As the American diet turns towards the perception of more natural and “healthy” foods, a surge in soy products has taken hold in the market. Soy is touted as a superfood full of protein, fiber, and antioxidants, and able to do everything from lower cholesterol to fight cancer. However, not all the physiological properties of soybeans are positive. Compared to the number of outlets proclaiming the benefits of soy, relatively few sources discuss the side effects of a soy-rich diet. Read more →

If only I had a nickel each time I was asked this question! Well, I am vegetarian, and my meals are balanced and healthy. I have not been diagnosed with deficiencies or malnourishment yet. On the other hand, I feel light and healthy, eat 25% less fat (than meat eaters) on an average, and save significantly on grocery costs.

The main sources of protein for vegetarians are legumes, nuts, whole grain and dairy products. The protein content in these foods per serving portion is in fact comparable to that in meats, fish and poultry. Read more →

In July 2008, results from several clinical trials of novel Alzheimer’s Disease treatments were presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (ICAD 2008) in Chicago. Among these results was an 84-week phase II trial of TauRx’s Rember. Almost immediately, the mainstream media was reporting the most critical breakthrough in the history of Alzheimer’s Disease. This enthusiasm may be premature, however, and more research is needed on this new treatment option. Read more →

Parents have always worried about their kids. But it used to be that worrying increased when kids reached puberty. It’s then that parents hesitantly hand over the car keys; let their daughter go out on a group date; sit by the door at midnight until they heard the familiar sound of their child arriving home before curfew. Read more →

According to new research published in Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology, patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease can see a rapid acceleration of symptoms as a result of a small silent stroke. The study on 150 patients at the Catholic University of Korea demonstrated that patients showing signs of silent strokes had markedly increased dementia and cognitive impairment than Alzheimer patients who had not suffered any strokes. Just one or two small silent strokes are enough to severely impact the severity of Alzheimer’s symptoms. Read more →

Affecting 4 million people nationwide, Alzheimer’s disease has become the fourth highest killer in the United States. It robs a person of their identity while affecting entire families. With compassion and a sense of duty, researchers set out nearly a century ago to cure this disease. Though much advancement has been made, scientists have yet to discover the one miracle cure. One possible treatment that scientists have suggested is using embryonic stem cells, differentiated into neurons to replace dead ones in the brain. These “blank” cells are capable of being transformed into 300 different somatic cells. Scientists now have hope of creating human tissue in the laboratory; stem cells could potentially help thousands of patients waiting for donor tissue or organs through therapeutic cloning. Read more →