Natural Health News Round-up
Vitamin D may prevent cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s patients
Vitamin D is known to benefit our health by regulating the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body – which helps keep our bones and teeth healthy. But new research suggests that for people with Parkinson’s disease, the vitamin may help prevent or delay the onset of cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms. According to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, around 60% of patients with Parkinson’s disease suffer from depression, and the research team, including Dr. Amie L. Peterson of the Oregon Health and Sciences University, states that around 30% have cognitive impairment or dementia.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/271409.php
Vitamin D deficiency may lead to stiffening of blood vessels
UV-B radiation in sunlight is the most important factor for the production of vitamin D, and that is why many people suffer from low levels of vitamin D during the winter months. Although certain foods do contain vitamin D, it is not usually possible to get an adequate supply of the vitamin from food. Many clinical studies have indicated that low vitamin D levels are related to cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure, but also other diseases such as diabetes mellitus, autoimmune diseases and even cancer.
Sound sleep linked to lower prostate cancer risk
Men who sleep soundly are less likely to develop prostate cancer, a new study suggests. Higher levels of melatonin, a hormone produced at night which helps regulate the body’s internal clock, were linked to a 75 per cent lower risk of developing an advanced form of the disease. Men who have trouble falling or staying asleep typically have lower levels of the hormone, suggesting that chronic disrupted sleep could raise the risk of the condition.
Red wine ‘protects against diabetes’ – and chocolate may also be good for you
Forget an apple a day – scientists have found that red wine could keep the doctors away. The findings, published in the Journal of Nutrition, say that the compounds found in herbs, berries and red wine may all protect against diabetes. That’s because they are linked to lower insulin resistance and better control of blood sugar. Both help to reduce the chance of Type 2 diabetes, which more than two million people suffer from in the UK.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/health/red-wine-protects-against-diabetes-3038831#.UtzqnU1FDIU
