Fish Oil Protects Against Diseases Like Parkinson's
ScienceDaily (Apr. 20, 2009) — Dr. Nicolas Bazan, Director of the Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Boyd Professor, and Ernest C. and Yvette C. Villere Chair of Retinal Degenerative Diseases Research at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans, will present new research findings showing that an omega three fatty acid in the diet protects brain cells by preventing the misfolding of a protein resulting from a gene mutation in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Huntington's.
He will present these findings for the first time on April 19, 2009 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Nouvelle C Room, at the American Society for Nutrition, Experimental Biology 2009 Annual Meeting.
With funding from the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Bazan and his colleagues developed a cell model with a mutation of the Ataxin-1 gene. The defective Ataxin-1 gene induces the misfolding of the protein produced by the gene. These misshapened proteins cannot be properly processed by the cell machinery, resulting in tangled clumps of toxic protein that eventually kill the cell. Spinocerebellar Ataxia, a disabling disorder that affects speech, eye movement, and hand coordination at early ages of life, is one disorder resulting from the Ataxin-1 misfolding defect. The research team led by Dr. Bazan found that the omega three fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), protects cells from this defect.
Dr. Bazan's laboratory discovered earlier that neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1), a naturally-occurring molecule in the human brain that is derived from DHA also promotes brain cell survival. In this system NPD1 is capable of rescue the dying cells with the pathological type of Ataxin-1, keeping their integrity intact.
"These experiments provide proof of principle that neuroprotectin D1 can be applied therapeutically to combat various neurodegenerative diseases," says Dr. Bazan. "Furthermore, this study provides the basis of new therapeutic approaches to manipulate retinal pigment epithelial cells to be used as a source of NPD1 to treat patients with disorders characterized by this mutation like Parkinson's, Retinitis Pigmentosa and some forms of Alzheimer's Disease."
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Vitamins Found to Prevent Disease
Vitamins - Small Complex Nutrients Found in Food
Major Players in Maintaining Good Health
© Linda Mundorff
Apr 14, 2009
Vitamin Choices, Linda Mundorff
In the body, vitamins play a vital role, from aiding in the production of blood cells, hormones, and energy, to boosting the immune system and preventing disease.
Vitamins are organic or carbon-based compounds that are necessary for normal function, growth, and maintenance of body tissue. Vitamins are categorized as either water-soluble (vitamins B and C,) or fat-soluble (vitamins A, D, E, and K) . Water soluble vitamins are not stored in the body and must be replaced daily while fat-soluble vitamins are stored, and depending on individual needs, daily replacement may not be necessary.
Role of Vitamins
Vitamins have many functions within the body, some vitamins:
* Are required to breakdown foods during digestion
* Are necessary to produce blood cells
* Assist in the formation of hormones
* Participate in energy-producing reactions
* Boost the immune system
Vitamin Preservation
To get the full benefit of vitamins, especially the water-soluble ones, foods should be eaten as close to whole and natural as possible. For example, produce that is eaten close to harvest has the highest vitamin content, than produce that must travel long distances to get to your grocery store. In addition vitamins can be lost due to improper handling or storage, such as being exposed to air, light, heat, and alkalinity (neutralization of acids).
Natural vs. Synthetic
In nature, vitamins come from a variety of foods such as B vitamins which are predominately found in dark green leafy vegetables while Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, nuts, and wheat germ. Attempting to memorize the various dietary sources of all vitamins is not necessary as The National Institute of Health has an excellent reference site on the Internet.
Basically, natural vitamins are extracted from foods while synthetic vitamins are produced in a laboratory. Chemically both are exactly the same and generally work the same within the body. But there are exceptions such as in vitamin E which is twice as potent in its natural form than its synthetic form, and conversely, folic acid which is more potent in its synthetic form than in its natural form.
As previously mentioned, attempting to capture all of the nutritional benefits from food is sometimes difficult due to improper handling and storage. But there are issues related to synthetic vitamins as well, for example, not all vitamins are created the same. Vitamin production varies greatly, and one of the biggest issues is with chemical substitutes that do not metabolize as well as the original, but are easier and cheaper to produce.
As a consumer it is important to do the research and always read the label to:
* Determine how much active ingredient vs. additives or fillers are in the supplement.
* Determine the source of the dietary ingredient ( rose hips is one source for vitamin C)
* Check for type and amount of additives (gelatin, starch, stabilizers, and dyes)
* Dosage - how many pills are necessary per day to reach recommended requirement.
* Check for known potential allergens as you might be allergic to one of the inert ingredients.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Vitamin deficiencies usually happen over time and are almost always related to poor dietary intake:
* Insufficient intake of fruits and vegetables.
* Starvation diets.
* Meal replacements lacking proper vitamin supplementation.
* Cigarette smoking.
Also important to note is that the symptoms related to deficiencies are not always obvious, and sometimes are misdiagnosed. The most common disorders related to deficiencies are:
* Scurvy > Vitamin C deficiency
* Beriberi > Vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency
* Rickets > Vitamin D deficiency
* Pellagra > Vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency
Lastly, when dietary intake of fat soluble vitamins is adequate and symptoms of deficiencies are evident, one of two conditions might be the cause:
* Fat malabsorption syndrome (which blocks fat soluble vitamins from being absorbed) or
* A liver defect (that prevents the production of the proteins needed for vitamin transport).
Vitamins Found to Prevent Disease
Numerous studies have found promising results that certain vitamins might reduce the incidence of:
* Heart disease
* Parkinson's Disease
* Osteoporosis
* Neurological Disorders
* Aging Process
But there have been numerous conflicting studies, as in The Oxford University Clinical Trial Service that found daily doses of vitamins had shown no improvement in heart disease, cancers, and cataracts, among others.
In conclusion, vitamins are an important part of a healthy diet and provides many benefits to the overall function of the body.
Read more: http://vitamins-minerals.suite101.com/article.cfm/vitamins_small_complex_nutrients_found_in_food#ixzz0D782UkNC&B
Major Players in Maintaining Good Health
© Linda Mundorff
Apr 14, 2009
Vitamin Choices, Linda Mundorff
In the body, vitamins play a vital role, from aiding in the production of blood cells, hormones, and energy, to boosting the immune system and preventing disease.
Vitamins are organic or carbon-based compounds that are necessary for normal function, growth, and maintenance of body tissue. Vitamins are categorized as either water-soluble (vitamins B and C,) or fat-soluble (vitamins A, D, E, and K) . Water soluble vitamins are not stored in the body and must be replaced daily while fat-soluble vitamins are stored, and depending on individual needs, daily replacement may not be necessary.
Role of Vitamins
Vitamins have many functions within the body, some vitamins:
* Are required to breakdown foods during digestion
* Are necessary to produce blood cells
* Assist in the formation of hormones
* Participate in energy-producing reactions
* Boost the immune system
Vitamin Preservation
To get the full benefit of vitamins, especially the water-soluble ones, foods should be eaten as close to whole and natural as possible. For example, produce that is eaten close to harvest has the highest vitamin content, than produce that must travel long distances to get to your grocery store. In addition vitamins can be lost due to improper handling or storage, such as being exposed to air, light, heat, and alkalinity (neutralization of acids).
Natural vs. Synthetic
In nature, vitamins come from a variety of foods such as B vitamins which are predominately found in dark green leafy vegetables while Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, nuts, and wheat germ. Attempting to memorize the various dietary sources of all vitamins is not necessary as The National Institute of Health has an excellent reference site on the Internet.
Basically, natural vitamins are extracted from foods while synthetic vitamins are produced in a laboratory. Chemically both are exactly the same and generally work the same within the body. But there are exceptions such as in vitamin E which is twice as potent in its natural form than its synthetic form, and conversely, folic acid which is more potent in its synthetic form than in its natural form.
As previously mentioned, attempting to capture all of the nutritional benefits from food is sometimes difficult due to improper handling and storage. But there are issues related to synthetic vitamins as well, for example, not all vitamins are created the same. Vitamin production varies greatly, and one of the biggest issues is with chemical substitutes that do not metabolize as well as the original, but are easier and cheaper to produce.
As a consumer it is important to do the research and always read the label to:
* Determine how much active ingredient vs. additives or fillers are in the supplement.
* Determine the source of the dietary ingredient ( rose hips is one source for vitamin C)
* Check for type and amount of additives (gelatin, starch, stabilizers, and dyes)
* Dosage - how many pills are necessary per day to reach recommended requirement.
* Check for known potential allergens as you might be allergic to one of the inert ingredients.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Vitamin deficiencies usually happen over time and are almost always related to poor dietary intake:
* Insufficient intake of fruits and vegetables.
* Starvation diets.
* Meal replacements lacking proper vitamin supplementation.
* Cigarette smoking.
Also important to note is that the symptoms related to deficiencies are not always obvious, and sometimes are misdiagnosed. The most common disorders related to deficiencies are:
* Scurvy > Vitamin C deficiency
* Beriberi > Vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency
* Rickets > Vitamin D deficiency
* Pellagra > Vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency
Lastly, when dietary intake of fat soluble vitamins is adequate and symptoms of deficiencies are evident, one of two conditions might be the cause:
* Fat malabsorption syndrome (which blocks fat soluble vitamins from being absorbed) or
* A liver defect (that prevents the production of the proteins needed for vitamin transport).
Vitamins Found to Prevent Disease
Numerous studies have found promising results that certain vitamins might reduce the incidence of:
* Heart disease
* Parkinson's Disease
* Osteoporosis
* Neurological Disorders
* Aging Process
But there have been numerous conflicting studies, as in The Oxford University Clinical Trial Service that found daily doses of vitamins had shown no improvement in heart disease, cancers, and cataracts, among others.
In conclusion, vitamins are an important part of a healthy diet and provides many benefits to the overall function of the body.
Read more: http://vitamins-minerals.suite101.com/article.cfm/vitamins_small_complex_nutrients_found_in_food#ixzz0D782UkNC&B
Sunday, April 12, 2009
13 Foods to Avoid
13 Foods To Avoid
As a doctor I have made it my mission to educate as many people about the philosophical pitfalls of believing "If it's on the shelf, it must be safe." In the US, we suffer from something called the "shortest healthy lifespan". That means we spend more years battling chronic disease than our peers from the 12 industrialized nations. There are many factors leading to this problem, but one of the obvious is how loaded our diets are with artificial chemicals.
1. Soda. Ahh, the good old American beverage. Soda is everywhere. It is marketed hard, and found at birthday parties to church functions. Nothing could be worse for the body than a splash of insulin overloading sugar soup. Almost every person I counsel on weight issues has a soda or diet soda addiction. (See also: The Top 10 Diseases Linked to Soda.)
2. Avoid Soy. Many patients in my office ask about soy products. This article is designed to help uncover some of the things many people are not aware of. Here is some of the research on soy. A 2001 literature review suggested that women with current or past breast cancer should be aware of the risks of potential tumor growth when taking soy products, based on the effect of phytoestrogens to promote breast cancer cell growth in animals.
A study found high consumption of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are found in most types of vegetable oil including soybean oil, may increase the likelihood that postmenopausal women will develop breast cancer. The most serious problem with soy may be its use in infant formulas. "The amount of phytoestrogens that are in a day's worth of soy infant formula equals 5 birth control pills," says Mary G. Enig, Ph.D., president of the Maryland Nutritionists Association.
3. Monosodium Glutamate. The word you need to know is excitotoxicity which means too much activity, it is the pathological process by which nerve cells are damaged and killed by glutamate and similar substances i.e. (MSG). This occurs when receptors for the neurotransmitter are bombarded and can cause excitotoxicity by allowing high levels of calcium ions to enter the cell. Calcium influx into cells activates a number of enzymes. These enzymes go on to damage cell structures such as components of the cytoskeleton, membrane, and DNA.
Excitotoxicity may be involved in spinal cord injury, stroke, traumatic brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) such as Multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease, Alcoholism and Huntington's disease. It's no wonder why the US leads the world in neurodegenerative diseases. Millions of people consume this product and don't even know the side affects.
4. Aspartame. It's a non-nutritive sweetener about 180 times sweeter than sugar. When I speak, people invariably want to argue this point. They want their artificial sweetener. I often get comments like, "It's FDA approved." WARNING! WARNING! If the government has to "approve" something for consumption THERE IS A PROBLEM! It is simply approved until enough people die, than it will be unapproved. Your health is your responsibility. Guard it well.
5. Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup. If you have seen any of the advertising material for HFCS high-fructose corn syrup, the marketers are trying to convince us this is a natural product. HFCS or crystalline fructose or hydrolyzed fructose, it convert to triglycerides and adipose (fat) tissue within one hour of consumption. The cheapest ingredient in the processed food industry is HFCS. The sad part about this debate is not whether HFCS cause problems, because that is settled with this research article. The fact that mercury is found in 50% of products with HFCS should be more of a concern to every parent.
6. Hydrogenated Oil or Partially Hydrogenated Oil. Never buy foods with these ingredients since they are trans fats. Trans fats are deadly, causes heart disease, cause weight gain, and once more, other medical problems.
7. Avoid Sugar. In fact, the sweetener seems to prompt the same chemical changes in the brain seen in people who abuse drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Sugar that is processed turns out as refined white powder.
8. Don't Be Fooled By "Natural" and "Artificial Flavor". These words, most of the time, mean that the food is loaded with chemicals and grown with pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and herbicides. The bottom line-eating organic food is best.
9. Avoid Artificial Color. If anything has dye in it, stay away. A dye is a chemical poison.
10. Avoid Palm Oil. This is a very unhealthy oil that is cheap to manufacture. It also has the wrong essential fatty acid ratio, which means it increase the inflammation circulating in your blood. Inflammation is being tied to almost all disease processes.
11. Dextrose, Sucrose, and Fructose. There are chemically made sweeteners. There are not good for the body at all. So, it's best to avoid them.
12. Avoid Sucrulose and Splenda. This is a man-made sweetener that most people have heard of. In spite of the hype, it is unnatural, artificial, and man-made. The problems it can cause are increases in appetite, depression, allergies, etc., all depending on the person's genetic makeup. It is best to avoid these products.
13. No Enriched Bleached White Flour. This flour has no fiber. It has no nutritional value, and is highly refined. Eat organic wheat flour or other organic flours such as rye, millet, etc. Shoot for 20 grams of fiber a day.
As a doctor I have made it my mission to educate as many people about the philosophical pitfalls of believing "If it's on the shelf, it must be safe." In the US, we suffer from something called the "shortest healthy lifespan". That means we spend more years battling chronic disease than our peers from the 12 industrialized nations. There are many factors leading to this problem, but one of the obvious is how loaded our diets are with artificial chemicals.
1. Soda. Ahh, the good old American beverage. Soda is everywhere. It is marketed hard, and found at birthday parties to church functions. Nothing could be worse for the body than a splash of insulin overloading sugar soup. Almost every person I counsel on weight issues has a soda or diet soda addiction. (See also: The Top 10 Diseases Linked to Soda.)
2. Avoid Soy. Many patients in my office ask about soy products. This article is designed to help uncover some of the things many people are not aware of. Here is some of the research on soy. A 2001 literature review suggested that women with current or past breast cancer should be aware of the risks of potential tumor growth when taking soy products, based on the effect of phytoestrogens to promote breast cancer cell growth in animals.
A study found high consumption of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are found in most types of vegetable oil including soybean oil, may increase the likelihood that postmenopausal women will develop breast cancer. The most serious problem with soy may be its use in infant formulas. "The amount of phytoestrogens that are in a day's worth of soy infant formula equals 5 birth control pills," says Mary G. Enig, Ph.D., president of the Maryland Nutritionists Association.
3. Monosodium Glutamate. The word you need to know is excitotoxicity which means too much activity, it is the pathological process by which nerve cells are damaged and killed by glutamate and similar substances i.e. (MSG). This occurs when receptors for the neurotransmitter are bombarded and can cause excitotoxicity by allowing high levels of calcium ions to enter the cell. Calcium influx into cells activates a number of enzymes. These enzymes go on to damage cell structures such as components of the cytoskeleton, membrane, and DNA.
Excitotoxicity may be involved in spinal cord injury, stroke, traumatic brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) such as Multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease, Alcoholism and Huntington's disease. It's no wonder why the US leads the world in neurodegenerative diseases. Millions of people consume this product and don't even know the side affects.
4. Aspartame. It's a non-nutritive sweetener about 180 times sweeter than sugar. When I speak, people invariably want to argue this point. They want their artificial sweetener. I often get comments like, "It's FDA approved." WARNING! WARNING! If the government has to "approve" something for consumption THERE IS A PROBLEM! It is simply approved until enough people die, than it will be unapproved. Your health is your responsibility. Guard it well.
5. Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup. If you have seen any of the advertising material for HFCS high-fructose corn syrup, the marketers are trying to convince us this is a natural product. HFCS or crystalline fructose or hydrolyzed fructose, it convert to triglycerides and adipose (fat) tissue within one hour of consumption. The cheapest ingredient in the processed food industry is HFCS. The sad part about this debate is not whether HFCS cause problems, because that is settled with this research article. The fact that mercury is found in 50% of products with HFCS should be more of a concern to every parent.
6. Hydrogenated Oil or Partially Hydrogenated Oil. Never buy foods with these ingredients since they are trans fats. Trans fats are deadly, causes heart disease, cause weight gain, and once more, other medical problems.
7. Avoid Sugar. In fact, the sweetener seems to prompt the same chemical changes in the brain seen in people who abuse drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Sugar that is processed turns out as refined white powder.
8. Don't Be Fooled By "Natural" and "Artificial Flavor". These words, most of the time, mean that the food is loaded with chemicals and grown with pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and herbicides. The bottom line-eating organic food is best.
9. Avoid Artificial Color. If anything has dye in it, stay away. A dye is a chemical poison.
10. Avoid Palm Oil. This is a very unhealthy oil that is cheap to manufacture. It also has the wrong essential fatty acid ratio, which means it increase the inflammation circulating in your blood. Inflammation is being tied to almost all disease processes.
11. Dextrose, Sucrose, and Fructose. There are chemically made sweeteners. There are not good for the body at all. So, it's best to avoid them.
12. Avoid Sucrulose and Splenda. This is a man-made sweetener that most people have heard of. In spite of the hype, it is unnatural, artificial, and man-made. The problems it can cause are increases in appetite, depression, allergies, etc., all depending on the person's genetic makeup. It is best to avoid these products.
13. No Enriched Bleached White Flour. This flour has no fiber. It has no nutritional value, and is highly refined. Eat organic wheat flour or other organic flours such as rye, millet, etc. Shoot for 20 grams of fiber a day.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Is there a link between Parkinson's Disease and Gluten Intolerance/Celiac Disease?
Is there a link between Parkinson's Disease and Gluten Intolerance/Celiac Disease?
* By Wendy Cohan
* Published 04/2/2009
I caught a spot on Oprah today with the actor Michael J. Fox discussing his battle with the neurological symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. He's always been an engaging persona, and I enjoyed the segment. As a nurse, I've always had a strong interest in neurological disorders, and have done a lot of reading on the links between Celiac disease and neurological disorders, especially gluten ataxia. At this point, Michael's symptoms are very noticeable and greatly affect the day-to-day activities of his life. Toward the end of the segment, he related that many of his symptoms "mysteriously disappeared" on a recent trip to the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. Dr. Mahmet Oz, Oprah's frequent medical spokesman, was also a guest on the show, and was tossing out ideas of why this might be, everything from "they eat a lot of chili's" to the benefits of high altitude, or on medications that Michael took to help with adapting to the altitude. But, I grew very excited by the prospect that Michael J. Fox's improvement was a response to, however accidental, a gluten-free diet! Because, I knew from personal experience that the diet in this part of Asia is largely based on daily consumption of dhalbhat, or rice and dahl (small yellow lentils). Fresh vegetables are rare at high altitudes, but the diet is supplemented by occasional meat, except in some strict Bhuddist or Hindu areas. In 1980 I lived in a neighboring small kingdom of Nepal, and ate almost exclusively a diet of rice, dhal, some vegetables, and occasional sheep or goat meat. Dates, peanut butter, and raisins rounded out our diet, washed down with copious amounts of chai tea, made with black tea and canned evaporated milk. Granted that I also was exercising vigorously much of the time, but looking back, this was when I was at the healthiest, strongest, and most vital in my entire life. Unbeknownst to me, my travels had excluded gluten from my diet for nearly six months. Upon my return to the U.S., and binging on all my favorite gluten-laden foods, I suffered severe intestinal distress, lasting nearly two years. Of course, at the time, both my doctors and I attributed all of my gastrointestinal symptoms to parasites, bacterial infections, and other health problems common to returning travelers. It was decades later that I was diagnosed with a gluten problem, and finally began to recover my health. So, back to the possibility of excluding gluten from the diet having a beneficial effect on Parkinson's, or a possible link between Parkinson's and celiac disease or gluten intolerance, I have to say that I haven't found much evidence. But, that doesn't mean I believe the link doesn't exist. There are many established links between other neurological disorders and neurological symptoms and the consumption of gluten in sensitive individuals. What I would love to see now is readers responding to this blog, or sending me an email, sharing personal stories, links to articles, etc. on this topic.
* By Wendy Cohan
* Published 04/2/2009
I caught a spot on Oprah today with the actor Michael J. Fox discussing his battle with the neurological symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. He's always been an engaging persona, and I enjoyed the segment. As a nurse, I've always had a strong interest in neurological disorders, and have done a lot of reading on the links between Celiac disease and neurological disorders, especially gluten ataxia. At this point, Michael's symptoms are very noticeable and greatly affect the day-to-day activities of his life. Toward the end of the segment, he related that many of his symptoms "mysteriously disappeared" on a recent trip to the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. Dr. Mahmet Oz, Oprah's frequent medical spokesman, was also a guest on the show, and was tossing out ideas of why this might be, everything from "they eat a lot of chili's" to the benefits of high altitude, or on medications that Michael took to help with adapting to the altitude. But, I grew very excited by the prospect that Michael J. Fox's improvement was a response to, however accidental, a gluten-free diet! Because, I knew from personal experience that the diet in this part of Asia is largely based on daily consumption of dhalbhat, or rice and dahl (small yellow lentils). Fresh vegetables are rare at high altitudes, but the diet is supplemented by occasional meat, except in some strict Bhuddist or Hindu areas. In 1980 I lived in a neighboring small kingdom of Nepal, and ate almost exclusively a diet of rice, dhal, some vegetables, and occasional sheep or goat meat. Dates, peanut butter, and raisins rounded out our diet, washed down with copious amounts of chai tea, made with black tea and canned evaporated milk. Granted that I also was exercising vigorously much of the time, but looking back, this was when I was at the healthiest, strongest, and most vital in my entire life. Unbeknownst to me, my travels had excluded gluten from my diet for nearly six months. Upon my return to the U.S., and binging on all my favorite gluten-laden foods, I suffered severe intestinal distress, lasting nearly two years. Of course, at the time, both my doctors and I attributed all of my gastrointestinal symptoms to parasites, bacterial infections, and other health problems common to returning travelers. It was decades later that I was diagnosed with a gluten problem, and finally began to recover my health. So, back to the possibility of excluding gluten from the diet having a beneficial effect on Parkinson's, or a possible link between Parkinson's and celiac disease or gluten intolerance, I have to say that I haven't found much evidence. But, that doesn't mean I believe the link doesn't exist. There are many established links between other neurological disorders and neurological symptoms and the consumption of gluten in sensitive individuals. What I would love to see now is readers responding to this blog, or sending me an email, sharing personal stories, links to articles, etc. on this topic.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
5 Fab Foods
March 16, 2009 -- You eat, and eat, and eat and eat. So why not stock up on foods that offer real health benefits?
Red Yeast Rice: This extract, used in Chinese meals, may be good for your heart. In a study of about 5,000 Chinese adults who had previously had a heart attack, researchers found a form of the extract reduced the risk of dying from heart disease or having another heart attack. They also found red yeast rice extract reduced deaths from cancer by two-thirds. However, researchers say the findings about the effects on cancer deaths are not conclusive and need to be investigated further. The red yeast rice extract gives Peking duck its red color. One of the original cholesterol-lowering drugs, lovastatin, was originally extracted from yeast rice.
(Source: Medical News Today: Red Yeast Rice Extract and Heart Disease)
Eggs: Eggs have not been known as a "healthy" food until recently. Over the past few years, many researchers have studied the health benefits of this food. Recent findings indicate that eating eggs every day does not increase levels of "bad" cholesterol in the blood. Eggs are a good source of protein and 11 essential nutrients. Eggs also contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants from the carotenoid family that contribute to improving eye health and protecting eyes from ultraviolet rays. These carotenoids help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
(Source: Alberta Egg Producers)
Coffee: Coffee is undoubtedly a popular beverage among Americans, but new research suggests drinking it could ward off a host of diseases. Harvard researchers analyzed data on 126,000 people for as long as 18 years and found that drinking one to three cups of caffeinated coffee daily can reduce the risk of diabetes. Having six cups or more each day cut men's risk by 54-percent and women's by 30-percent when compared to those who did not consume the beverage. At least six studies suggest that people who drink coffee on a regular basis are up to 80-percent less likely to develop Parkinson's disease -- with three studies showing the more they drink, the lower the risk. (Source: WebMD, Coffee: The New Health Food?)
Honey: Penn State researchers found that honey may be a safe and effective alternative to cough medications for children. Their study showed a small dose of buckwheat honey given before bedtime provided better relief of nighttime cough and sleep difficulty in children than no treatment or a cough suppressant medication. Cough is the reason for nearly 3 percent of all outpatient visits in the United States. Consumers spend billions of dollars each year on over-the-counter cough medications despite little evidence that these drugs provide significant relief.
Chocolate Milk: A study published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found plain old chocolate milk may be as good or better than sports drinks like Gatorade in helping athletes recover from strenuous exercise. In the study, nine male cyclists rode until their muscles were depleted of energy. They rested for four hours and then biked until exhaustion. During the rest period, the cyclists drank low-fat chocolate milk, Gatorade or Endurox R4. During a second round, the cyclists who drank the chocolate milk were able to bike about 50 percent longer than those who drank Endurox and about as long as those who drank Gatorade.
For More Information, Contact:
Rick Cushman
Media Relations Representative
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, PA
(215) 955-2240
Richard.cushman@jefferson.edu
Red Yeast Rice: This extract, used in Chinese meals, may be good for your heart. In a study of about 5,000 Chinese adults who had previously had a heart attack, researchers found a form of the extract reduced the risk of dying from heart disease or having another heart attack. They also found red yeast rice extract reduced deaths from cancer by two-thirds. However, researchers say the findings about the effects on cancer deaths are not conclusive and need to be investigated further. The red yeast rice extract gives Peking duck its red color. One of the original cholesterol-lowering drugs, lovastatin, was originally extracted from yeast rice.
(Source: Medical News Today: Red Yeast Rice Extract and Heart Disease)
Eggs: Eggs have not been known as a "healthy" food until recently. Over the past few years, many researchers have studied the health benefits of this food. Recent findings indicate that eating eggs every day does not increase levels of "bad" cholesterol in the blood. Eggs are a good source of protein and 11 essential nutrients. Eggs also contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants from the carotenoid family that contribute to improving eye health and protecting eyes from ultraviolet rays. These carotenoids help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
(Source: Alberta Egg Producers)
Coffee: Coffee is undoubtedly a popular beverage among Americans, but new research suggests drinking it could ward off a host of diseases. Harvard researchers analyzed data on 126,000 people for as long as 18 years and found that drinking one to three cups of caffeinated coffee daily can reduce the risk of diabetes. Having six cups or more each day cut men's risk by 54-percent and women's by 30-percent when compared to those who did not consume the beverage. At least six studies suggest that people who drink coffee on a regular basis are up to 80-percent less likely to develop Parkinson's disease -- with three studies showing the more they drink, the lower the risk. (Source: WebMD, Coffee: The New Health Food?)
Honey: Penn State researchers found that honey may be a safe and effective alternative to cough medications for children. Their study showed a small dose of buckwheat honey given before bedtime provided better relief of nighttime cough and sleep difficulty in children than no treatment or a cough suppressant medication. Cough is the reason for nearly 3 percent of all outpatient visits in the United States. Consumers spend billions of dollars each year on over-the-counter cough medications despite little evidence that these drugs provide significant relief.
Chocolate Milk: A study published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found plain old chocolate milk may be as good or better than sports drinks like Gatorade in helping athletes recover from strenuous exercise. In the study, nine male cyclists rode until their muscles were depleted of energy. They rested for four hours and then biked until exhaustion. During the rest period, the cyclists drank low-fat chocolate milk, Gatorade or Endurox R4. During a second round, the cyclists who drank the chocolate milk were able to bike about 50 percent longer than those who drank Endurox and about as long as those who drank Gatorade.
For More Information, Contact:
Rick Cushman
Media Relations Representative
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, PA
(215) 955-2240
Richard.cushman@jefferson.edu
Saturday, March 14, 2009
New Research Shows Disease Fighting Power of Tumeric
Turmeric has been used in India for its powerful medicinal properties for centuries. A new study shows that turmeric has powerful healing powers. The cancer and infection fighting ability of turmeric was found by University of Michigan researchers by using a special technique that allowed scientists to watch how turmeric has earned the name “holy powder” in India.
Curcumin, the main ingredient in turmeric fights infection and promotes good health by entering blood cells, to keep things orderly. The findings could lead to powerful compounds that can be used to fight disease. "The membrane goes from being crazy and floppy to being more disciplined and ordered, so that information flow through it can be controlled," says the study author.
The Michigan research team, led by Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy, observed how curcumin in turmeric behaves inside the cell membrane, using solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The special technique allowed the researchers to watch how curcumin changes the structure of the cell membrane.
The result of the disciplinarian type action exhibited by curcumin in turmeric improves the function of the cell membrane, increasing the body’s resistance to cancer and infection. Turmeric exerts its healthy influence on cell membranes indirectly, contrary to the more commonly held belief that turmeric has a direct effect on cell membranes.
"Probing high-resolution intermolecular interactions in the messy membrane environment has been a major challenge to commonly-used biophysical techniques," says Ramamoorthy. The special NMR technique was developed by the U-M research team for use in the study that reveals exactly how curcumin in turmeric improves cells resistance to cancer and infection.
The scientists want to see if other plant compounds interact with cells the same way as curcumin. Such a comparative study could lead to the development of potent compounds to treat infection and other diseases," explains Ramamoorthy.
Interestingly, Dr. Ramamoorthy developed an interest in how proteins interact with cell membranes as the result of his own experiences. Ramamoorthy experienced firsthand how turmeric can help cure a cold, and ease congestion when he was given remedies containing turmeric as a child.
The research group is exploring other ways that curcumin might help fight diseases like type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, with the same special technique his team used to find how turmeric keeps cells membranes orderly to help fight infection and malignancy.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
Curcumin, the main ingredient in turmeric fights infection and promotes good health by entering blood cells, to keep things orderly. The findings could lead to powerful compounds that can be used to fight disease. "The membrane goes from being crazy and floppy to being more disciplined and ordered, so that information flow through it can be controlled," says the study author.
The Michigan research team, led by Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy, observed how curcumin in turmeric behaves inside the cell membrane, using solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The special technique allowed the researchers to watch how curcumin changes the structure of the cell membrane.
The result of the disciplinarian type action exhibited by curcumin in turmeric improves the function of the cell membrane, increasing the body’s resistance to cancer and infection. Turmeric exerts its healthy influence on cell membranes indirectly, contrary to the more commonly held belief that turmeric has a direct effect on cell membranes.
"Probing high-resolution intermolecular interactions in the messy membrane environment has been a major challenge to commonly-used biophysical techniques," says Ramamoorthy. The special NMR technique was developed by the U-M research team for use in the study that reveals exactly how curcumin in turmeric improves cells resistance to cancer and infection.
The scientists want to see if other plant compounds interact with cells the same way as curcumin. Such a comparative study could lead to the development of potent compounds to treat infection and other diseases," explains Ramamoorthy.
Interestingly, Dr. Ramamoorthy developed an interest in how proteins interact with cell membranes as the result of his own experiences. Ramamoorthy experienced firsthand how turmeric can help cure a cold, and ease congestion when he was given remedies containing turmeric as a child.
The research group is exploring other ways that curcumin might help fight diseases like type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, with the same special technique his team used to find how turmeric keeps cells membranes orderly to help fight infection and malignancy.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
Saturday, March 7, 2009
7 Nutrition Tips for Increasing Brain Power
From Daniel G. Amen, M.D., for About.com
Here is the seven step plan to get your diet under control and to use food as brain medicine.
Increase Water Intake - Given that your brain is about 80 percent water, the first rule of brain nutrition is adequate water to hydrate your brain. Even slight dehydration can raise stress hormones which can damage your brain over time. Drink at least 84 ounces of water a day. It is best to have your liquids unpolluted with artificial sweeteners, sugar, caffeine, or alcohol. You can use herbal, non-caffeinated tea bags, such as raspberry or strawberry flavored, and make unsweetened iced tea. Green tea is also good for brain function as it contains chemicals that enhance mental relaxation and alertness.
Calorie Restriction - Substantial research in animals and now in humans indicates that a calorie-restricted diet is helpful for brain and life longevity. Eating less helps you live longer. It controls weight; decreases risk for heart disease, cancer, and stroke from obesity - a major risk factor for all of these illnesses; and it triggers certain mechanisms in the body to increase the production of nerve growth factors, which are helpful to the brain. Researchers use the acronym CRON for "calorie restriction with optimal nutrition," so the other part of the story is to make these calories count.
Fish, Fish Oil, Good Fats and Bad Fats - DHA, one form of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, makes up a large portion of the gray matter of the brain. The fat in your brain forms cell membranes and plays a vital role in how our cells function. Neurons are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids. DHA is also found in high quantities in the retina, the light-sensitive part of the eye. Research in the last few years has revealed that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help promote a healthy emotional balance and positive mood in later years, possibly because DHA is a main component of the brain's synapses.
Lots of Dietary Antioxidants - A number of studies have shown that dietary intake of antioxidants from fruits and vegetables significantly reduce the risk of developing cognitive impairment. The research was done because it was theorized that free radical formation plays a major role in the deterioration of the brain with age. When a cell converts oxygen into energy, tiny molecules called free radicals are made. When produced in normal amounts, free radicals work to rid the body of harmful toxins, thereby keeping it healthy. When produced in toxic amounts, free radicals damage the body's cellular machinery, resulting in cell death and tissue damage. This process is called oxidative stress. Vitamin E and Vitamin C and beta carotene inhibit the production of free radicals.
The Best Antioxidant Fruits and Vegetables - from the US Department of Agriculture: Blueberries, Blackberries, Cranberries, Strawberries, Spinach, Raspberries, Brussels sprouts, Plums, Broccoli, Beets, Avocados, Oranges, Red grapes, Red bell peppers, Cherries and Kiwis.
Balance Protein, Good Fats and Carbohydrates Given the weight issues in my family, I have read many of the diet programs popular in America. Some I like a lot, others make me a little crazy. The idea of eating protein and fat only, avoiding most grains, fruits and vegetables may be a quick way to lose weight, but it is not a healthy long term way to eat for your body or your brain. The best thing in my mind about the Atkins Diet and its many clones is that they get rid of most of the simple sugars in our diets. Diets high in refined sugars, such as the low fat diets of the past, encourage diabetes, tiredness, and cognitive impairment. Yet, to imply that bacon is a health food and that oranges and carrots are as bad as cake seems silly. The more balanced diets, such as The Zone by Barry Sears, Sugarbusters by H. Leighton Steward and a group of Louisiana based physicians, the South Beach Diet by cardiologist Arthur Agatston, and Powerful Foods for Powerful Minds and Bodies by Rene Thomas make sense from a body and brain perspective. The main principles to take away from these programs is that balance is essential, especially balancing proteins, good fats, and good carbohydrates. Having protein at each meal helps to balance blood sugar levels; adding lean meat, eggs, cheese, soy, or nuts to a snack or meal limits the fast absorption of carbohydrates and prevents the brain fog that goes with eating simple carbohydrates, such as donuts. At each meal or snack, try to get a balance of protein, high fiber carbohydrates, and fat.
Next: Pick Your Top 24 Healthy Foods…
6. In order for you to stick with a "brain healthy" calorie restricted nutritional plan you must have great choices. I am fond of the book Super Foods Rx by Steven Pratt and Kathy Matthews. It lists 14 top food groups that are healthy and reasonable in calories. I am going to add several other choices that are especially good for the brain. Choose between these 24 foods each week. They are healthy, low in calories, and help us reach the goals of consuming powerful antioxidants, lean protein, high fiber carbohydrates and good fat.
The American Cancer Society recommends five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Mixing colors - eating from the rainbow - is a good way to think about healthy fruits and vegetables. Strive to eat red things - strawberries, raspberries, cherries, red peppers and tomatoes, yellow things - squash, yellow peppers, small portions of bananas and peaches, blue things - blueberries, purple things - plums, orange things - oranges, tangerines and yams, green things - peas, spinach and broccoli, etc.
Lean Protein
Fish - Salmon (especially Alaskan Salmon caught in the wild - farmed fish is not as rich in omega-3-fatty acids, tuna, mackerel, herring (also listed under fats)
Poultry - chicken - skinless, and turkey - skinless
Meat - lean beef and pork
Eggs - enriched DHA eggs are best
Tofu and Soy products - whenever possible choose organically raised
Dairy products - low fat cheeses and cottage cheese, low fat sugar free yogurt and low fat or skim milk
Beans, especially garbanzo beans and lentils - also listed under carbohydrates
Nuts and seeds, especially walnuts - also listed under fats
Great recipe - soak walnuts in water and sea salt overnight, drain and sprinkle with cinnamon - natural blood sugar balancer - and low roast 4 hours at 250 degrees -- makes them easier to digest.
Complex Carbohydrates
Berries - especially blueberries - brain berries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries
Oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit
Cherries
Peaches, plums
Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts
Oats, whole wheat, wheat germ oatmeal needs to be the long cooking kind as instant has a higher glycemic index since the manufacturer has broken down the fiber to speed cooking time and basically make it a refined carbohydrate. Same goes for bread, look for at least 3 grams of fiber. Remember unbleached wheat flour is white flour, it must say whole wheat.
Red or yellow peppers (much higher in Vitamin C than green peppers)
Pumpkin squash
Spinach - works wonderfully as a salad, or a cooked vegetable, adds fiber and nutrients
Tomatoes
Yams
Beans - also listed under proteins
Fats
Avocados
Extra virgin cold pressed olive oil
Olives
Salmon - also listed under protein
Nuts and Nut Butter, especially walnuts, macadamia nuts, Brazil nuts, pecans and almonds - also listed under protein
Liquids
Water
Green or black tea
7. Plan Snacks - I love to snack; just like to munch on things to get through the day. When snacking it is helpful to balance carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Since I travel frequently, I have learned to take my snacks with me, so I am not tempted to pick up candy bars along the way. One of my favorite low calorie snacks are dried fruits and vegetables. Not the kind of dried fruits and vegetables stocked in typical supermarkets that are filled with preservatives, but the kind that just have the dried fruit and veggies. A company called Just Tomatoes1, from Walnut, California makes great products. When you have dried fruit or veggies - all carbohydrates - add some low-fat string cheese or a few nuts to balance it out with protein and a little fat.
Copyright © 2005 Daniel G. Amen, M.D.
About the Author:
Daniel G. Amen, M.D., is a clinical neuroscientist, psychiatrist, and brain-imaging expert who heads up the world-renowned Amen Clinics2. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association3 and has won numerous writing and research awards. He writes a monthly column in Men's Health called "Head Check" and has published nineteen books, numerous professional and popular articles, and a number of audio and video programs. His books include Making a Good Brain Great4 - Harmony Books; October 2005;$24.00US/$34.00CAN; 1-4000-8208-0, Preventing Alzheimer's, Healing Anxiety and Depression5, Healing the Hardware of the Soul, Healing ADD, and the New York Times bestseller Change Your Brain, Change Your Life6. He is an internationally renowned keynote speaker and a popular guest expert for the media, with appearances on CNN, the Today show, The View, and other venues.
Published 12/08/05
This About.com page has been optimized for print. To view this page in its original form, please visit: http://womenshealth.about.com/od/fitnessandhealth/a/goodbraingreat.htm
©2009 About.com, Inc., a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved
Here is the seven step plan to get your diet under control and to use food as brain medicine.
Increase Water Intake - Given that your brain is about 80 percent water, the first rule of brain nutrition is adequate water to hydrate your brain. Even slight dehydration can raise stress hormones which can damage your brain over time. Drink at least 84 ounces of water a day. It is best to have your liquids unpolluted with artificial sweeteners, sugar, caffeine, or alcohol. You can use herbal, non-caffeinated tea bags, such as raspberry or strawberry flavored, and make unsweetened iced tea. Green tea is also good for brain function as it contains chemicals that enhance mental relaxation and alertness.
Calorie Restriction - Substantial research in animals and now in humans indicates that a calorie-restricted diet is helpful for brain and life longevity. Eating less helps you live longer. It controls weight; decreases risk for heart disease, cancer, and stroke from obesity - a major risk factor for all of these illnesses; and it triggers certain mechanisms in the body to increase the production of nerve growth factors, which are helpful to the brain. Researchers use the acronym CRON for "calorie restriction with optimal nutrition," so the other part of the story is to make these calories count.
Fish, Fish Oil, Good Fats and Bad Fats - DHA, one form of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, makes up a large portion of the gray matter of the brain. The fat in your brain forms cell membranes and plays a vital role in how our cells function. Neurons are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids. DHA is also found in high quantities in the retina, the light-sensitive part of the eye. Research in the last few years has revealed that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help promote a healthy emotional balance and positive mood in later years, possibly because DHA is a main component of the brain's synapses.
Lots of Dietary Antioxidants - A number of studies have shown that dietary intake of antioxidants from fruits and vegetables significantly reduce the risk of developing cognitive impairment. The research was done because it was theorized that free radical formation plays a major role in the deterioration of the brain with age. When a cell converts oxygen into energy, tiny molecules called free radicals are made. When produced in normal amounts, free radicals work to rid the body of harmful toxins, thereby keeping it healthy. When produced in toxic amounts, free radicals damage the body's cellular machinery, resulting in cell death and tissue damage. This process is called oxidative stress. Vitamin E and Vitamin C and beta carotene inhibit the production of free radicals.
The Best Antioxidant Fruits and Vegetables - from the US Department of Agriculture: Blueberries, Blackberries, Cranberries, Strawberries, Spinach, Raspberries, Brussels sprouts, Plums, Broccoli, Beets, Avocados, Oranges, Red grapes, Red bell peppers, Cherries and Kiwis.
Balance Protein, Good Fats and Carbohydrates Given the weight issues in my family, I have read many of the diet programs popular in America. Some I like a lot, others make me a little crazy. The idea of eating protein and fat only, avoiding most grains, fruits and vegetables may be a quick way to lose weight, but it is not a healthy long term way to eat for your body or your brain. The best thing in my mind about the Atkins Diet and its many clones is that they get rid of most of the simple sugars in our diets. Diets high in refined sugars, such as the low fat diets of the past, encourage diabetes, tiredness, and cognitive impairment. Yet, to imply that bacon is a health food and that oranges and carrots are as bad as cake seems silly. The more balanced diets, such as The Zone by Barry Sears, Sugarbusters by H. Leighton Steward and a group of Louisiana based physicians, the South Beach Diet by cardiologist Arthur Agatston, and Powerful Foods for Powerful Minds and Bodies by Rene Thomas make sense from a body and brain perspective. The main principles to take away from these programs is that balance is essential, especially balancing proteins, good fats, and good carbohydrates. Having protein at each meal helps to balance blood sugar levels; adding lean meat, eggs, cheese, soy, or nuts to a snack or meal limits the fast absorption of carbohydrates and prevents the brain fog that goes with eating simple carbohydrates, such as donuts. At each meal or snack, try to get a balance of protein, high fiber carbohydrates, and fat.
Next: Pick Your Top 24 Healthy Foods…
6. In order for you to stick with a "brain healthy" calorie restricted nutritional plan you must have great choices. I am fond of the book Super Foods Rx by Steven Pratt and Kathy Matthews. It lists 14 top food groups that are healthy and reasonable in calories. I am going to add several other choices that are especially good for the brain. Choose between these 24 foods each week. They are healthy, low in calories, and help us reach the goals of consuming powerful antioxidants, lean protein, high fiber carbohydrates and good fat.
The American Cancer Society recommends five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Mixing colors - eating from the rainbow - is a good way to think about healthy fruits and vegetables. Strive to eat red things - strawberries, raspberries, cherries, red peppers and tomatoes, yellow things - squash, yellow peppers, small portions of bananas and peaches, blue things - blueberries, purple things - plums, orange things - oranges, tangerines and yams, green things - peas, spinach and broccoli, etc.
Lean Protein
Fish - Salmon (especially Alaskan Salmon caught in the wild - farmed fish is not as rich in omega-3-fatty acids, tuna, mackerel, herring (also listed under fats)
Poultry - chicken - skinless, and turkey - skinless
Meat - lean beef and pork
Eggs - enriched DHA eggs are best
Tofu and Soy products - whenever possible choose organically raised
Dairy products - low fat cheeses and cottage cheese, low fat sugar free yogurt and low fat or skim milk
Beans, especially garbanzo beans and lentils - also listed under carbohydrates
Nuts and seeds, especially walnuts - also listed under fats
Great recipe - soak walnuts in water and sea salt overnight, drain and sprinkle with cinnamon - natural blood sugar balancer - and low roast 4 hours at 250 degrees -- makes them easier to digest.
Complex Carbohydrates
Berries - especially blueberries - brain berries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries
Oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit
Cherries
Peaches, plums
Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts
Oats, whole wheat, wheat germ oatmeal needs to be the long cooking kind as instant has a higher glycemic index since the manufacturer has broken down the fiber to speed cooking time and basically make it a refined carbohydrate. Same goes for bread, look for at least 3 grams of fiber. Remember unbleached wheat flour is white flour, it must say whole wheat.
Red or yellow peppers (much higher in Vitamin C than green peppers)
Pumpkin squash
Spinach - works wonderfully as a salad, or a cooked vegetable, adds fiber and nutrients
Tomatoes
Yams
Beans - also listed under proteins
Fats
Avocados
Extra virgin cold pressed olive oil
Olives
Salmon - also listed under protein
Nuts and Nut Butter, especially walnuts, macadamia nuts, Brazil nuts, pecans and almonds - also listed under protein
Liquids
Water
Green or black tea
7. Plan Snacks - I love to snack; just like to munch on things to get through the day. When snacking it is helpful to balance carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Since I travel frequently, I have learned to take my snacks with me, so I am not tempted to pick up candy bars along the way. One of my favorite low calorie snacks are dried fruits and vegetables. Not the kind of dried fruits and vegetables stocked in typical supermarkets that are filled with preservatives, but the kind that just have the dried fruit and veggies. A company called Just Tomatoes1, from Walnut, California makes great products. When you have dried fruit or veggies - all carbohydrates - add some low-fat string cheese or a few nuts to balance it out with protein and a little fat.
Copyright © 2005 Daniel G. Amen, M.D.
About the Author:
Daniel G. Amen, M.D., is a clinical neuroscientist, psychiatrist, and brain-imaging expert who heads up the world-renowned Amen Clinics2. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association3 and has won numerous writing and research awards. He writes a monthly column in Men's Health called "Head Check" and has published nineteen books, numerous professional and popular articles, and a number of audio and video programs. His books include Making a Good Brain Great4 - Harmony Books; October 2005;$24.00US/$34.00CAN; 1-4000-8208-0, Preventing Alzheimer's, Healing Anxiety and Depression5, Healing the Hardware of the Soul, Healing ADD, and the New York Times bestseller Change Your Brain, Change Your Life6. He is an internationally renowned keynote speaker and a popular guest expert for the media, with appearances on CNN, the Today show, The View, and other venues.
Published 12/08/05
This About.com page has been optimized for print. To view this page in its original form, please visit: http://womenshealth.about.com/od/fitnessandhealth/a/goodbraingreat.htm
©2009 About.com, Inc., a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved
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