Health News

How cancer prevention drives aging
For the first time, researchers have found how cellular senescence, the well-known mechanism for preventing cancer, can trigger aging and age-related disease by changing the local tissue environment. ANI

Scientists unveil genes vital to vital to adult heart function
In a study on fruit fly Drosophila, scientists at the Burnham Institute for Medical Research (Burnham) have found that genes involved in embryonic heart development are vital to adult heart function in both fruit flies and humans. ANI

Psychiatric disorders common among college-aged
A new study has revealed that psychiatric disorders appear to be common among 18- to 24-year-olds, with overall rates similar among those attending or not attending college. ANI

Oatmeal-cholesterol link stronger than previously thought

The link between oatmeal and cholesterol reduction is stronger than previously thought, according to a new scientific review.

Washington, Jan 9 : The link between oatmeal and cholesterol reduction is stronger than previously thought, according to a new scientific review.

Dr. James W. Anderson, professor of medicine and clinical nutrition at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, co-author of the review, said that their study presents a contemporary analysis to find out if newer studies are consistent with the original conclusion reached by the FDA, which initially approved oatmeal's health claim's appearance on food labels in 1997.

Anderson and his colleagues analyzed studies conducted during the past 15 years on oatmeal and cholesterol and found without exception total cholesterol levels were lower after oat consumption.

In addition, low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, the "bad" cholesterol is reduced without adverse effects on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or HDL, the "good" cholesterol, or triglyceride concentrations.

"Whole-grain products like oatmeal are among some of the best foods one can eat to improve cholesterol levels, in addition to other lifestyle choices," Anderson said. Lifestyle choices, such as diet, should be the first line of therapy for most patients with moderate cholesterol risk given the expense, safety concerns, and intolerance related to cholesterol lowering drugs," he added.

Anderson further explained that more recent data indicate that whole-grain oats, as part of a lifestyle management program, may confer health benefits that extend beyond total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol reduction.

"Since the 80's, oatmeal has been scientifically recognized for its heart health benefits, and the latest research shows this evidence endures the test of time and should be embraced as a lifestyle option for the millions of Americans at-risk for heart disease," he said.

Anderson co-authored the comprehensive research review with Mark Andon, a researcher and nutrition director for Quaker-Tropicana.

The review, entitled "The Oatmeal-Cholesterol Connection: 10 Years Later," is published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine.

ANI