tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3527037081974815072024-03-18T19:45:44.748-07:00Optimal Health Resourcecrutcrithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09269806261919869067noreply@blogger.comBlogger315125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352703708197481507.post-52357256081366895632012-01-19T07:56:00.000-08:002012-01-21T07:42:44.946-08:00Study Explains How Lifestyle Factors and Mindset Increase Dementia Risk<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcohaoucSmHXfpluBmqZf3tb3XC1omSeSMomQzpMgwNUYgaoeLd7GonTboYjCzNhEQVNWF3tuP2uvx-1vAOgc1bu2ZxBd9ugGl_-m-hMri_0vz56ZLI3p-w6c2UDfzO5BZUqNagViVY6l/s1600/dementia_lifestyle_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcohaoucSmHXfpluBmqZf3tb3XC1omSeSMomQzpMgwNUYgaoeLd7GonTboYjCzNhEQVNWF3tuP2uvx-1vAOgc1bu2ZxBd9ugGl_-m-hMri_0vz56ZLI3p-w6c2UDfzO5BZUqNagViVY6l/s1600/dementia_lifestyle_main.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Loss of cognitive function, mostcommonly associated with Alzheimer’s disease instills feelings of fear andinsecurity more than any other chronic condition, including a cancer diagnosis.Researchers publishing in the <a href="http://www.aan.com/press/index.cfm?fuseaction=release.view&release=989">journal</a><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Neurology,</span></i> the medical journal ofthe American Academy of Neurology, found that people who rate their health aspoor or fair appear to be significantly more likely to develop dementia laterin life. Is there really a mind-link association between how we feel about ouroverall health and initiation of this dreaded disease?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Researchers point to the factthat many chronic illnesses such as <a href="http://myoptimalhealthresource.blogspot.com/search/label/Heart%20Disease">heartdisease</a> and dementia develop over the course of 20 or 30 years and ourperceptions may actually influence how these conditions progress. A positivespirit and happy outlook on life may just help you avoid a host of deadlydiseases, including dementia.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Seniors Effectively Able to Predict Risk of Dementia Later in Life</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3Yg7PwNGlEvPImQeD8LbmfMmUHjHU6JCA5zB65X5DVkLC1siSradL660x4gQyeHdUl5jRgT-Ag6X2veSvRwemkVexbKu0mOzDjgGWVq-qZWZkkeIJ8oaFPt5SNF6svGpqxIER8Gas_02/s1600/dementia_lifestyle_seniors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3Yg7PwNGlEvPImQeD8LbmfMmUHjHU6JCA5zB65X5DVkLC1siSradL660x4gQyeHdUl5jRgT-Ag6X2veSvRwemkVexbKu0mOzDjgGWVq-qZWZkkeIJ8oaFPt5SNF6svGpqxIER8Gas_02/s1600/dementia_lifestyle_seniors.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">People may possess a much morepowerful diagnostic tool than the plethora of diagnostic tests, dyes andpharmaceuticals used by most allopathic physicians and diagnosticians. Dr.Christophe Tzourio, director of Neuroepidemiology at the University of Bordeauxin France <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005170716.htm">explained</a><i>“Having people rate their own health maybe a simple tool for doctors to determine a person's risk of dementia,especially for people with no symptoms or memory problems”</i>. His researchresults show that health and disease can be assessed more effectively by anindividual from within, as opposed to managing a set of medical results andtests.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">A research study was designedwith 8,169 people, aged 65 years or older who were followed for a period ofseven years. During the study each participant was asked to rate their ownhealth, and 618 people developed dementia. The risk of dementia was 70 percenthigher in people who rated their health as poor and 34 percent higher in peoplewho rated their health as fair compared to those who rated their health asgood.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Leading an Active Life with Many Friends and Family Members LowersDementia Risk</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdR29D_bPTJuUrzSAnXVMwSCi6ZRR2zYVLrJqbyhPm99af0mBcO2kYrlC-hm2cch0DHfkIHHGmvsu-4IupsHAzh8hvskSbqsTiys2DrlHQfkQABn10peylHcz1h9usT35EMIwCle_jHLQx/s1600/dementia_lifestyle_family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdR29D_bPTJuUrzSAnXVMwSCi6ZRR2zYVLrJqbyhPm99af0mBcO2kYrlC-hm2cch0DHfkIHHGmvsu-4IupsHAzh8hvskSbqsTiys2DrlHQfkQABn10peylHcz1h9usT35EMIwCle_jHLQx/s1600/dementia_lifestyle_family.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The study also found a highercorrelation between ones health assessment and developing dementia for thoseindividuals who did not have any memory problems or other issues with thinkingskills. Those with no visible signs of cognitive decline were nearly twice aslikely to develop dementia as those who rated their health as good. Researchersfound that having a large social network along with plenty of social activitiesare associated with a decreased risk of dementia.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Dr. Tzourio <a href="http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-10/aaon-tyi092711.php">concluded</a><i>"… it's possible that rating one'shealth as poor might be associated with behaviors that limit social interactionand in turn accelerate the dementia process."</i> A wealth of scientificresearch studies have found that lifestyle factors including close bonds withfamily, friends and social groups are important to lowering dementia risk inthe elderly population.</div>crutcrithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09269806261919869067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352703708197481507.post-9595145664874897332012-01-16T05:22:00.000-08:002012-01-21T07:42:44.976-08:00Green Tea Halts Weight Gain by Inhibiting Fat Absorption<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqX9VAg_QpN21dsINx4RceWXbCsLHeJQ6BS0IGWri_JmH4R-hAuhSstF9PvyUPcz_8MH343O_BdYxF_jaQPxCPqjpDgFr7uB0agmgQyE0HHKPyo-nWNBRB7hP3kcWX4i89fYCp17snVvK/s1600/green_tea_lipids_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqX9VAg_QpN21dsINx4RceWXbCsLHeJQ6BS0IGWri_JmH4R-hAuhSstF9PvyUPcz_8MH343O_BdYxF_jaQPxCPqjpDgFr7uB0agmgQyE0HHKPyo-nWNBRB7hP3kcWX4i89fYCp17snVvK/s1600/green_tea_lipids_main.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Reporting in the research <a href="http://www.nature.com/oby/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/oby2011139a.html">journal</a><i>Obesity</i>, researchers continue tomount crucial evidence to support green tea as an agent in the war againstoverweight and obesity. Green tea (and its less refined cousin, white tea) isshown to slow weight gain and may be a key tool in the obesity epidemic impactingthe health of millions of children and adults in western cultures.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Mice supplemented with the activecompound found in green tea, Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) were fed ahigh-fat diet and gained weight much slower than their control counterparts. Thefindings demonstrate the potent effect of the natural tea extract when coupledwith a healthy, calorie-reduced diet that minimizes processed carbohydratefoods and hydrogenated fat sources.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Green Tea Extract Shown to Slow Weight Gain By 45 Percent</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWXQj01xunuG6IvRv0QlSVyLZXy2xA5PovcUgOtTlD-GZDADJiC3xN8VEVNdFTnEVagzPA2nT1OhS6D5dS_i92fEJXgMEbWrywm3cTC19QYQmZ-EyEjR5X0fHPjX6OMQiuMP4gh1KjIeC/s1600/green_tea_lipids_drink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWXQj01xunuG6IvRv0QlSVyLZXy2xA5PovcUgOtTlD-GZDADJiC3xN8VEVNdFTnEVagzPA2nT1OhS6D5dS_i92fEJXgMEbWrywm3cTC19QYQmZ-EyEjR5X0fHPjX6OMQiuMP4gh1KjIeC/s1600/green_tea_lipids_drink.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Extensive scientific research hasbeen performed on green tea and the potent EGCG extract. Most of this work hasshown a direct link between green tea consumption and lowered risk of <a href="http://myoptimalhealthresource.blogspot.com/search/label/Alzheimer%27s%20Disease">Alzheimer`s</a>dementia, many digestive cancers, cardiovascular disease as well as being anaid in weight management. Green tea contains between 30 and 40 percentpolyphenols that contribute to its myriad of health benefits. Common black teacontains between 3 and 10 percent polyphenols, as the leaves have been highlyrefined to remove the naturally occurring compounds.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Research leader Joshua Lambert,assistant professor of food science in agricultural sciences at Penn StateUniversity and his team determined to expand on prior research showing thatgreen tea consumption promotes healthy body weight. The researchers used obesemice genetically predisposed to gain weight. The mice were broken into twogroups; each fed a high fat diet. The test group was supplemented with EGCG intheir drinking water for a period of six weeks.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>ECGC Polyphenols From Green Tea Cut Fat Absorption by Thirty Percent</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNQ6h8Tdz7YXUJScuHwa-PbF4S2QcgrNGXGJC34wwjPY4XPez6bLaLR2chUNvBvWcYDkjwnejkpeypvBzkLc55Z9R9DrD38lXUcOMyk2NNlyNsi9KTIQBBD0vO17U5lv2SMa2Yt6sICBv/s1600/green_tea_lipids_tape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNQ6h8Tdz7YXUJScuHwa-PbF4S2QcgrNGXGJC34wwjPY4XPez6bLaLR2chUNvBvWcYDkjwnejkpeypvBzkLc55Z9R9DrD38lXUcOMyk2NNlyNsi9KTIQBBD0vO17U5lv2SMa2Yt6sICBv/s1600/green_tea_lipids_tape.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The results showed that micereceiving the active EGCG component through supplementation, along with ahigh-fat diet, gained weight 45 percent more slowly than the control group ofmice eating the same diet without EGCG. Lambert <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004123824.htm">noted</a> <i>“Our results suggest that if you supplementwith EGCG or green tea you gain weight more slowly.”</i> Additionally, mice fedthe green tea supplement showed a nearly 30 percent increase in lipidexcretion, suggesting that the EGCG was limiting fat absorption by inhibitingpancreatic lipase. The study did not differentiate between caffeinated andcaffeine-free green tea consumption, so caffeine sensitive individuals canattain similar results with non-caffeinated sources.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Researchers noted that green teaconsumption did not appear to suppress appetite, an indicator that the weightreduction effect was due to inhibition of fat cell genesis. The authors <a href="http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Green-tea-compound-blocks-weight-gain-Mouse-study/">concluded</a><i>“Human data … shows that tea drinkers whoonly consume one or more cups a day will see effects on body weight compared tonon-consumers.”</i> Most nutritionists suggest 2 to 4 cups of green tea eachday, or a standardized EGCG extract (500 mg to 1 gram daily) along with acalorically-balanced diet to achieve weight management success.</div>crutcrithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09269806261919869067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352703708197481507.post-50049252812513788792012-01-12T09:31:00.000-08:002012-01-21T07:42:44.996-08:00Resveratrol Reduces Breast Cancer Risk by Blocking the Effect of Estrogen<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1SR44-1wj8WFi1gq_-UN3Ur5e1WJUwKB5Y-R_NnMGvBhYkObiQOFgpsnRhLxnxs1mkvspZUuafhbDQPmGvDJwCJVy3JUgz44dJdgRMVxAO0qam6DaPTCVNM1cILSe4q42S5cFcXzlfqw4/s1600/resveratrol_breast_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1SR44-1wj8WFi1gq_-UN3Ur5e1WJUwKB5Y-R_NnMGvBhYkObiQOFgpsnRhLxnxs1mkvspZUuafhbDQPmGvDJwCJVy3JUgz44dJdgRMVxAO0qam6DaPTCVNM1cILSe4q42S5cFcXzlfqw4/s1600/resveratrol_breast_main.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Researchers from the Faculty ofPharmacy at the University of Calabria in Italy <a href="http://www.fasebj.org/content/25/10/3695">publishing</a> in <i>The FASEB Journal</i> report thatresveratrol blocks the effect of estrogen and can help to prevent the malignantgrowth of breast cancer in women. The grape/red wine derivative has been thesubject of numerous scientific studies in recent years and has shown promise inlowering risks from cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Scientists also believe theprotective nutrient may extend healthy lifespan by directly influencingmortality genes known as SIRT. Italian researchers <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110929103222.htm">noted</a> <i>"Resveratrol is a potentialpharmacological tool to be exploited when breast cancer become resistant to thehormonal therapy."</i> Health-minded adults will want to includeresveratrol from natural food sources or supplementation to reap the numeroushealth benefits.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Resveratrol Supplementation Suppresses the Growth of Malignant BreastCancer Cells</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWLVHLFu8JaqCJ8_YVdjwOAjKKvskS9UbZcU0M33U9lG3rF7I5wv7GO1UMgU3Z375tE4tcPLy1R7xzc-xeErYxSMoxReL8yJ0rkWP804dJ4BmPIpuKI9SVB7dk5iFfcY8P8lB3rj0MP_Z/s1600/resveratrol_breast_ribbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWLVHLFu8JaqCJ8_YVdjwOAjKKvskS9UbZcU0M33U9lG3rF7I5wv7GO1UMgU3Z375tE4tcPLy1R7xzc-xeErYxSMoxReL8yJ0rkWP804dJ4BmPIpuKI9SVB7dk5iFfcY8P8lB3rj0MP_Z/s1600/resveratrol_breast_ribbon.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">To design their study,researchers used several breast cancer cell lines expressing the estrogenreceptor to test the effects of resveratrol. They exposed the different cellsto a solution containing resveratrol and compared the results to cells leftuntreated. They found an important reduction in cell growth in cells treated withresveratrol, while no changes were seen in untreated cells. Further experimentsdetermined that this effect was caused by a critical reduction in estrogenreceptors caused by the administration of resveratrol.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">This finding is the first of itskind as it relates specifically to the effect of <a href="http://myoptimalhealthresource.blogspot.com/search/label/Resveratrol">resveratrol</a>on a particular cancer cell line. The team was able to conclude thatresveratrol is able to counteract the malignant progression of breast cancercells by inhibiting the growth and spread of hormone resistant cancerous cells.This has important implications for the treatment of women with breast cancerwhose tumors eventually develop resistance to hormonal therapy.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Resveratrol Specifically Targets Cancerous Cells to Fight Breast Cancer</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGHFyG6q53mxQg9ecqE1E5-YuSYBfM5tTQo_PQ5uSnj6Ea13VaKRHAafbAFsBht80VkTnbVjDrGdjMzvuHo3PVfMeuxRKI2CcLtQMaBSG3dyAM26Ang1ngSdyUvKgyCcv0oT70uuYP5hK/s1600/resveratrol_breast_cell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGHFyG6q53mxQg9ecqE1E5-YuSYBfM5tTQo_PQ5uSnj6Ea13VaKRHAafbAFsBht80VkTnbVjDrGdjMzvuHo3PVfMeuxRKI2CcLtQMaBSG3dyAM26Ang1ngSdyUvKgyCcv0oT70uuYP5hK/s1600/resveratrol_breast_cell.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Lead researcher Dr. SebastianoAndo <a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/235283.php">noted</a> <i>"Resveratrol is a potentialpharmacological tool to be exploited when breast cancer become resistant to thehormonal therapy."</i> A peer review board examining the study dataconcluded <i>“scientists haven't finisheddistilling the secrets of good health that have been hidden in natural productssuch as red wine.”</i> It is important to note that in this body of research,resveratrol only demonstrated an effect on malignant cancer cells and exertedno effect on non-cancerous cells.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">While the authors cautioned thatpeople should not go out and start using red wine or resveratrol supplements asa treatment for breast cancer, the finding strongly indicates that theplant-protective compound should be considered as a component in an overallplan designed to prevent the devastating disease. Nutrition experts recommend asupplemental intake (from a purified, organically derived source) of between 50and 250 mg per day for optimal health benefits.</div>crutcrithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09269806261919869067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352703708197481507.post-29672921319808997772011-12-26T09:41:00.000-08:002012-01-21T07:42:45.019-08:00Coffee Consumption Lowers Depression by Twenty Percent in Women<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCcdBHjM1ygqKUWD-2bzJazUD0gNExtyZTEcxKsDVHesC4Q9qNIPxmnl1zJNucM3Qbe8DL3deRyMSN7ZZFfetoExJodRncMX9teYNapx-KpCJNvArMRL95IpxfflWs09bgTfH54pcaxpV/s1600/coffee_depression_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCcdBHjM1ygqKUWD-2bzJazUD0gNExtyZTEcxKsDVHesC4Q9qNIPxmnl1zJNucM3Qbe8DL3deRyMSN7ZZFfetoExJodRncMX9teYNapx-KpCJNvArMRL95IpxfflWs09bgTfH54pcaxpV/s1600/coffee_depression_main.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Depression is a chronic andrecurrent condition that affects twice as many women as men, includingapproximately one of every five U.S. women during their lifetime. Loss ofproductive work hours has become a significant problem in the workplace makingthe development of strategies to prevent the debilitating condition a priorityfor research scientists.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The result of a peer-reviewedjournal study <a href="http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/171/17/1571">published</a>in the <i>Archives of Internal Medicine</i>explains that consumption of caffeinated coffee can reduce the symptoms ofdepression in women in a dose dependent manner. This is an important finding becausecoffee is a popular beverage already consumed by many. Just three to four cupsof java each day may just help lift your spirits and improve feelings ofmelancholy.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Four Cups of Coffee Consumed Daily Found to Lower Depression Symptom by20%</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZkXnbjaUIS1j6umYtXN7Zq_SZJlgtxsQNJBPZob0bbHGegO_M0qLfIOh5PsElR5E93bqzxmEzxGxN5KHOVcOL0a1R7szze3Q0giObmfksGx-GcOb3JQmTlQX7HX7e3QBO-cfyG6qdbPux/s1600/coffee_depression_drink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZkXnbjaUIS1j6umYtXN7Zq_SZJlgtxsQNJBPZob0bbHGegO_M0qLfIOh5PsElR5E93bqzxmEzxGxN5KHOVcOL0a1R7szze3Q0giObmfksGx-GcOb3JQmTlQX7HX7e3QBO-cfyG6qdbPux/s1600/coffee_depression_drink.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The authors of the study notedthat 80% of worldwide caffeine consumption is in the form of coffee, the mostcommonly used CNS (central nervous system) stimulant. The research leader, Dr.Michel Lucas and his team set out to determine if the consumption of coffee or otherdrinks containing caffeine might be linked to depression risk. To conduct the <a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/235013.php">study</a> theygathered data on 50,737 women with an average age 63 years. It was determinedthat none of them had depression when the study began.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The participants were part of theNurses' Health Study and were asked to complete a detailed questionnairedetailing their caffeine and coffee consumption over a 24 year period. Theresearchers determined how often they consumed caffeinated and non-caffeinatedcoffee, non-herbal teas, caffeinated sodas (sugared or low calorie) and alltypes of caffeine-free soft drinks as well as chocolate intake. For the purposeof this study, <a href="http://myoptimalhealthresource.blogspot.com/search/label/Depression">depression</a>was defined as having a diagnosis of clinical depression and being prescribedregular antidepressants during the previous two years.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Coffee Found to Lower Depression in Women in a Dose Dependent Manner</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rx4yFASb5vUfqUmLtUyCrC_sfxlxmmBEcPX6ncjXkPVmsJQ1XIvMhPDIm9PV8yZf2sO890FizbO2FnngeHRXFd9FBnA3BQsDq9MAqW7Ox1xb2RiQS3I7LCfWwjSR8q1J5QdhVxeqaILV/s1600/coffee_depression_beans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rx4yFASb5vUfqUmLtUyCrC_sfxlxmmBEcPX6ncjXkPVmsJQ1XIvMhPDIm9PV8yZf2sO890FizbO2FnngeHRXFd9FBnA3BQsDq9MAqW7Ox1xb2RiQS3I7LCfWwjSR8q1J5QdhVxeqaILV/s1600/coffee_depression_beans.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">During the course of the <a href="http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-09/jaaj-icc092311.php">study</a>analysis, 2,607 new cases of depression were recorded among the participants.From the data collected, researchers found that women who consumed two to threecups of caffeinated coffee per day were 15% less likely to develop depressioncompared to those who drank a maximum of one cup of caffeinated coffee perweek. Further they determined women who drank at least 4 cups per day had a 20%lower risk than the females consuming only one cup per day.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Interestingly, the consumption ofdecaffeinated coffee had no impact on depression risk, an indicator that asynergistic link exists between chemical compounds in coffee and caffeine toproduce the risk-lowering effect. Study authors concluded <i>"In this large prospective cohort of older women free of clinicaldepression or severe depressive symptoms at baseline, risk of depressiondecreased in a dose-dependent manner with increasing consumption of caffeinatedcoffee." </i>Drinking two to four cups daily of a caffeinated coffeebeverage may provide significant depression-lowering benefits in women.</div>crutcrithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09269806261919869067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352703708197481507.post-36037248013141615412011-12-21T09:53:00.000-08:002012-01-21T07:42:45.051-08:00Vitamin B12 Increases Brain Volume and Improves Memory and Cognition<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcQjML9dPbnoiRPW3u8WkehlmuEWMN_zK6VAeGsZo4a7lyJLFSg3s_KETRdjtKkqkl3ezgAioFVlnX892U61Nawv5-TR50tOzmJg-oo5eD5pwDQludjv6UUu67LgcB6Vxw_PzS6hREYLM/s1600/vitamin_b12_brain_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcQjML9dPbnoiRPW3u8WkehlmuEWMN_zK6VAeGsZo4a7lyJLFSg3s_KETRdjtKkqkl3ezgAioFVlnX892U61Nawv5-TR50tOzmJg-oo5eD5pwDQludjv6UUu67LgcB6Vxw_PzS6hREYLM/s1600/vitamin_b12_brain_main.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Many people are aware thatvitamin B12 status declines during aging, as millions of seniors fall prey to adecline in this critical nutrient. Vitamin B12 circulating in the blooddeclines in the elderly due to absorption problems in the digestive tractleading to poor uptake by body tissues, especially the brain.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Researchers publishing in the <a href="http://www.neurology.org/content/77/13/1276.abstract">journal</a> <i>Neurology</i> have established a definitivelink between poor vitamin B12 levels and brain shrinkage, a hallmark ofcognitive decline and Alzheimer`s dementia. Supplementation with thebiologically active form of the B vitamin may help prevent shrinkage andpreserve learning capabilities and memory functions as we age.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Vitamin B12 Deficiencies Linked to Shrinking Brain Volume and CognitiveDecline Among Elderly</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxC5H9cTqeN5ndS7F0IBYQxYjxcG5Z2Bltms4PEZOyoFoelc7_k4Rw6vlDJGMh_20-I1QqaY3ubjOm8mTyW7cOLdLYjbrIv7bv3xe5etxXV9fqeaenYj6-3-9tDJf422YE-bpBLJghyphenhyphennz/s1600/vitamin_b12_brain_cognition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxC5H9cTqeN5ndS7F0IBYQxYjxcG5Z2Bltms4PEZOyoFoelc7_k4Rw6vlDJGMh_20-I1QqaY3ubjOm8mTyW7cOLdLYjbrIv7bv3xe5etxXV9fqeaenYj6-3-9tDJf422YE-bpBLJghyphenhyphennz/s1600/vitamin_b12_brain_cognition.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The study involved 121participants from the Chicago Health and Aging Project who underwent magneticresonance imaging (MRI) scans over a period of four and a half years.Additionally, each member of the study had blood drawn to measure levels of vitaminB12 and B12-related markers that can indicate a B12 deficiency. The samesubjects took tests measuring their memory and other cognitive skills.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">MRI scans were analyzed tomeasure total <a href="http://myoptimalhealthresource.blogspot.com/search/label/Brain%20Health">brain</a>volume and look for other signs of brain damage. The tests included sevenmeasures of episodic memory, two measures of visual spatial ability andperceptual organization, two measures of perceptual speed, two measures of semanticmemory, and three measures of working memory. Stored blood samples wereanalyzed for vitamin B12 and homocysteine, a byproduct of metabolism associatedwith dementia, cognitive decline and coronary artery disease.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Vitamin B12 Levels Improve Cognitive Abilities and Can Help PreventStroke</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwGALyhw-xQeIm1BFIqeOx1wO7FWPBo4_Xjp6AarpDOLvsaepMlD9YdgLUPFn5Lje9PI1OcvK1E8n2RDDsw_2svX1wh4O2EwfSst7a07-aYreziCGt0XIbLAuEQ1DrBeb8qUPueKq5mI_R/s1600/vitamin_b12_brain_stroke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwGALyhw-xQeIm1BFIqeOx1wO7FWPBo4_Xjp6AarpDOLvsaepMlD9YdgLUPFn5Lje9PI1OcvK1E8n2RDDsw_2svX1wh4O2EwfSst7a07-aYreziCGt0XIbLAuEQ1DrBeb8qUPueKq5mI_R/s1600/vitamin_b12_brain_stroke.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Researchers determined that havinghigh levels of four of five markers for vitamin B12 <a href="http://www.lef.org/newsletter/2011/0927_Poor-Vitamin-B12-Status-Impacts-Brain-Volume-and-Function.htm">deficiency</a>was associated with having lower scores on the cognitive tests and smallertotal brain volume. Indicators of vitamin B12 insufficiency contributed to poorglobal cognitive test scores and a decrease in brain volume revealed by MRIfindings compared to those with better B12 status. Higher levels of the vitaminB12 markers were linked to decreased total brain volume. Elevated homocysteinelevels were indicative of greater white matter volume and elevated risk ofcerebrovascular events.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Lead researcher, Dr. ChristineTangney <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926165852.htm">concluded</a><i>"Our findings suggest that … vitaminB12 deficiency, may affect cognition by reducing total brain volume whereas theeffect of homocysteine on cognition may be mediated through increased whitematter hyperintensity volume and cerebral infarcts."</i> Vitamin B12deficiency among the elderly is a significant cause for concern and may verywell be a key contributor to the explosion of Alzheimer`s disease cases overthe past 50 years. Nutritionists recommend supplementing with the bioactiveform of B12 known as methylcobalamin (1 to 5 mg per day taken sublingually) toregulate circulating levels of this critical brain nutrient.</div>crutcrithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09269806261919869067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352703708197481507.post-68955475129090623722011-12-19T09:24:00.000-08:002012-01-21T07:42:45.085-08:00Dietary Fruits and Vegetables Reduce Colon Cancer Risk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4RvtfkVhGgoHEv7vMY7DKlOcN9YYf9WDQ6aDXp9tmVNcfiZk2gVy7xAPtcRpVcKBbikzveVVuE0jOTDZOLir47a0KjC1dZCSEf6a5CqPWYdV7AhSwYa-v21dST2Oo2238bIG7jTtyhOw/s1600/veggies_colon-cancer_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4RvtfkVhGgoHEv7vMY7DKlOcN9YYf9WDQ6aDXp9tmVNcfiZk2gVy7xAPtcRpVcKBbikzveVVuE0jOTDZOLir47a0KjC1dZCSEf6a5CqPWYdV7AhSwYa-v21dST2Oo2238bIG7jTtyhOw/s1600/veggies_colon-cancer_main.jpg" /></a></div>Health-minded individuals arewell aware that a diet high in natural fruits and vegetables equate to vibranthealth and dramatically lowered risk of many chronic diseases. The result of anew <a href="http://adajournal.org/webfiles/images/journals/yjada/yjada_pc_111_10.pdf">study</a>published in the <i>Journal of the American Dietetic Association</i> provides details on how specific fruit andvegetable consumption lowers the incidence of many types of colon cancer, thethird most prevalent form of the disease.<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Foods such as apples, broccoli and cauliflower each lower the risk of <a href="http://myoptimalhealthresource.blogspot.com/search/label/Cancer">cancer</a>initiation in different parts of the colon while high sugar, fiber-void fruitjuices are shown to increase risk of the illness. Nutrition scientists fromAustralia provide important documentation to confirm the importance of eating acolorful selection of fruits and vegetables to lower colon cancer risk.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Diet Packed With Vegetables and Fruits Shown to Lower Multiple ColonCancer Risk Factors</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDLIqRxKoJRu2KD3bCoXY7xiFbnvaFgYTuN_I9MeWhZXO5zpqKh6rBZCYxJRsezNkRuAqx6VALrDaa7xwVkig3dCQXCYxzYd-02SBn1UqFVMf_HtrKuRVY1r_jcYk4sX76G3W65ZVQ8NM/s1600/veggies_colon-cancer_combo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDLIqRxKoJRu2KD3bCoXY7xiFbnvaFgYTuN_I9MeWhZXO5zpqKh6rBZCYxJRsezNkRuAqx6VALrDaa7xwVkig3dCQXCYxzYd-02SBn1UqFVMf_HtrKuRVY1r_jcYk4sX76G3W65ZVQ8NM/s1600/veggies_colon-cancer_combo.jpg" /></a></div>Nutrition researchers havedesigned studies to examine the effect of healthy diet on colon cancer risk inthe past, but the protective effect has been debatable as they do not providespecific results for different foods on the key regions or subsites of thecolon. Professor Lin Fritschi, PhD, head of the Epidemiology Group at theWestern Australian Institute for Medical Research and her research team set outto <a href="http://medicalxpress.com/news/2011-09-fruits-vegetables-specific-colorectal-cancers.html">investigate</a>the link between fruit and vegetables and three cancers in different parts ofthe bowel: proximal colon cancer, distal colon cancer and rectal cancer.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The controlled study included 918participants with a confirmed colon cancer diagnosis and compared them with1021 individuals with no history of the digestive disease. All participantscompleted extensive nutritional and demographic questionnaires to account forpotential conflicts such as socioeconomic status. Analysis of the data showedthat specific fruit and vegetables from similar varietal families affect riskfor colon cancer in different portions of the digestive tract.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Broccoli, Cabbage and Sprouts Lower Most Common Type of Colon Cancer</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6apgXzUeM1GFuI9QJLv69ajNxLE9872OSBuaGNCFltEZqOmEpP-VqSBpjztoWZzkVYdHBUl-CFuAd98qNtgbgSBUnZX5cSARJSM9IDMUeUjTs3wIZ0YtDFTx_N3Z7FZzYDxc8pLB8Fp5b/s1600/veggies_colon-cancer_brocco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6apgXzUeM1GFuI9QJLv69ajNxLE9872OSBuaGNCFltEZqOmEpP-VqSBpjztoWZzkVYdHBUl-CFuAd98qNtgbgSBUnZX5cSARJSM9IDMUeUjTs3wIZ0YtDFTx_N3Z7FZzYDxc8pLB8Fp5b/s1600/veggies_colon-cancer_brocco.jpg" /></a></div>With respect to different fruitand vegetable consumption, the <a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/234992.php">researchers</a>found a reduced rate of proximal colon cancer was linked to eating brassicaslike broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. In addition, bothtotal vegetable intake and total vegetable and fruit intake were linked to alower risk of distal colon cancer. And finally a significant reduction indistal colon cancer risk was linked to dark yellow vegetables and apples.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">There should be no doubt thatnatural fruits and vegetables consumed raw or minimally cooked to retain theactive enzymes is a critical factor in digestive health to dramatically lowerthe risk of colon cancer and other chronic conditions as well. This studyconveys the important nature of eating a wide variety of different coloredfruits and vegetables, high in phytonutrient content to provide a protectiveshield at different colon subsites and throughout the body.</div>crutcrithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09269806261919869067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352703708197481507.post-15136205142941504672011-12-15T07:33:00.000-08:002012-01-21T07:42:45.111-08:00Omega-3 Fats Help Lower Premature Death Risk by Eighty Percent<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTU_bIgNNfBgy-Lw8BLN1z_YiO9v5Zc-Gx3-HL2l9fcqu-UEfUY7g8kx39wA95HBPYr9Ekhj9183hScfnTHZgu6ko5CrM9oO-Ocv0DH4g8sniGkLnL3p7ceI3IiwWNw8Kn0cuXjaWkv8x/s1600/omega_3_risk_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTU_bIgNNfBgy-Lw8BLN1z_YiO9v5Zc-Gx3-HL2l9fcqu-UEfUY7g8kx39wA95HBPYr9Ekhj9183hScfnTHZgu6ko5CrM9oO-Ocv0DH4g8sniGkLnL3p7ceI3IiwWNw8Kn0cuXjaWkv8x/s1600/omega_3_risk_main.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Many people make the potentiallyfatal presumption that aging, chronic diseases and premature aging are naturalevents that come with advancing years. A plethora of current research studiesconfirm that nothing could be farther from the truth. In addition tosuper-nutrients such as resveratrol, curcumin and vitamin D optimization,researchers <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19609891">publishing</a>in the <i>American Journal of ClinicalNutrition</i> and <i>Clinical Cardiology</i>provide documented <a href="http://www.ajcn.org/content/93/5/1073.abstract">evidence</a>that beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids from dietary sources and supplementationslash the overall risk of an early death.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The long-chain fats DHA and EPAelicit a profound effect on the heart and brain to ameliorate chronic diseasesthat bring an early demise to millions of unsuspecting individuals each year. Health-mindedindividuals today are used to hearing about the myriad of benefits associatedwith eating fish and supplementing with Omega-3 fats.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #fff2cc;">Omega-3 Fat Supplementation Slashes Risk of All-Cause Mortality in Half</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpdpLEuKx9N3Y-WCOTjfvkXLTK_uIlFzenSgFs9spGm6vpozB919FN1T5xs7LJpj9dz6zf8wTZz9UKPcFKcL_0xmRcB7WwPloUC7-wLKGpLagi_ZpcSCLN0BsCLQOtSDacHDwuNpNQZja/s1600/omega_3_risk_heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpdpLEuKx9N3Y-WCOTjfvkXLTK_uIlFzenSgFs9spGm6vpozB919FN1T5xs7LJpj9dz6zf8wTZz9UKPcFKcL_0xmRcB7WwPloUC7-wLKGpLagi_ZpcSCLN0BsCLQOtSDacHDwuNpNQZja/s1600/omega_3_risk_heart.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">A wealth of peer-reviewed studiesprovide solid evidence that the DHA and EPA fatty acids help to prevent heartdisease and sudden death from a heart attack, lower depression incidence andreduce stroke and dementia risks as well. New research shows that optimalOmega-3 blood levels lower the risk of dying from all causes by 85% in highrisk patients who had suffered a prior <a href="http://myoptimalhealthresource.blogspot.com/search/label/Heart%20Disease">heartattack</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Intrigued by the result of thisresearch, scientists wanted to understand if mortality was affected inindividuals with no evident heart disease. A group of men aged 64 to 76 yearswere supplemented with Omega-3 fats (2.4 grams per day) for a period of 3years. During that time, the participants showed a 47% reduction in risk ofdying from any cause compared to a placebo group. Women experienced a 44% lowerrisk of death in a similar study.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Omega-3 Fats Lower Systemic Inflammation and Balance Omega-6 Ratios</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmaj1m2B1R6JO3rSKTFsJZ8W_xyfH_iVRfL4W7O9EuN64y8BdpbMkO4sBFPKzg6Sy7ZsbbYlnJZR4UlKsgPFh-wytxfUYz0AuzgbxOKxYgFvDi3NedMS05hfWCRRJK4ygld38R7rmsKLS/s1600/omega_3_risk_foods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmaj1m2B1R6JO3rSKTFsJZ8W_xyfH_iVRfL4W7O9EuN64y8BdpbMkO4sBFPKzg6Sy7ZsbbYlnJZR4UlKsgPFh-wytxfUYz0AuzgbxOKxYgFvDi3NedMS05hfWCRRJK4ygld38R7rmsKLS/s1600/omega_3_risk_foods.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Researchers from the AmericanHeart Association journal <i>Stroke</i>commented on the ground-breaking conclusions of multiple Omega-3 <a href="http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/106/21/2747.full">studies</a>, <i>“Evidence from prospective secondaryprevention studies suggests that EPA+DHA supplementation ranging from 0.5 to1.8 g/d (either as fatty fish or supplements) significantly reduces subsequentcardiac and all-cause mortality.”</i> Omega-3 enriched foods and supplements helpto improve the critical balance with Omega-6 fats to lower systemicinflammation. This provides the primary risk-reduction mechanism associatedwith the long-chain fat.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In addition to fatty fish(salmon, snapper, scallops and shrimp), non-meat food sources of Omega-3’sinclude walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, raw tofu and cooked soybeans. The bodydoes not efficiently process EPA and DHA fats from vegetarian sources, thoughstrong evidence exists that these food sources still provide exceptional healthbenefits. To be certain you achieve optimal Omega-3 blood saturation levels asreferenced in these studies, nutrition experts recommend supplementing with 2.4grams per day of combined EPA and DHA (read package labels to ensure properdose). When supplementing, check that the fish oil (krill oil is also anexcellent option) is molecularly distilled to avoid contamination.</div>crutcrithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09269806261919869067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352703708197481507.post-52317989157340144692011-12-11T12:44:00.000-08:002012-01-21T07:42:45.217-08:00Zinc is Essential to Improve Brain Communications and Improve Memory<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvqjIpQC2Q74RJFlP3AuvsTx5xJgu3-8GnFrEDw-edKQN13dbAE5Wdl7UB_t8z0hwIdJ9-MkJeK8yZZEIuuaRa62AEMmnSENIh6AN29WI9W79lx5xjs5SvufUrrHmjpBYCUgRQTyf1ght/s1600/zinc_brain_memory_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvqjIpQC2Q74RJFlP3AuvsTx5xJgu3-8GnFrEDw-edKQN13dbAE5Wdl7UB_t8z0hwIdJ9-MkJeK8yZZEIuuaRa62AEMmnSENIh6AN29WI9W79lx5xjs5SvufUrrHmjpBYCUgRQTyf1ght/s1600/zinc_brain_memory_main.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Zinc is an essential mineralknown to improve skin tone, aid wound healing, fight cancer and shorten the lengthof the common cold. Researchers publishing in the <a href="http://www.cell.com/neuron/abstract/S0896-6273%2811%2900646-5?script=true">journal</a><i>Neuron</i> now identify the crucial rolethis super-nutrient plays in support of memory formation and cognitivestability. Additionally, they have found that zinc may also play a part incontrolling the devastating occurrence of epileptic seizures.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">For the first time, scientistshave been able to watch zinc in action as the nutrient regulates communicationsbetween neurons and the hippocampus to improve memory and learningcapabilities. Ensuring proper intake of zinc is an important step towardoptimal brain function and may prevent cognitive decline as we age.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Zinc Improves Communication between Neurons to Improve Cognition</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMm6goVikUjOofqHgV6HpoVZwQKNAzCHZaKQozl4ehAjR4wjk4gFBsaHYVvM1elnJmQRUsHd6olzV6ZVw04uFnr_AvBK7A66YOZkDByUUIiweqJVvRoU-W0ijp7Y1h-cOSuBJ0MTs_I4y/s1600/zinc_brain_memory_neuron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMm6goVikUjOofqHgV6HpoVZwQKNAzCHZaKQozl4ehAjR4wjk4gFBsaHYVvM1elnJmQRUsHd6olzV6ZVw04uFnr_AvBK7A66YOZkDByUUIiweqJVvRoU-W0ijp7Y1h-cOSuBJ0MTs_I4y/s1600/zinc_brain_memory_neuron.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Researchers at Duke UniversityMedical Center and chemists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology collaboratedto study the effects of <a href="http://www.thehealthage.com/supplements-zinc-good-memory-trigger-epilepsy/0922/">zinc</a>on brain function. Scientists experimenting with mice used a chemical thatbinds with zinc to eliminate it from the brain of the test animals. They foundthat in the absence of the mineral, communications between neurons wassignificantly diminished and that zinc is vital for <b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">controlling</span></b> the <b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">efficiency</span></b> between <b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">nerve cells</span></b> in the hippocampus.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">For more than a half century,scientists have understood that high concentrations of zinc are depositedwithin nerve cells, called vesicles that package the transmitters which enablenerve cells to communicate. The highest concentrations of brain zinc are foundamong the neurons of the hippocampus that control the high functions oflearning and memory.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Researchers Find Zinc Levels in the Brain Control Memory and LearningFunctions</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgHIicWFZFX4rsoul31_TzZI_GN4EP_5O-CaTIxJk26lWcRrWL1OxZRi2Cf4YZutmIfrT9CD38zdAP_JDt2cSutW3R4DQn9WUs2pQmmbS1lVuJlGH5y4ls4u8zgi4pu90nxVW34UpDjbv/s1600/zinc_brain_memory_learn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgHIicWFZFX4rsoul31_TzZI_GN4EP_5O-CaTIxJk26lWcRrWL1OxZRi2Cf4YZutmIfrT9CD38zdAP_JDt2cSutW3R4DQn9WUs2pQmmbS1lVuJlGH5y4ls4u8zgi4pu90nxVW34UpDjbv/s1600/zinc_brain_memory_learn.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">By artificially regulating thelevel of zinc in the brain of the test animals, researchers were able toconfirm that eliminating zinc from the neural vesicles also prevented enhancedcommunication. By increasing levels of the mineral, they were able tosignificantly restore enhanced communications in the hippocampal region toimprove learning and memory capabilities.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The results of this <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921132334.htm">study</a>conducted using mice can be extrapolated to humans because zinc is known toplay a similar role in the brain of both species. Zinc deficiency in the typicalwestern diet is rapidly becoming a serious problem that threatens human health.Due to poor farming practices and the abundance of nutrient-deprived processedfoods, many children and adults suffer from a chronic insufficiency of themineral.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Over time, lack of zinc from <a href="http://myoptimalhealthresource.blogspot.com/search/label/Diet%20and%20Nutrition">dietary</a>sources can result in immune system depression, decline in sexual health andincreased risk of dementia and cognitive decline. Ideal dietary sources of zincinclude liver, beef and lamb. Vegetarians can include nuts, seeds and peas toobtain the micronutrient. Alternatively, zinc supplements are available (30 to50 mg per day) to help maintain healthy systemic levels that improve memory,learning and cognition.</div><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"></span>crutcrithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09269806261919869067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352703708197481507.post-39456836944046029822011-12-07T08:19:00.000-08:002012-01-21T07:42:45.331-08:00Olive Oil and Nuts Lower Heart Disease Risk Better Than Pharmaceuticals<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7s7mBzl-UXnfBh-AvMKHccEMvfafAdpIDh2w1JOEmYTSbTxbvqGUrEbZRRGFyEGfF_FaTL-Syxev2g8i-ws9-YatQc72OfvBTWQls45Mw_1_SkYti0YSSZ5DhZJ8vr-S2smYspQp0GQ0/s1600/EVOO_nuts_heart_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7s7mBzl-UXnfBh-AvMKHccEMvfafAdpIDh2w1JOEmYTSbTxbvqGUrEbZRRGFyEGfF_FaTL-Syxev2g8i-ws9-YatQc72OfvBTWQls45Mw_1_SkYti0YSSZ5DhZJ8vr-S2smYspQp0GQ0/s1600/EVOO_nuts_heart_main.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">More vindication for a naturalMediterranean-style diet including plenty of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) andnuts was released in an advanced study published by the prestigious <a href="http://www.atherosclerosis-journal.com/article/S0021-9150%2811%2900372-8/abstract">journal</a><i>Atherosclerosis</i>. Early results from aSpanish study with more than 7500 participants’ demonstrates that highquantities of dietary EVOO and a variety of different species of nuts is moreeffective in managing and preventing a heart event than traditional drugtherapy.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Many physicians place theirpatients on the standard prescription of beta blockers and ACE inhibitors in adesperate effort to prevent advancing heart disease, even though repeatedstudies prove these drugs are detrimental to long-term health. Include copiousamounts of EVOO and nuts in your diet to dramatically lower heart disease riskand avoid the need for risk drugs.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Study Provides Proof of Natural Diet over Drugs in the Fight againstHeart Disease</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwB5RDFL7UetYz1pN2Cl4OWsYpPpzKS9lTJ10mbm7eRSF9waA9Lu6cFgf0Dr8OlrApae6SGX4zVmKgo-dfOzo2IdgsRUjwiZz7sJDKbYEDEhAiLgXMKSMbo7CvEgluNAcRWpfRD2zSMJ_P/s1600/EVOO_nuts_heart_diet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwB5RDFL7UetYz1pN2Cl4OWsYpPpzKS9lTJ10mbm7eRSF9waA9Lu6cFgf0Dr8OlrApae6SGX4zVmKgo-dfOzo2IdgsRUjwiZz7sJDKbYEDEhAiLgXMKSMbo7CvEgluNAcRWpfRD2zSMJ_P/s1600/EVOO_nuts_heart_diet.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">To conduct the study, researchersplaced the participants into one of three groups following either aMediterranean style diet receiving 15 liters of EVOO over a 90 day period, a <a href="http://myoptimalhealthresource.blogspot.com/search/label/Nuts">nut</a>group consuming 30 grams per day of walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts or a standardlow-fat diet. Among those participants over the age of 55, the scientists foundthat carotid artery thickness was significantly reduced in the EVOO and nutgroups for individuals with already thickened arterial walls.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Researchers <a href="http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Olive-oil-nuts-better-than-drugs-for-heart-disease-Spanish-researchers/">commented</a>,<i>“A modification in the entire dietpattern managed to achieve in just one year, results that pharmaceutical drugsdid not – even after two years of treatment.”</i> Lead study author, Dr. MiguelAngel Martinez-Gonzalez was impressed that a diet concentrated on natural foodsources high in beneficial fats improved cardiovascular risk outcomes more thanPharma options. The study also found that the traditional low-fat (highcarbohydrate) diet frequently prescribed by physicians and dieticians today hasno health benefits and allows for heart disease to progress unabated.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Monounsaturated Fats From EVOO and Nuts Improve Vascular Elasticity</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrAA6GyGcE0e8ZJjVXud98SP_o75mixAEMH5Jqqx-QHwLeqDXNOzY2a5iOaQCyqQ0JHCvlCiJH48X38wrZ0seGnADlRfWtKU6Y30nU3byGL_QWoPnKFwxrcPeacqBMEB4iPBsLj7wlnTL/s1600/EVOO_nuts_heart_nuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrAA6GyGcE0e8ZJjVXud98SP_o75mixAEMH5Jqqx-QHwLeqDXNOzY2a5iOaQCyqQ0JHCvlCiJH48X38wrZ0seGnADlRfWtKU6Y30nU3byGL_QWoPnKFwxrcPeacqBMEB4iPBsLj7wlnTL/s1600/EVOO_nuts_heart_nuts.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Most alternative healthpractitioners understand that a dramatic reduction of wheat-based carbohydratescoupled with increased monounsaturated fats and Omega-3 sources can provide forvascular elasticity to lower risk of heart disease and stroke. No drug can makethe same claim, despite billions of dollars spent to market and promoteunnecessary pharmaceutical options to millions of unsuspecting patients.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Dr. Martinez-Gonzalez <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21640348">concluded</a> <i>“We thus observed… a significant improvementand regression of lesions having taken place in those cases that had followed aMediterranean diet enriched with virgin olive oil or nuts.”</i> After just 90days of EVOO or nut consumption, lipoprotein ratios improved enough to deliversignificant improvement in heart disease risk for both men and women followingthe diet. To lower your risk of heart disease, adopt a Mediterranean-style eatingpattern and be certain to include a healthy dose of EVOO (unheated) and unprocessednuts (not roasted, cooked or heated).</div>crutcrithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09269806261919869067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352703708197481507.post-25337314253281757212011-12-04T15:20:00.000-08:002012-01-21T07:42:45.361-08:00White Fleshed Fruits and Vegetables Cut Stroke Risk in Half<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipo6sorrDsm50bqc45XoEBpA6QqbPIVKGhsrM_CoR0SIQMf0gt-ESvSV5pWcOz7aKLc1lQTAppruFv_8uBX0OUvY_yTby30gSKpOxjentoq_llsp9AwIgvSW9zR0xIeryM2cZldu9R_UQB/s1600/stroke_apples_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipo6sorrDsm50bqc45XoEBpA6QqbPIVKGhsrM_CoR0SIQMf0gt-ESvSV5pWcOz7aKLc1lQTAppruFv_8uBX0OUvY_yTby30gSKpOxjentoq_llsp9AwIgvSW9zR0xIeryM2cZldu9R_UQB/s1600/stroke_apples_main.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Stroke is the third leading causeof death in America, affecting nearly one million people and taking the livesof 150,000 each year. Researchers publishing in the American Heart Association <a href="http://stroke.ahajournals.org/content/early/2011/09/15/STROKEAHA.110.611152">journal</a><i>Stroke</i> have found that increasedconsumption of white fleshy vegetables and fruits such as apples and pears leadsto a dramatic decline in both incidence and death from a stroke.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">This study is the first todifferentiate between different colors in fruits and vegetables and the riskfor developing a specific disease or illness. Beneficial phytochemicals such ascarotenoids and flavonoids found in the white flesh and skin of apples andpears can dramatically lower your risk of suffering the devastating physical damagecaused by a <a href="http://myoptimalhealthresource.blogspot.com/search/label/Stroke">stroke</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Apples and Pears Can Cut Stroke Risk by More Than Fifty Percent</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-cyNjzIMhJpVCVlum9_WkQi2bbT5DZV2fe85HymvJDTuGpUqy_TsXxGZch2Bsd3qcO7CL3GrN3T2tNmRYqPC1Z2QjFyuXfP6XkzofQ0ErFs2DpAUp-CfEQKtNumBWk-1BCgnY1XoGByq/s1600/stroke_apples_combo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-cyNjzIMhJpVCVlum9_WkQi2bbT5DZV2fe85HymvJDTuGpUqy_TsXxGZch2Bsd3qcO7CL3GrN3T2tNmRYqPC1Z2QjFyuXfP6XkzofQ0ErFs2DpAUp-CfEQKtNumBWk-1BCgnY1XoGByq/s1600/stroke_apples_combo.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Nutrition scientists have longknown that the brightly colored skin and flesh of fruits and vegetables conferthe health benefits normally associated with eating these foods. To furtherexamine this link, researchers examined the relationship between fruit andvegetable color group consumption and contrasted with 10-year stroke incidencein a cohort of 20,069 adults, with an average age of 41. Participants weredisease free at the outset of the study and were asked to complete a 178-itemfood frequency questionnaire detailing foods consumed over the past year.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Fruit and vegetable consumptionwas broken into four distinct <a href="http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-09/aha-aao091211.php">groups</a>,based on pigment color: Green, including dark leafy vegetables, orange/yellow,mostly citrus fruits, red/purple, mostly red vegetables and white, of which 55percent were apples and pears. Follow up proceeded for a period of ten yearsduring which time 233 strokes were confirmed. Green, orange/yellow andred/purple varieties of fruits and vegetables were found to have no correlationto stroke incidence.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Fruits and Vegetables of All Colors Needed to Lower Disease Risk</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIbRneHrxh6-7z3MmQYBZxAIO5O3NM5IYWOpONM8GaPy-d8difey4Dt-XQVWGmbSY034USEPeMUISaWiONmlelHBtSfeI1tCifRbGSDgEqm0FSmrCyex93De_6YEkW6mfQ_UqE3lHTP7m/s1600/stroke_apples_fruits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIbRneHrxh6-7z3MmQYBZxAIO5O3NM5IYWOpONM8GaPy-d8difey4Dt-XQVWGmbSY034USEPeMUISaWiONmlelHBtSfeI1tCifRbGSDgEqm0FSmrCyex93De_6YEkW6mfQ_UqE3lHTP7m/s1600/stroke_apples_fruits.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">White fleshed fruits andvegetables demonstrated a 52% lower incidence of stroke over the ten-yearperiod when those consuming the highest amounts were compared to the group withthe lowest intake. The researchers found that each 25 gram per day increase inwhite fruits and vegetable consumption was associated with a 9 percent lowerrisk of stroke (the average apple is 120 grams).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The lead study author fromWageningen University in the Netherlands <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110915163523.htm">concluded</a><i>“To prevent stroke, it may be useful toconsume considerable amounts of white fruits and vegetables… For example,eating one apple a day is an easy way to increase white fruits and vegetableintake.”</i> Apples and pears are high in a nutrient known as quercetin andfiber that may convey part of the stroke risk reduction. It`s critical to eat adiet packed with fruits and vegetables of all colors to take advantage of theunique disease-fighting characteristics to be uncovered for a multitude ofdifferent carotenoids and flavonoids in future research studies.</div>crutcrithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09269806261919869067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352703708197481507.post-91175101515978024252011-11-30T08:01:00.000-08:002012-01-21T07:42:45.385-08:00Green Tea Affects Genes to Improve Cholesterol Metabolism<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwHTUuYuZUDExABKCTvm_kBqoYLQsqbHfCF7ZIL4OboRd5NiJei3USbMwa_K6RHIMt_1LT514byc-oFPlNo_8-3AXThDlUQyZ6g3HYMF4DVQLgc5ut0a7XgTEB2xMvDYDPH_UIaIDrSf-/s1600/green_tea_cholesterol_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwHTUuYuZUDExABKCTvm_kBqoYLQsqbHfCF7ZIL4OboRd5NiJei3USbMwa_K6RHIMt_1LT514byc-oFPlNo_8-3AXThDlUQyZ6g3HYMF4DVQLgc5ut0a7XgTEB2xMvDYDPH_UIaIDrSf-/s1600/green_tea_cholesterol_main.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Green tea consumption has beenshown to benefit many health issues ranging from help with weight management tocancer prevention and treatment. New research <a href="http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=8357677">published</a>in the <i>British Journal of Nutrition</i>explains that the natural extract from the <i>Camellia sinensis </i>plant has a powerful effect on cholesterolmetabolism in the human body.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Most forward thinking health professionals now understand that dysfunctionin the LDL cholesterol pathway lays the foundation for cardiovascular healthproblems, cancer and fatty liver disease. Regular green tea consumption is nowshown to improve healthy LDL cholesterol function, enabling the fatty moleculeto efficiently usher excess cholesterol from the body and improve risk factors formany chronic disease conditions.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Green Tea Alters Gene Expression Lower LDL Cholesterol Levels</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfKULAFceAZG34ONAzTRGIzg4TmFZl1gjuUL1Q2dENEoqisxE8UEu_byT0tdb3U0DLNnX6XdlxxnDTA7Zg8KenKyDKro4_YMFAZ-dQlkfbmtl-Oo6XvtY-_zUnghbvxFD9eIZjcj2cztS/s1600/green_tea_cholesterol_DNA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfKULAFceAZG34ONAzTRGIzg4TmFZl1gjuUL1Q2dENEoqisxE8UEu_byT0tdb3U0DLNnX6XdlxxnDTA7Zg8KenKyDKro4_YMFAZ-dQlkfbmtl-Oo6XvtY-_zUnghbvxFD9eIZjcj2cztS/s1600/green_tea_cholesterol_DNA.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In one of the first studies ofits type, researchers performed DNA microarray analysis to examine the effectof the active compound found in <a href="http://myoptimalhealthresource.blogspot.com/search/label/Green%20Tea">greentea</a> called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Scientists specificallytargeted the catechin to determine their effect on cholesterol metabolism inHepG2 hepatocytes. They determined that the expression levels of several genesrelated to cholesterol metabolism, including the LDL receptor, were changed byEGCG treatment.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">EGCG was found to boost thefunction of the LDL receptor on liver cells. Researchers <a href="http://www.wellnessresources.com/studies/green_tea_modulates_genes_involved_with_cholesterol">commented</a><i>“This is very important as properfunction of the LDL receptor enables your liver to “capture” circulating LDLand recycle it.”</i> In this study,green tea is shown to alter gene expression toward healthy LDL cholesterolmetabolism by improving receptor acceptance by the liver. The liver displays animproved capacity to capture and filter LDL cholesterol for removal from thebody.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Green Tea Improves Biomarkers to Lower Heart Disease, Cancer andDementia Risks</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJLSnaCkEWMO3ZmIeCkl5rY9wA93NjOO9n_XrP3nK5uYHV2h5l-tLyQYWCZEzde3Hlr_G7ckeXbwP5AepJ5la-e5qUt5mzIkfF8OC4liu2xo6lPzWvnyxRQUHLQ_PyR7N6q4qmwaQSbY0/s1600/green_tea_cholesterol_heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJLSnaCkEWMO3ZmIeCkl5rY9wA93NjOO9n_XrP3nK5uYHV2h5l-tLyQYWCZEzde3Hlr_G7ckeXbwP5AepJ5la-e5qUt5mzIkfF8OC4liu2xo6lPzWvnyxRQUHLQ_PyR7N6q4qmwaQSbY0/s1600/green_tea_cholesterol_heart.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In addition to the finding that <a href="http://www.wellnessresources.com/health/articles/how_green_tea_improves_cholesterol_metabolism/">greentea</a> alters LDL cholesterol metabolism, ECGC was found to inhibit genes toreduce the production of Apolipoprotein B (ApoB). ApoB formation is required toinitially form LDL molecules in the blood. Excess production of ApoB is asignificant marker for chronic illnesses ranging from cardiovascular diseaseand heart attack to increased risk of cancer and dementia.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Green tea and the active compoundEGCG are quickly ascending to nutritional “superstar” status. The Chinese haveextolled its virtues for countless generations. Researchers now document theprowess of this nutrient by scientifically validating the direct impact exertedon our genetic structure to affect healthy cholesterol function and removalfrom the body. The healthy benefits of green tea are realized by drinkingseveral fresh brewed cups of organically harvested leaves each day orsupplementing with 250 to 500 mg of EGCG extract.</div><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"></span>crutcrithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09269806261919869067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352703708197481507.post-38017317466217240812011-11-27T09:23:00.000-08:002012-01-21T07:42:45.489-08:00Higher Vitamin D Blood Levels Help Prevent Colon Cancer<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIcyiH-i2XwqvJCzDg9t7qsCnRKFqywlyNCo9-vVdb0DIyvmLjZuu2Fjy0uehJmgZQaztOTEe5nD2pQc75vqeuFjJORadrxgjPyfensoXWpDD8Z2g8W-SAXyh2PZM4uy2G45pVx3FttAu/s1600/vitaminD_coloncancer_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIcyiH-i2XwqvJCzDg9t7qsCnRKFqywlyNCo9-vVdb0DIyvmLjZuu2Fjy0uehJmgZQaztOTEe5nD2pQc75vqeuFjJORadrxgjPyfensoXWpDD8Z2g8W-SAXyh2PZM4uy2G45pVx3FttAu/s1600/vitaminD_coloncancer_main.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Just in case you needed moreproof that low blood levels of vitamin D represent a significant healthconcern, researchers <a href="http://www.nature.com/ejcn/journal/v65/n9/full/ejcn201168a.html">publishing</a>in the <i>European Journal of ClinicalNutrition</i> demonstrate that small increases in the sunshine vitamin can addprecious years to your life. For nearly a decade scientific evidence has beenmounting to show that the vast majorities of adults (and many children) aregrossly deficient in circulating blood levels of vitamin D.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Further proof is documented inthe <i>PLoS One</i> journal to show theprecise cellular mechanism that helps vitamin D dramatically lower the risk ofcolon cancer. The bottom line is simple: check your vitamin D blood saturationwith an inexpensive test and make the necessary adjustments to live a healthierand longer life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Doubling Average Vitamin D Levels Could Cut World Death Rate by TwentyPercent</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvxL34RBMsPlaaOA_8wovTZvfybkOsQ2As18JiQN6dA-lomB3ItUgt0PeZZJg9vKgf-s9xUvEp7mZR3TjzsW5tvO89rbkmPR-tlnsZtQXg4bjHAp9T-Y4x_KWgU6b0RVA1G-NyWnedyUq/s1600/vitaminD_coloncancer_symbol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvxL34RBMsPlaaOA_8wovTZvfybkOsQ2As18JiQN6dA-lomB3ItUgt0PeZZJg9vKgf-s9xUvEp7mZR3TjzsW5tvO89rbkmPR-tlnsZtQXg4bjHAp9T-Y4x_KWgU6b0RVA1G-NyWnedyUq/s1600/vitaminD_coloncancer_symbol.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Using epidemiologic studies, Dr.W.B. Grant of the Sunlight, Nutrition and Health Research Center in SanFrancisco found that doubling the serum blood concentration of vitamin D couldincrease average life expectancy by two years. Dr. Grant and his teamidentified the major diseases that responded to increased levels of <a href="http://myoptimalhealthresource.blogspot.com/search/label/Vitamin%20D">vitaminD</a>. They then compared mortality rates to six identified regions around thecountry, and contrasted serum blood levels of the sunshine vitamin with diseaseoccurrence.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">After compiling all the data, theresearchers found that conditions and diseases responsive to vitamin D thataccount for over half of the world's mortality include cancer, cardiovasculardisease, diabetes, tuberculosis, respiratory diseases and infections. It wasdetermined that doubling the circulating level of vitamin D would lower themortality rates of diseases that are sensitive to vitamin D by approximately 20percent. Dr. Grant <a href="http://www.lef.org/newsletter/2011/0913_Doubling-Vitamin-D-Level-Could-Add-Two-Years-to-Life-Expectancy.htm">concluded</a><i>“several ways to raise serum vitamin Dinclude food fortification, supplementation and increased ultraviolet Bexposure.”</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Vitamin D Directly Correlated With Decreased Colon Cancer Risk</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZiJScjkPjij2wKdmYxIU9fUdM_r2COtTHphqG4ob4j_g0Qf2vl2Blrljrq4UTgP74XAb-Ei4VLmJSNU7fq3K1acNm7iJBg2i7M9YjHzvCyLJe8x546XnQ6tbDweAfvqlz8r9hPqJ_ENS/s1600/vitaminD_coloncancer_gelcap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZiJScjkPjij2wKdmYxIU9fUdM_r2COtTHphqG4ob4j_g0Qf2vl2Blrljrq4UTgP74XAb-Ei4VLmJSNU7fq3K1acNm7iJBg2i7M9YjHzvCyLJe8x546XnQ6tbDweAfvqlz8r9hPqJ_ENS/s1600/vitaminD_coloncancer_gelcap.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Researchers have known for sometime that low vitamin D levels are associated with a significant increase incolon cancer cases, but have not understood the specific mechanism responsible.Now, scientists have discovered how a lack of vitamin D promotes DNA damage andcolon cancer risk. Specifically, low vitamin D status instigates thedevelopment and progression of this devastating form of cancer.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Researchers have focused on aprotein in intestinal epithelial cells called beta-catechin that normally helpsepithelial cells bond together with other cells to form a protective barrierbetween the contents in your gut and the physical structure of your digestivetract. They found that when <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0023524">vitaminD</a> is lacking, DNA synthesis is disrupted and beta-catechin builds up incells, dramatically increasing the risk of colon cancer initiation.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">There should be no doubtremaining that one of the most critical foundations to vibrant health ismaintaining proper vitamin D blood saturation levels. Prevention is worth apound of cure, so have your family physician run the simple and inexpensive 25(OH)D blood test (alternatively, mail-in home testing is now a viable option),and be certain your level runs between 50 and 70 ng/mL to add years to yourlife and dramatically lower colon cancer and chronic disease risk.</div>crutcrithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09269806261919869067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352703708197481507.post-78053288174207963912011-11-25T11:21:00.000-08:002012-01-21T07:42:45.596-08:00Resveratrol and Vitamin D Team Together to Increase Metabolism and Prevent Obesity<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJHFuj0hUFAQuvaHjLBX3v4DU6gej6DCmKMBNO1QGAQo7awS7HGs-DlRYPhz5AnCGZDn4f9XUb6C7H9_pVEqwAZcVPdFBnzxlBWpRpxdE5qmX49Wr0PutYu8U2IRRFATsgJFtgPjEl1D3/s1600/resveratrol_vitaD_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJHFuj0hUFAQuvaHjLBX3v4DU6gej6DCmKMBNO1QGAQo7awS7HGs-DlRYPhz5AnCGZDn4f9XUb6C7H9_pVEqwAZcVPdFBnzxlBWpRpxdE5qmX49Wr0PutYu8U2IRRFATsgJFtgPjEl1D3/s1600/resveratrol_vitaD_main.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Resveratrol has been on thenutritional radar of researchers because of its proven ability to mimic some ofthe life-extending characteristics provided by calorie restriction as seen inanimals and humans alike. Scientists publishing in the <a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mnfr.201000616/pdf">journal</a><i>Molecular Nutrition and Food Research</i>draw a solid link between resveratrol, vitamin D and other phytonutrients asagents that may lend a helping hand in the life-threatening battle againstoverweight and obesity.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Researchers document the newlydiscovered effect of the nature-derived nutrient on lipid metabolism, anddemonstrate that supplementation along with the sunshine vitamin and quercetinsynergistically decreases the formation of new fat cells in the body. Thisfinding is significant because it may provide a critical metabolic aid tochildren and adults that suffer the health-damaging effects of obesity everyday. Further evidence exists to hail the trio in the genesis of osteoblasts inbone marrow that may offer a new therapy for osteoporosis that affects themobility of millions of aging adults.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Resveratrol and Vitamin D Combine to Regulate Genes that Control Body Weight</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71NSnc1BoalsW4tYM75DdPi4XhXKXJbO-yIDKrpBhv8f2GLEoYybRcExFX5aRlPhlkpv9ugvefbEwLACCrmvQCc9J52JvnRC2QJzdFzisWdWNvE8XrfNQ37XWLTRDpykZ9K73CwMvPTA1/s1600/resveratrol_vitaD_sunshine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71NSnc1BoalsW4tYM75DdPi4XhXKXJbO-yIDKrpBhv8f2GLEoYybRcExFX5aRlPhlkpv9ugvefbEwLACCrmvQCc9J52JvnRC2QJzdFzisWdWNvE8XrfNQ37XWLTRDpykZ9K73CwMvPTA1/s1600/resveratrol_vitaD_sunshine.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Scientists studying <a href="http://www.wellnessresources.com/weight/articles/resveratrol_quercetin_vitamin_d_work_together_to_help_metabolism_and_bones/">metabolism</a>in aging adults have found that stem cells differentiate in favor of adipocytes(fat cells) and to the exclusion of osteoblasts (cells necessary for theformation of new bone). This means that as we age, our body has evolved tostore fat as an aid to our survival. As metabolism slows, we continue to eatthe same number of calories that helps to fill the newly acquired adipocytes. Whilebuilding and maintaining bone structure may sound like a good idea to us, it isnot pre-programmed into our genetic matrix.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Development of new fat cells hasevolved as a protective mechanism, although the vast majority of older adultsreally don`t need this genetic advantage. Researchers found that supplementedresveratrol, <a href="http://myoptimalhealthresource.blogspot.com/search/label/Vitamin%20D">vitaminD</a> and quercetin work together to regulate our genes and down regulate theproduction of fat cells while boosting the production of osteoblasts. Naturallyit is important to practice caloric restriction as we age. Many aging adultswill be able to utilize this phytonutrient trio to prevent excess weight gainand the debilitating effects of osteoporosis.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Natural Nutrients Help Weight Management Efforts Along with HealthyDiet</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuEc7doWhreypMop0NG6KCW0WtWLNZ5j7G5HZ6_OYB5SBHo0zlXlhU1BU3daysbBXkYxvVVHjYL4awvn37JBr_WU0KjBk41DQUPecDCsZUYJzmunjBjZhnPqNbsr4FWRqLDFTQ7Xb_EQv/s1600/resveratrol_vitaD_weight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuEc7doWhreypMop0NG6KCW0WtWLNZ5j7G5HZ6_OYB5SBHo0zlXlhU1BU3daysbBXkYxvVVHjYL4awvn37JBr_WU0KjBk41DQUPecDCsZUYJzmunjBjZhnPqNbsr4FWRqLDFTQ7Xb_EQv/s1600/resveratrol_vitaD_weight.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In addition to the welldocumented anti-cancer and longevity benefits previously ascribed tosupplemented resveratrol, health-minded individuals will want to include resveratroland other phytonutrients as an aid in the fight against abdominal fataccumulation. Researchers <a href="http://www.wellnessresources.com/studies/synergism_between_resveratrol_quercetin_and_vitamin_d_for_obesity_and_osteo">concluded</a><i>“</i><i>It should be noted that combiningresveratrol with other phytochemicals may provide an extraordinary potentialfor preventing obesity and osteoporosis. These phytochemical synergies may makepossible novel safe, potent and efficacious therapies.”</i> Be sure to include resveratrol (25to 50 mg per day) in your dietary arsenal to assist weight loss, boostmetabolism and prevent bone loss.</div>crutcrithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09269806261919869067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352703708197481507.post-8272432048938027382011-11-21T10:09:00.000-08:002012-01-21T07:42:45.695-08:00Omega-3 Fat, DHA Boosts Brain Metabolism to Lower Alzheimer’s Disease Risk<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJr5gzcxinGaSD5_7gmWrIKXm56z5FcXWnTeVCnLU3PSk1KtGSADqcX5Kjf0h6pLbbjs9b7fT7TPi7Jn40gs9R35lvS0jyJSBYXETnp_nJqyyBaqX4tq4lNKdWbGiZNvi2y0WGQC6CfLH/s1600/DHA_brain_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJr5gzcxinGaSD5_7gmWrIKXm56z5FcXWnTeVCnLU3PSk1KtGSADqcX5Kjf0h6pLbbjs9b7fT7TPi7Jn40gs9R35lvS0jyJSBYXETnp_nJqyyBaqX4tq4lNKdWbGiZNvi2y0WGQC6CfLH/s1600/DHA_brain_main.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Several recently publishedarticles highlight the critical importance of Omega-3 fats from fatty fishconsumption and fish oil supplements. Scientists publishing in the <a href="http://stroke.ahajournals.org/content/early/2011/08/18/STROKEAHA.111.620856.abstract">journal</a><i>Stroke</i> demonstrate that the activeDHA Omega-3 fat component helps brain cells to better withstand the stress loadplaced on the aging brain to lower the risk of a life-altering stroke by asmuch as a quarter.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Researchers from the Rhode IslandHospital`s Alzheimer`s Disease and Memory Disorders Center have found that DHAfrom supplements alter the critical brain chemistry and structure to preventcognitive decline and abnormal brain aging. A wealth of scientific evidence ismounting to document the importance of Omega-3 fats to assist metabolicdisorders that lead to dementia, stroke and chronic disease.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>DHA, Omega-3 Fat Lowers Brain Inflammation to Improve CognitiveFunction</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFxN6YN9LQi_XsBWXaUtkNYMU5fHHshQ0Aa71bhSMR7-UdIXHi8vDM_I8Ja28x6KnJQ6fnJWuCuHUoRgYQ-nyZC6l2Xzt9an1zk330NGutEuE9YOoWmnMicXKf7vLDEAGZRnyABht53EM/s1600/DHA_brain_caps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFxN6YN9LQi_XsBWXaUtkNYMU5fHHshQ0Aa71bhSMR7-UdIXHi8vDM_I8Ja28x6KnJQ6fnJWuCuHUoRgYQ-nyZC6l2Xzt9an1zk330NGutEuE9YOoWmnMicXKf7vLDEAGZRnyABht53EM/s1600/DHA_brain_caps.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Inflammation of the vital nervesand critical structures of the brain is a precursor to stress that can play animportant role in the development of a life-altering stroke. Researcherspublish the result of their work designed to determine if Omega-3 fatty acidsfrom fish oil, specifically the long-chain <a href="http://myoptimalhealthresource.blogspot.com/search/label/DHA">DHA</a>component would be sufficient to reduce neural inflammation and lower risk froma stroke.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">To conduct the study, mice werebroken into three groups. The first group was supplemented with a DHA-enricheddiet, the second group consumed a DHA-depleted diet and the final mice were feda control diet. After a period of three months, scientists found that only thegroup with the DHA-enriched diet experienced lower levels of neuroinflammationand had 25% less tissue injury following an induced stroke. They also notedthat long-term supplementation resulted in a healthy buildup of DHA fat inbrain tissue resulting in an enhanced Omega-3 to Omega-6 fatty acid ratio.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Consumption of Omega-3 Fats Protects the Brain to Lower Damage from aStroke</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMv1ZtlQ6JPWG1UjroRg9to1Z7yLbwl64aAsAcKDatODkcGmJ1LesvfgK5zkNyfdfqkWvyw1W8ABNwtUFhmh7tNoAS2GpMiEol-vnvI5LOQCJx0oca5Nxgx6Rjr2AHa0P0bhobqZ2eE1ZY/s1600/DHA_brain_brain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMv1ZtlQ6JPWG1UjroRg9to1Z7yLbwl64aAsAcKDatODkcGmJ1LesvfgK5zkNyfdfqkWvyw1W8ABNwtUFhmh7tNoAS2GpMiEol-vnvI5LOQCJx0oca5Nxgx6Rjr2AHa0P0bhobqZ2eE1ZY/s1600/DHA_brain_brain.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Lead author on the study, Dr.Jasna Kriz <a href="http://www.wellnessresources.com/health/articles/fish_oil_reduces_brain_shrinkage_in_alzheimers_patients/">concluded</a><i>“This is the first convincingdemonstration of the powerful anti-inflammatory effect of <span class="term">DHA</span><span class="definition"> Docosahexaenoic acid Essential Omega 3 fatty acid integral tothe health of all cell membranes, nerve and brain function. </span>Theconsumption of omega-3s creates an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotectiveenvironment in the brain that mitigates damage following a stroke.”</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Additional evidence of theimportance of Omega-3 fats from fish consumption or supplementation is providedby researchers from Rhode Island Hospital. A study was designed using 819senior participants broken into three groups, those with normal cognition, mildcognitive impairment, and Alzheimer`s Disease. 117 individuals were taking fishoil supplements during the three year course of the study. Taking fish oilsupplements was associated with less brain shrinkage and improved cognitivefunction during the study period.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The lead author, Dr. Lori Daielloconcludes, <i>“In the imaging analyses forthe entire study population, we found a significant positive associationbetween fish oil supplement use and average brain volumes in two critical areasutilized in memory and thinking.”</i> DHA is preferentially conserved for theconstruction of neural structures and should be an essential part of yourregular menu (from fatty fish) or as a molecularly distilled and purifiedsupplement (500 mg to 1 gram per day) to lower stroke risk and preventcognitive decline.</div>crutcrithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09269806261919869067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352703708197481507.post-66117109883343870062011-11-16T09:54:00.000-08:002012-01-21T07:42:45.799-08:00A Daily Serving of Walnuts Cuts Breast Cancer Risk<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdc_XkeFy2UKjfxRMZRjyjAa89eQFGInncwwicogVhZeTob_nim14Em9awUMapW0Oe8PakNqvhPBVqKgla11MvvSPi4j8h22FldddTfZXUocZ4vYyzHoSIjSj1mjbODJazu_xwq4xJ5YP7/s1600/walnuts_breastcancer_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdc_XkeFy2UKjfxRMZRjyjAa89eQFGInncwwicogVhZeTob_nim14Em9awUMapW0Oe8PakNqvhPBVqKgla11MvvSPi4j8h22FldddTfZXUocZ4vYyzHoSIjSj1mjbODJazu_xwq4xJ5YP7/s1600/walnuts_breastcancer_main.jpg" /></a></div>Researchers from MarshallUniversity in West Virginia report in the <a href="http://www.marshall.edu/murc/breast-cancer-risk-drops-when-diet-includes-walnuts-marshall-researchers-find/">journal</a><i>Nutrition and Cancer</i> that smallamounts of walnuts eaten daily can significantly lower the risk of breastcancer in women. Walnuts are a naturally great tasting source of healthyOmega-3 fats, minerals, vitamins and protein that have long been associatedwith good health.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Interestingly, it is not only thepotent dose of Omega-3 fats that are responsible for the risk reduction, but asynergistic effect between multiple nutrients provided by the nut. Scientistsnow confirm that eating two ounces of this super food each day cansignificantly lower your risk of developing this insidious killer disease.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Regular Walnut Consumption Slows Breast Cancer Tumor Progression</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIZCg_uVGjfzoYCXeQtJaARkTooKDmxgYl79FbvofOBJTHsB3URn6qn5S1Rm1SnTjjMqt5xm3trBNH3GyOecklszcI2o4p4IISH1CDBrkqNu4xk2wJYkyuI19m180fJOFZ68mO36QAzE4/s1600/walnuts_breastcancer_ribbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIZCg_uVGjfzoYCXeQtJaARkTooKDmxgYl79FbvofOBJTHsB3URn6qn5S1Rm1SnTjjMqt5xm3trBNH3GyOecklszcI2o4p4IISH1CDBrkqNu4xk2wJYkyuI19m180fJOFZ68mO36QAzE4/s1600/walnuts_breastcancer_ribbon.jpg" /></a></div>The study was conducted usingmice that are genetically predisposed to develop <a href="http://myoptimalhealthresource.blogspot.com/search/label/Breast%20Cancer">breastcancer</a> tumors. Lead researcher, Dr.Elaine Hardman set out to determine the effect of a typical diet and awalnut-enhanced diet through an entire lifespan. Scientists examined dietarynutrition supplied by the mother through conception and weaning and then byeating walnuts directly. Mice are frequently used for this type of researchbecause they follow similar patterns of breast cancer carcinogenesis whencompared to humans.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Dr. Hardman found that the groupwhose diet included walnuts from conception to late life developed breastcancer at less than half the rate of the group consuming a typical diet. Inaddition, the number of tumors and their sizes were significantly smaller. Ofthe results, she <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110901163921.htm">commented</a><i>“These reductions are particularlyimportant when you consider that the mice were genetically programmed todevelop cancer at a high rate... we were able to reduce the risk for cancereven in the presence of a preexisting genetic mutation.”</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Walnuts Provide a Perfect Blend of Essential Nutrients</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdSHooAtntTWvmUN1BiBVyWyAtmGPjHnIvszdD7QPZY-a6LYQumk0Yo-OfYu8YFVtSQf9DFvpomaU22ac1V0qXlDEcb_E4f1p5kIrtQoJnYp5yJh6ngyXDpbDhY6QCQ6wUiuMrjFW8bt3/s1600/walnuts_breastcancer_nutrie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdSHooAtntTWvmUN1BiBVyWyAtmGPjHnIvszdD7QPZY-a6LYQumk0Yo-OfYu8YFVtSQf9DFvpomaU22ac1V0qXlDEcb_E4f1p5kIrtQoJnYp5yJh6ngyXDpbDhY6QCQ6wUiuMrjFW8bt3/s1600/walnuts_breastcancer_nutrie.jpg" /></a></div>Researchers noted that they wereunable to determine if the cancer prevention benefits were the result ofdeletions or additions to the diet. Adding healthy Omega fats from walnutsdisplaced unhealthy fats and balanced Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratios to lowersystemic inflammation and oxidized LDL cholesterol levels that result in cancerdevelopment. Other studies including walnuts have shown that there are multiplehealth benefits achieved from the unique blend of fats, vitamins (especiallyvitamin E) and minerals in the flavorful nut.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The result of this studycontinues to add to the wealth of scientific evidence that natural nutrientsprovided by an array of `super foods` significantly contribute to our health.Dr. Hardman <a href="http://www.lef.org/news/LefDailyNews.htm?NewsID=11598&Section=NUTRITION">concluded</a><i>“Food is important medicine in our diet…the results of this study indicate that increased consumption of walnuts couldbe part of a healthy diet and reduce risk for cancer in future generations.”</i>It`s easy to add two ounces of walnuts (about 14 halves) to your daily diet toprevent breast cancer and a host of other chronic diseases.</div>crutcrithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09269806261919869067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352703708197481507.post-76123766493912658292011-11-14T10:23:00.000-08:002012-01-21T07:42:45.909-08:00Milk Thistle Protects the Liver, Heart and Brain<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRIr7kU2ndrh8mIUNfCXtp9069NEGFK9GrrdxExht3ikdqNyRI7-QB5TCM7ASar7q74Yd5bCcrr9eznIqqQ4jIhW0FVErohr5xRow_Ne_-hZ5qltyVXyvQmRLaFnexS6x2_SVVAzE-d7w/s1600/thistle_protect_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRIr7kU2ndrh8mIUNfCXtp9069NEGFK9GrrdxExht3ikdqNyRI7-QB5TCM7ASar7q74Yd5bCcrr9eznIqqQ4jIhW0FVErohr5xRow_Ne_-hZ5qltyVXyvQmRLaFnexS6x2_SVVAzE-d7w/s1600/thistle_protect_main.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The liver is one of the mostcritical organs essential to human health. It serves more than 300 functions inthe body to detoxify against chemical and environmental intrusions, andpromotes metabolic function as well. Silymarin is commonly known as milkthistle and new science is emerging to validate the healing potential of thispowerful plant.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Publishing in the <a href="http://hepatmon.com/pdf/Milk_thistle_for_treatment_of_nonalcohol.pdf">journal</a><i>Hepatitis Monthly</i>, researchers providesolid evidence that natural milk thistle extracts can halt and even reverse theeffects of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), an affliction affecting asmuch as a third of the adult population. Supplementation with milk thistle willdramatically lower the risks associated with fatty liver disease,atherosclerosis and cognitive dysfunction.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Milk Thistle is a Powerful Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Agent</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2Cj4y8h9DAJy5wJ7semJI250pJqiKREyROF0HxJcjmTWYbW3jHjDoU95zjgw7E27Vea_Sph9ux0z6Qp_b761FIuuHfhcOsWun6lAsliRMZ7kj3kZqTEIKUKsVNaDXith6IsXRT9X6Arf/s1600/thistle_protect_silymarin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2Cj4y8h9DAJy5wJ7semJI250pJqiKREyROF0HxJcjmTWYbW3jHjDoU95zjgw7E27Vea_Sph9ux0z6Qp_b761FIuuHfhcOsWun6lAsliRMZ7kj3kZqTEIKUKsVNaDXith6IsXRT9X6Arf/s1600/thistle_protect_silymarin.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">NAFLD is a significant healthconcern that is growing at an unprecedented rate due to the obesity anddiabetes epidemic currently gripping most western societies. The condition iscaused in part by excess accumulation of fats (triglycerides) in the cellularmatrix of the <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19303273">liver</a>that result in suboptimal function of the organ. Left unchecked, the diseasecan result in cell injury and damage, inflammation and ultimately to cirrhosisas the liver becomes less able to perform the multitude of tasks essential tolife.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Researchers found that the plant extract has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and becomes concentrated in hepatic tissue soon after ingestion. They found that silymarin promotes liver tissue regeneration by supporting multiple critical metabolic functions including lower oxidized LDL cholesterol levels, regulation of membrane permeability and stability and preventing the deposition of collagen fibers, leading to cirrhosis. In addition, <a href="http://myoptimalhealthresource.blogspot.com/search/label/Milk%20Thistle">milk thistle</a> inhibits the absorption of many toxins, effectively preventing them from entering circulation through the bloodstream.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Silymarin from Milk Thistle Fight Arterial Hardening and Cancer</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHtxu4uhwx_NMcnxZsLOTpLdI_RfI06sv53WzqE6Fh4XsxYlumz5iGPJthYqbC6ZhQIPGFHvH9XS3naD7dZMtiXe3Xq-tmApQ4x8jn2MMEwKpzhHpa-litZTZiKfoxpAW7pqWD62Jx8rd/s1600/thistle_protect_hardening.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHtxu4uhwx_NMcnxZsLOTpLdI_RfI06sv53WzqE6Fh4XsxYlumz5iGPJthYqbC6ZhQIPGFHvH9XS3naD7dZMtiXe3Xq-tmApQ4x8jn2MMEwKpzhHpa-litZTZiKfoxpAW7pqWD62Jx8rd/s1600/thistle_protect_hardening.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Silymarin is known to be apowerful cellular antioxidant with specific properties that can prevent excessoxidation of LDL cholesterol. Oxidized LDL cholesterol particles are sticky andbecome lodged in the delicate endothelial layer of coronary artery vessels wherethey combine with other blood-borne compounds to form plaque. Natural milkthistle extracts (570 mg per day) have proven effective to lower risk factors thatpromote arterial hardening.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Milk thistle has been used as achemopreventive agent in the fight against certain cancer lines, most notablymetastatic cancers of the prostate. <a href="http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2011/sep2011_Protect-Your-Body-Against-Todays-Toxic-Deluge_01.htm">Silymarin</a>interferes with cancer growth and immortality, and exhibits anti-inflammatoryand anti-<i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">metastatic</span></i> activity (preventscancer spread). Extracts of milk thistle have also been used as an agent in thewar against numerous malignancies including those of the liver, colon and skin.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Our body is continually underassault from a barrage of more than 70,000 chemicals and 900 drugs known toinduce liver damage. Milk thistle supplementation provides an effective tool toprotect and heal our primary filtration organ, the liver. Silymarin is alsoproving to be an important tool that can naturally lower cancer risk, whileproviding critical support for the heart and prostate.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>crutcrithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09269806261919869067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352703708197481507.post-58565065307137729812011-11-09T09:22:00.000-08:002012-01-21T07:42:46.017-08:00Chocolate and Cocoa Compounds Lower Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsdCg5GLx654eG2Si7WuqKcAmCYlylOC2ntQ3rzWty4vxbYkI3CZ2eCO20f8OD2TabHrhLfiiUoK1_gJKYXVj3L1s-F6IozA2E3jVDvXZJgjTnJzWH80Xbrdi2PwjnHjDLtTBiTGsZ-H2/s1600/cocoa_vascular_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsdCg5GLx654eG2Si7WuqKcAmCYlylOC2ntQ3rzWty4vxbYkI3CZ2eCO20f8OD2TabHrhLfiiUoK1_gJKYXVj3L1s-F6IozA2E3jVDvXZJgjTnJzWH80Xbrdi2PwjnHjDLtTBiTGsZ-H2/s1600/cocoa_vascular_main.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Researchers from the Universityof Cambridge in England have finally published solid evidence to demonstratethe consumption of chocolate is associated with improved heart and vascular health.Writing in the prestigious <a href="http://www.bmj.com/content/343/bmj.d4488"><i>BMJ</i></a><i>(British Medical Journal)</i>, Dr.Oscar Franco and his team determined several factors including diet, exercise, bodyweight control and lifestyle changes could help reduce the risk of heartdisease, a condition expected to claim the lives of nearly 24 million peopleworldwide by the year 2030.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The study authors found that theantioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of cocoa from chocolate consumptioncould reduce heart disease risk by one-third and could also reduce the risk ofsudden death from a heart attack and stroke incidence.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Cocoa from Dark Chocolate Improves Cardiac Risk Markers</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NuWhCrZHhT1XLC_AVxvXjaytyDvQk1Lkn941l9-ooWDOBeIhzYV4F6teELCkxBGbB-4G21epuWWptTQlOyc8GoEDwKIZxcrjM-TCEy89hNt151hWfACUMmlZDO9vrtgclGxlZ2XyStWT/s1600/cocoa_vascular_heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NuWhCrZHhT1XLC_AVxvXjaytyDvQk1Lkn941l9-ooWDOBeIhzYV4F6teELCkxBGbB-4G21epuWWptTQlOyc8GoEDwKIZxcrjM-TCEy89hNt151hWfACUMmlZDO9vrtgclGxlZ2XyStWT/s1600/cocoa_vascular_heart.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The study included an <a href="http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Systematic-review-Chocolate-can-reduce-heart-disease-risk-by-a-third/">analysis</a>of seven detailed research bodies that included more than 114,000 participants.All studies independently pointed to the conclusion that different levels ofchocolate consumption were associated with a substantial reduction in the riskof cardio-metabolic disorders. Researchers found that the flavonoids passed tochocolate from the cocoa bean have a positive impact on health and were foundto regulate insulin sensitivity and maintain blood pressure in the normalrange.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Researchers ranked chocolateconsumption among participants in the seven studies from highest to lowest todetermine the effect of the cocoa flavanols on human health risk factors. Fiveof the seven studies showed that eating the highest amount of chocolate significantlyreduced the number of cardiac events. In particular they found those who atethe most chocolate had a 37% lower risk of having a cardiovascular incidentcompared to those who ate the least.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Chocolate Consumption Lowers Risk of Stroke by Nearly Thirty Percent</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPlnIk2wCuGAyewe9sDZpj3812YbdRAlS8KAymyf_iHhqPJytUqgF5Amj1jzkznAsOjyBieHXPj7ONI2SigmdxNpuStiS-cV5JLT2vIShfDMFbD9p98HWQfb6vvg8WLAGsukm6U40OndN/s1600/cocoa_vascular_stroke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPlnIk2wCuGAyewe9sDZpj3812YbdRAlS8KAymyf_iHhqPJytUqgF5Amj1jzkznAsOjyBieHXPj7ONI2SigmdxNpuStiS-cV5JLT2vIShfDMFbD9p98HWQfb6vvg8WLAGsukm6U40OndN/s1600/cocoa_vascular_stroke.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">When assessing other riskfactors, the study authors found that the highest chocolate consumers had a 29%lower incidence of stroke compared to the lowest chocolate eaters.Interestingly the researchers found that high levels of chocolate consumptionspecifically lowered the risk of a cardiac or stroke event but did not impactheart failure, another very serious form of <a href="http://myoptimalhealthresource.blogspot.com/search/label/Heart%20Disease">heartdisease</a> and death. The studies examined did not differentiate between milkand dark chocolate, and included chocolate desserts, biscuits, chocolate barsand drinks. Prior research has indicated maximum benefit from eating dark,bitter chocolate with a high cocoa content.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The authors did provide a word ofcaution regarding excess consumption of chocolate particularly becausecommercially available chocolate is very caloric and eating too much of itcould in itself lead to weight gain, risk of diabetes and heart disease. They <a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/233486.php">concluded</a>, <i>“Based on observational evidence, levels ofchocolate consumption seem to be associated with a substantial reduction in therisk of cardio-metabolic disorders.”</i> Individuals looking to take advantageof the health benefits of chocolate may want to use a cacao bean extract supplement(25 to 50 mg per day) to reap the cardiovascular and stroke risk reductionbenefits.</div>crutcrithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09269806261919869067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352703708197481507.post-15097101720571713932011-11-09T05:41:00.000-08:002012-01-21T07:42:46.038-08:00Carnosine Boosts Antioxidant Reserves to Battle Stress, Improve Cognitive Function<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAueM0A2cARFKg18pyTvU3YMkx974I8KP2BjidUA713OUh8u8I13imW3ienh1VXIgA6UeOzoIDjs7C6lSZ7Z_AaVC4w_3rk_J6gZxS1qMcKVf0xoT5KttdZiSMKyWFFPe_7fJdvPo44_e/s1600/carnosine_dementia_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAueM0A2cARFKg18pyTvU3YMkx974I8KP2BjidUA713OUh8u8I13imW3ienh1VXIgA6UeOzoIDjs7C6lSZ7Z_AaVC4w_3rk_J6gZxS1qMcKVf0xoT5KttdZiSMKyWFFPe_7fJdvPo44_e/s1600/carnosine_dementia_main.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Carnosine is a naturallyoccurring antioxidant and metal-chelating nutrient that is shown to minimizethe damaging effects of stress on cellular function. Research <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3058055/?tool=pubmed">presented</a>in the <i>PLoS One</i> journal explains thatcarnosine can help to drastically reduce the formation of amyloid beta proteinassociated with the brain tangles seen with Alzheimer’s disease.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Our antioxidant defense system isin a continual state of flux, being tested by external pathogens, metabolicglycation and stress that can determine quality of health and risk for disease.Carnosine is shown to boost and recycle existing antioxidants throughout thebody to provide a natural shield against chronic illness, and may specificallyhalt the progression of deadly diseases that lead to dementia and cognitivedysfunction.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Carnosine Supplementation Improves Cellular Energy Production to PreventDementia</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Apa_c0tQXZRc6KvQUtOzvadhR5OJudzS6geQs72DDLxfLn3n6mxqKjjThHz9LQLCSe3EeRUj47uWNsmkPmipXNP3cVQWUBeHaaR3l8qxg-ze5ByCWOcmjnLgCa_UrsrGv4PLCIJCuMO4/s1600/carnosine_dementia_pills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Apa_c0tQXZRc6KvQUtOzvadhR5OJudzS6geQs72DDLxfLn3n6mxqKjjThHz9LQLCSe3EeRUj47uWNsmkPmipXNP3cVQWUBeHaaR3l8qxg-ze5ByCWOcmjnLgCa_UrsrGv4PLCIJCuMO4/s1600/carnosine_dementia_pills.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Researchers understand that acrucial marker of <a href="http://myoptimalhealthresource.blogspot.com/search/label/Alzheimer%27s%20Disease">Alzheimer’s</a>dementia and cognitive decline is the formation of beta-amyloid protein clumpsthat inhibit the normal electrical and neurotransmitter activity required to functionoptimally and form new memories. Until recently scientists have not fullyunderstood if the tangles were the cause or result of dementia. New evidenceexists to support the theory that amyloid plaques form as a result of adeclining ability to naturally clear the protein tangles. Neuroscientists believethat a failure in the energy producing mitochondria where glucose is convertedto ATP is to blame.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The study included mice that havebeen genetically bred to develop a form of dementia that closely resemblesAlzheimer`s disease in humans. Energy-producing mitochondria are susceptible tothe ravages of free radicals and cellular imbalances in metals like copper,iron, and zinc that cause ultimate failure of the organelles leading to numerouschronic diseases. Supplementing the mice with <a href="http://www.wellnessresources.com/health/articles/carnosine_maintains_helps_stressed_cells_maintain_antioxidant_status/">carnosine</a>was found to <i>“promote a strong reductionin the hippocampal intraneuronal accumulation of amyloid-beta and completelyrescue Alzheimer`s disease and aging-related mitochondrial dysfunctions.”</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Carnosine Helps Prevent Glycation and May Provide a Treatment Optionfor Alzheimer’s Disease</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSy-DwIU5puTmmltKj23U3aI2qLa-dDXxBUBzCf52Ovg3kKRgelZH4BMBqR1hlQqxnE3GeBmIwTBRogk7uzf5n_g-rDR3LQW13mVsnrrPPjq4fKEoToZJv8HlzzJAz1pZu2oAXN3mwu-zk/s1600/carnosine_dementia_cells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSy-DwIU5puTmmltKj23U3aI2qLa-dDXxBUBzCf52Ovg3kKRgelZH4BMBqR1hlQqxnE3GeBmIwTBRogk7uzf5n_g-rDR3LQW13mVsnrrPPjq4fKEoToZJv8HlzzJAz1pZu2oAXN3mwu-zk/s1600/carnosine_dementia_cells.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Carnosine is a potent antioxidantshown to dramatically lower mitochondrial damage typically caused by stress andglycation (protein-sugar bonds) leading to cellular dysfunction and disease. Thestudy authors went so far as to <a href="http://www.wellnessresources.com/health/articles/carnosine_inhibits_excess_amyloid_beta_formation">conclude</a><i>“Our data indicate that carnosine can bepart of a combined therapeutic approach for the treatment of AD.”</i> This is apowerful conclusion considering that Big Pharma has no approved cure oreffective treatment for this insidious form of dementia.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Carnosine coupled with othernatural nutrients known to be neuroprotective (grape seed extract, resveratrol,curcumin, DHA) can lower the stress placed on critical brain structures andprovide an effective shield against development and progression of disease.Carnosine is found most commonly in beef, pork, poultry and dairy products.Many health-minded individuals avoid a diet centered around animal-derivedfoods and supplementation (1,000 mg per day) has been found to be an effectiveand bioavailable alternative.</div>crutcrithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09269806261919869067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352703708197481507.post-73539895759892196322011-11-07T06:04:00.000-08:002012-01-21T07:42:46.134-08:00Cinnamon and Tumeric Lower Triglycerides and Insulin Triggered by High Fat Diet<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHWWnWiLDWYYP-r9LmmW9JTxc8Cm5X9YVsQ6qxF9UISoZzdqB07oVe2HKSJRQbR5uq8zOYbftZK9_CLn6SxDg9wdjq2T6pn7WAtbCvUq6AzWHQg2h7wVit1h5gwmurHDYJtD84KxuxCx1/s1600/spices_fats_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHWWnWiLDWYYP-r9LmmW9JTxc8Cm5X9YVsQ6qxF9UISoZzdqB07oVe2HKSJRQbR5uq8zOYbftZK9_CLn6SxDg9wdjq2T6pn7WAtbCvUq6AzWHQg2h7wVit1h5gwmurHDYJtD84KxuxCx1/s1600/spices_fats_main.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Many spices such as tumeric andcinnamon are powerful antioxidants that continue to gain acceptance as naturalnutrients able to assist human health and prevent chronic disease. Researchersfrom Penn State <a href="http://jn.nutrition.org/content/early/2011/06/22/jn.111.138966.abstract?cited-by=yes&legid=nutrition;jn.111.138966v1">publishing</a>in <i>The Journal of Nutrition</i> providestrong evidence that these potent spices provide a protective shield to reducethe body`s negative responses to eating high-fat meals.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">A diet filled with high-fat foodsthat have been fried or baked with trans fats increases oxidized LDLcholesterol levels and dangerous blood fats known as triglycerides. Tumeric andcinnamon taken before a high fat meal combine to lower triglyceride response byas much as 30%, preventing a cascade of harmful metabolic events that lead toheart disease and diabetes.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Tumeric and Cinnamon Spices Lower Triglycerides and Insulin Levels</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3s0k2U3-YWqVipuig5tXlxqdxqjWPT-8YQTqzpXH6xUe0NcO3VshZ2jYE4muyp6oQudKLCmiY5yt4f29P7Vid8jTVSiRjlHsBQY-iZUVPbJXEJ75ERNEIdxEGW6k1PxEjUaN-Hh4aa7wj/s1600/spices_fats_tumeric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3s0k2U3-YWqVipuig5tXlxqdxqjWPT-8YQTqzpXH6xUe0NcO3VshZ2jYE4muyp6oQudKLCmiY5yt4f29P7Vid8jTVSiRjlHsBQY-iZUVPbJXEJ75ERNEIdxEGW6k1PxEjUaN-Hh4aa7wj/s1600/spices_fats_tumeric.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Culinary spices have peakedinterest among nutritional scientists in recent years as both <a href="http://myoptimalhealthresource.blogspot.com/search/label/Curcumin">turmeric</a>and cinnamon exhibit powerful antioxidant properties that may halt dangerousmetabolic imbalances prompted by poor dietary choices. To conduct the study,researchers added 14 grams of a combined turmeric-cinnamon spice blend to a1200 calorie high-fat meal, and compared the results to a control group notreceiving the spice mixture.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Blood samples were taken prior tothe meal and then again at 30 minute intervals for the next three and a halfhours after eating. Participants were tested again one week later, and the twogroups were switched to verify the accuracy of the results. Researchers foundthat blood levels of insulin were reduced by 21% and triglycerides dropped 31%in response to the turmeric-cinnamon mix.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Spices are Potent Antioxidants That Lower Metabolic Damage from PoorDiet</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhea_zqZ2-3cK1kM-nqqsFw26WgUTC0FAmXHQyyCqNaomARxPtapWDA8k5CR1VUOhRhs9HNsaoxfHFt-RsMbP_-1ha3dhymsTGDk7EpEMqPnjcTJQ-InSW1vH61MZj3wGQhx2jNwrxBSpEy/s1600/spices_fats_cinnamon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhea_zqZ2-3cK1kM-nqqsFw26WgUTC0FAmXHQyyCqNaomARxPtapWDA8k5CR1VUOhRhs9HNsaoxfHFt-RsMbP_-1ha3dhymsTGDk7EpEMqPnjcTJQ-InSW1vH61MZj3wGQhx2jNwrxBSpEy/s1600/spices_fats_cinnamon.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The study authors found that thespices significantly improved two critical metabolic markers that areassociated with increased risk of developing diabetes and cardiovasculardisorders. They <a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232710.php">commented</a><i>“Adding spices to the meal significantlyincreased the ferric reducing antioxidant power, such that postprandialincreases following the spiced meal were 2-fold greater than after the controlmeal.”</i> They also found that the two spices interact synergistically and theimpact was significantly greater when both spices were administeredconcurrently, compared to individual results.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Most health-conscious adults canbenefit from a wide array of natural spices added to and consumed with manypopular foods, regardless of specific dietary approach. Penn State authors <a href="http://www.wellnessresources.com/weight/articles/tumeric_curcumin_and_cinnamon_lower_insulin_and_triglycerides/">concluded</a><i>“The incorporation of spices into thediet may help normalize postprandial insulin and TG (triglyceride) and enhanceantioxidant defenses.”</i> Includeturmeric and cinnamon to your favorite meals, or take a high quality supplementwith meals to maximize your defense against metabolic dysfunction and heartdisease.</div>crutcrithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09269806261919869067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352703708197481507.post-50671451741203211902011-11-02T09:43:00.000-07:002012-01-21T07:42:46.231-08:00Red Meat Consumption Doubles Risk of Diabetes<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfvr_mYQeNzcvvERrSqwqNMd08RIUEwpdipVkN2jN2O7to9vk38yJRD8e8amrWLCf_RzVtKCd70gCXkh7E_JX0xz3sGvicmbN6VTTjNnA2MtPnI_PecYmugjrG1fnAP7PMzVBp14R4iiA/s1600/redmeat_diabetes_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfvr_mYQeNzcvvERrSqwqNMd08RIUEwpdipVkN2jN2O7to9vk38yJRD8e8amrWLCf_RzVtKCd70gCXkh7E_JX0xz3sGvicmbN6VTTjNnA2MtPnI_PecYmugjrG1fnAP7PMzVBp14R4iiA/s1600/redmeat_diabetes_main.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Health-minded adults have beenwary of excessive red meat consumption and most avoid any type of processedmeats due to the highly carcinogenic nitrite content. Additives used to add taste,cure and prolong shelf life of classic foods such as hot dogs, bologna andsausage not only cause cancer but are now shown to more than double the risk ofdeveloping diabetes.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.ajcn.org/content/early/2011/08/10/ajcn.111.018978.abstract">Publishing</a>in the <i>American Journal of ClinicalNutrition</i>, researchers found that a 50 gram daily serving of processed meat(equivalent to one hot dog or two strips of bacon) was associated with doubledrisk of developing diabetes. They also found that protein from other sourcessuch as nuts, seeds and whole grains will have the reverse effect.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Red and Processed Meats Shown to Double Diabetes Risk Factor</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwknh0ZE8PoTo25QEE_U3LjTZQhbqcDk3wOwIMO1kYNLkueYpzNjc94sKvB0OXv03XkhZ4vdPEFrMrrXDFSwfSJ9PfH8KTjhGHkLEapc5Ho8y-cBHpkLDNyx8AMK96JHTC0nN5VWobtyO/s1600/redmeat_diabetes_processed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwknh0ZE8PoTo25QEE_U3LjTZQhbqcDk3wOwIMO1kYNLkueYpzNjc94sKvB0OXv03XkhZ4vdPEFrMrrXDFSwfSJ9PfH8KTjhGHkLEapc5Ho8y-cBHpkLDNyx8AMK96JHTC0nN5VWobtyO/s1600/redmeat_diabetes_processed.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-08/hsop-rml080811.php">Researchers</a>followed 37,083 men in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, 79,570 womenin the Nurses’ Health Study, and 87,504 women in the Nurses’ Health Study II.Diet was assessed by validated food-frequency questionnaires, and data wereupdated every four years. Type II diabetes diagnosis was confirmed by avalidated supplementary questionnaire. In addition the study included data froma total cohort of more than 442,000 participants to make this the largest studyto examine the effect of specific food types on diabetes development andprogression.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">After all collected data wasanalyzed with adjustments for age, body mass index (BMI), and other lifestyleand dietary risk factors, researchers found that consumption of 100 grams ofunprocessed red meat (about the size of a deck of cards) increased the risk ofdeveloping Type II <a href="http://myoptimalhealthresource.blogspot.com/search/label/Diabetes">diabetes</a>by 19%. A diet that included only half that amount of processed meats wasassociated with a 51% increase in diabetes incidence.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Substituting Healthy Proteins from Nuts and Seeds Lowers Diabetes Risk</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHVfMmAW7jlN-4h4hLQ6j-LFlEonxxdf92fQMyRLyhz2-dWorExymu2MtJmdt4U7j4kgQFWpO7Nxr5dMB9BHF34h5HDLHOYdcd0qV3dcD9uGxpftYkhFFlriwaMASqKpLQs7vxv7y5ryz/s1600/redmeat_diabetes_nuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHVfMmAW7jlN-4h4hLQ6j-LFlEonxxdf92fQMyRLyhz2-dWorExymu2MtJmdt4U7j4kgQFWpO7Nxr5dMB9BHF34h5HDLHOYdcd0qV3dcD9uGxpftYkhFFlriwaMASqKpLQs7vxv7y5ryz/s1600/redmeat_diabetes_nuts.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Most health professionals believethat diabetes risk is linked to increased intake of refined carbohydrates andsugars. While this may be true, it is important to understand that red andprocessed meats play a significant role in development of the metabolicdisorder, likely due to the increased digestive load placed on the pancreas.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Study authors also found thattroubling risk factors can be neutralized or even reversed by substitutinghealthy protein from nuts, seeds, fish and beans for red and processed meats.Senior research author Dr. An Pan <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810132854.htm">found</a>that <i>“for an individual who eats onedaily serving of red meat, substituting one serving of nuts per day wasassociated with a 21% lower risk of type 2 diabetes; substituting low-fatdairy, a 17% lower risk; and substituting whole grains, a 23% lower risk.”</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Many health-minded individualsalready limit consumption of red and processed meats. The conclusion of thismeta-study drives home the importance of severely restricting red meat andtotally eliminating processed meats in favor of healthy proteins to lowerdiabetes risk factors.</div>crutcrithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09269806261919869067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352703708197481507.post-13400897633832995852011-10-31T05:58:00.000-07:002012-01-21T07:42:46.332-08:00Alpha Lipoic Acid Boosts Cellular Energy and Regenerates Mitochondria Function<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrCsJEag9sDUm7BtAWHrMM5BVDbPNn8bX892Y18jeC7htUybIF1qa0x6eTlFJQNpoWIZOOuCH8gxmd8ZAqCjcGSuFxXl-uXzxaRw5CBow1hxR5TxndspnVxnFh6nmralN-sND3CEVytmT/s1600/energy_mitochondria_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrCsJEag9sDUm7BtAWHrMM5BVDbPNn8bX892Y18jeC7htUybIF1qa0x6eTlFJQNpoWIZOOuCH8gxmd8ZAqCjcGSuFxXl-uXzxaRw5CBow1hxR5TxndspnVxnFh6nmralN-sND3CEVytmT/s1600/energy_mitochondria_main.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Mitochondria are the smallpowerhouse organelles that control the energy output for each of the trillionsof cells that function synergistically within the human body. Every cell housesdozens to hundreds of mitochondria, depending on the particular function andenergy requirement of the component organ. More than 85% of the oxygencontained in every breath is consumed by these tiny energy producers, so it iseasy to understand how low mitochondrial function typically seen with aging canlead to low energy levels and ultimately cellular death.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Cutting edge research <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2945683/">published</a> inthe <i>Journal of Nucleic Acids</i> and <i>Metabolism</i> furnishes details to explainthat the naturally occurring antioxidant alpha lipoic acid can significantlyreduce mitochondrial decay and boost energy levels to improve longevity parametersin aging humans.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Alpha Lipoic Acid Reduces Free Radical Stress and Improves Energy Production</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOazD2qqJ9rADjufwB86V1x9lmyiZKkugNq-5JEi5jK8HS0CpW2WfydOPnZYwCkduYm10p2Qnn3QmL4mMCYgCObLcNdABXXIuc56dC8dOsonW02G4BYWJT6jTjnSt9P4jshatK8kLOyEPN/s1600/energy_mitochondria_energy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOazD2qqJ9rADjufwB86V1x9lmyiZKkugNq-5JEi5jK8HS0CpW2WfydOPnZYwCkduYm10p2Qnn3QmL4mMCYgCObLcNdABXXIuc56dC8dOsonW02G4BYWJT6jTjnSt9P4jshatK8kLOyEPN/s1600/energy_mitochondria_energy.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Since the early 1970`s scientistshave proposed and validated the `<a href="http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2011/aug2011_Lipoic-Acid-Reverses-Mitochondrial-Decay_01.htm">mitochondrialtheory of aging</a>` that demonstrates how a lifetime of accumulated damage tomitochondrial DNA leads to increased free radical stress and lowered cellularenergy production and chronic disease. Researchers examined aging mice thatwere broken into two groups, one supplemented with alpha lipoic acid in theirdrinking water and the other a control group, for a period of 30 days. Bothgroups were tested for metabolic functions relating to glucose metabolism,energy production and antioxidant status.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Authors of the study found thatthe <a href="http://myoptimalhealthresource.blogspot.com/search/label/Lipoic%20Acid">alphalipoic acid</a> supplemented group experienced mitochondrial biogenesis, aprocess that rejuvenates and replaces damaged and aging mitochondria. Priorbodies of research postulated that mitochondrial regeneration and genesis werenot possible and cell death was always the final result of mitochondrialdysfunction. Through a very intricate metabolic process, lipoic acidsupplementation was found to improve body composition, glucose tolerance, andenergy expenditure in the aged mice.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Alpha Lipoic Acid May Aid Weight Management and Improve Insulin Control</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtKF4_MYYxNtoxRcXbzp63W-gBPN4PwB_kA6oqOkRn7jrSKzNV_ZC1nNd7KzE0Zcygk7ZntOZFgMBZaNkkI0oZqqtT0eYT2OW1LQJOqLJpkp_a4PWM2Pjh9eHL-RWecF7DD-t6SrSgUmg/s1600/energy_mitochondria_weight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtKF4_MYYxNtoxRcXbzp63W-gBPN4PwB_kA6oqOkRn7jrSKzNV_ZC1nNd7KzE0Zcygk7ZntOZFgMBZaNkkI0oZqqtT0eYT2OW1LQJOqLJpkp_a4PWM2Pjh9eHL-RWecF7DD-t6SrSgUmg/s1600/energy_mitochondria_weight.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Researchers noted this was thefirst time a natural compound was able to effectively revitalize mitochondriain aging cells, and <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20015518">concluded</a>that alpha lipoic acid supplementation <i>“increaseslean mass loss possibly by suppressing protein synthesis in the skeletal muscleby down-regulating the mTOR signaling pathway. Thus, lipoic acid may be apromising supplement for treatment of obesity and/or insulin resistance inolder patients.”</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Subsequently, research conductedby Dr. Bruce Ames found that combining the bioactive `R` isomer of lipoic acidand acetyl-l-carnitine decreases oxidative damage leading to mitochondrialdecay and may help prevent degenerative diseases of aging including cancer,cognitive decline (dementia) and diabetes while restoring the vital energyneeded to live an active lifestyle. Nutrition experts recommend supplementingwith `R` alpha-lipoic acid (100 – 300 mg daily) and acetyl-l-carnitine (1000 mgdaily) to restore energy levels lost to mitochondrial decline.</div>crutcrithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09269806261919869067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352703708197481507.post-70700436548791306852011-10-26T06:17:00.000-07:002012-01-21T07:42:46.432-08:00Vitamin D Blood Level Critical to Prevent Most Chronic Diseases<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWhyphenhyphena-d_ksjWdCvbTMwSmY9135fq6SZUX-AtY9WSrIiJj029BHJ7NYr8CE50Zi6XWVrhWPOhIr0Jif7hAgkL5xnPyqdnU1hzJAA9ettfeJjdKDdzOyOyIvjmhyD3PzjZm4zys8wgGBk9z/s1600/vitamin_d_lifestyle_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWhyphenhyphena-d_ksjWdCvbTMwSmY9135fq6SZUX-AtY9WSrIiJj029BHJ7NYr8CE50Zi6XWVrhWPOhIr0Jif7hAgkL5xnPyqdnU1hzJAA9ettfeJjdKDdzOyOyIvjmhyD3PzjZm4zys8wgGBk9z/s1600/vitamin_d_lifestyle_main.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Prominent research studiescontinue to extol the virtues of maintaining proper levels of criticalnutrients such as vitamin D throughout life to prevent most diseases thatplaque western cultures. <a href="http://www.wellnessresources.com/health/articles/increasing_vitamin_d_levels_likely_to_extend_lifespan/">Publishing</a>in the <i>European Journal of ClinicalNutrition</i> scientists found that by simply raising the low end of thevitamin D blood saturation range (from 30 ng/mL to 44 ng/mL), all-causemortality could be reduced by 7.6% to 17.3% for most women.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">This supports the extensive bodyof work published by Dr. Bruce Ames that explains low nutritional status throughlife results in the development of diseases including heart disease, cancer,diabetes and dementia. A high quality multi-vitamin taken daily can provide abroad range of protection against a host of chronic illnesses.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Lower All-Cause Mortality Up to 20% for Pennies a Day</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mpCuuWJjKaSe9XXUjMMDt2wQzwJTUEvmWxmIugzWjI3zYyJpdbl7uVhWkTf6PYW5sDi6IeWJQogOj_l7IPX0UgMwTzxshIJC1aCQEbGa9e6mrcG0F8BjkGDQdcbF381I-2ncLsDFnXjZ/s1600/vitamin_d_lifestyle_pennies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mpCuuWJjKaSe9XXUjMMDt2wQzwJTUEvmWxmIugzWjI3zYyJpdbl7uVhWkTf6PYW5sDi6IeWJQogOj_l7IPX0UgMwTzxshIJC1aCQEbGa9e6mrcG0F8BjkGDQdcbF381I-2ncLsDFnXjZ/s1600/vitamin_d_lifestyle_pennies.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">If you found out that you couldlower your risk of dying by as much as 20% simply by increasing <a href="http://myoptimalhealthresource.blogspot.com/search/label/Vitamin%20D">vitaminD</a> intake, would you be willing to make the change? For most people thiswould mean taking an additional 1500 IU of the sunshine vitamin at a daily costof $.03. While some people can benefit directly from sun exposure, aging adults(over 50), those in Northern climates and dark-skinned individuals will need totake an oil based supplement and monitor blood levels to ensure optimalprotection.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">You won`t hear about results thatshow that increasing vitamin D intake or other essential nutrients cansignificantly lower your risk for developing chronic disease. The scientistsperforming this study on European women <a href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/9c3aadee#/9c3aadee/32">found</a> <i>“Increasing serum 25(OH)D levels is the mostcost-effective way to reduce global mortality rates, as the cost of vitamin Dis very low and there are few adverse effects from oral intake and/or frequentmoderate UVB irradiance with sufficient body surface area exposed.”</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Triage Theory Explains Long Term Nutritional Deficiency Leads to Early Death</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgusu57r-c17U7t2Pb7HB6vS-TWbORZZrTzkl4GgVb8dlBU2opo9pvWTMLGZMooyCZfWu_s5CSYMgopYxBEcV9GGwFLOUP8WnbQtVIMDMeE7DU9fHgTzRnqIYk3emWHzGcYr6FpKt3x9uo9/s1600/vitamin_d_lifestyle_ames.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgusu57r-c17U7t2Pb7HB6vS-TWbORZZrTzkl4GgVb8dlBU2opo9pvWTMLGZMooyCZfWu_s5CSYMgopYxBEcV9GGwFLOUP8WnbQtVIMDMeE7DU9fHgTzRnqIYk3emWHzGcYr6FpKt3x9uo9/s1600/vitamin_d_lifestyle_ames.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Dr. Bruce Ames has been studyingthe long term effect of poor nutrition on health for more than 30 years andproposed the triage theory in 2006. The theory explains how long-termdeficiency in nutrients such as vitamin D and K increase genetic mutations overtime and cause diseases associated with aging like cancer, heart disease, anddementia.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Dr. Ames explains that his <a href="http://www.physorg.com/news172412503.html">research</a> demonstrates thatnutritional deficiencies over the course of decades (and even short termdeficits in the case of vitamin D) cause the body to promote metabolicprocesses that support short term survival and reproduction. Long termmaintenance goals that effect repair and regeneration of genetic material includingchromosomes and DNA are allowed to go unattended when adequate nutrients arelacking in cellular stores.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Very few health-mindedindividuals would argue against the virtue of a well-balanced and unrefineddiet centered on a colorful array of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds andlegumes. Most children and adults will want to ensure optimal intake ofvitamins, minerals, fats and amino acids through a sensible approach to dietand taking a high quality whole food based multi-vitamin each day.</div>crutcrithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09269806261919869067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352703708197481507.post-6177691071952413942011-10-24T06:26:00.000-07:002012-01-21T07:42:46.536-08:00Altering Lifestyle Habits Halt Brain Shrinkage and Cognitive Decline<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAAwJTToaR5QaC5ApJXLPX1u8xNe4vP0W45vkiPS4rA_HtbqNXUZiD5Hk4kl0X7QYhR_AgQpEXAtBI67uj0XUHL3sVO8FbVg-_obRX0FyIfyKI3SjrL5hj_p3oR-RAvt8sAsjemAd2l3K/s1600/lifestyle-dement_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAAwJTToaR5QaC5ApJXLPX1u8xNe4vP0W45vkiPS4rA_HtbqNXUZiD5Hk4kl0X7QYhR_AgQpEXAtBI67uj0XUHL3sVO8FbVg-_obRX0FyIfyKI3SjrL5hj_p3oR-RAvt8sAsjemAd2l3K/s1600/lifestyle-dement_main.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The result of a new studypublished in the <a href="http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-08/aaon-hbp072611.php">journal</a><i>Neurology</i> (the medical journal of theAmerican Academy of Neurology) has found that poor lifestyle habits and relatedhealth disorders such as smoking, overweight and obesity, diabetes and highblood pressure cause brain shrinkage and cognitive decline.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Researchers determined that theseconditions when present during middle age predicated lower brain volume andprecursor markers for dementia up to a decade later. Identifying andcontrolling these risk factors early is a critical step in preventing loss of cognitivefunction and memory in later life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Detrimental Lifestyle Practices Directly Impact Brain Health</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglr-hZmFAoXcrbj1ujplb8AtjE8f55g6ks9V_VLUdqYtWhu9FUfFxAJaN1ULj31lwv22g8s-7rjqYIOfBoSvCsmWgjCybqX0JNzjKwSjk_1lAFxSaALRavSH_8JSbNCpTu2pJpIcFrrbnA/s1600/lifestyle-dement_BP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglr-hZmFAoXcrbj1ujplb8AtjE8f55g6ks9V_VLUdqYtWhu9FUfFxAJaN1ULj31lwv22g8s-7rjqYIOfBoSvCsmWgjCybqX0JNzjKwSjk_1lAFxSaALRavSH_8JSbNCpTu2pJpIcFrrbnA/s1600/lifestyle-dement_BP.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">To conduct the study, researchersexamined a <a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232123.php">cohort</a>of 1,352 people with an average age of 54 from the Framingham Offspring Study.The participants were weighed and body mass index and waist circumference wereestablished along with blood pressure and cholesterol tests and blood glucose readingsto detect for diabetes. Additionally, MRI brain scans were completed over thecourse of a decade with the first test performed seven years after the originalbiomarker benchmark.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Researchers found that thoseparticipants with high blood pressure developed a condition identified as`white matter `hyperintensities` or small areas of damage to the delicatevessel structure of the brain. Hypertensive participants were much more likelyto demonstrate worsening scores on tests of executive function compared tothose with normal <a href="http://myoptimalhealthresource.blogspot.com/search/label/Blood%20Pressure">bloodpressure</a> readings. The study authors found that this single factornegatively affected planning and decision making processes and correspondedwith five to eight years of premature chronological brain aging.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Smoking Cessation and Controlling Diabetes and Obesity Key to ImprovedCognition</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCn-gyrGwv5bR85UEW-XCiNoKdut2tKNP8t9gtSdKGrcsAOcrLhVQ1FwLJt1nHguQq7QkzlInMHtxBJIUOoMoNTWXVCkw7-mdG5kyqjo92duYW4cvzfvt-3-zRtPlsPK9tgimbJDJjgawZ/s1600/lifestyle-dement_smoke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCn-gyrGwv5bR85UEW-XCiNoKdut2tKNP8t9gtSdKGrcsAOcrLhVQ1FwLJt1nHguQq7QkzlInMHtxBJIUOoMoNTWXVCkw7-mdG5kyqjo92duYW4cvzfvt-3-zRtPlsPK9tgimbJDJjgawZ/s1600/lifestyle-dement_smoke.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Diabetes in middle age wasassociated with loss of brain volume in the memory-forming hippocampus regionat a much faster rate than non-diabetics. Smokers were found to experience bothaccelerated brain volume shrinkage and white matter hyperintensities at a muchfaster rate than non-diabetic participants that did not smoke. Obeseindividuals were in the top quarter of those most likely to display loss ofexecutive function and rapid rate of cognitive decline.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The lead study author, Dr.Charles DeCarli concluded that the four <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110801161407.htm">studied</a>risk factors <i>“provide evidence thatidentifying these risk factors early in people of middle age could be useful inscreening people for at-risk dementia and encouraging people to make changes totheir lifestyle before it`s too late”</i>. Poor lifestyle choices are wellknown to contribute to a host of potentially lethal conditions and this body ofresearch continues to add to the existing evidence. Health-consciousindividuals will insist on a well balanced reduced calorie, low-refinedcarbohydrate diet along with regular physical activity to prevent obesity,hypertension, diabetes and cognitive decay.</div>crutcrithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09269806261919869067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352703708197481507.post-48040642353952744602011-10-17T05:48:00.000-07:002012-01-21T07:42:46.637-08:00Vitamin K Prevents Arterial Plaque and Slows Cognitive Decline<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwh4SKa9dh9nVYoKL54mFe1UfpAhbo8BosIK0cKESSmaY5RVRp5F1o_577pIbsSWDAy9rClS2n_A6RpwHf6d5wBe_O8OkgGjhUi2jtZtVzOlNterXuGZLmR3kT80imCGS6BziROq5xLmgN/s1600/vitamin_k_health_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwh4SKa9dh9nVYoKL54mFe1UfpAhbo8BosIK0cKESSmaY5RVRp5F1o_577pIbsSWDAy9rClS2n_A6RpwHf6d5wBe_O8OkgGjhUi2jtZtVzOlNterXuGZLmR3kT80imCGS6BziROq5xLmgN/s1600/vitamin_k_health_main.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Vitamin K is a critical nutrientwidely known for its ability to promote normal blood clotting. A wealth of new informationdemonstrates that this vitamin in its multiple forms can provide a powerfulanti-inflammatory shield to protect against many lethal diseases of aging. Writingin <a href="http://jn.nutrition.org/content/early/2011/06/08/jn.110.137638">the</a><i>Journal of Nutrition</i>, researchersshow that vitamin K works with other fat-soluble nutrients to protect the brainfrom arterial calcification that leads to a stroke or cognitive decline.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Vitamin K works to prevent thedeposition of calcium within arterial walls and ushers the mineral toward thenormal construction of bone throughout the body. The research provides proofthat eating a healthy diet to maintain adequate stores of vitamin K over alifetime can help prevent arterial hardening, atherosclerosis and cognitivedecline.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Vitamin K Slows Cognitive Decline by Supporting Brain Health</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8aMHxC7GeOGA84nXaU5btlvd9AjHk7OnuBk0VvhMa5r10OvqRCUCV3ZNZMlciZTqa0473EcM7yQpKtOksaroySSmdIKTRxbzD2jyuEf0I4-jnvD7O2KFYbCVvgpfN5jij-CbQ4D9OIbt/s1600/vitamin_k_health_brain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8aMHxC7GeOGA84nXaU5btlvd9AjHk7OnuBk0VvhMa5r10OvqRCUCV3ZNZMlciZTqa0473EcM7yQpKtOksaroySSmdIKTRxbzD2jyuEf0I4-jnvD7O2KFYbCVvgpfN5jij-CbQ4D9OIbt/s1600/vitamin_k_health_brain.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">To determine the effect ofvitamin K on <a href="http://myoptimalhealthresource.blogspot.com/search/label/Cognitive%20Decline">cognitive</a>function, researchers studied three groups of mice that were broken into a low,adequate, or high level of vitamin K supplemented in their diet over the courseof their lifetime. Vitamin K is a fat soluble nutrient that can easily crossthe blood-brain barrier to provide antioxidant support to a critical organ composedprimarily of omega-3 fats. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Researchers found that vitamin K <a href="http://www.wellnessresources.com/studies/vitamin_k_enhances_cognitive_function_during_aging/">plays</a>an important role in <i>“maintaining thewhite matter region of the brain by supporting the myelin sheathing thatprotects axons, connecting glial cells together with axons, and facilitatingthe speed at which your brain functions.”</i> Animals with the lowestsupplemental vitamin K levels displayed the highest degree of cognitive declineas they grew older, compared with the highest vitamin K group.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Vitamin K2 Inhibits Coronary Artery Calcification to Halt Heart Disease</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzp5ade9Vj6oRFnr1QDZpjmAa2BrTb2ypgtfzI2YCYhH3_e2JEGf05SXGL8alxbQEYY7qQk80RT_zcHS1WzKDCaU3joFpHkqhMjb5K6Wtd148m91ntHSMFtjdOTrh4f_WiAwm6BVlHuG_/s1600/vitamin_k_health_heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzp5ade9Vj6oRFnr1QDZpjmAa2BrTb2ypgtfzI2YCYhH3_e2JEGf05SXGL8alxbQEYY7qQk80RT_zcHS1WzKDCaU3joFpHkqhMjb5K6Wtd148m91ntHSMFtjdOTrh4f_WiAwm6BVlHuG_/s1600/vitamin_k_health_heart.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Scientists publishing in the <a href="http://www.atherosclerosis-journal.com/article/S0021-9150%2808%2900507-8/abstract">journal</a><i>Atherosclerosis</i> determined the effectof vitamin K on 564 post-menopausal women. The study was designed to contrastdietary intake of both the phylloquinone (vitamin K1) and menaquinone (vitaminK2) with coronary artery calcification (atherosclerosis or hardening of thearteries). Researchers found that the K2 form of vitamin K was associated witha significant decrease in coronary artery calcification, while vitamin K1 didnot appear to impact disease progression.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Dark green leafy vegetablesprovide a healthy dose of vitamin K1 but are not a significant source ofvitamin K2, the form shown to yield protection against arterial hardening anddementia. Fermented foods such as natto, egg yolks and certain cheeses providehigh levels of K2, although many people may choose to avoid these foods. Health-mindedindividuals will need to supplement with a quality supplement providing thefull range of vitamin K isomers (1000 - 2000 mcg per day) to avertatherosclerosis and cognitive function decline.</div>crutcrithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09269806261919869067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352703708197481507.post-2838292241917230092011-10-15T07:20:00.000-07:002012-01-21T07:42:46.738-08:00Lutein Reduces LDL Cholesterol Particle Size to Prevent Heart Disease<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKMYshnL-uirbdoy693mGf0NbKs33RFqtKlbamHhwG96cgEBHSmZ-rrkzKVUGuEpixbFJHok4cYJzFTPO4-qbSvc_Q6jDuGifEAQ41TfCnYrD0UHvoa_d8yD2pinu4tA1L8ydoVPbQ4bX/s1600/lutein_heat_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKMYshnL-uirbdoy693mGf0NbKs33RFqtKlbamHhwG96cgEBHSmZ-rrkzKVUGuEpixbFJHok4cYJzFTPO4-qbSvc_Q6jDuGifEAQ41TfCnYrD0UHvoa_d8yD2pinu4tA1L8ydoVPbQ4bX/s1600/lutein_heat_main.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Lutein has long been known as apowerful nutritional agent useful for protecting vision in aging adults andprotecting against the sight-robbing condition known as macular degeneration.New research <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21697302">published</a>in <i>The Journal of Nutrition</i> findsthat the carotenoid exhibits health-promoting anti-inflammatory and antioxidantbenefits that help to lower plaque forming oxidized LDL cholesterol particlesthat promote arterial hardening and heart disease.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Lutein is found in abundance indark green leafy vegetables including spinach, broccoli, kale and cabbage. Mostadults and children should include a healthy serving of these vegetables aspart of a nutritionally balanced diet or look to supplement daily tosignificantly lower heart disease risk from coronary plaque accumulation.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Lutein Accumulates in the Retina to Prevent Macular Degeneration</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxZiyPYz1KLEwGm3gpvJ3mwtJ0Elz8lHW6nh0FQ5hkJydaxSDUNyajjh8SKbBZuV9t8UtiU60Da6i7t2ym4Be_mQXQWsVxjNObYynoeJoNokaxprbb4sT2T8JjkMW3m3Iwbdi39jLa76d/s1600/lutein_heat_eye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxZiyPYz1KLEwGm3gpvJ3mwtJ0Elz8lHW6nh0FQ5hkJydaxSDUNyajjh8SKbBZuV9t8UtiU60Da6i7t2ym4Be_mQXQWsVxjNObYynoeJoNokaxprbb4sT2T8JjkMW3m3Iwbdi39jLa76d/s1600/lutein_heat_eye.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The study examined two groups ofguinea pigs known to exhibit similar vascular characteristics to humans. Bothgroups were fed a diet high in cholesterol-laden foods for a period of 12weeks, and half were supplemented with lutein. Carotenoids such as <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15640510">lutein</a> are known to circulatein the blood and are stored by the body for future use when tissue saturationis reached. Research to date has shown how lutein accumulates in the retina to preventmacular degeneration and support vision, but little is known about how thecompound impacts cardiovascular health.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Researchers understand thatmammals with the highest levels of carotenoids circulating in their blood havethe longest lifespan. Scientists were able to provide evidence that lutein iscontinually being stored and drawn from tissue deposits as needed. The <a href="http://www.wellnessresources.com/health/articles/lutein_protects_against_cholesterol_damage_and_plaque_formation/">antioxidant</a>and anti-inflammatory properties of this important carotene provides asignificant degree of protection against the formation of arterial plaque andatherosclerosis. Lutein reduces the number of small, dense oxidized LDLcholesterol particles that compromise the elastic nature of the arteries thatsupply blood to the heart.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #fff2cc; text-align: justify;"><b>Lutein is Concentrated in a Diet Filled with Fresh Fruits andVegetables</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiu6mHCaVqK9_TXqNPTI9cS95wWv9ycUyzatC2XQvZrosKoqhyphenhyphenayt0GCQvos3pNR3wsnrb5MW8jUIFE7eiEkR_okozh7MfdKuq4yawHcb5cZMmyAY2cMdaH4WtrB_me-h_dRi6YzPIObcH/s1600/lutein_heat_fruitsjpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiu6mHCaVqK9_TXqNPTI9cS95wWv9ycUyzatC2XQvZrosKoqhyphenhyphenayt0GCQvos3pNR3wsnrb5MW8jUIFE7eiEkR_okozh7MfdKuq4yawHcb5cZMmyAY2cMdaH4WtrB_me-h_dRi6YzPIObcH/s1600/lutein_heat_fruitsjpg.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">This is one of the first studiesto demonstrate that carotenoids such as lutein can provide health benefits tomultiple organs and should be consumed as part of a natural <a href="http://myoptimalhealthresource.blogspot.com/search/label/Diet%20and%20Nutrition">diet</a>comprising a rainbow of colors from organic vegetables and fruits. Scientistshave uncovered dozens of carotenoids and concede there are likely many more asyet unknown compounds that exist in a complete matrix of whole foods. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Interestingly, nutritionalresearchers have found that carotenoids from high quality supplements areeasier to absorb when compared to carotenes from foods that are bound to fiber.Regardless of the source, carotenoids should be part of your daily antioxidantdietary plan to prevent arterial plaque formation and lower the risk ofatherosclerosis.</div>crutcrithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09269806261919869067noreply@blogger.com