Let it Flow

Need another reason to exercise?

New research published in today’s issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences claims that caffeine and exercise may help protect against skin cancer.

According to the National Cancer Institute, there are around 1 million new cases of skin cancer per year in the US.

The initial research was conducted with mice, and now researchers would like to to see clinical trials performed with people.

What did this research show? That the “combination of exercise and caffeine increased destruction of precancerous cells that had been damaged by the sun’s ultraviolet-B radiation”. This was reported by researchers at Rutgers University, where the research took place.

According to the report, mice were split into 4 groups -

• some were fed caffeine in water (equivalent to 1 cup of coffee)
• some had wheels to run on
• some had both
• control group that received neither.

All were exposed to lamps with UVB rays. Researchers were measuring changes in apoptosis, a means of telling cells within the body that have badly damaged DNA to self-destruct.

Mice given caffeine only saw a 95% increase in apoptosis, exercise only saw a 120% increase and those who received both caffeine and exercise showed a 400% increase.

This all sounds great for those of you who love the sun, right? Please keep in mind:

• These tests haven’t yet been conducted in people.
• Sunscreen use is still a must.
• Exercise is a must for general healthy living - sun protection or not
• Monitor caffeine consumption. Moderation is key. Be sure to drink plenty of water for hydration and keep cream, sugar, and soda consumption to a minimum.

For more information visit. www.pnas.org.

Tags: Fitness and Exercise, Food and Diet //