That Health Science Writing Blog

Just one drink with friends may not be as harmless/beneficial as once believed.  Photo Credit:  Punchdrink.com            Many people have grown up with the notion that drinking “a glass” of wine with dinner is a neutral if not a healthy habit. After all, red wine consumption in prior decades and even up until now was recommended or prescribed by doctors as a treatment for those with high blood pressure who may be at risk for a heart attack or stroke, in line with recent research that found that a moderate intake (1-2 5 oz. glasses per day) of red wine may be protective. Culturally, alcoholic beverages are commonly consumed in the diet of most nations, enjoyed at celebrations, sporting events, and even just around the dinner table. However, recent research by Topiwala et al. published in the British Medical Journal found results contrary to the popular belief that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol may be ...

Probiotics can be found in fermented food products such as yogurt or as supplement tablets. Photo Credit: WebMD.com              Concerns for healthy living and the desire for ways to reach (or keep) one’s ideal weight are widespread. Recently, advertisements supporting the use of probiotic products for weight reduction are reaching new heights of popularity. People are wondering if they have perhaps been self-sabotaging their diets the majority of their lives by excluding rich sources of friendly bacteria from their daily food routines. The question for scientists studying the effects of this trendy new diet staple:   “Will probiotic products actually help me lose weight?”             A review article by Parks & Bae (2015) attempted to answer this question by compiling recent research and comparing their results. They described probiotic...