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Active compounds in green tea may slow the progression of prostate cancer, according to one study.
Researchers from the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport found epigallocatechin gallate, a green tea extract that has antioxidant properties, made lowered levels of proteins that tumors use to grow.
For the study, 26 prostate cancer patients ages from 41-68 each took four Polyphenon E capsules per day (an equivalent to drinking 12 cups of green tea) for about a month before they had their prostates removed.
Blood tests reportedly showed levels of three proteins associated with the growth and spread of prostate cancer fell after taking the capsules. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) fell 18.9 percent on average, vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF) fell 9.9 percent and prostate specific antigen fell 10.4 percent, according to the journal Cancer Prevention Research.
HGF and VEGF are produced when tumors spread. Few side effects were reported and liver function of the patients remained normal, according to the study.
Living Healthy After Heart Attack
The American Heart Association offers healthy tips that nurses can share with their patients who've survived a heart attack.
- Establish a balance between rest time, exercise and social time. Take naps when tired, but interact with friends and family as often as possible.
- Give sufficient time before returning to work.
- Talk about your emotions.
- Consider counseling for the entire family.
- Report any chest pain or other symptoms to a physician.
- Consider cardiac rehabilitation and lifestyle changes that include healthier diet, exercise, and eliminating alcohol and tobacco.
Taking Measures For A Healthy Mind
A study published in the June issue of Neurology reportedly shows there are several factors that may contribute to healthier brain function later in life.
According to the research, conducted by the National Institute of Health, exercise, education, non-smoking behavior and social activity are key components to remaining mentally "fit."
The study reportedly compared the cognitive ability of 2,500 people ages 70-79 for more than eight years. More than half of the subjects showed normal age-related decline in mind function and 16 percent had a considerable decline during the course of the study. But 30 percent of participants did not show a change in their cognitive skills, and some even improved on the tests.
Researchers then looked to see what could account for this difference.
Results included:
- People who exercised moderately to vigorously at least once per week were 30 percent more likely to maintain a sharp mind than those who did not workout as often.
- Those with at least a high school education were almost three times more likely to keep their cognitive ability than those without this education. Those who had a ninth-grade literacy level were nearly five times more likely to maintain the ability. (A specific word recognition test was administered during the study to assess the subject's literacy level.)
- Non-smokers were almost twice as likely to stay quick-minded as those who smoked.
- Subjects who volunteered, worked or lived with someone were 24 percent more likely to keep cognitive function.
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