Study links depression with early heart disease symptoms

Depression and its physical symptoms, such as loss of appetite and fatigue, can increase the risk of the early signs of heart disease, according to a new study. Researchers looking at 324 men and women found that those who had mild or moderate depression had greater progression of hardening of the arteries and increase of the artery wall. Yahoo!/HealthDay News (2/6)

Report: Americans consuming heart-healthier diets

Americans came closer to following heart-healthy diets between 1980 and 2002, but there has been either little improvement or trends in the wrong direction for the areas of energy balance, sodium intake and fish intake, according to a new study. The areas in which Americans have shown improvement, however, include eating more fruits and vegetables, total grain, and whole grain and drinking less alcohol. Reuters (2/8)

Study: Diabetics urged to exercise, but many don't

Fewer than 40% of people with Type 2 diabetes get exercise, despite doctors' common advice to them to get active, according to a new study. A previous study found that nearly three-quarters of diabetics said their doctors advised them to exercise, and research released today shows those with the strongest warnings to get exercise were those least likely to comply. The Washington Post/Associated Press (free registration) (1/26)

Research shows possible new health benefit of olive oil

Extra virgin olive oil may have the potential to prevent or treat Helicobacter pylori infections that are known to cause gastritis and peptic ulcer disease, Spanish researchers said. The study found the oil's healthful phenolic compounds had a strong antibacterial effect against multiple H. pylori strains, including antibiotic-resistant strains. United Press International (2/7)

Review finds no proof of diabetes benefit from zinc

A review of randomized clinical trials offers no evidence that zinc supplements can help prevent Type 2 diabetes, however researchers assert that zinc does assist in the production and action of insulin, according to a new report. The authors of the report say that among the 192 clinical trials they analyzed, only one met their content and quality criteria for inclusion in the review and that study showed no effect from zinc on diabetes. Yahoo!/HealthDay News (1/24)