Study tests new gum to curb gingivitis

By Margaret Foster
Posted on June 25, 2019

We’ve all heard the advertisements: Four out of five dentists recommend sugarless gum. What about gum with a natural antimicrobial ingredient? A company based in Hunt Valley, Maryland, wants to find out if its experimental chewing gum can reduce the symptoms of gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums. “We are looking for individuals who have a certain degree of inflammation... READ MORE

Prepare your first aid kit for summer

By Michael Ong
Posted on June 14, 2019

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Red Cross both recommend that every household have a first aid kit. Now that summer is here, take a look at yours to see if you have what you need for common summer problems. Q: What should I include in my first aid kit for outdoor injuries? A: We recommend: — Saline solution to clean wounds — Neomycin or Bacitracin ... READ MORE

Olive oil reduces risk of cancer, stroke

By Suzy Cohen
Posted on June 14, 2019

Olives are something I’m fanatic about. I’ll eat any kind, any flavor at any time, day or night. I’m obsessed with them. Olives are fruits, and both the fruit and the oil have medicinal benefits. Olive oil is the liquid fat that comes from olives. It is extremely high in oleic acid, which is known to reduce blood pressure. It also contains a good amount of natural vitamin E,... READ MORE

Study: can exercise improve memory?

By Margaret Foster
Posted on June 13, 2019

If you want to exercise more and help science establish a link between better memory and exercise, there’s a study for you at the University of Maryland College Park. Funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the randomized clinical trial is enrolling 152 participants age 60 to 80 who are physically inactive — that is, people who exercise fewer than three days a week. The... READ MORE

Make fresh sesame noodles with chicken

By America’s Test Kitchen
Posted on June 13, 2019

Much like a Chinese finger trap that lures by appearing to be a toy, sesame noodles are not what they seem. You may think of them as merely a humble bowl of cold noodles, but don’t be fooled — just one bite of this recipe and you’ll be hooked on these toothsome noodles with shreds of tender chicken, all tossed with a fresh sesame sauce. The real problem is, good versions of this... READ MORE

All about jackfruit, sprouted grain bread

By Lori Zanteson and Kristen N. Smith
Posted on June 12, 2019

If you don’t know jack (jackfruit, that is) or sprouted grains, it’s time you did. The folklore Jackfruit is the largest tree fruit in the world. A single jackfruit averages 35 inches long, 20 inches in diameter, and can weigh more than 100 pounds! Jackfruit is a native of southwest India but is cultivated around the tropical regions of the world. It’s the national fruit of... READ MORE

Answers re: headaches, calcium supplements

By Todd Schwedt, M.D. and Matthew T. Drake, M.D., Ph.D.
Posted on June 12, 2019

Dear Mayo Clinic: I had an extremely painful headache that was diagnosed as a cluster headache in the emergency department. I was treated with oxygen, and the pain disappeared. Is it common to treat headaches with oxygen, or is this a treatment specific to this type of headache? A: If you have cluster headaches and begin having a painful attack, a common and established therapy is... READ MORE

How plant-based burgers compare to beef

By Candice Choi
Posted on June 11, 2019

If you want to skip meat, a new era of options is here. Two companies — Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods — are among several racing to tap into the massive U.S. market of meat eaters by creating plant-based burgers that offer the taste and texture of beef. But are the plant-based patties better for you — or for the planet? Here’s what you might want to know before taking a... READ MORE

What you eat may affect skin cancer risk

By Christine Yu
Posted on June 10, 2019

One in five Americans will get skin cancer in their lifetime. For an extra layer of solar protection — sunscreen is a must! — pair these foods with safe sun practices. Get red tomatoes (not red-faced) Use summer’s abundance of this fruit to your advantage. A British study found that people were less susceptible to sunburn after eating 1/4 cup of tomato sauce daily for 12 weeks.... READ MORE

Fighting depression with caffeine, drugs

By Howard LeWine, M.D.
Posted on June 07, 2019

Q: Is there any evidence that drinking coffee or other caffeine beverages helps depression? A: Yes, there are some studies that demonstrate an association between caffeinated coffee and a lower depression risk. One example comes from the Nurses’ Health Study that began more than 20 years ago. When the nearly 51,000 women were enrolled, none of them had depression. As just one... READ MORE