Health trends: Pesticides linked to child's ADHD

A new analysis of United States health data links children's attention-deficit disorder with exposure to common pesticides used on fruits and vegetables. While the study couldn't prove that pesticides used in agriculture contribute to childhood learning problems, experts said the research is persuasive.

Children may be especially prone to the health risks of pesticides because they are still growing and they may consume more pesticide residue than adults relative to their body weight.

In the body, pesticides break down into compounds that can be measured in urine. Almost universally, the study, published in the recent issue of Pediatrics, found detectable levels: The compounds turned up in the urine of 94 per cent of the children. The children with higher levels of pesticides had increased chances of having ADHD, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, a common problem that causes students to have trouble in school.

Source: The Associated Press

Bran helps diabetic women

Among women with diabetes, those who bulk up their diets with plenty of bran may live longer and be less likely to die of heart disease, hints a new study published in the journal Circulation. A number of studies have linked higher consumption of whole grains to lower risks of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The new study extends those findings by suggesting that even among people with type 2 diabetes - which raises the risk of heart disease - whole grains may help protect the heart.

Grains consist of three layers: the fibre- and nutrient-containing bran and germ layers and the starchy kernel layer. Refined grains, like white flour, are largely stripped of the bran and germ; whole grains - such as oatmeal, brown rice, barley and breads made from wholewheat - retain more of those components. Studies suggest that the fibre, antioxidants and other nutrients in whole grains may help lower cholesterol, blood sugar and insulin levels, as well as improve blood vessel functioning and reduce inflammation in the circulatory system.

Source: Reuters Health