Health Headlines

Hi, I'm Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV... making news this week ... blood pressure risk and a common food ingredient ... fish oil and possible breast cancer protection ... and a lower risk of childhood asthma linked to healthy eating.
First up: In developed countries, the rate of high blood pressure has gone up alongside an increase in consumption of fructose. This is a sugar that is commonly found in sodas and processed foods. A new study from University of Colorado researchers finds that the two may be related. They included more than 4,500 adults who answered questions about their diet. Taking in 74 grams or more of fructose each day was associated with greater odds of having elevated blood pressure. This is the amount found in 2 1/2 cans of sugary soda.
Moving along: Fish oil may be better known for its association with heart health, but it might also help women avoid breast cancer. Researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle included more than 35,000 women who answered a questionnaire about their supplement use. Those who were regularly taking fish oil supplements had a 32-percent lower risk of developing breast cancer in the following years. However, the authors point out that more research is needed before fish oil supplements can be recommended for breast cancer protection.
And finally: Here's a good answer for when your kids ask why they should eat their vegetables. A recent study from European researchers that involved about 50,000 children found that kids who ate more fruits, vegetables, and fish were less likely to have had asthma during their lives. On the other hand, eating more hamburgers was linked to a higher chance of asthma. In addition, kids who more closely followed the so-called "Mediterranean diet" were less likely to currently have asthma or wheezing. This diet includes a lot of fruits, vegetables, and fish - but not so much meat.
I'm Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV, with the news that doctors are reading; health news that matters to you.