Praktikos Institute

One of the unfortunate realities of growing older is that, over time, cognitive acuity tends to fade as a result of oxidative stress and inflammation, two of the most significant factors associated with early aging and chronic disease. But new research out of Florida has found that the aging process can be significantly slowed through a high intake of antioxidants, particularly those found naturally in blueberries.

A number of previous studies have demonstrated that increased consumption of foods rich in polyphenols – a potent antioxidant compound, help to lower the risks of cardiovascular disease. A. Tresserra-Rimbau, from the University of Barcelona (Spain), and colleagues analyzed data collected on 7,172 men and women, ages 55 to 80 years, enrolled in the PREDIMED (PREvencion con DIeta MEDiterranea) study.

Antioxidant compounds like phenols and flavonoids scavenge free radicals and thus inhibit the oxidative mechanisms that lead to control degenerative and other diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activity in vitro, total phenolic and flavonoid contents in ethanol extracts and fractions of Crescentia cujete leaves and stem bark.

Increased intakes of polyphenols may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by an impressive 46%, according to the results of the international PREDIMED (Prevencion con Dieta Mediterranea) study.

Polyphenols from apples may modify the bacterial populations in the gut, and reduce markers of inflammation, according a new study from the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited.

Polyphenols found in tea manifest anti-cancer effects but their use is limited by poor bioavailability and disagreeable taste. A new study in the Journal of Dairy Science® finds that when epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the major extractable polyphenol in green tea and the most biologically active, when diluted in skim milk or other milk complexes remains bioactive and continues to reduce colon cancer cell proliferation in culture at concentrations higher than 0.03 mg of EGCG/mL

Our main objective was to evaluate the ability of cranberry phytochemicals to modify immunity, specifically gammadelta-T cell proliferation, after daily consumption of a cranberry beverage, and its effect on health outcomes related to cold and influenza symptoms.

An extract from West African sorghum may provide immune benefits, according to a new study people with HIV but with broader health management potential.

Experts from policy, academia and industry convened during a satellite session at the American Society for Nutrition’s 2013 Advances and Controversies in Clinical Nutrition Conference in Washington, D.C. Thursday, Dec. 5, to review new and existing evidence underscoring the positive effects of cranberry consumption.

The combination of tomato, olive oil, garlic and onion in a sofrito increases the amount of polyphenols and carotenoids. These bioactive compounds respectively help to prevent cardiovascular diseases and cancer. This is contained in a study carried out by the University of Barcelona and the CIBERobn network, Spain, which confirms sofrito as an essential part of the Mediterranean diet.