 June 2008
Spring and Chinese Medicine
The beginning of Spring is March 21st, the time of the Spring equinox when day equals night. For the next 6 months daylight, the sun and yang principle will be dominating our lives. Spring is a new beginning – the time of year to rise early with the sun and take brisk walks, yang activities, which reflect the ascending and active nature of Spring. This is nature’s birthing season – the time of creation, development and a new start. Like nature, we flourish in this season - it is the time for new growth in our lives, relationships and work.
Wood Element.
In the Chinese system of the Five Elements (Five Phases), the Spring season is correlated with the element Wood, which governs the gall bladder and liver. The Wood element refers to living, growing entities: trees, plants and the human body. They grow simultaneously out and upward, down and inward. The colour associated with this element is the predominant one of Spring – the green of young plants.
Posted on 11 June 2008
Winter and Chinese Medicine
Winter is a more inward and sensitive time when Nature is resting, withdrawn deep into the earth and the roots, preparing for the Spring. Winter is a time of replenishment, rest and reflection. According to the Chinese Five Phase system, Winter is related to the element of Water. The bladder and kidneys, which deal with the body’s fluid metabolism, are the organs associated with the Water element and Winter season.
Posted on 11 June 2008
In a study of 497 men and 540 women, 30 years and older, those with a history of tea consumption of between 6 and 10 years showed higher bone mineral density of the lumbar spine than non tea drinkers, and those with over 10 years history of tea consumption showed the highest bone mineral density in all measured regions of the body. (Arch Intern Med. 2002;162:1001-1006).
Posted on 4 June 2008
Cocoa, a key ingredient in most chocolate products, is rich in flavonoids - a natural plant substance that has antioxidant properties. Some flavonoids may have anti-inflammatory effects similar to aspirin. Low concentrations of these flavonoids can reduce platelet activity in the blood, thereby lowering the risk of blood clots. In a study of healthy, nonsmoking adults with no history of heart disease, researchers at the University of California, Davis, found that platelet activation was inhibited 2 hours and 6 hours after ingestion of a cocoa-enriched beverage. These results suggest that for healthy people, moderate intake of chocolate over the long-term may inhibit platelet activity and ultimately reduce the risk of heart disease.
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