Eating grapefruit does help weight loss, could prevent diabetesJanuary 28, 2004Early results from US researchers suggests that eating grapefruit really does help people lose weight, and could help reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Writing in Chemistry & Industry Magazine, Marina Murphy reports on a pilot study of one hundred obese patients at the Scripps Clinic in San Diego. The group who ate half a grapefruit with each meal lost an average of 3.6 lb (1.6kg) over twelve weeks, compared with a placebo group who lost an average 0.5lb (0.2kg). Some patients lost as much as 10lbs. After the meal, the "grapefruit groups" also had reduced levels of insulin, the hormone which enables the body to metabolise sugars. Glucose levels were also lower, suggesting a more efficient sugar metabolism. "This is the first study linking grapefruit with reduced insulin levels," says Ken Fujioka who led the group. The researchers say the weight loss is likely to be linked to the lower insulin level, and are considering future research to investigate whether this will be of use in diabetes prevention and treatment. "This could be a potentially exciting discovery we'll be following any further research in this area closely" - Diabetes UK Grapefruit is already known to affect the metabolism of some drugs. It improves the efficiency of common oral medications such as those taken for blood pressure, sedatives and some immuno-suppressants. A full copy of the article is available from the SCI Press Office: Email: press@soci.org. Tel 020 7 598 1573 or 1571 FEATURES When pesticides might actually be good for you Recently WWF reported the results of their survey showing that there are tiny amounts of pesticides in most people's blood. But these chemicals might be doing us some good, according to Chemistry & Industry's Richard Butler. The "hormesis effect" could explain why farmers and others who are constantly exposed to pesticides have the lowest levels of cancer. The article looks at the work currently being done by toxicologists and drug researchers on hormesis, including new cancer drugs that deliberately trigger the body's defence mechanism. "More research will bring a greater understanding of this concept and with it, perhaps, a complete rethink of everything we think we know about toxicity." Society of Chemical Industry |
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| Related Pesticide Current Events and Pesticide News Articles An inexpensive 'dipstick' test for pesticides in foods Scientists in Canada are reporting the development of a fast, inexpensive "dipstick" test to identify small amounts of pesticides that may exist in foods and beverages. Pesticides exposure linked to suicidal thoughts A new study in China has found that people with higher levels of pesticide exposure are more likely to have suicidal thoughts. Getting plants to rid themselves of pesticide residues Scientists in China have discovered that a natural plant hormone, applied to crops, can help plants eliminate residues of certain pesticides. The study is in the current issue of ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a bi-weekly publication. Study shows more corn for biofuels would hurt water More of the fertilizers and pesticides used to grow corn would find their way into nearby water sources if ethanol demands lead to planting more acres in corn, according to a Purdue University study. New computing tool could lead to better crops and pesticides say researchers A new computing tool that could help scientists predict how plants will react to different environmental conditions in order to create better crops, such as tastier and longer lasting tomatoes, is being developed by researchers. Getting plants to rid themselves of pesticide residues Scientists in China are reporting the "intriguing" discovery that a natural plant hormone, applied to crops, can help plants eliminate residues of certain pesticides. Organic weed control for dandelions Spring and summer often find homeowners out in their yards, busily attempting to control the onslaught of dandelions in a quest for green, weed-free lawns. Environmental effects of cold-climate strawberry farming Strawberries are America's fifth-favorite fruit, according to consumption rates. California and Florida grow more than 95% of the nation's strawberries; an additional 12,000 acres are planted in other states. Pesticides -- easier detection of pollution and impact in rivers The long-term effects of pesticides on living organisms in rivers and on water quality can now be assessed more easily. Pitt research suggests EPA pesticide exposure test too short, overlooks long term effects The four-day testing period the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) commonly uses to determine safe levels of pesticide exposure for humans and animals could fail to account for the toxins' long-term effects, University of Pittsburgh researchers report in the September edition of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. More Pesticide Current Events and Pesticide News Articles |
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