Abstract
Recent laboratory analyses have shown that newly created tearless versions of onions are packed with health benefits. These new types of onion produce a sulphur compound similar to that found in garlic, instead of the usual tear-inducing protein, which brings about significant cardiovascular benefits. Scientists have demonstrated how extracts from these tearless onions significantly reduce platelet clumping, lowering the risk of blood clots and clogged arteries. Preliminary tests have also shown that these tearless onions could help control weight gain. Onion anyone?
A traditional Japanese pickle could be the next superfood after studies conducted in mice demonstrated its protective powers against infection with the influenza virus. Lactobacillus brevis, found in the popular picked turnip Suguki, increases the production of immune system molecules in the body - this enhanced activity aids the eradication of virus-infected cells, sufficient enough to protect against infection by the H1N1 flu virus. Human clinical trials are now underway. For now, pass the tissues!
Studies have shown that specific brain regions can be trained by means of video gaming. Groups who participated in the games over a period of two months for 30 minutes a day showed an increase in grey matter in regions of the brain involved in many important functions, including spatial navigation, memory formation, strategic planning and fine motor skills of the hands, compared with a control group who played no games. These positive effects are thought to be relevant in therapeutic interventions targeted towards patients with mental disorders in which brain regions are altered, for example, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s dementia. Time to get gaming!
