/oss/taxonomy/term/1197/all en /oss/article/did-you-know-health/nitric-oxide <p>Nitric oxide is a messenger chemical used by the body to relax blood vessels and has therefore been studied for its potential to treat angina and high blood pressure. One way to increase levels in the body is through the administration of the amino acid arginine. But so far, the appropriate amounts for ingestion have not been determined. Nevertheless products containing arginine are being promoted to the public for the “treatment and prevention” of heart disease.</p> Sat, 20 May 2017 22:48:32 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 2459 at /oss /oss/article/environment-health/catching-some-rays-could-help-your-heart <p>Life comes down to a struggle between risk and benefit. Although not always consciously, we evaluate our diet, our cosmetics, our medications, household chemicals and activity levels on the basis of whether they are good or bad for us. Mention sun exposure, and the conflict comes down to the “bad,” namely skin cancer, and the “good,” usually ascribed to the enhanced production of vitamin D. Skin cancer is bad, but why is vitamin D good? For one, it is required for the proper absorption of calcium and a lack can lead to soft bones, in extreme cases to the characteristic bow legs of rickets.</p> Sat, 26 Sep 2015 10:23:44 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 2287 at /oss /oss/article/diets-health/new-view-nitrates <p>“What are nitrates? Cheaper than day rates.” So goes an old joke, appreciation of which requires a bit of chemical knowledge. The nitrate ion is composed of oxygen and nitrogen and occurs naturally in the soil where it serves as a source of nitrogen for plant growth. Nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus are the three minerals all plants require to flourish. Nitrates are an integral part of the nitrogen cycle in our environment and form when microbes in the soil break down decaying plant or animal matter.</p> Fri, 30 Aug 2013 13:58:09 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 2008 at /oss /oss/article/controversial-science-food-health-news/apples-and-sex <p>Did Eve eat an apple to have a better sex life with Adam? One might come to that conclusion after reading a paper published in the Archives of Gynaecology and Obstetrics with the alluring title “Apple consumption is related to better sexual quality of life in young women.” Indeed one might come to that conclusion if one ignores the poor quality of the paper as well as the fact that the Bible never mentions an apple as being the fruit of the tree of knowledge.</p> Tue, 29 Jul 2014 12:38:17 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 2174 at /oss