 Health Front
News that's good for you
January 2008
Reprinted with permission from Taste For Life
Combat Global Warming
A new study from the University of
Illinois found that the high nitrogen content
in conventional corn-soybean cropping systems
stimulates soil microbial activity, which then releases carbon in crop residues—adding to
global warming. Organic cropping systems, on
the other hand, with their far lower total nitrogen
input, have the potential to deliver a key benefit
in combating global warming by sequestering
carbon in the soil. Soil holds more than twice
as much carbon as the atmosphere, so small
changes in soil carbon sequestration have major
implications for global climate change. As a side
benefit, this can also improve water quality and
farm profitability.
selected source
- "The Myth of Nitrogen Fertilization for Soil Carbon Sequestration " by S.A. Khan et al., J Environ Qual, 10/07
- "A Myth Bides the Dust," www.organic-center.org
Zinc to the Rescue
This multitasking trace mineral supports the immune
system, stimulates white blood cells, and enhances the healing of
wounds. A number of studies suggest that taking zinc gluconate
lozenges at the first sign of a cold or flu speeds recovery, and direct
oral contact to the lining of the throat seems the most effective way
to fight these seasonal infections.
One recent study of lung health in the elderly suggests that those
with low levels of this mineral are more likely to develop (or die
from) pneumonia. And supplements appear to boost recovery in
patients suffering head and neck cancers. Because this mineral helps
regulate hormonal activity, zinc is useful for benign prostate enlargement
and is popular for acne treatment as well as healthy hair and
scalp.
There’s more: Zinc helps reduce inflammation, stimulates more
than 300 different enzymes for everything from protein synthesis
to cardiovascular activity, repairs DNA, helps support strong bones,
enhances insulin function, and helps metabolize other nutrients, particularly
vitamin A.
Because caffeine and a number of medications interfere with zinc
absorption, look for it in your daily multi, which is best taken with
meals. Just don’t overdo it: 50 mg daily is a safe upper level, even
during cold and flu season when lozenges are most effective.
selected sources
- 7-Syndrome Healing by Marcia Zimmerman, MEd, CN, and Jayson Kroner, CSN ($16.95, Nutrition Solution, 2007)
- “Effects of Zinc Supplementation on Clinical Outcomes in Patients Receiving Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancers: A double-Blinded Randomized Study " by L. Lin et al., Int J Rad Oncol Biol Physics, 11/07
- "Serum Zinc and Pneumonia in Nursing Home Elderly" by Simin N. Meydani et al., Am J Clin Nutr, 10/07
|
