Latest News

On this page we'll aim to keep you informed about up-to-date research and news.

A study was carried out to determine whether there is a link between mobile phone use and brain cancer. The research was conduction by the Institute of Cancer Research, UK; the Karolinska Institutet, Sweden; the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Australia and the University of California and Brown University, USA. study was carried out by researchers from the Institute of Cancer Research, UK; the Karolinska Institutet, Sweden; the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Australia and the University of California and Brown University, USA.

Are you confused about what to eat during pregnancy? The word 'pregnancy' is the most searched 'health related' term on Google so it's little wonder there are thousands of different websites offering advice. Read the NNA's short, and to the point, analysis of dietary requirements both when trying to conceive and during pregnancy

Coeliac Disease is thought to affect up to 1 in 100 people but it is likely that only a small percentage (1 in every 8 cases) will have been diagnosed. A new book written by Alex Gazzola includes information on just about everything there is to know about coeliac disease. Read about the book and see details of websites that give good recipes for Coeliacs.

Researchers have demonstrated the effects of mushroom extract on breast cancer cells. Further trials are needed but click here to read about the research to date.

Ongoing research into the anti-cancer properties of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli continues to show promising results.

Energy drinks make children fat, not fit, says study. The study by the Comer Children's Hospital (University of Chicago) considers that parents are are making their children fat and ruining their teeth by buying them sports or energy drinks and should give them water instead, doctors have warned

A UK study highlights the increasing problem of iodine deficiency. Read the facts about this increasing risk factor for health

National Vegetarian Week 2011 is from 23rd to 29th May. The NNA has produced a brief guide to vegetarian and vegan diets. Please click here to download the guide

Can organic food help you to live longer and lose weight? Read the research from the University of Newcastle

Find out how "Virgin Olive Oil and a Mediterranean Diet Fight Heart Disease by Changing How Our Genes Function"

Learn the research that tells us "Sugar, not just salt, is linked to high blood pressure"

Read the explanation that tells us the "Insights Into Link Between Anti-Cholesterol Drugs and Depression"

Having a 'healthy' BMI is not necessarily as healthy as we think. Read the research about the link between body mass index, waist circumference and the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes

Conclusions from research published in the British Medical Journal suggest a reassessment is needed of the role of calcium supplements in the management of osteoporosis

Doubts are being cast over the sharp rise in food allergies among children, with a health watchdog saying many could have been misdiagnosed

"A genetic excuse for obesity is a myth" according to latest research

Fibre supplementation might protect against Crohn’s disease relapse by preventing bacterial invasion of intestinal mucosa according to preliminary research

Research confirms that large doses of folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 can significantly reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's and dementia

Scientists haven't discovered a cure for the common cold but researchers have found that zinc lozenges cut the duration of colds to four days from seven days, and reduced coughing to two days from five.

According to research, drinking coffee with added sugar can boost brain power.
Here at the NNA we disagree with this study that was published in the Daily Mail. While coffee is a common inclusion for many people at breakfast time (and throughout the day) it is not a health food. It may be associated with increased brain performance and functioning but this is only half the story. Caffeine causes a stress on the body. That feeling of alertness is actually the response of your adrenal glands releasing stress hormones. This stress also has a negative effect on your liver which tries to break the substance down and rid it from your body as quickly as possible (hence the ability of coffee to stimulate the bowels and urinary system). Unfortunately coffee has a long half life (about 6 hours) and clearing it from the body takes a long time. Adding sugar to the mix only makes things worse. Sugar provides energy but gives nothing back to the body. It is the equivalent of spending money you don’t have, it is short-term thinking. Sugar decreases metabolism, interferes with insulin and leptin sensitivity and increases blood fats. When looked at it this way it is difficult to see how adding sugar and coffee together can really be seen as a healthy way to boost memory and attention span.

Vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to chronic coughs. As B12 is rich in animal meat, a deficiency is more commonly associated with vegetarians and vegans. Another factor could be low levels of stomach acid, which is required for efficient absorption of B12, so people taking antacid medication could be at risk.

For lovers of chocolate, there's good news! According to research carried out in Japan, it's now known that polyphenols in cocoa attach to genes in the liver and intestines, activating the ones that produce HDL (good cholesterol), as well as those that help suppress LDL (bad cholesterol). The study abstract on the website doesn't say how much chocolate is needed to fulfill these benefits but sadly for chocolate lovers it's likely to be just a few grams daily or the equivalent of around 50 grams per week and not a whole box of Black Magic.