News Clips

Occasional glass of wine could save your eyesight

Researchers from the University of Wisconsin studied the relationship between visual deterioration and smoking, drinking alcohol and staying physically fit. About 5000 adults aged 43 to 84 years old were part of the study that was conducted from 1988 until 2013. The results, which were published in the journal of Ophthalmology, showed that among those who had alcohol (less than one drink per week) 49% were less likely to develop problems with their vision within 20 years. Regular exercise, at least three times a week, lowered the chance of deterioration in vision by 58%.

~ The Telegraph, 19/6/2014

Washing Chicken 'spreads infection'

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) in the United Kingdom has warned that washing raw chicken could spread campylobacter bacteria onto hands, surfaces, clothes and cooking equipment via water droplets. Campylobacter is the most common bacteria that causes food poisoning in the UK but only 28% of those surveyed by the FSA have ever heard of it. Diarrhoea, stomach pains, cramps and general malaise for a few days are some of the symptoms but it could lead to health problems in the long run such as irritable bowel syndrome and Guillain-Barre syndrome, a serious condition affecting the nervous system. It could also cause death in children and the elderly.

~ BBC News, 16/6/2014

FDA to Increase Calls for More Fish Consumption

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States has started to encourage pregnant and nursing mothers to include more seafood in their diet as there are more advantages to health compared to the relatively minor risk that these foods may contain mercury. The FDA and the Environmental Protection Agency advise pregnant women and nursing mothers to consume between 8 and 12 ounces (226 to 340 grams) of seafood a week (two to three meals). Nearly all fish contain trace amounts of mercury and many pregnant women have stopped eating fish because of misinformation on this matter. With regards to tuna, Dr.Mary Harris a professor of nutrition at Colorado State University says, "If you eat 12 ounces (340 grams) a week, you will not reach dangerous mercury levels".
~ Wall Street Journal Online, 16/6/2014