News summary

More on diet and longevity

The findings of a recent study suggest that eating meals containing all the things known to improve cardiovascular health could increase longevity. According to an international group of experts, men age 50 and older could add six years to their life in this way, while women in the same age group could gain an extra five. Dr Oscar Franco, of the University Medical Center in Rotterdam, says the “polymeal”, as his team calls it, comprises elements that research has consistently shown can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and includes wine, fish, dark chocolate, fruits, vegetables, garlic and almonds. All the food are to be consumed daily except for fish, which research suggests should be eaten four times per week.
Reuters Health Online

Health benefits of cranberries

The British Dental Health Foundation says the cranberry could help prevent a range of oral health problems, including gum disease and tooth decay. Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the BDHF, points out that oral health companies are already taking advantage of the effect, as evinced by the increasing number of toothpastes and flosses containing cranberry products. More than five million people visit their dentist with toothache in the UK each year, and in the vast majority of cases this is the result of tooth decay. Gum disease, which causes bleeding gums and bad breath, is the main cause of tooth loss in the UK and it has been linked to heart disease, lung disease, diabetes and heart attacks. The Daily Mail

Elderly malnutrition

Age Concern says the health of 500,000 older people in the UK is at risk because they are under-nourished. The charity estimates that 15 per cent of over-85s are unable to prepare a main meal for themselves, and that 38 per cent of these are denied regular help or access to hot food. Gordon Lishman, Age Concern’s director-general, says, “Almost two million pensioners live in poverty and as a result many don’t have enough money to pay for necessities that most of us take for granted. It is scandalous that, in the 21st century, so many pensioners are facing ill-health because of an inadequate diet.”
BBC News Online

Middle class diet “has deteriorated”

Researchers at University College London say the diet of many Britons – particularly among the middle classes – has got worse despite the millions of pounds spent on healthy eating campaigns. Up to one-third of Britons – 20 million people – have increased their consumption of fried food and a similar proportion is taking less exercise. A study that followed more than 11,000 “baby-boomers” for almost a decade shows that the middle classes are eating more chips and fried food, while many have rejected wholemeal bread in favour of processed white varieties. The consumption of fruit and vegetables appears to have fallen despite promotional campaigns. The food standards agencies in England, Scotland and Wales cost £150m a year, with another £80m being devoted solely to promoting fruit in schools.
The Times Online