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   Dec 10

Drinking coffee cuts diabetes risk: Regular drinkers tend to have smaller waist and BMI

Three cups of tea or coffee a day could lower the risk of diabetes, according to a new study of nearly 9,000 people. Regular coffee or tea drinkers tend to have smaller waist and BMI measurements than people who have less than a cup a day of either.

Coffee – but not tea – also appeared to be linked with lower blood pressure, though it’s not clear why. (The new finding contradicts previous studies linking coffee to higher blood pressure.)

A large waist, high BMI and high blood pressure all contribute to metabolic syndrome, a cluster of symptoms that raise the risk of diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Coffee – but not tea – also appeared to be linked with lower blood pressure

How does caffeine affect you?

University College London researchers found coffee or tea drinkers had 25 per cent fewer symptoms of metabolic syndrome, perhaps because compounds (polyphenols) in the drinks work against inflammatory chemicals.

NHS tests magnetic cap to lift depression

AN NHS trial of 100 people will see if stimulating the brain with pulses of magnetic energy can lift depression.

Previous research has suggested transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) – which involves having an electromagnetic field applied to the head – can help with low mood caused by depression. Researchers will compare two versions of the therapy delivering energy in different ways, which is believed to work by resetting brain wave activity – it’s thought people with depression may have abnormal brain rhythms that have an effect on chemicals that control mood.

Researchers at the Institute of Mental Health Nottingham will target the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain linked to processing mood.

Can oregano help relieve eczema?

Oregano contains a compound called carvacrol, which has been shown to help control inflammation and pain
A rub-on cream made from oregano is being tested as a treatment for eczema.

Researchers at the State University of New York, believe the herb – commonly used on pizza – could be an effective and safe alternative to steroids, which can have side-effects, including skin-thinning.

Oregano contains a compound called carvacrol, which has been shown to help control inflammation and pain. It is also a natural antiseptic.

Although the exact cause is not known, eczema causes patches of skin to become dry, itchy, red and sometimes cracked.

The trial, involving 40 patients aged two to 17, will compare the oregano cream to a standard steroid cream. Researchers say it may be prove a useful treatment for children with eczema, as they are more prone to side-effects from steroid creams.

Source: Daily Mail

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