Monthly Archives: September 2012

Plasma Lipids and Adiposity

Posted on September 20, 2012 by Robert Barrington

The theory that dietary saturated fat and cholesterol are associated with detrimental changes to plasma lipid levels was popularised by Ancel Keys in the 1950’s and 1960’s, and has since pervaded the scientific literature. However, recent advances in nutrition (such … Continue reading →

Posted in Adipose Tissue, Cholesterol, HDL, Insulin Resistance, LDL, Metabolic Syndrome, Triglycerides / Triacylglycerols | Comments Off on Plasma Lipids and Adiposity

More on the Benefits of Beans

Posted on September 19, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Refined carbohydrates are associated with an increase in the risk of developing insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and diabetes, when compared to whole grain equivalents. This is because the fibre content of whole grains is able to slow digestion and increase … Continue reading →

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Breast Cancer and Body Mass Index

Posted on September 18, 2012 by Robert Barrington

The association between body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio and an increase risk of post-menopausal breast cancer has been reported, but the mechanisms underlying this relationship are not fully understood. However, some evidence suggests that DNA methylation might be the reason … Continue reading →

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More on Glutathione and Oxidative Stress

Posted on September 17, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Evidence suggests that ageing and disease are associated with increased oxidative stress. The cause and effect of this relationship is not fully understood, but oxidative stress has been linked to immune dysfunction, increased risk of cataracts, neurodegeneration, obesity, metabolic syndrome, … Continue reading →

Posted in Alpha Lipoic Acid, Antioxidant, Elderly, Glutathione, L-glycine, Oxidative Stress | Comments Off on More on Glutathione and Oxidative Stress

Higher Vegetables Intakes Reduce Energy Consumption

Posted on September 16, 2012 by Robert Barrington

High quality diets tend to contain large amounts of vegetables and vegetable products. The Mediterranean diet for example, contains high amounts of green leafy vegetables, and is associated with a reduced risk for metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. … Continue reading →

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Glutathione S-Transferase Genotype and Vitamin C Plasma Levels

Posted on September 15, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Glutathione S-transferases are a family of phase 2 detoxification enzymes that play an important role in the metabolism of endogenous and exogenous compounds. Compounds that can be metabolised by the GST enzyme family include carcinogens, environmental toxins and reactive oxygen … Continue reading →

Posted in Cholesterol, Detoxification, Epigenetics, Glutathione, Iron, LDL, Phase II Detoxification, Vitamin C | Comments Off on Glutathione S-Transferase Genotype and Vitamin C Plasma Levels

Vitamin Supplements and Memory

Posted on September 14, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Low B vitamin status has been shown to increase the risk of memory problems and dementia in the elderly. Trials using supplements of B vitamins have found benefits to cognitive performance, possibly because B vitamins are required for the production … Continue reading →

Posted in Antioxidant, Beta Carotene, Carotenoids, Dementia, Selenium, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc | Comments Off on Vitamin Supplements and Memory

Weight Loss and Mortality in the Elderly

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Research shows that weight loss in the elderly increases all cause mortality, particularly when weight is lost from skeletal muscle. However, it is often difficult to differentiate between intentional weight loss and weight loss caused by illness, which confounds the … Continue reading →

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Disturbed Sleep and Weight Gain

Posted on September 12, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Some evidence suggests that there exists an association between obesity and shortened sleep duration. The exact reason for this association is not understood, but research has shown that a disturbed sleep pattern can result in a decrease in insulin sensitivity … Continue reading →

Posted in Obesity, Sleep | Comments Off on Disturbed Sleep and Weight Gain

Whey Protein and Muscle Protein Synthesis

Posted on September 11, 2012 by Robert Barrington

Protein can have very different physiological effects depending on its source, and these differences relate to the varying amino acid profiles as well as the speed of digestion. For example, casein and whey protein are two milk proteins with very … Continue reading →

Posted in Branched Chain Amino Acids, Exercise, Insulin, Leucine, Protein, Whey Protein | Comments Off on Whey Protein and Muscle Protein Synthesis