 Okay, it’s not as simple as that. But it’s not as far off as you might think either.
Cognitive decline is associated with aging. Without prevention or interventions to delay it, that cognitive decline could progress to mild cognitive impairment and even Alzheimer’s. Nutrition can be one tool to prevent that from happening. And carotenes may be one of those nutrients. This study included 2,009 people over 60. It measured dietary intake of alpha and betacarotene and evaluated cognitive function using three cognitive tests. Compared to people who got the least betacarotene in their diet, those who got the most were at significantly lower risk of cognitive decline on two scales. Those who got the second most were at significantly lower risk on the other. Those who got the most alphacarotene had a significantly lower risk of cognitive decline on one. This study suggests that a diet rich in alpha and betacarotenes may significantly slow cognitive decline. Great sources of betacarotene include green leafy vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, apricots and peppers. Great sources of alphacarotene include green leafy vegetables, carrots, squash, corn, watermelon, peppers, potatoes, apples and peaches. You can also increase your carotene intake with supplements. Nutrients. 2023;15(1),239.
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 Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or enlarged prostate, will affect the quality of life of more than half of all men in their lifetime. 90% of men over 85 suffer through it. This just published study suggests a novel new way of improving it.
This double-blind study included 80 men between the ages of 50 and 80 with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Men with low vitamin D were given 50,000 IU vitamin D for 8 weeks and480mg of silymarin, the active ingredient in the herb milk thistle, for 3 months. The combined herbal-vitamin treatment significantly improved International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS), the amount of urine left in the bladder after urinating (PVR), prostate size, irritation and obstruction. The vitamin D and the silymarin each individually significantly improved IPSS, PVR and obstruction. Vitamin D also improved irritation, and silymarin improved prostate volume (size). This study suggests that vitamin D and silymarin can improve the symptoms of enlarged prostate and, intriguingly, even shrink the prostate. Urologia. 2024 Sep 2:3915603241274467.  The mainstream media has been full of reports on a study that found that fizzy drinks and fruit juice increase the risk of stroke. Let’s delve deeper into that study.
The mainstream media reports of the study are true, but they are misleading. They make it sound like the “fizzy” and the “fruit” are the culprits. But they’re not. The study was based on analyses of two studies in the massive INTERSTROKE research project, which included 26,950 people. It indeed found that fizzy drinks were linked to a 22% increase in the risk of stroke. It also found that the risk went up steeply with 2 or more fizzy drinks a day. But before you throw your sparkling water away, the risk came from sugar sweetened and artificially sweetened carbonated drinks, like sodas. The culprit seems to be the sweetener, not the fizz. Fruit juice was found to increase the risk of stroke by 37%. Two drinks of fruit juice a day triples the risk. But, as lead researcher Andrew Smyth explains, “Not all fruit drinks are created equal – freshly squeezed fruit juices are most likely to bring benefits, but fruit drinks made from concentrates, with lots of added sugars and preservatives, may be harmful.” Once again, the culprit seems to be the sweeteners and preservatives and not the fruit, which has lots of health benefits. There was also mixed news for coffee drinkers. While drinking 4 or more cups of coffee a day was associated with a 37% increased risk of stroke, drinking less than that amount was not. This finding should not come as a surprise. Although coffee has metamorphosized from an unhealthy indulgence to something of a health food, the research has consistently pointed to a healthy sweet spot. And that sweet spot has consistently suggested a cut off around four. Research has consistently shown that up to 3 cups a day help you live longer but that at about 4 cups a day, the risk of dying from any cause goes up. Further research has also found negative effects of coffee at 6 cups a day (Clin Nutr. 2020;39(11):3467-76). The good news that was less frequently reported in the mainstream media was that drinking more than 7 cups (56 ounces) of water a day reduces the risk of stroke by 18%. The other good news that should not surprise you is that drinking 3-4 cups a day of tea protects you from strokes. In this study, black tea reduced the risk by 29% and green tea reduced it by 27%. But, don’t add milk to your tea. The benefits of tea disappeared when people added milk, possibly because milk blocks the beneficial effects of the antioxidants in tea. The inhibitory effect of milk is also consistent with lots of previous research that has found that milk neutralizes the antioxidant effects of coffee, tea and dark chocolate. So, the takeaway from this new study is that there is not much that is new. The huge study adds to the evidence that soda and sweetened drinks are bad for you. Drink coffee in moderation: less than 4 cups a day is good for you; more than 4 cups a day is not. Enjoy 100% fruit juice, lots of water and lots of tea. Finally, when you enjoy your coffee or tea, don’t add milk or sweeteners.  Fair Trade is celebrated in October and is a time to recognize efforts of consumers, businesses, and advocates in supporting Fair Trade. Fair Trade is a model of trade that aims to be based on partnership and collaboration, rather than exploitation.
Choosing Fair Trade is more than buying and selling products, more than being a business partner, an advocate, or farmer. When we choose Fairtrade, we participate in a vision for a better world — a world where farmers and workers have an equal seat at the table. We become part of a movement for change that makes a difference. We embody Fairtrade's values of equality, dignity, and respect. Together we can be Fairtrade. The Fairtrade certification system covers a growing range of products, including bananas, honey coffee, oranges, cocoa bean, cocoa, cotton, dried and fresh fruits and vegetables, juices, nuts and oil seeds, quinoa, rice, spices, sugar, tea and wine. Explore the Issues Fairtrade AddressesPoverty A decent standard of living — one that covers basic needs and supports an existence worthy of human dignity — is a human right. And yet. many farmers and workers live on less than $2 per day and depend on a single source of income from a cash crop. On top of that, farmers typically just get on paycheck per year—after the harvest. This means that they have to stretch this one payment for all business and household needs like transportation, food, clothing, and school fees for the entire year. It leaves little room for unexpected expenses like mitigating the effects of climate change. Not only is this an injustice, it is also unsustainable. Without farmers and workers in the Global South, we would not have things we rely on in our daily lives like coffee, bananas, and tea. Child Labor Rights and Safety Child labor is work that is harmful to a child's health and wellbeing. and/or interferes with their education, leisure and development. This complex issue affects children all over the world— especially in agriculture. Child labor stops young people from being able to go to school, play with their friends and get the nutrition they need. The grim reality is that many of these children spend their childhood in dangerous or harmful conditions like hazardous environments, slavery and trafficking, or forced labor. The rates are alarming, but because this is so difficult to track, it is believed they could be much higher. Child labor caused by many things. Limited access to quality education, natural disasters, conflict, and discrimination are just a few. However, poverty is a key driver in this injustice. When families can't earn a decent living from their crops and youth lack decent employment opportunities, ending child labor remains very difficult. Workers' Rights Workers—people working on large farms or in factories that do not own the business—face incredible adversity in the Global South. At best, most workers lack formal contracts, freedom of association and basic health and safety precautions. This is compounded by earning low wages. Some are vulnerable to the other abuses such as human trafficking or debt bondage. Even employers with good intentions can find that they don't earn enough to pay a living wage or invest in better equipment or safer working conditions. Trade is neither just nor sustainable without prioritizing workers' rights. Gender Inequality Around the world, women are not treated equitably. This looks different from country to country and region to region, but the root problem is the same. Thought women make up the majority of people producing food, they rarely receive their share of the benefits of their hard labor. Women in agricultural communities where we work often:
Climate Change For farmers and workers in countries with low GDP—Gross Domestic Product— climate change is not far-off challenge. It is their everyday life. They are already experiencing decreasing crop yields, soil erosion, pests, diseases and changing weather patterns. This changing reality affects farmers and their communities directly in the form of:
To find out more about these issues and how Fairtrade helps address them check out their website. Agriculture is the single largest source of revenue globally, and Fairtrade supports a fair deal for the farmers and workers who grow our food.
So come shop our Fairtrade Certified selections at The Whole Wheatery! Just look for the label and you'll be taking part in the Fairtrade movement.  Better for people. Better for the planet. Better with the Butterfly. Non-GMO month is a time to celebrate transparency in our food system, support biodiversity, and protect our genetic inheritance for future generations. The Non-GMO Project believes that everyone has a right to know how their food was grown. As a nonprofit organization, their mission is to provide rigorous product verification and trustworthy education that empowers people to care for themselves, the planet and future generations. What are GMOs? A GMO, or genetically modified organism, is a plant, animal, or microorganism that has been subjected to biotechnology. Bitotechnology includes techniques such as using synthetic genetic sequences to change the organism's genetic material (i.e., DNA or RNA), or forcing the combination of very unrelated organisms that would not normally reproduce in nature. GMO developers use biotechnology to alter an organism's fundamental characteristics. Why back the Butterfly? Non-GMO Project Verified products are all working towards the common goal – GMO avoidance. But the reasons to support a non-GMO food supply are varied. Here are some of the ways our collective efforts are making a difference:
So, stop on by here at The Whole Wheatery and check out the wide variety of non-GMO products we have to offer and speak with one of our associates and we would love to show you, our faves!
 Fatigue and brain fog are two of the most challenging symptoms of long COVID.
This study gave a combination of astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza, also known as Chinese sage or danshen, to 49 people with long COVID who were experiencing severe fatigue or brain fog. Chinese sage is a close relative of the western herb sage. After 4 weeks, there was a significant improvement of about 50% in both physical and mental fatigue. People rated their fatigue as improved by 54% and their brain fog by 52%. They also reported that their quality of life improved by 47%. The researchers called these improvements “significant” and “radical.” Front Pharmacol. 2024;15:1394810.  Recent research is discovering an unexpected relationship between exercise and gut health. If you are an athlete, or you workout, taking probiotics may improve your athletic performance and your health.
Exercise is good for you. So, it is no surprise that it is good for your gut microbiota, the microorganisms, friendly and unfriendly, in your gut. But high intensity and endurance exercise can have a negative effect on the intestinal microbiota that can lead to GI symptoms, psychological symptoms and poorer athletic performance. Probiotics improve your gut microbiota and have been shown to correct negative changes in the gut caused by exercise and to improve endurance performance in athletes. This just published double-blind study gave 19 marathon runners either a placebo or a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum for 5 weeks. They all ran the 12-minute Cooper Running/Walking test before and after. The test measures aerobic endurance and cardiovascular and physical fitness. It is a good predictor of long-term health. After 5 weeks, the runners who took the probiotics had significant increases in total distance in the 12-minute Cooper test. There was no improvement in the placebo group. The athletes on probiotics also had significant improvement on the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale and on Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index scale. This intriguing study shows that taking probiotics can significantly improve exercise endurance performance and gastrointestinal health and its related quality of life. J Exerc Sci Fit. 2024 Oct; 22(4): 297–304.  Most women are affected by PMS, and many of them are put on drugs. That means that many women are regularly prescribed hormones or antidepressants. But maybe they don’t need to be!
Sixty women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) were given either pomegranate extract or nothing for two cycles. The women who were given the pomegranate extract had a significantly greater improvement in PMS symptom scores. The study also looked at how the pomegranate extract impacted quality of life. It found that social quality of live improved significantly more in the pomegranate group. This study shows that pomegranate extract improves symptoms of PMS and does it well enough to significantly improve your quality of life. J Affect Disord. 2024 Sep 14 ;368:266-273.  As the seasons are changing, the air starts to become brisk and chill. But that's not that's all in the air: harmful germs are also lurking, poised and ready to strike. Luckily there are plenty of simple ways to support immunity and keep us feeling strong in the face of illness season. Illnesses to beware of this fall and winter.
Who's the most vulnerable? Children are the most susceptible to catching viruses because of their underdeveloped immune systems, as are people over the age of 65, pregnant women, people who smoke, and anyone with a weakened immune system due to chronic illness. What to Eat for Immune HealthAntioxidants Try to eat a "rainbow" of foods, says Sivasankaran, meaning brightly colored fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants, which offer antiaging and anti-inflammatory benefits that play an important role in preventing many chronic diseases. These include berries, leafy green vegetables, carrots, and squash. Healthy Fats In addition to wholesome fruits and vegetables, include healthy fats such as good quality extra-virgin olive oil, coconut oil, avocado, and nuts as these can help with inflammation and cellular responses. Fermented Foods Foods with live bacteria culture like kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and yogurt are full of probiotics which provide support to the immune system by promoting healthy bacteria in the gut. Herbal Teas and Soups Along with antioxidant rich raw honey, soups, and bone broth, herbal teas can be very nourishing and soothing this time of year, says Duffy. When making soups, try adding plenty of garlic and warming spice like ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Healthy Fats In addition to wholesome fruits and vegetables, include healthy fats such as good quality extra-virgin olive oil, coconut oil, avocado, and nuts as these can help with inflammation and cellular responses. Unwind and Get a Good Night's SleepThose who consistently get less than seven hours of sleep a day are up to three times more likely to catch a common cold than those who generally sleep eight or more hours. This is because during sleep, our bodies build up defenses; when we don't sleep enough, we lack the antibodies needed to fight infection. If you're having trouble sleeping, try creating a sleep ritual, like journaling or taking a warm bath, avoiding screens and large meals before bedtime, or cutting out caffeine. Stress stimulates a fight or flight response in the body; when this happens., our white blood cells are weakened, and we become more vulnerable to infection. Incorporate self-care rituals into you daily life like daily yoga or having quiet time with a cup of tea. Supplements for Immune System
Feeling a Sore Throat Coming Around? Here's Help.We all know the feeling of a dreaded sore throat. It can either go away, or lead to something worse. Thats why we think it's important to know what to do as soon as you feel discomfort in your throat. Here is a list of natural remedies to try and foods you may want to avoid:
Some people do avoid dairy as it may thicken mucus production. Beware of drinks that are overly hot, which can lead to further irritation.
 A 12-week, double-blind study has shown that vitamin B6 can reduce depression in college women taking oral contraceptives. While depression worsened by 11% on the Beck Depression Inventory in the placebo group, it improved by 20% on B6.
J Diet Suppl. 2023;20(4):550-562. |
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