Hot Holistic News

Psychology researchers at Harvard University reported that hotel housekeepers who were tutored on the health effects of their work experienced improved health without altering their diet, exercise or other lifestyle habits. Within a month of learning about the physical health benefits of their jobs, the hotel housekeepers lost 2 pounds, lowered their blood pressure by almost 10 percent and had reductions in body mass index, body-fat, and waist-to-hip ratio compared to housekeepers who were not told about the health benefits of their work.

Fight depression with food

Turns out the old adage, “You are what you eat” is true. Scientists are discovering that the properties of certain foods can reduce the blues, including brown rice, brewer’s yeast, whole-grain oats, cabbage and, best of all, omega-3 fatty acids. Found in oily fish, such as salmon and tuna, walnuts and flaxseed, omega-3s have been found to reduce anxiety, sleep disorders, sadness and suicidal thoughts by up to 50 percent, according to a study in the Archives of General Psychiatry. They are also known to protect the heart and circulatory system. Raw cacao, dark molasses and brazil nuts received honorable mention. For an added boost, get some sunshine, exercise and laugh.

Curry may fight Alzheimer's

An ingredient in turmeric, a spice used in curry, may help stimulate the immune system cells that gobble up the brain-clogging proteins that are the hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Researchers found that an ingredient in curcumin, found in tumeric, boosted immune cells that cleared amyloid beta, which kills brain cells in Alzheimer’s patients. It is unclear if people can eat enough curcumin to get this same effect but researchers said it could be easily achieved by infusion.

Improve your diet, reduce cancer risk

Several recent studies have revealed that what you eat and drink can significantly influence your risk of developing cancer. One study found that excess body fat increases risk for six types of cancer, especially if it’s in the abdomen where it affects hormone levels and growth factors that can influence the development of cancer. Specifically, researchers found a connection between excess fat and cancers of the esophagus, pancreas, colon and rectum, endometrium and kidney, and breast in postmenopausal women. Researchers also found that every additional 1.7 ounces of red meat consumed above 18 ounces a week increases cancer risk by 15 percent, while every 1.7 ounces of processed meat consumed a day increases cancer risk by 21 percent.

Another study of 40,000 women concluded that reducing dietary fat cut the risk of ovarian cancer. There was one catch—protection didn’t kick in until the women had eaten a low fat diet, 20-24 percent of calories, for four years. After eight years, women who continued with a low fat diet cut their risk of ovarian cancer by 40 percent. Scientists believe this effect might be linked to a rise in estrogen that results with fat intake. Ovarian cancer, while rare, is usually detected quite late, making it harder to treat. Only 45 percent of patients survive five years.

Finally, a report found that women who had one or two drinks a day increased their risk of developing breast cancer by 10 percent when compared to women who had less than one drink per week. Women who had more than three drinks per week raised their risk by 30 percent. The findings were consistent regardless of whether the women drank beer, wine or liquor.