healthpulse black cumin oil may spur weight loss
Taking black cumin oil for eight weeks helped a group of overweight women shed more pounds than those who took a placebo. Both groups were on similar weight-loss diets. The black cumin group also saw greater reductions in markers of inflammation. Obesity and inflammation are known to be linked. The women, ages 25 to 50, took one-gram capsules of black cumin oil or a placebo 30 minutes before each meal for a total of three grams daily. Those in the black cumin group lost about 6 percent of their body weight in eight weeks, while the control group lost about half as much. “Re: Black Cumin Oil Supplementation with a Low-Calorie Diet Increases Weight Loss and Reduces Markers of Inflammation” by Alexis Collins, Herb Clip, http://cms.HerbalGram.org, 11/30/16
supplements keep older minds sharp Older adults may get a brain boost from two common plant substances, according to new research. Lutein and zeaxanthin—carotenoids that provide color to certain fruits and vegetables—were found to promote cognitive functioning by enhancing “neural efficiency.” That means that participants with higher levels of the carotenoids in their blood drew on less of their brain power to complete memory-related tasks. “There’s a natural deterioration process that occurs in the brain as people age, but the brain is great at compensating for that,” explained University of Georgia researcher Cutter Lindbergh. “One way it compensates is by calling on more brain power to get a job done so it can maintain the same level of cognitive performance.” Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to assess the brain activity of adults ages 65 to 86 while they attempted to recall word combinations they’d been taught earlier. Those with higher levels of lutein and zeaxanthin required less brain activity to complete the test. The carotenoids are easy to find in supplement form. They’ve been widely studied for their positive effects on vision health.
“Plant Compounds May Boost Brain Function in Older Adults, Study Says,” University of Georgia, 11/21/16 ● “Relationship of Lutein and Zeaxanthin Levels to Neurocognitive Functioning . . .” by C.A. Lindbergh et al., J Int Neuropsychol Soc, 10/25/16
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