Page 67 - BBC - The Scientific Guide to a Healthier You

IS FOR The herb echinacea is
extracted from the
E ECHINACEA purple coneflower,
Also known as purple coneflower, Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea contains so-called
polysaccharide compounds that are

thought to increase the activity of
the immune system. Several studies
have attempted to test the herb as a
treatment for the common cold and the
results are decidedly mixed. A large
study in 2007, for example, found that
it reduced both the duration of cold
infections and your chances of catching
a cold. Meanwhile, two other studies
funded by the US National Center for
Complementary and Integrative Health
found no benefit.
IS FOR GREEN-LIPPED IS FOR
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G MUSSEL EXTRACT H HYALURONIC ACID
New Zealand green-lipped mussels Around 15g of hyaluronic acid exists
contain certain fats that are known in your body right now. It’s a large
to have an anti-inflammatory effect. molecule that acts as a lubricant and
Because of this, green-lipped mussel a filler in the skin, eyes and joints.
extract has been studied as a possible Hyaluronic acid is used by plastic
treatment for arthritis. The evidence surgeons to plump out lips and it’s a
isn’t very strong, however. Several common ingredient in skin creams.
IS FOR comprehensive reviews of multiple There’s no evidence that taking
F FOLIC ACID studies have concluded that it is no hyaluronic acid orally has any anti-
Folate or vitamin B9 can’t be synthesised better than a placebo. This might be aging effect on the skin, but some
within the human body so we have to because the active ingredient degrades studies have shown that it reduces the

obtain it from our diet. Since 1998, once it is extracted into pill form. symptoms of arthritis in the knees.
the US Food and Drug Administration
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has required that folic acid be added
to bread, cereal, rice, pasta and flour.
Folate is particularly important
Folic acid is
during the early development of the important for the
foetus, so women of childbearing age development of a
healthy foetus
are recommended to take an extra
0.4 mg/day to reduce the risk of neural
tube defects and premature birth.
Surprisingly, a 2013 study in mice
found that the foetus can also be
affected by the low folate levels in the
father’s diet. Folic acid can affect which
genes in the sperm are activated, so a
B9 supplement or a healthy diet rich
in dark leafy vegetables is important
for prospective fathers too.
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