Binge Drinking and Later Health of Teens

Researchers have found that teens that binge drink at age 13 and continue through adolescence have a 400% increased risk of being overweight or to have high blood pressure by the age of 24 (vs. non-bingers). Journal of Studies on Alcohol March 2004.

Low Carb Diets on the Way Out

A survey by InsightExpress found that fewer Americans were on low carb diets now vs. last year and that interest in the fad diets has probably plateaued. The survey also found that most people would not want to buy a low carbohydrate product because they view a low carb diet as being unhealthy.

Theanine Protects the Brain

Scientists exposed brain cells to glutamate, a chemical released in the brain. Glutamate overexposure causes extreme excitation of brain cells resulting in brain cell death. Supplementing with L-Theanine caused a release of protective substances in the brain cells protecting them from glutamate and preventing their destruction. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, July 16th, 2004.

Melatonin and Cognitive Function in the Elderly

Scientists reasoned that sleep-awake rhythm disturbances had a negative effect on cognitive function similar to age-related cognitive decline. They gave 26 healthy elderly subjects 1mg of melatonin or placebo nightly for 4 weeks. The participants completed a sleep questionnaire and a battery of cognitive tests at the start of the study and again at the end. The melatonin supplementation made the elderly subjects feel more rested in the morning. If they woke up at night but had been given melatonin rather than placebo they fell back asleep quicker. They also performed better on verbal learning testing. The melatonin improved sleep, improved the feeling of being rested in the morning and improved memory and cognitive function. American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, August 2004.