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J Nutrition Nov, 2007

Here are my comments on nutrition research in the Journal of Nutrition this November. A special welcome to the new readers from the Society for Learning Unlimited. Please be aware of what you put in your bodies - especially legitimate nutrition information.

Quercetin is an antioxidant flavonol found in apples, berries, and onions. Getting enough for a month lowered blood pressure to 137/86 compared to 148/96 in the control group. [ref]

More evidence for vitamin D. Recall young people need 1,000 IU per day, people over 65 need 2,000 IU per day. A new study [ref] explains how vitamin D deficiency in obese women is especially harmful to new babies, and that there are "staggering rates of poor vitamin D status among pregnant mothers". Pregnancy vitamins and most multivitamins are still providing on 400IU - which is much less than needed for long term good health. Deficiency may cause diabetes, schizophrenia, asthma, and other harm. Please click [ref] to read the abstract.

Fortunately, adherence to the USDA Food Guide, the DASH diet, and the Mediterranean Dietary Pattern is god for your health. A new study shows these choices reduce your risk for colorectal cancer by 26% [ref]. Follow these links to read more about the DASH diet, the Mediterranean diet, and the new food pyramid.

There is also a supplementary issue about a symposium about inulin listed at the end of this Table of Contents link, which is a long chain of fructose molecules, just as starch is a long chain of glucose molecules. Inulin is resistant to digestion and acts as fiber, helping good bacteria in the gut and reducing harmful ones. The symposium has articles about its value strengthening bones, increasing your calcium, reducing inflammation, reducing inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer, and generally promoting healthy aging.

Inulin is found in cereal grains, bananas, garlic, onions, and tomatoes. US intake is only 2.6 grams/day, while in Europe people consume 10 g/day.

Be happy. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.