You humans are funny. When Cindy's blog shows up in the right newsletter column, no one sees it, but when it's over here on the left, people can't help but click through to her interesting articles.

Tess suggested placing a giant arrow in the middle of the page, but alas, this kat's opting instead to republish a few of Cindy's most compelling blog entries of late. Check 'em out!

• DNA Damage Happens in as Few as 3 Days from Air Pollution

  Dirty air has been linked to asthma, allergies, heart attacks, and even cancer. And, new research has shown that it takes only 3 days exposure to polluted air to create DNA mutations. Scary thought, eh?

• Gluten Sensitivities: Malabsorption of Nutrients Contribute to Issues of "Aging"
  You don't have to be a celiac patient to need to be careful about gluten in your diet. Plenty of so-called issues of aging may be related to ingestion of dietary gluten, resulting inflammation in the intestines, and associated malabsorption. 

• Curcumin & Weight Loss
  Curcumin is known for its anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant value, and now it is being heralded for reducing angiogenesis (i.e., the blood vessel formation required to create new fatty tissues) as well as for lowering cholesterol.

The 2009 North American Research Conference on Complementary & Integrative Medicine studies just arrived. Studies focused on everything from nutritional supplements to yoga and acupuncture.

For all you Bill Henderson fans in our midst, a number of the entries concerned alternative cancer treatment therapies. Below are a few studies you may find interesting.

Melatonin as Strong Ally for Cancer Patients

Researchers compared 18 different melatonin studies and confirmed significant improvements for cancer patients receiving melatonin. Benefits included higher rates of survival, lower incidences of chemotherapy-related side effects, and no adverse effects of negative interactions with chemotherapies. Yep, melatonin is a very powerful antioxidant as well as a best friend to world travelers and insomniacs alike. 

Visit our product page for more on the Co-op's Melatonin.

DHA, Inflammation & Periodontitis

It's not news that polyunsaturated fatty acids work wonders to sooth inflammation, but preventing gum infection and tooth decay associated with periodontitis?

Indeed, data collected from over 9,000 adults was analyzed to determine the effect of EPA, DHA, and linolenic acid on tooth decay. Turns out all three fatty acids support less tooth decay in you humans.

Visit our product page for more on the Co-op's Fish Oil (DHA & EPA).

Effects of Mindfulness on Eating Behavior, Cortisol, and Body Fat Distribution

It's no secret these days: abdominal fat is bad news, signalling . But meditation and mindfulness training may help.

Forty-seven overweight and obese women were exposed to mindfulness training or a "waitlist" for three months. Women trained in mindfulness were less likely to gain weight, less likely to eat emotionally, and more likely to lose weight over the long-term.

Pretty cool for something simple, that costs nothing, and that you can take with you anywhere you go. Okay, okay, so "simple" doesn't mean "easy" for you humans. 

If any of y'all are interested in free mindfulness support for summer weight loss (or ongoing stress management needs), write to Tess for details.

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