Latest health news

20 January 2005

New research* suggests fresh cherries may actively reduce arthritic inflammation.

Uric acid causes joints problems, particularly gout. In a study highlighted in Agricultural Research magazine, May 2004, healthy volunteers showed significant decreases in uric acid in their blood and increases in urinary uric acid after eating 45 pitted Bing cherries for breakfast. (An earlier study showed tart cherry juice equivalent to 20 whole cherries could defuse arthritis pain.)

While it’s been said that some enthusiasts eat cherry pie for joint pain, scientists report cooking destroys many of the cherry’s beneficial compounds – so cherry pie won’t do it! However, a delicious cherry muesli or smoothie could be the answer – see our Living Well recipe panel.

*Source: May 2004 Agricultural Research magazine. Research by Agricultural Research Service (sweet cherries) and Michigan State University (tart cherries).

A simple answer to muscle fatigue?

A new report suggests getting the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of magnesium is necessary for quick muscle recovery even after moderate exercise.

Moreover, without adequate magnesium muscles tire more easily and are likely to require more energy and more oxygen to function. So if your muscles tire easily, be sure to get your RDA of magnesium.

The RDA of magnesium for women over 30 is 320mg, and 420mg for men over 30. Great natural sources include wheatgerm and nuts. Get your RDA the delicious way with our fabulous cherry vanilla muesli – see the Living Well recipe section.

*Source: May 2004 Agricultural Research magazine, the in house research arm of the US Department of Agriculture.

Tomato juice helps diabetics – and could help avoid stroke or heart attack

A new Australian study shows tomato juice reduced the blood’s ability to clot in people with type 2 diabetes. It may also help prevent clots that cause strokes and heart attacks in others at risk.

People with diabetes are more prone to blood clots, which contributes to their increased risk of developing cardiovascular complications, according to the authors of a new Australian study.*

Blood clots can cause strokes, heart attacks and other life-threatening problems. However, drinking tomato juice every day reduced the blood’s clotting ability in people with type 2 diabetes say the researchers at the University of Newcastle, New South Wales. It was found that a daily dose of tomato juice over a 3-week period led to significant lowering of the blood’s ability to clot.

In the trial, 20 patients with Type 2 diabetes aged 43-82 years drank either 250 ml of tomato juice or a placebo (a tomato-flavoured drink). They had no prior history of clotting problems and were not taking aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or other medications that might influence clotting.

If the Australian research is corroborated by other studies, tomato juice may also help other people with increased clotting tendency such as smokers and long-distance travellers. Those with heart disease - one of the most widely occurring chronic diseases in the world - may also benefit.

* Source: Journal of the Australian Medical Association (Aug 18;292(7):805-6).

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