Scientists discover how fish oil defends the brain
#1
Posted 11 September 2005 - 12:06 PM
Their study shows that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid found in coldwater fish such as mackerel, sardines and salmon, reduces levels of a protein known to cause damaging plaques in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.
What's more, the researchers discovered that a derivative of DHA, which they dubbed 'neuroprotectin D1' (NPD1), is made in the human brain. That natural substance plays a key role, too, in protecting the brain from cell death, the study showed."
The article explains, "'Now what does this tell us from the point of view of the disease? I believe that, obviously, diet is a major issue here,' said Dr. Nicolas G. Bazan, director of the Neuroscience Center of Excellence at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans."
The article indicates, "'DHA is an essential building block for the structure of brain cells,' he noted. 'And now we are finding that this building block also makes a 'golden brick' (NPD1) that helps the life of the neurons to continue.'"
The article concludes, "'We are concluding that neuroprotectin D1 induces a gene expression program that is neuroprotective, meaning that it promotes survival of brain cells,' Bazan said. And that discovery, he added, could one day lead to the development of a new treatment to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease."
The article adds, "For now, though, people should pursue a nutritional approach to warding off Alzheimer's and diminishing the effects of the disease.
Since DHA sources are safe, cheap, available and clinically proven to fight heart disease, the nation's number one killer, Cole said he would advise families of Alzheimer's patients to make sure their loved ones get the minimum recommended DHA from their diet or supplements. Experts recommend 200 to 300 milligrams per day, a far greater amount than the 60 to 80 milligrams daily that Americans typically get in their diet, he noted."
Enjoy and have a nice day.
Bob-C
#2
Posted 11 September 2005 - 12:47 PM
Edited by snorkels4, 11 September 2005 - 12:48 PM.
http://www.zimbio.co...Veyron Crashing
#3
Posted 11 September 2005 - 12:58 PM
Edited by Sentient Being, 11 September 2005 - 12:59 PM.
~ Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe ~
#4
Posted 11 September 2005 - 01:33 PM
But, enough.
Good health to all, C.C.
Edited by calmcookie, 11 September 2005 - 01:42 PM.
#5
Posted 11 September 2005 - 02:02 PM
the stock market. There is, of course, no ONE magic pill
or supplement that's a panacea. If forced to give a one word "panacea"
for well-being ... it would be BALANCE.
Not too much and not too little.
C.C. (a shame that most people spend more time on their houses, cars
or finances than in understanding the greatest gift of all ... vibrant health)
Edited by calmcookie, 11 September 2005 - 02:06 PM.
#6
Posted 11 September 2005 - 02:47 PM
#7
Posted 11 September 2005 - 03:44 PM
#8
Posted 11 September 2005 - 04:39 PM
Edited by calmcookie, 11 September 2005 - 04:47 PM.
#9
Posted 11 September 2005 - 05:46 PM
...... Some have caused severe damage or death like ephedra, tryptophan, etc... So be careful. Increasing diet containing a particular substance may be a more prudent way to go.....
---Out
Ephedra & tryptophan were drugs from the start. There are a large number of items sold in "health food stores" that also are possibly dangerous drugs. EFA's and turmeric, on the other hand, are true foods.
GD
#10
Posted 11 September 2005 - 06:44 PM
So, my popular lunch diet when I was a kid was a fish called Hamsi (only found in the Black Sea along the costs of northern Turkey), it is similar to anchovy, very rich in phosphorous content --a very needed nutrient for the growing brain and nervous system, along with the proteins and other fats. My mom would serve it boiled only with some lemon like below...
Oh I miss them so much now in US!!!
But my favorite is orata, also called sea bream, similar to the Thai Snapper (or red snapper);
I think it is usually found in the Egean Sea or north of the Mediterranean Sea in between Turkey and Greece, nice!
I found a seller in US to import these fresh (wild caught) from there once a month now, yummy!
The bigger is not really the better when it comes down to the fish for me...
- kisa