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.
