Peas Fight Kidney Disease, High Blood Pressure

Animal-free dieters find ways to bulk up competitively

(NEWSER) - A new trend is sprouting in the sport of bodybuilding: veganism. A burgeoning group of competitive weight-lifters are turning to an all animal-free diet, reports the New York Times . It's a challenge because the vegan diet can be dauntingly limited for bodybuilders, who need a sufficient amount of amino acids, found in meat, in order to bulk up. “Is it possible to be a good bodybuilder and be a vegan? Yes,” says the chief executive of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. “But is it ideal? No.” More»

Three markers in spinal fluid may help in development of treatment

(NEWSER) - The presence of certain biomarkers in spinal fluid can predict the development of Alzheimer's disease, even in patients who display no symptoms, according to breakthrough research being published tomorrow. "This is what everyone is looking for, the bull’s eye of perfect predictive accuracy," a doctor not connected with the study tells the New York Times . "This is literally on the cutting edge of where the field is." More»

Peas, parsley, pesto help, and there's guacamole, too

(NEWSER) - Perhaps your grocery store is already out of green food coloring ahead of St. Patrick’s Day, or maybe you’d rather tint your celebratory grub naturally. Ann Hodgman, writing for Slashfood , has suggestions:

• Peas: Adding some to your mashed potatoes will change the color but not the taste.
• Parsley: Want green bread crumbs for a chicken dish? Add the chopped fresh herb to a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and garlic.

Abandon unhealthy habits and you may live 10 years longer: docs

(NEWSER) - You knew smoking and fatty foods were bad for you, but thanks to a huge 40-year study, we now know exactly how bad. Researchers followed 19,000 men, starting in the late 1960s. Those who were still smoking, had high blood pressure, and had high cholesterol—the three top killers of middle-aged men—lived to an average age of 73. Those with none of those three risk factors lived to 83. More»

Genetic engineering unlocks protein that could feed millions

(NEWSER) - Scientists have developed a novel genetic engineering technique that makes the protein-rich seeds of the cotton plant easily edible, Time reports. The entire plant, including the seeds, produces a toxic chemical called gossypol that protects it from insects and microbes. “People, pigs, chickens—none of us can stomach gossypol,” says a researcher. But remove the gossypol, and voila! Protein. More»