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The benefits of green tea in reducing an important risk factor for heart disease

A recent study found that green tea rapidly improves the function of endothelial cells lining the circulatory system. The consumption of green tea resulted in increased brachial artery dilatation, indicating improved endothelial function. This is significant as endothelial dysfunction is a key event in the progression of atherosclerosis.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation·DateJul 2, 2008

New study: Pycnogenol improves memory in elderly

A double-blind study found Pycnogenol improved both numerical and spatial working memory in senior citizens. The antioxidant extract reduced oxidative stress markers, indicating a potential role in preserving or enhancing mental functions.

SourceMWW Group·JournalJournal of Psychopharmacology·DateMar 17, 2008

Antioxidant benefits of POM Wonderful 100% pomegranate juice top red wine, grape and acai juices

A recent study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry found that POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice has superior antioxidant power compared to other beverages. The juice ranked higher than red wine, Concord grape, blueberry, and orange juices in terms of phenolic content and antioxidant activity.

SourcePOM Wonderful·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateFeb 28, 2008

Ripe fruit preferred

Researchers found that breakdown of chlorophyll in ripening fruits produces highly active antioxidants called nonfluorescing chlorophyll catabolytes (NCCs). These NCCs are effective against oxidative stress and may play a role in human health. The study suggests that consuming ripe fruits regularly can provide potential health benefits.

SourceWiley·DateNov 6, 2007

How vitamin C stops the big 'C'

A Johns Hopkins study found that vitamin C and other antioxidants can inhibit the growth of some tumors in mice, but not by preventing DNA damage. Instead, they may stabilize a tumor's ability to grow under oxygen-starved conditions by disrupting a protein called HIF-1.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCancer Cell·DateSep 10, 2007

Native fruits bear sweet antioxidants

Twelve native Australian fruits have been found to be exceptional sources of antioxidants, surpassing blueberries in radical scavenging activities. The study confirms the potential of Australia's native food industry, estimated to be worth $14 million annually, with research aimed at developing new phytochemicals for use in foods.

Studies force new view on biology of flavonoids

Researchers found that flavonoids are poorly absorbed by the body and rapidly metabolized, unlike vitamins C and E. However, they can influence cell signaling pathways and gene expression, potentially preventing cancer and heart disease. A moderate intake of flavonoids from fruits and vegetables may be sufficient.

SourceOregon State University·JournalFree Radical Biology and Medicine·DateMar 5, 2007

Honeydew honeys are better antioxidants than nectar honeys

Researchers found that honeydew honeys have greater antioxidant properties than nectar honeys due to their high polyphenol content and other chemical characteristics. The study suggests that honeydew honeys could be a valuable source of natural antioxidants for health benefits.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateFeb 21, 2007

Antioxidants: New kid on the block for pain relief?

Researchers found that synthetic antioxidants significantly reduced pain-like behavior in mice with inflamed hind paws, with 70-90% reduction during acute phase and 78-98% reduction during tonic phase. This suggests that antioxidants may fight chronic pain by helping the body break down free radicals.

SourceOhio State University·JournalBehavioural Brain Research·DateNov 7, 2006

New treatment approach holds promise for children infected by dangerous respiratory virus

Researchers at UTMB have developed an antioxidant treatment that reduces oxidative stress and inflammation caused by RSV, a common and dangerous early-childhood infection. The treatment, tested on laboratory mice, also lowers asthma-like symptoms after the virus has been cleared.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 16, 2006

Pine tree bark reduces diabetic leg ulcers

A study found that Pycnogenol heals diabetic leg ulcers by improving blood circulation and reducing tissue necrotization. Patients treated with oral and local Pycnogenol experienced a significant decrease in ulcer size and had higher oxygen presence in the skin.

SourceMWW Group·JournalClinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis·DateSep 5, 2006

Antioxidants may slow vision loss

Scientists at Johns Hopkins have successfully blocked the advance of retinal degeneration in mice with antioxidants, including vitamin E and alpha-lipoic acid. The study found that high oxygen levels in the retina kill cone photoreceptors, which are critical to central vision.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 19, 2006

Nutritional friend or foe? Vitamin E sends mixed messages

Researchers found that gamma-tocopherol, commonly consumed through corn and soybean oil, destroys animal cells by preventing proper protein folding. In contrast, alpha-tocopherol does not have this effect. The study suggests a possible evolutionary explanation for the body's preference for alpha-tocopherol.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 2, 2006

Red kiwi poised to make a healthy debut

The red kiwi has been found to have a promising nutritional profile, making it a potential addition to the diet for its high antioxidant content and low calorie count. The fruit's vibrant red color is also attributed to the presence of anthocyanins, which have been linked to several health benefits.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateNov 9, 2005