According to new research, regularly drinking chamomile tea may help to keep the thyroid gland healthy and reduce the risk of thyroid cancer. It was found that participants in the study who drank chamomile tea 2 to 6 times a week were 70% less likely to develop thyroid abnormalities, while 30 years of regular consumption reduced the risk by about 80%. This adds to the growing body of evidence pointing to the potential health benefits of the Mediterranean diet.
Coffee contains many compounds that studies suggest exert beneficial effects for metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. When enjoyed after a meal, it may increase levels of an appetite-regulating hormone, improve blood sugar levels, and boost endothelial function. Researchers enrolled 19 healthy men in a study where each subject was given a test meal with a polyphenol-rich coffee drink, or placebo drink. Testing 3 hours after the mark revealed that the coffee beverage lowered glucose significantly, and increased flow-mediated dilation (FMD) – a marker of blood flow and vascular health.
Metabolic Syndrome is a condition involving a large waistline, a risk factor for diabetes and heart disease. It seems smoothies made with blueberry powder may improve endothelial function among men and women with Metabolic Syndrome. In a recent study, 44 adults with Metabolic Syndrome were randomly assigned to receive either two blueberry smoothies per day, or a smoothie without blueberry powder (placebo) over a six-week period. Among the subjects consuming the blueberry smoothies, researchers observed a significant improvement in endothelial function.
