Could Broccoli Help Beat Autism?

We already know that Broccoli is something of a miracle veg, but now it seems that children and young people with autism could feel even more benefit from the tasty little trees.

The humble green veggies offer a wide range of essential nutrients such as folate, vitamin C and calcium, as well as protecting against cancer, inflammation and even looking after your heart.Beautiful broccoli (Flickr/steffenz)

And researchers have been looking into how a particular chemical found in broccoli affects those with autism.

The chemical - sulforaphane - is what gives broccoli its slightly bitter taste, and the research at MassGen Hospital for Children and Johns Hopkins University in the US, seems to suggest it can calm autistic people and help them be more sociably comfortable.

Professor of pharmacology Dr Paul Talalay, who worked on the project said: "It was a small study but the effects were very, very large.

"We believe that this may be preliminary evidence for the first treatment for autism that improves symptoms by apparently correcting some underlying cellular mechanisms."

In the study 44 boys and men between the ages of 13 and 27 were either given a pill form of sulforaphane or a placebo before undergoing assessments on their behaviour.

Those who were given the real substance showed definite improvements - aggression and irritability were reduced, energy was increased and the subjects found it easier to communicate and socialise.

Though the trials were blind, both parents and researchers were able to tell which subjects had been given the real pill and which hadn't, because the change in behaviour was so great.

Researcher Dr Andrew Zimmerman said: "The results seen on the social responsiveness scale were particularly remarkable.

"I’ve been told this is the first time that any statistical improvement on the social responsiveness scale has been seen for a drug in autism spectrum disorder."Having a hot bath has been found to help temporarily reduce children's autism symptoms (REX)

Autism is a common disorder that's on the rise (in the UK diagnoses are 10 times higher than 30 years ago). It affects people's ability to communicate and socialise with others, often requiring very strict routine. Sufferers can become agitated and aggressive and find it hard to express themselves within normal social boundaries.

While many drugs help with individual symptoms, experts are still hunting for something that will tackle the condition as a whole.

Is there anything broccoli can't help with?

(Well actually, other substances in it, glucosinolates, are thought to affect iodine absorption and could potentially cause problems for people with thyroid conditions. If that's you, it's a good idea not to go overboard on your broccoli smorgasbord. But for most people you can chow down as much as you like.)

[Why An Autism City Could Help Our Children]
[Meet The Cancer-Fighting Super Broccoli]

• https://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/could-broccoli-help-beat-autism-092230023.html

Could Broccoli Help Beat Autism?

We already know that Broccoli is something of a miracle veg, but now it seems that children and young people with autism could feel even more benefit from the tasty little trees.

The humble green veggies offer a wide range of essential nutrients such as folate, vitamin C and calcium, as well as protecting against cancer, inflammation and even looking after your heart.Beautiful broccoli (Flickr/steffenz)

And researchers have been looking into how a particular chemical found in broccoli affects those with autism.

The chemical - sulforaphane - is what gives broccoli its slightly bitter taste, and the research at MassGen Hospital for Children and Johns Hopkins University in the US, seems to suggest it can calm autistic people and help them be more sociably comfortable.

Professor of pharmacology Dr Paul Talalay, who worked on the project said: "It was a small study but the effects were very, very large.

"We believe that this may be preliminary evidence for the first treatment for autism that improves symptoms by apparently correcting some underlying cellular mechanisms."

In the study 44 boys and men between the ages of 13 and 27 were either given a pill form of sulforaphane or a placebo before undergoing assessments on their behaviour.

Those who were given the real substance showed definite improvements - aggression and irritability were reduced, energy was increased and the subjects found it easier to communicate and socialise.

Though the trials were blind, both parents and researchers were able to tell which subjects had been given the real pill and which hadn't, because the change in behaviour was so great.

Researcher Dr Andrew Zimmerman said: "The results seen on the social responsiveness scale were particularly remarkable.

"I’ve been told this is the first time that any statistical improvement on the social responsiveness scale has been seen for a drug in autism spectrum disorder."Having a hot bath has been found to help temporarily reduce children's autism symptoms (REX)

Autism is a common disorder that's on the rise (in the UK diagnoses are 10 times higher than 30 years ago). It affects people's ability to communicate and socialise with others, often requiring very strict routine. Sufferers can become agitated and aggressive and find it hard to express themselves within normal social boundaries.

While many drugs help with individual symptoms, experts are still hunting for something that will tackle the condition as a whole.

Is there anything broccoli can't help with?

(Well actually, other substances in it, glucosinolates, are thought to affect iodine absorption and could potentially cause problems for people with thyroid conditions. If that's you, it's a good idea not to go overboard on your broccoli smorgasbord. But for most people you can chow down as much as you like.)

[Why An Autism City Could Help Our Children]
[Meet The Cancer-Fighting Super Broccoli]

• https://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/could-broccoli-help-beat-autism-092230023.html

Fall Harvest is Here! See What’s in Season

It is officially fall! And while it seems like pumpkins are the only seasonal veggie in the spotlight, we wanted to share some of the other goods you’ll definitely want to throw in your basket this season along with some delicious recipes to incorporate them in.

All of these produce items are freshest from mid-September to mid-December and are sure to be plentiful at your local farmers market.

We would love to get some of your recipes for these fresh fall picks along with a few of your other favorite seasonal goods, so share them with us in the comments!

 Broccoli and Cauliflower

We know broccoli and cauliflower are different vegetables, but for the sake of brevity we’ll group them together. Broccoli is a great source of Vitamin C and dietary fiber with a good dose of Vitamin A and K as well.

Cauliflower doesn’t pack as big of a nutritional punch as broccoli, but does win in its amount of potassium and folate.

Cauliflower also comes in other colors other than white if you want to get your kids excited about it, we love the purple variety. The difference in color is due to the presence of the antioxidant anthocyanin, which can also be found in red cabbage and red wine.

No matter which veggie you choose to go with, you really can’t go wrong. Both are extremely nutritious, and we love how you can eat them raw or cooked in a variety of ways.

 Winter Squash

Despite its name, winter squash is actually grown throughout the summer months, and once it develops a full, hard rind it is good for eating and storing. By the time the squash fully matures, that time is in the fall and winter months.

There are quite a few varieties of winter squash, pumpkins included (however, we had to give pumpkins their own category), but some of the other notable ones include butternut squash, acorn squash, spaghetti squash, sweet dumpling squash and carnival squash.

According to epicurious, winter squash varieties are naturally low in fat and calories, and deliver rich amounts of vitamins A, B6, C, and E, as well as magnesium, potassium, and manganese. Winter squash is also a source for iron and riboflavin.

 Pears and Pomegranates

We couldn’t let vegetables take all the glory, there’s some fall fruits worth fawning over, too. These two fruits not only delicious on their own, but we think they’re pretty good as a pair as well.

While pomegranates do require a little more patience, the nutritional benefits make fighting for those little seeds worth it. Pomegranates contain three types of antioxidant polyphenols, including tannins, anthocyanins, and ellagic acid, in significant amounts, which is why pomegranates are touted as one of the top superfoods.

Pears are high on the fiber scale with roughly 6 grams for a medium-sized fruit, and they also contain vitamins C, K, B2, B3, and B6 and folate. Calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, and manganese are also found in pears. Kind of makes you rethink that “apple a day” phrase. Maybe we should switch to a pear a day!

http://womenshealth.com/fall-harvest-is-here-see-whats-in-season/

Reduce Inflammation with These Anti-Inflammatory Foods

 

Anti-inflammatory foods may have the capability to reduce inflammation when they're eaten as part of an overall health diet.

Of course, the opposite of that is true too -- inflammatory foods might trigger your body's inflammatory response, potentially increasing your risk of chronic disease. Especially if you eat too much heavily processed, non-nutritious foods on a regular basis.

Okay, so how exactly do you get started on an anti-inflammatory diet?  

The quick start method is simply to double up your servings of fruits and vegetables at every meal -- you can't go wrong there. Divide your plate into quarters -- at least half should be filled with green, and other colorful veggies or fruits.

Here's a quick look at the fruits and vegetables that have anti-inflammatory potential:

Fruits and Vegetables. Whole fruits, berries and vegetables, are all rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants and phytochemicals. Choose green and brightly colored vegetables and whole fruits, including these:

• Broccoli
• Apples
• Sweet potatoes
• Chard
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Spinach
• Carrots
• Oranges
• Olives
• Avocado
• Kale

Of course there's more to an anti-inflammatory diet, including healthful protein sources, and the right fats. Then round out your diet with beneficial beverages.
Protein Sources. Anti-inflammatory protein sources include most fish and seafood, and some plant-based sources. Some examples:

• Salmon
• Tuna
• Sardines
• Trout
• Non-fat Yogurt
• Soy Foods
• Dry beans
• Walnuts
• Almonds
• Pecans
• Brazil Nuts

Fats and Oils. Omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids are an important part of an anti-inflammatory diet. Many of the protein sources also contain beneficial fats, including fish, seafood, soy, avocados, olives and all those nuts. In addition, choose these:

Beverages. Drink tap, sparkling or bottled water, 100-percent juices, herbal tea, low-sodium vegetable juice, and low- or non-fat milk.

Anti-inflammatory Diet Tips

Choose fresh foods more often and choose fewer heavily processed foods. Here are my tips:

• For breakfast, try oatmeal served with fresh berries and walnuts.
• Snack on whole fruits, nuts, seeds, and fresh vegetables instead of cookies and candy.
• Eat more fish and less fatty red meat.
• Cook with olive oil and canola oil.
• Try a tofu stir-fry or scramble.
• Have a salad with lots of fresh vegetables as your meal.
• Stay away from deep-fried foods; bake, broil, poach or stir-fry instead.
• Choose dark green or brightly colored vegetables as side dishes -- they should fill half your dinner plate.

Inflammatory Foods to Avoid

Loading up on junk foods, high-fat meats, sugar, and highly processed foods may increase the potential for inflammation in your body. Reduce your consumption of trans-fats and saturated fats by cutting back on highly processed foods, red meats, and high-fat processed meats such as bacon and sausage. Cut back on refined white flours in bread and pasta (look for 100-percent whole grains instead). A small amount of sugar is okay, but cut down on most added sugars by decreasing your consumption of sugary sodas, pastries, candy, rich desserts, and pre-sweetened cereals.
Another possible source of irritation comes from the nightshade family of plants, which includes, tomatoes, and eggplant. These vegetables contain a chemical alkaloid called solanine, which can trigger pain in some people. While there aren't any formal research findings that back the claim about nightshade plants, some people do believe they get relief from the symptoms of pain and inflammation when they eliminate them.
Maintaining a healthy weight also appears to be helpful for reducing pain and inflammation.
http://nutrition.about.com/od/dietsformedicaldisorders/a/antiinflamfood.htm