New research breakthrough with Mangosteen

Being fat increases the level of inflammatory activity in the body, while being physically fit decreases it, according to a new U.S. study.

The study included 452 healthy men who had levels of different groups of blood cells measured during exercise. A high total white blood cell count is a marker of inflammatory activity and is a strong and independent risk factor for coronary heart disease-related illness and death, according to background information in a news release from the researchers at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, La.

None of the participants smoked or had been diagnosed with a serious disease or chronic condition, all of which are known to be associated with a higher white blood cell count. The men were weighed and measured and had their blood pressure taken before their level of cardio-respiratory fitness was assessed using a standard treadmill test.

Blood tests showed that levels of all groups of white blood cells were lowest in the most physically fit men and higher in men who had a combination of higher body fat and lower levels of fitness.
In general, the more body fat, the higher the white blood cell count. However, the study did find that a high level of physical fitness negated the effect of extra body fat.

The researchers noted that white cell counts tend to increase after a session of vigorous exercise, but regular exercise may condition the body to respond more efficiently when doing physically demanding activities. The study was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
In the last decade scientists have proven that some antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to scavenging free radicals, there are antioxidants that actually block inflammation. The antioxidant effect (the blocking of certain oxidizing proteins) lowers the activation of inflammatory signals. Scientists have also found that combinations of certain antioxidants have greater effect than single antioxidants on certain types of inflammation.

A 2004 study funded by the National Institute of Aging found that taking an antioxidant supplement was associated with CRP levels similar to those seen in those who exercised 180 minutes/week or more and did not take supplements. The study involved 2,964 people. Blood samples were analyzed for serum levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, and plasma levels of TNF-alpha.

The best sources of antioxidants are vegetables, fruits, tea and wine. It is a good idea to get your antioxidants from a variety of sources. The more colorful your natural foods the better - yellow, orange, green, red, brown and blue-purple plant foods provide a variety of antioxidants, and the more brightly colored, the richer the food is in anti-oxidants.

Some of these brightly colored fruits rich in antioxidants include Acai, Mangosteen, Camu Camu, Goji and Noni. Since these fruits are difficult to obtain fresh in your local market you can get them in their "as good as fresh" condition from Dr. Tim's Juices.