Carnosine may have major cancer-fighting potential. The tejote root supplement supply may be tainted with poison. Ibogaine (and magnesium) can fight PTSD. Artificial sweeteners mess with the gut. And omega-3 fats are good for your lungs.
Every week we discover inspiring, informative, and sometimes shocking health-related news. From new studies to insightful analysis, here is what you need to know this week:
- Carnosine, a naturally occurring molecule found in meat and other foods, has been found to have cancer-fighting properties. New research from Nottingham Trent University showed that carnosine stopped prostate cancer cells from multiplying and even killed existing cancer cells without harming other healthy parts of the body. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
- Tejote root supplements, often utilized for weight-loss, may contain toxic substances. A new warning issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration states that some supplies of the supplement were contaminated with yellow oleander, a poisonous plant. FDA
- Ibogaine, the psychoactive drug, shows the ability to treat traumatic brain injury in military personnel. New Stanford research indicates that the plant-based psychedelic (combined with magnesium) safely and effectively reduces PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other long-term symptoms related to head trauma and blasts. Nature Medicine
- Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame (Equal), sucralose (Splenda), and saccharin (Sweet’N Low) were found to have a potentially adverse effect on the gut microbiome. A new study from the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles showed that frequent consumers of these sweeteners had a less diverse population of good bacteria in their small intestines. iScience
- Omega-3 fats, the healthy fats found in fish, nuts, and flaxseeds, seem to slow the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. New research found that higher levels of omega-3 in the blood were associated with better lung function. Chest