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Osteocalcin may help prevent insulin resistance
Olive oil is good for the bones, suggests a study from Madrid University.
In a two-year project, researchers found that people who consumed more olive oil had higher levels of osteocalcin.
This is a protein secreted by bone-forming cells. High levels of osteocalcin are a marker of strong bones.
One theory is that osteocalcin may help prevent insulin resistance, where the body becomes immune to the effects of the hormone. This has been linked to weaker bones.
Another study, from the University of Athens, found a diet high in olive oil and low in red meat was linked to healthier bone density in women throughout adult life. The researchers say antioxidants may be responsible.
The incidence of osteoporosis is lower in the Mediterranean, where the traditional diet is rich in olives and olive oil.
Electric 'gun' that can help improve vision
RETINITIS pigmentosa is a leading cause of blindness in 20 to 60-year-olds, but until recently there has been no treatment for it.
Now scientists have developed a 'gun' that sends a small electrical current into the back of the eye to treat it.
Retinitis pigmentosa gradually destroys the cells of the retina, the light-sensitive area at the back of the eye.
The new treatment - called transcorneal electrical stimulation - works by stimulating the growth of new cells.
Results of a pilot study showed that patients receiving stimulation had a 20 per cent improvement in their field of vision.
A full trial is under way at Oxford University, with patients receiving the treatment for 30 minutes every day for six months.
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Participants' stools showed an increase in Bilophila, associated with the bowel condition colitis (pic posed by model)
Eating meat changes gut bugs in a day
Altering what you eat for just one day can change the balance of bacteria living in your gut, say researchers.
As well as helping with digestion, 'good' gut bacteria are thought to improve your overall health.
In a new study from Harvard, published in Nature, 11 volunteers aged 21 to 33 swapped their diet every four to six days.
In a new study from Harvard, published in Nature, 11 volunteers aged 21 to 33 swapped their diet every four to six days.
They ate their normal diet for the first few days, then only animal-based foods, then only plant-based ones.
After just one day on the animal product diet, their stools showed an increase in Bilophila, bacteria associated with the bowel condition colitis.
When on plant food, the changes took longer, but also produced more bacteria linked to gut function.
The researchers believe it suggests that certain medical conditions could be treated with dietary changes.
The researchers believe it suggests that certain medical conditions could be treated with dietary changes.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2546943/Olive-oil-bones-strong-Study-finds-people-consume-higher-levels-osteocalcin-protein-marker-strong-bones.html#ixzz2rqsxSP3e
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