Frontline: Cervical cancer; Beetroot juice and heart health; Body fat and muscle strength
Simpler Screening Detects More Cervical Cancer, Precancerous Lesions
Scientists have developed a new, more effective cervical cancer screening method. The WID-qCIN test detects epigenetic changes in cells, significantly improving early cancer detection. Epigenetic changes in cells refer to alterations that can be influenced by factors such as environment, lifestyle, and aging. In a study of over 28,000 women, published in the June issue of the journal Nature Medicine, this test identified 100 percent of invasive cervical cancers and 93 percent of serious precancerous lesions within a year. Additionally, it predicted 69 percent of cancers and precancerous lesions up to six years later, compared with only 18 percent with current methods. The researchers reported that this advancement could reduce the need for invasive diagnostic procedures by 40 percent, potentially enhancing women’s health and quality of life.
Beetroot Juice Boosts Heart Health in Postmenopausal Women
New research highlights the heart health benefits of beetroot juice for postmenopausal women. Beetroot juice contains high levels of nitrate, which the body converts to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps blood vessels expand, making it easier for blood to flow through the circulatory system. The ability of nitric oxide to widen blood vessels is known to be particularly helpful during periods of limited blood flow and oxygen delivery, such as during a heart attack. A study of 24 postmenopausal women, published in the June issue of the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, showed that daily consumption of nitrate-rich beetroot juice significantly improved blood vessel function, reducing heart disease risk. The study included women considered early postmenopausal, or one to six years postmenopause, and late postmenopausal, six or more years postmenopause. Late postmenopausal women saw the same benefits as the early postmenopausal group. This non-pharmaceutical approach offers a promising way for menopausal women to support cardiovascular health naturally.
Study Links Body Fat and Muscle Strength to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Risk
High body fat, especially in the abdomen and arms, increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, according to a study published in the July issue of the journal Neurology. Conversely, high muscle strength significantly reduces this risk. The study tracked 412,691 individuals—55 percent of whom were women—with an average age of 56, over nine years. It found that people with high abdominal fat were 13 percent more likely to develop these diseases, while those with high arm fat faced an 18 percent higher risk. High muscle strength, however, decreased the risk by 26 percent. This study highlights the potential to lessen the risk of developing these neurodegenerative diseases by improving body composition. Targeted interventions to reduce belly and arm fat while promoting healthy muscle development may be more effective for protection against these diseases than general weight control, the study’s researchers concluded.
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