Coffee helps prevent diabetes

Coffee has several metabolic effects that help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. In a study of 12,287 individuals, a group of who were aged 45 to 64, after an overnight fast received the standard glucose tolerance test. In an additional 2,434 subjects fasting and postprandial glucose and blood sugar were taken and compared to coffee consumption. Coffee significantly improved fasting blood sugar, blood sugar levels two hours after eating, and fasting insulin levels in both men and women. Coffee consumption was significantly associated with improved fasting glucose, better blood sugar control, and normal levels of insulin (instead of elevated insulin) in both men and women. The research was performed at the National Public health Institute in Helsinki, Finland, and is published in the January edition of the journal Hormones and Metabolic Research.

Commentary by Jerry Hickey, R.Ph.

Studies show it is not the caffeine which helps decrease the risk of developing diabetes but probably the polyphenols.

Pomegranate Extract may have the ability to fight very aggressive prostate cancer

Pomegranate fruit has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. In a previous study Pomegranate Extract was shown to inhibit very aggressive PC3 human prostate carcinoma first by inhibiting the growth of the prostate cancer cells, followed by causing their destruction. In a follow up study, mice lacking immune function were implanted with human prostate cancer cells causing the growth of human prostate cancer. Giving serving sizes of Pomegranate Extract tolerated well by humans significantly inhibited the growth of the tumor and caused a reduction in the secretion of PSA into the serum. The direct application of this research; giving concentrated Pomegranate Extract to men with prostate cancer may retard the growth of the cancer and may result in prolonging the survival and improving the quality of life in prostate cancer patients. The research was perfored at the Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin at Madison, and is published in the February 15, 2006 issue of the journal Cell Cycle.