sesame for post-menopausal women

Post-menopausal women who ate as few as 1.7 ounces of ground sesame seeds a day for 5 weeks showed marked improvement in total cholesterol, LDL (the bad cholesterol), and an increase in an estrogen metabolite associated with cancer protection. J Nutr. 2006 May; 136(5):1270-5.

Based on this study, I am assuming that sesame butter would provide the same benefits. If so, you may want to experiment by adding a tablespoon of sesame butter to your oats in the morning, or you can buy an inexpensive coffee grinder and dedicate it to grinding sesame (and/or flax) to add into salad dressings, shakes, or oatmeal.

magnesium & children's asthma

Asthmatic children who supplement with magnesium have less severe symptoms and require less medication, according to a new study. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2006 June 21;[Epub ahead of print].

Magnesium promotes dilation of the airways (bronchioles) and helps relax blood vessels. Children with moderate, persistent asthma supplemented with 300mgs of magnesium a day for 2 months, while continuing to use prescription meds as needed. After 2 months, the children had an average of 28% fewer days of severe asthma and reduced their use of a prescription med by 40%, and demonstrated improved airway responsiveness (an indicator of respiratory function).

Magnesium is a simple mineral and can be found in all health food stores. It has also been shown to improve anxiety and stress and relaxes muscle cramps.

skin health

Lutein & zeanthin, two compounds found in leafy green vegetables, increase hydration, elasticity and surface lipids of the skin while protecting against lipid oxidation, according to a new study presented at the Beyond Beauty Paris conference in September 2006.

The study shows that regular ingestion of lutein may help the skin's antioxidant defense system, which helps protect against damage caused by the sun and artificial light. Lutein & zeanthin have already been shown to help support eye health.

Now how about a side of leafy greens with dinner tonight?