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Higher blood levels of selenium may reduce the incidence of skin cancer by about 60 per cent, according to a new study from Dutch and Australian researchers. Writing in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, the researchers report that the mineral was associated with reduced risks of both basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). On the other hand, blood levels of carotenoids and alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) were not associated with any influence on skin cancer risks, report the researchers from Queensland Institute of Medical Research, the University of Queensland, and Maastricht University.

Increased intakes of vitamins C and E and beta-carotene may reduce the risk of cancer of the uterus, according to a new review and meta-analysis of the science to date. Writing in Cancer Causes and Control, US scientists report that for every 1,000 microgram increase per 1,000 kcal of diet of beta-carotene was associated with a 12 per cent reduction in the risk of endometrial cancer.

Derived from the bulb or clove of the plant. Garlic is used as a spice and to treat hyperlipidemia, hypertension, atherosclerosis, cancer, and infections. Processing can have a substantial effect on the chemical content in garlic; the volatile oil components are sensitive to heat and certain enzymes are acid-labile. Several oral garlic formulations are available, and clinical studies have addressed a variety of the proposed claims. Placebo-controlled trials on the cholesterol lowering effect of garlic yielded mixed results (16) (17) (18) (21) (22) (26). Studies evaluating the antithrombotic effects repeatedly have shown modest reduction in platelet aggregation, but varying levels of fibrinolytic activity. Research shows mixed effects with regard to reductions in blood glucose, blood pressure, or risk of cardiovascular disease (23). Frequently reported adverse events include bad breath, headache, fatigue, GI upset, diarrhea, sweating, and possible hypoglycemia (9). Because garlic is known to decrease platelet aggregation and potentially elevate the INR, it should not be used with anticoagulants or in patients with platelet dysfunction (15). Garlic appears to induce cytochrome p450 3A4 and may enhance metabolism of many medications (e.g. cyclosporin and saquinavir) (12). An analysis of several case-control studies in Europe suggests an inverse association between garlic consumption and risk of common cancers (25).

Active hexose correlated compound acts as a prebiotic and is antiinflammatory in rats with hapten-induced colitis. Daddaoua A, Martínez-Plata E, López-Posadas R, Vieites JM, González M, Requena P, Zarzuelo A, Suárez MD, de Medina FS, Martínez-Augustin O. J Nutr. 2007 May;137(5):1222-8. PMID: 17449585

Dietary cholesterol from eggs increases plasma HDL cholesterol in overweight men consuming a carbohydrate-restricted diet. Mutungi G, Ratliff J, Puglisi M, Torres-Gonzalez M, Vaishnav U, Leite JO, Quann E, Volek JS, Fernandez ML. J Nutr. 2008 Feb;138(2):272-6. PMID: 18203890 Carbohydrate-restricted diets (CRD) significantly decrease body weight and independently improve plasma triglycerides (TG) and HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) . [..] Eighteen subjects were classified as having the metabolic syndrome (MetS) at the beginning of the study, whereas 3 subjects had that classification at the end. These results suggest that including eggs in a CRD results in increased HDL-C while decreasing the risk factors associated with MetS.

Arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid supplementation increases coronary flow velocity reserve in Japanese elderly individuals. Oe H, Hozumi T, Murata E, Matsuura H, Negishi K, Matsumura Y, Iwata S, Ogawa K, Sugioka K, Takemoto Y, Shimada K, Yoshiyama M, Ishikura Y, Kiso Y, Yoshikawa J. Heart. 2008 Mar;94(3):316-21. Epub 2007 Jun 25. PMID: 17591648 doi:10.1136/hrt.2006.113159

Postprandial improvement of endothelial function by red wine and olive oil antioxidants: a synergistic effect of components of the Mediterranean diet. Karatzi K, Papamichael C, Karatzis E, Papaioannou TG, Voidonikola PT, Vamvakou GD, Lekakis J, Zampelas A. J Am Coll Nutr. 2008 Aug;27(4):448-53. PMID: 18978163

Does nutritional intake differ between children with autism spectrum disorders and children with typical development? Herndon AC, Diguiseppi C, Johnson SL, Leiferman J, Reynolds A. J Autism Dev Disord. 2009 Feb;39(2):212-22. Epub 2008 Jul 4. PMID: 18600441 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-008-0606-2

Ethyl-eicosapentaenoic acid for the treatment of psychological distress and depressive symptoms in middle-aged women: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial.\nLucas M, Asselin G, Mérette C, Poulin MJ, Dodin S.\nAm J Clin Nutr. 2009 Feb;89(2):641-51. Epub 2008 Dec 30.\nPMID: 19116322 \ndoi:10.3945/ajcn.2008.26749

A chemical found in green tea appears to slow the progression of prostate cancer, a study has suggested. Green tea has been linked to a positive effect on a wide range of conditions, including heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer's disease.