Romaine lettuce is a common variety of lettuce which is showing to have higher health benefits than other common lettuce varieties.

In this study, the authors found that romaine lettuce was high in vitamin C and phenolic compounds, both of which have potent antioxidant effects.

It was also found that these phenolic compounds protected neurons from oxidative damage. This means that a regular intake of romaine lettuce may help to prevent neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia, Alzheimers and memory loss.

Im et al 2010, Journal of Medicinal Food.

A recent study has found that flaxseeds (linseeds) and pepitas (pumpkin seeds) have the potential to decrease the risk of diabetes complications.

In the study, diabetic rats were fed a mixture of pepitas and flaxseeds had an increased antioxidant status and had less signs of diabetic nephropathy signs such as kidney damage.

An intake of pepitas and flaxseeds may be useful for people diagnosed with diabetes to prevent complications such as kidney dysfunction.

Makni et al 2010, Journal of Medicinal Food.

A recent study published by the Journal of the American College of Nutrition has found that pulses (chickpeas, beans, lentils) and wholegrains can help with fat reduction.

The study involving 113 people showed that although there were no large differences in body weight at the end of the 18 month trail, those who ate more pulses and wholegrain products had a 2.8cm waist reduction, whereas those who did not had no change.

Waist measurement is now the gold standard for determining the effects of weight on health, and is said to be more important than looking at weight alone.

Venn et al 2010, Journal of the American College of Clinical Nutrition, vol. 29, no. 4, pp 365-372.

A recent study involving 40,834 Australian adults has proved an indisputable link between sleep deprivation and obesity. In the study it was found that middle age adults who slept less than 7 hours a night had a much higher incidence of obesity than those that slept for more than 7 hours.

This study highlights the importance of addressing sleep in the treatment of obesity.A naturopathic approach to weight loss includes addressing your sleep for maximum results.

Magee et al 2009, Sleep duration and obesity in middle-aged Australian adults, Obesity.