Q. I have recently read that there are health benefits from drinking several ounces of pomegranate juice daily. I can't find where I read this and would appreciate knowing what research on pomegranate juice reveals.
A. Pomegranate juice is not exactly a staple in most kitchens, but it does offer cardiovascular health benefits. In an article published two years ago in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Israeli scientists reported that pomegranate juice can help prevent the development of plaque in the arteries. It makes bad LDL cholesterol more resistant to oxidation and thus mitigates an important step in the development of heart disease.
In mice bred to be especially susceptible to plaque formation in their arteries, pomegranate juice reduced atherosclerotic buildup by 44 percent. There is also data to suggest that this juice can reduce the risk of blood clots.
Q. I need advice on nail fungus and smelly feet. Last winter I wore a pair of waterproof boots almost every day. Unfortunately, they made my feet sweat. Even after I stopped wearing the boots my feet have continued to sweat. When I take off my shoes, my husband makes sarcastic remarks about the smell.
Is there anything I can do to stop the sweating and the smell? I also have fungus on my big toenails. My doctor says they aren't worth treating because the medicine is expensive and the problem is only cosmetic. But I like to wear sandals and am self-conscious about my ugly nails. A friend thought you mentioned Vicks VapoRub for fungus, but wasn't sure.
A. Foot soaks are a good way to help control sweating and food odor. People have had success with tea, vinegar, baking soda or Epsom salts dissolved in warm water. Others prefer to take zinc pills or drink green tea.
Some of these approaches, especially soaking the feet in a vinegar solution, might also be helpful for nail fungus. We have heard from many people who have had good luck with Vicks VapoRub. They smear it on and around the nail twice a day, and often report it makes a difference within a few months.