While previous studies have linked obesity with a higher risk for 13 types of cancer, including kidney cancer, liver cancer, and pancreatic cancer, a study conducted by researchers at the University of Arizona in Tucson suggests that high-density, processed foods can raise cancer risk in older women who are slim and physically fit. Results of the study indicate that nutrition quality plays a role in determining cancer risk.

For the study, researchers analyzed data on 90,000 postmenopausal women who participated in the Women’s Health Initiative. They used information from food frequency questionnaires to estimate participants’ energy intake and the diet quality to determine the impact of dietary energy density (DED) on cancer risk. Dietary energy density is a way to evaluate diet quality by measuring the ratio of calories – energy consumed – to nutrients provided by a particular food.

According to the researchers, a diet high in process foods – a high DED diet – increased obesity-related cancer risk in postmenopausal women of normal body weight by 10 percent. Results of the study were published in Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Sourced from: MNT

Eating walnuts activates the area of the brain that regulates hunger and cravings, according to a brain imaging study conducted at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. Walnuts are high in nutrients and some research has suggested they promote feelings of fullness and may discourage overeating, but this small study is the first to demonstrate that walnuts have an effect on the brain.

The study involved 10 people with obesity who lived in a controlled environment – a research center – for two five-day sessions. During one session, participants were given daily smoothies containing 48 grams of walnuts – the recommended serving size. In the other session, they received walnut-free, but nutritionally comparable, smoothies flavored to taste exactly the same.

Following each five-day session, the researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to observe brain activity while the participants were shown images of desirable foods (hamburgers, desserts), neutral items (flowers, rocks), and less desirable foods (vegetables). After consuming the walnut-rich diet for five days, the participants had increased activity in a part of the brain called the right insula when they were shown images of highly desirable foods.

According to researchers, this area of the brain is involved in cognitive control, which indicates the participants were paying more attention to food choices and selecting healthier options over highly desirable choices. Results of the study were published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.

Sourced from: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

It’s a dilemma most of us face eventually, for ourselves or our loved ones: how to handle the expense of aging. According to a new report from Caring.com, an online resource for caregivers for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones, there are substantial differences in the quality and cost of elder care, depending on the state in which you live.

The Health and Human Services Department reports that, on average, a person turning 65 today in the United States will spend $138,000 on future long-term care costs. These costs include services associated with daily care – like help with eating and bathing – which about 50 percent of people will eventually need. Medicare doesn’t cover long-term care. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average annual cost for extended care in a nursing home is $82,000, and home-based care and assisted living can cost more than $3,000 per month.

The highest quality of care for older adults often comes at a higher price. Caring.com reports that seven of the top 10 states for quality elder care also are among the most expensive. This is why it’s important to start having conversations about future plans early and plan for the financial – and emotional – aspects of aging.

Sourced from: CNBC