Should you take aspirin to prevent cancer?

An important study published earlier this year indicated that people who take aspirin every day reduce their risk of cancer by 21%. That is an amazing statistic! And it seems like an easy, inexpensive thing to do, with very little risk. But should you take aspirin to prevent cancer?

Researchers conducted this study to settle a discrepancy in the research. Several studies had shown that taking aspirin every day for more than five years reduces the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Animal studies also have confirmed that aspirin has a cancer-preventing effect.

What to take with green tea to improve your memory

I've talked about the many health benefits of green tea for years. It's one of the few beverages I recommend other than water. Four years ago, I told you that green tea is partly responsible for the low rate of Alzheimer's and dementia in Japan. Now there's a way to make green tea work even better for your memory.

A recent study followed 91 participants with mild cognitive impairment. They all took a green tea extract and showed improved memory and selective attention. Then the researchers gave them a single dose of L-theanine and gave the subjects hourly EEG (brain wave) tests for three hours. They had significantly more theta waves broadly across their brains. These waves indicate cognitive alertness. The researchers double blinded and placebo controlled the study. This is the best study you can do.

Can a common nut slow Lou Gehrig’s disease?

One of the more devastating diseases I see is Lou Gehrig’s disease or ALS. This disease slowly destroys your motor function and leads to a long drawn- out death. In my book, anything you can do to prevent or even slow the decline is a godsend. Now there’s evidence that what you eat can help protect you.

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Lowell found that feeding mice pecans slows decline in motor function. The researchers bred the mice specifically to demonstrate a decline in their motor function similar to ALS. The mice that ate the most pecans fared the best.